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Motherwell leapfrogged Partick Thistle into the final top-six place in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League table with a commanding 6-0 victory over Aberdeen at Balmoral Stadium. 

Sophie Black broke the deadlock minutes into the second-half with her first Motherwell goal, before a composed Laura Berry penalty kick doubled the women of steel’s advantage seconds later. A quickfire Louisa Boyes double had the visitors firmly in the ascendancy, as the full-time whistle approached, whilst Boyes completed her hat-trick in the final moments alongside a late Sienna McGoldrick strike.

Head Coach Paul Brownlie made three changes to the side that lost to defending champions Celtic last weekend. Rachel Todd, Sophie Black, and Mason Clark all returned to the starting XI, whilst Chelsie Watson, Katie Rice, and Sarah Gibb settled for a place on the bench.

The first-half certainly proved to be an uninspiring occasion for the neutral, with neither side settling into the game, and a lack of goalscoring opportunities hindering both sides throughout.

The earliest opportunity fell to Bailley Collins shortly before the half-time break, with the versatile defender threatening the Dons goal with a drilled effort from distance, but Collins failed to trouble Aberdeen stopper Megan Sidey. Refreshed and rejuvenated following the half-time break, Motherwell came out of the traps flying, and soon took full control of the game.

Striker Laura Berry coasted through the Aberdeen backline across the right-flank before driving into the box and teeing up fellow Rangers-loanne Sophie Black, who coolly dispatched a side-footed finish into the bottom-right corner.

Less than two-minutes later, Motherwell had their second. Skipper Gill Inglis worked her way into the Dons penalty area before being hauled down under a late challenge, leaving the referee no alternative, but to award a Motherwell spot-kick. Berry stepped up and drilled a low-strike into the bottom-left corner.

Boyes’ added a third shortly after the hour-mark, latching onto the ball at the edge of the penalty area before shifting the ball onto her stronger right-foot, and the midfielder curled a magnificent finish into the top-right corner. Boyes’ second and Motherwell’s fourth followed soon after, with the 2023/24 player of the year converting Black’s floated delivery across the face of goal.

The midfielder soon turned provider, teeing up Celtic loanee Sienna McGoldrick, who fired a low-finish through the legs of Sidey to put the women of steel five ahead.

Boyes’ secured her hat-trick in the final few minutes of the game, as Katie Rice skilfully outmuscled her opponent before firing a low delivery across the face of goal, and Boyes’ reacted quickest to prod home from close-range to round off a perfect evening in Aberdeen.

Paul Brownlie’s side comfortably swept aside hosts Aberdeen in a convincing display at Balmoral Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The women of steel leapfrogged Partick Thistle into the final top-six place in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League table after racking up six second-half goals to complete a commanding performance in the Granite City.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the second-half response from the players,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie said.

“First-half, we struggled to implement our gameplan and set the standards we know we are capable of. We addressed the performance at half-time, with the players taking accountability for the disappointing first-half display, but their response was absolutely magnificent.

“We looked sharper, more direct going forward, and almost immediately had us firmly in the ascendency.”

Sophie Black marked her first competitive start for the club with a composed finish to earn her first goal in claret and amber. Laura Berry drilled home a second from the penalty spot moments later, with a Louisa boyes hat-trick and a late strike from Sienna McGoldrick completing an exceptional second-half display.

“I’m absolutely delighted for both Sophie and Sienna after getting off the mark at the club tonight” Brownlie added.

“They’ve both worked tirelessly since joining the club, and the strikes tonight epitomised the effort and dedication they have both shown behind the scenes.

“We have worked closely with Louisa throughout the campaign about getting herself into attacking areas, as she possesses the quality in the final-third to not only create, but convert goalscoring opportunities when they fall to her. Tonight’s performance and hat-trick is the perfect reward, and the perfect reflection of what Louisa is capable of producing.”

The women of steel confidently move back into the top-six, picking up their third victory from their last five SWPL encounters. Brownlie’s side have netted 16-times throughout that time, suffering only two defeats to both Celtic and Rangers.

“We are on an excellent run, but we have to continue to maintain our standards,” Brownlie said.

“We head into a tough Sky Sports cup Quarter-Final match with Rangers before a crucial test with Partick Thistle the following weekend in the league. If we can perform at the levels we showed tonight, then we are capable of achieving some excellent results to continue our run of form.

“Tonight’s result is hopefully a sign of things to come.”

Our William Hill Premiership match against Aberdeen will now kick off at 2.30 pm on Sunday 5 January. 

The match will be shown live on Premier Sports at Fir Park.

It’s time to vote for your G4 Claims player of the month for October. 

Lennon Miller, Aston Oxborough, Ewan Wilson and Kofi Balmer are all up for nomination.

To vote, head over to the Motherwell Facebook page.

Games in October

• Hibernian 1-2 Motherwell
• Motherwell 0-1 Dundee
• Motherwell 0-3 Celtic
• Motherwell 2-1 Dundee United

Motherwell Football Club and majority shareholder, The Well Society, have strengthened their leadership teams with key board appointments. 

Kyrk Macmillan, Chief Executive Officer of Scottish fashion brand Bee Inspired, joins as Club Chair. He is joined on the Executive Board by digital marketing chief executive Greg Anderson and Professor Grant Jarvie, Director of Academy Sport at the University of Edinburgh. 

Kyrk, originally from East Kilbride, brings 11 years’ experience of commercial and operational director roles in the Nordics, where he was selected as one of the top three young business talents in Denmark. 

Kyrk has worked on commercial projects in conjunction with English and Danish premiership clubs and has family ties to the club board at Hertha Berlin where his father in law has served on the board for several years. In Denmark, he also held the role of Chief Executive at a large Danish retail business.

 “It is a true honour and privilege to be elected as Chairman of Motherwell Football club,” he said. 

“I started coming to games 30 years ago with my father and grandfather. I have been amazed by the dedication and passion of both the Well Society and Club staff. 

“I have had the fortune of building relationships with the Well Society board members, and we share a common vision of ensuring close collaboration between the club and Society, building on core values of transparency, community and integrity. 

“The Well Society elections and the publication of the vision document – ‘Our Club, Our Future’ – has shown that we have an incredibly skilled and energised community, and we must ensure we provide a platform and culture of unity, and which brings that to fruition. 

“Having the opportunity to lead the Executive Board as Chairman is an opportunity that I could not be prouder and more excited to undertake to ensure we provide the platform for success both off and on the pitch.” 

Elected Well Society Board Member Greg Anderson, a long-time sponsor of the club, said: “It’s a tremendous honour to join the Club Executive Board. 

“I am under no illusions as to the required hours and hard work that lie ahead in ensuring our clubs staff are fully supported in developing the club off the park to ensure we have the very best resources to be successful on the park on a match day.” 

Originally from Bellshill and a lifelong Motherwell supporter Grant is currently Chair of Sport at the University of Edinburgh. A well-known name in the world of sport and education, Grant has held roles both within and external to university higher education sector and the football industry having worked with a number of clubs including FC Barcelona.

“I have been fortunate enough to see what football can do to help communities all over the world,” he stated. “As a town and diaspora of big hearts, broad shoulders and bold dreams, Motherwell has a heritage of legendary sports figures and moments but also has a football and Well Society whose future is focused on serving communities, players and fans. I look forward to helping Motherwell be the very best it can be.” 

The Well Society’s Tom Feely continues as Club Executive Board Director along with Chief Executive Brian Caldwell and Financial Director David Lindsay. 

Graham Keys has stepped down from his role as Company Secretary after 12 years’ service but will continue to assist the Club as required. We thank Graham for all his dedication, support and advice. 

The Well Society Board 

Philip Speedie, a programme manager in the Scottish financial sector, and former stadium announcer, is elected as Chair of The Well Society. Philip was at the forefront of the defence of fan ownership, initiated the Society’s workstream focus, involving a wider range of contributors, and was instrumental to the development of the plan for growth – ‘Our Club, Our Future’. 

Tom Feely and Amber Johnstone have been elected as Vice-Chairs. Alison Thewliss, David Cullinan and Kevin Rogers have been co-opted, following competitive interview and selection, to take the Well Society Board to its maximum 12 directors. 

A lifelong Motherwell fan, Alison is Chair of the urban regeneration company, Clyde Gateway. A former MP and councillor, she brings significant experience of governance, stakeholder and membership engagement. 

David has over 10 years of experience in the finance and tech sectors, showcasing a proven track record of success. 
Kevin was formerly CEO of Paycare, a major sponsor of Motherwell FC, and is Chair of the Wolves Foundation, the Premier League club’s official charity. He brings over 30 years in senior management experience across the health, manufacturing, automotive and construction sectors.

“Motherwell is a special place, and a special club with so much potential,” Brian Caldwell said. 

“We were the first to embrace fan ownership, which brings unique opportunities. 

“I’ve spoken openly about the strength of the relationship between myself as Chief Executive, the Executive Team, The Well Society, The Community Trust and others. 

“Today’s key leadership appointments at the Football Club and The Well Society – announced together – strengthen our focus and signal a shared ambition for the future of this football club. This is a key moment for our club, our fans and community and I look forward to working with the strengthened team.” 

Philip Speedie added: “Not only are we ambitious, climbing the league table on the park, but we’ve a shared vision off the park – to accelerate our success as Scotland’s first top-flight fan owned football club. 

“‘Our Club, Our Future’ represents a realistic and ambitious plan for growth. Refreshing our leadership, governance, growth and engagement models were key elements of our plans for the coming years.” 

The women of steel travel North this weekend for the second-time, looking to capitalise on their previously postponed fixture, when they head to the Granite City to face Aberdeen.

Motherwell faced an unfortunate change to the fixture schedule, as Storm Ashley brought intense wind throughout Balmoral stadium, forcing the women of steel to make the midweek journey on Wednesday night.

Motherwell comprehensively overcame the Tangerines in their last victory of the season, sending four past visitors Dundee United in an assured performance at K-Park. Laura Berry continued her remarkable goalscoring form since returning to Motherwell on her second consecutive loan spell from league leaders Rangers, netting twice alongside strikes from Louisa Boyes and Chelsie Watson.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

The hosts return to Balmoral Stadium for the first-time since securing three points with the final kick of the game last season. Motherwell cruised to a formidable two-goal cushion before Francesca Ogilivie received a straight red card, keeping the women of steel firmly in the ascendency.

The Dons bounced back with two quickfire goals, but in the final seconds of the game, Chelsie Watson bulleted home the decisive header to gift Motherwell all three points.

Paul Brownlie’s side retain a positive record against Sunday’s opposition, returning three wins from their last five meetings. The women of steel have netted 18-times against the Dons since 2023 and will be looking to add to their tally this weekend.

Aberdeen

Sunday’s hosts have had a mixed start to their 2024/25 SWPL campaign, picking up victories against Montrose and Queens Park whilst also enduring substantial defeats to Rangers and Hibernian. Aberdeen sit ninth in the SWPL table, four points adrift of Motherwell.

Ticket information

Supporters can purchase tickets on matchday, with the clubs turnstile in operation. Tickets can also be purchased in advance through the Aberdeen FC ticketing website.

• Adult – £5.
• Under-12s – Free to enter.

How to follow the action 

Supporters can follow Wednesday’s encounter on X formerly Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match. Kick-off from Balmoral Stadium at 8PM.

Motherwell return to William Hill Premiership action on Saturday 9 November against St Johnstone at Fir Park. 

Kick off is 3pm.

How to follow the game

• Young Adults tickets would be ages 14-17
• Juveniles would be 13 and under
• Ticket Office open from 11am – the ticket office is open until kick-off with no pay gate facility.

Supporters are able to buy tickets online here or visit the ticket office at Fir Park.

Ticket Office open from 11am – the ticket office is open until kick-off with no pay gate facility.

If you are outside the UK, you can watch the game via Motherwell TV.

Should you be in the UK, it will be live commentary only.

Kit Watch

We will be wearing our home kit for this match.

Team News

Stephen O’Donnell, Paul McGinn, Callum Slattery, Harry Paton, Jack Vale, Ross Callachan and Sam Nicholson remain out for this game.

Liam Gordon is suspended.

Motherwell’s Fortunes

Motherwell fell at the semi-final hurdle of the Premier Sports Cup on Sunday. A 2-1 win for Rangers ended a busy week for the Steelmen.

In the William Hill Premiership however, Motherwell are sitting fifth. It’s five wins in the last eight league outings for Stuart Kettlewell’s side, as they look to close the gap on those above.

Opposition Report

St Johnstone named former Motherwell man Simo Valikari as their new boss last month, and he got off to a flyer. Winning at Dens Park was followed up by a defeat at home to Hearts last weekend.

Benjamin Kimpioka has impressed everyone since arriving at McDiarmid Park. The Swedish Under 21 international has found the back of the net ten times this season, and is joint top goalscorer in the Premiership.

Kofi Balmer has kept his place in the Northern Ireland squad. 

A late addition last month, Balmer has been named the initial squad this month, with Northern Ireland in Nations League action.

After a strong camp last month, Northern Ireland are looking to confirm their spot top of League C Group 3 and subsequently earn promotion to League B.

It’s first against second on Friday 15 November, with Belarus travelling to Windsor Park. Northern Ireland then finish their campaign with a trip to Luxembourg on Monday 18 November.

A win against Belarus would all but secure top spot in the group for Michael O’Neill’s men. Balmer will be looking to earn his first cap for his country. 

• Northern Ireland v Belarus 
• Friday 15 November 
• 7:45pm Kick Off
• Windsor Park, Northern Ireland 

• Luxembourg v Northern Ireland 
• Monday 18 November 
• 7:45pm Kick Off
• Luxembourg Stadium, Luxembourg

Motherwell made their first return to Hampden in six years and were tasked with taking on Rangers in the semi-final of the Premier Sports Cup. 

With over 8,000 Well fans in attendance, Stuart Kettlewell’s side got off to a great start. Andy Halliday somehow got onto the end of Steve Seddon’s cross to send the Motherwell section of Hampden into rapture.

The Rangers supporters voiced their concerns, and their team came out for the second-half in sharper fashion. Cyriel Dessers levelled the game only minutes into the second period, and Rangers continued to ply pressure onto the Motherwell net.

Aston Oxborough made a number of saves, but Nedim Bajrami would find the winner just ten minutes from time to break Motherwell hearts.

The 8,000 strong supporters stayed behind to show their appreciation of the team’s efforts to get to this stage, and now the Steelmen will take on St Johnstone on Saturday prior to the November international break.

A late decisive winner ended Motherwell’s exciting Premier Sports’ Cup run, as Rangers narrowly progressed to the final.

Andy Halliday’s opener after 25 minutes had ‘Well fans dreaming of a return to Hampden next month, but second-half goals from Cyriel Dessers and a rather fortunate second from Nedim Bajrami ended such hopes of progression.

However, the Steelmen’s efforts were thoroughly recognised by the ‘Well fans, who remained behind after the final whistle to applaud the players as they trudged over to reciprocate their support.

Following the midweek win over Dundee United, Stuart Kettlewell made two changes to the starting line-up. Liam Gordon returned from suspension to replace the injured Stephen O’Donnell, while Andy Halliday came back into the fold at the expense of Tom Sparrow.

Not surprisingly, after his two goals at Tannadice, Tawanda Maswanhise retained his place, supporting Apostolos Stamatelopoulos in attack.

Lennon Miller confidently led Motherwell onto the pitch, becoming the club’s youngest ever captain. However, the match faced an immediate wait, as kick-off faced an impromptu delay due to the smoke hanging over the pitch from pyrotechnics at both sides of Hampden.

When vision was restored, it was Rangers who had the first attempt at goal. Aston Oxborough scooped up Vaclav Cerny’s shot before Liam Gordon nodded the ball behind.

Cyriel Dessers was next to have a pop at goal, but despite getting in behind the ‘Well defence, the forward dragged his shot across the face of goal and beyond the far post.

At the other end, Jack Butland was untroubled until the 25th minute, when the Steelmen broke the deadlock.

A hopeful long ball found Maswanhise at the edge of the penalty area, and when the ball broke to Steve Seddon, the defender whipped an inviting cross into the six-yard area. Halliday, sneaking in at the back post, timed his run to perfection, stretching to delicately clip the ball past Butland.

Oxborough was called into action to preserve the Steelmen’s lead moments later. The commanding shot-stopper threw himself across goal to palm Connor Barron’s low drive round his right-hand post.

The Fir Park stopper was soon forced into a couple of saves before half time, again at full stretch to beat away Mohamed Diomande’s curling shot before palming John Souttar’s headed effort behind to keep his clean sheet intact.

Unfortunately for the Steelmen, it took Rangers five minutes to finally beat Oxborough. Barron squared the ball across to Dessers, and from eight yards, he scooped his finish beyond Oxborough.

That prompted an immediate change for ‘Well, with Tom Sparrow coming on for Seddon and Wilson taking a step back on the left side.

While that change prompted a bit more action around Butland’s box, Kettlewell made a double change after 63 minutes, swapping his front-two, with Zach Robinson and Jair Tavares coming on.

Six minutes later, Marvin Kaleta’s whipped pass sent Sparrow racing down the right-hand side but the substitute couldn’t strike a clean connection on the ball, allowing Butland to easily gather.

At the other end, Oxborough produced another fine save low to his right, pushing Cerny’s drive across his goal to safety.

A positive late challenge from Kaleta brilliantly delayed a promising Rangers attack, but the interception took its toll on the ‘Well defender as he limped off with Shane Blaney taking his place in the back five.

It was Rangers, though, who found the winner ten minutes from time, with the goal carrying more than a slice of good fortune.

Oxborough had Bajrami’s angled shot covered at his near post until Balmer’s sliding challenge inadvertently deflected the ball over the ‘keeper and into the far corner of the net.

Six minutes of additional time was the signal for Dan Casey to join the attack, but despite a late flurry towards Butland’s goal, ‘Well couldn’t find an equaliser to prolong their cup run.