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Stuart Kettlewell gives his thoughts as Motherwell defeat St Johnstone at Fir Park.

First half goals from Tawanda Maswanhise and Tom Sparrow gave the Fir Park side all three points ahead of the November international break.

Motherwell secured a 2-1 win over St Johnstone on Saturday afternoon, as the Steelmen moved joint fourth in table. 

After taking a two goal lead through first-half goals from Tawanda Maswanhise and Tom Sparrow Nicky Clark’s penalty sparked St Johnstone into life for the second-half.

Stuart Kettlewell had urged his players to use last week’s disappointing semi-final defeat as a motivation going into this important league fixture.

The ‘Well boss made one change from the Hampden starting eleven, Tom Sparrow replacing the suspended Liam Gordon. That meant a reshuffle in the defence with Steve Seddon forming the back three alongside Kofi Balmer and Dan Casey.

It was 15 minutes before Maswanhise made the first of many mazy runes towards the Saint’s goal followed by Andy Halliday’s left foot curler, which forced the first save of the afternoon from Joshua Rae.

Motherwell eventually opened the scoring after 20 minutes.

Seddon’s lofted ball sent Marvin Kaleta down the right channel. The Wolves loanee switched the ball to his left foot before finding Maswanhise at the back of the six-yard box, who nodded the ball between the keeper and his right-hand post for his third goal in two league games.

After that though, the bulk of the play was towards the visitor’s goal.

Lennon Miller, still wearing the captain’s armband, was at the centre of most moves and his reverse pass sent Ewan Wilson haring down the left. His inviting cross was met by Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, but he could only watch his header palmed away by Rae.

Miller was instrumental in the next move and when the ball found its way to Tom Sparrow at the edge of the box, he arrowed a drive beyond the stretching keeper and inside his right-hand post.

At this point, Saints looked rattled and Maswanhise curled a shot just beyond the same post.

The Fir Park men carved out one more chance to extend their lead before the interval, when the impressive Sparrow fired the ball low across the six-yard box but it flew past the lunging Stamatelopoulos.

Sparrow would however double the Steelmen’s advantage. Maswanhise would nudge the ball to the Englishman, who blazed a driven effort towards goal, which Rae couldn’t keep out. 2-0.

And although Motherwell started the second-half chasing a third goal to kill off the Perth side, Saints were given a lifeline after 56 minutes.

Graham Carey’s shot at the edge of the box cannoned off Halliday’s outstretched arm and after VAR’s intervention, referee Ross Hardie pointed to the penalty spot.

Nicky Clark showed all his experience as he calmly sent Oxborough the wrong way, reducing the advantage.

That forced a double substitution after 67 minutes with Tony Watt and Davor Zdravkovski given the task of lifting the home side. Shortly after that Moses Ebiye replaced the understandably tiring legs of Maswanhise.

Ten minutes from time, Motherwell passed up a great chance to wrap up the points. Kaleta’s mazy run carried him to the byline, before rolling the ball back to Watt but he skied his shot over the bar and set up a nail biting finish.

And just as the four minutes additional time was announced, Saints seemed to have rescued a point when Jack Sanders bundled a corner into the net.

However, on this occasion VAR benefitted the Steelmen, as the goal was rightly ruled out for handball.

With the home side camped in their own half and the Well fans anxiously waiting for the final whistle, another chance for a third goal was passed up.

Harry Paton’s ball sent Miller through on goal and having enticed the keeper from his line his square ball should have been netted by Zdravkovski, who could only find the side netting with the goal begging.

There will be an auction for a match worn shirt from Saturday’s match against St Johnstone. 

The proceeds from Saturday’s MatchWornShirt auction will go towards Poppy Scotland.

We’re proud to once again join clubs across the country in remembrance and support of our armed forces community. 

The auction will commence at 3pm on Saturday 9 November and will be available online.

Closing date for the auction is Sunday 24 November at 3pm.

Aston Oxborough has won the G4 claims October player of the month. 

The Motherwell number one collects back-t0-back awards.

Earning a new contract last month, Oxborough has continued his fine run of form. Pulling off a string of magnificent saves in each match, he still heads the charts in the SPFL Premiership for saves made, making 40 in ten games.

The women of steel face a swift return to competitive action, looking to capitalise on their confident six-goal victory over Aberdeen in the Granite city on Wednesday evening, when they return to South Lanarkshire to face Rangers in the Quarter-Final of the Sky Sports League Cup.

Motherwell coasted past the Dons under the floodlights at Balmoral Stadium in a performance which propelled the women of steel firmly back into the final top-six place, one-point ahead of nearest rivals Partick Thistle. Louisa Boyes’ netted a sensational second-half hat-trick, with Laura Berry also dispatching a strike from the penalty spot. Sienna McGoldrick and Sophie Black both got off the mark in claret and amber, netting their first goals for the club.

Paul Brownlie’s side turn their attention to the Sky Sports Cup after previously defeating local rivals Hamilton in the previous round. Laura Berry netted a magnificent right-footed volley in the final moments of the game to force the tie into extra-time. With neither side able to find the decisive winner, goalkeeper Rebecca Cameron proved to be the hero of the previous round, saving two spot-kicks to send the women of steel into the last-eight.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

Paul Brownlie’s side head into Saturday evening’s contest in fine form, picking up four wins from their last six games in all competitions, only suffering defeat to title-chasers Rangers and defending champions Celtic. The women of steel have netted 17-times throughout that formidable run, with striker Laura Berry netting eight-times and midfielder Louisa Boyes’ complimenting with an additional four.

The hosts have started to build momentum in East Kilbride this season, picking up two wins from their last three, overcoming Hamilton in the previous round before placing four past Dundee United in a convincing display in the SWPL.

The women of steel will face a squad alteration this weekend, as Rangers loanees Sophie Black, Laura Berry and Mason Clark will all be unavailable to face against their parent club.

Rangers

Saturday evening may prove to be a difficult test for Motherwell, as Rangers seek to maintain their unbeaten start to the domestic campaign. The Gers remain unbeaten in 13-games, returning 10-victories since the opening of the 2024/25 campaign, conceding points to only Celtic, Glasgow City and Hibernian in three stalemates. The visitors head into this weekend’s encounter following a commanding 10-2 victory over Montrose at Broadwood last week.

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 – £8.
• Concession – £3.
• Under-11s – 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 K-Park at 7.45PM.

Following the departure of long-serving Assistant Coach Leanne Crichton, Head Coach Paul Brownlie moved swiftly to reshape his background staff, appointing First-team coach Colin Crichton to the vacant assistant position of Motherwell Football Club.

The experienced Scottish coach has worked within the coaching ranks at the women of steel for over two years, specialising as a set-piece coach, but will now permanently oversee duties as No.2 in the Motherwell dugout.

A former semi-professional footballer, Crichton maintained an impressive and dedicated 11-season stint at Shettleston Juniors, whilst also showcasing his ability throughout a stint at Newlandsfield Park for Pollok FC.

“It can sound cliche, but working within football has always been my passion and ambition,” Crichton explained.

“Like most working within the game, my motivation to pursue a career in football came from a young age, but unlike most; becoming a coach was always my intention.

“I loved my time as a player, it has always driven my love for the game, but coaching is where I’ve truly found my passion.”

Crichton started his coaching career working across youth and community football before taking his talents across the pond to the United States. Crichton spent several years working stateside operating across both male and female programmes before returning to Scotland, as Head of Football at Glasgow United Football Club.

He soon caught the attention of Head Coach Paul Brownlie, who appointed Crichton as a first-team coach in 2022, with a clear focus of becoming a set-piece specialist for the women of steel. An impressive contribution from the sidelines saw Motherwell pick up valuable points, most notably in the Granite city, as Chelsie Watson bulleted home a header from a corner in the final seconds of the game to overcome Aberdeen at Balmoral Stadium.

“I was absolutely delighted to join the coaching staff at the club,” Crichton added.

“Paul discussed his short-term and long-term vision for the club. There was a clear aspiration to push the club towards becoming an established top-six side in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, and I just knew I wanted to be a part of that journey.

“It felt like the perfect next step in my own development as a coach. The opportunity to work alongside such an experienced team has not only been valuable for my own progression, but the playing squad have really benefitted and developed from the talented collective team of coaching staff around them.”

The departure of long-serving assistant coach, Leanne Crichton left an important vacancy at the core of the Motherwell coaching staff, and Brownlie moved swiftly to promote Crichton alongside him in the Motherwell dugout.

“I was absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity,” Crichton said.

“It was an easy decision to make. Working directly alongside an experienced head, with coaching experience across a variety of levels, within both club and international environments was an opportunity I simply couldn’t turn down.

“This is a club with a really strong relationship within the dressing room and a club culture that everybody collectively buys into. We all want to progress the club forward, and I can’t wait to get started in trying to make that a reality and hopefully forging a successful time at Motherwell.”

The women of steel currently sit sixth in the SWPL table, one-point ahead of nearest rivals Partick thistle after defeating Aberdeen by six-goals in the re-arranged league encounter on Wednesday evening at Balmoral Stadium. Motherwell overcame Queens Park, Dundee United and local rivals Hamilton to pick up four victories from their last six matches, only suffering defeat to title-chasers Rangers and defending champions Celtic. Motherwell face an important run of fixtures, hosting Rangers in the Quarter-Final of the Sky Sports Cup before a crucial away test against Partick Thistle in the coming weeks.

“The next few weeks will be crucial to our season, as we begin to head into the new year,” Crichton outlined.

“Our Quarter-Final test with Rangers is one we are all looking forward to. Facing a full-time professional team is always a challenge, but we fought valiantly in our recent league game, and were unfortunate to leave Broadwood empty-handed.

“Likewise, we are all motivated to right the wrongs of our defeat to Thistle earlier in the season. The manner we were defeated at Fir Park is something the squad are all keen to reverse when we travel to Springburn in a fortnights time. We have to take each game as it comes, but we are all motivated to head into the new year on a high.

First-team coach Colin Crichton has been promoted to fill the vacant Assistant Coach position.

The experienced Scottish coach has worked within the coaching ranks at the women of steel for over two years, specialising as a set-piece coach. Following the departure of Leanne Crichton, Colin will now permanently oversee duties as No.2 in the Motherwell dugout.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” Crichton emphasised.

“I’ve been working at the club for a couple years now, and felt that this was the next step in my coaching career.

“It’s an honour to take on this position at the club, and I can’t wait to get started.”

“I’m delighted to have Colin alongside me in the dugout,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie added.

“His insight has been valuable over the past two seasons and his attention to detail has really supported our progression on the pitch.

“This is an excellent appointment for the club.”

Motherwell FC and The Well Society officially opened the club’s Memorial Garden, after months of hard work by volunteers and the assistance of local businesses.

Nestling in the shadow of Fir Park, the garden will provide a quiet space for reflection and an area for Well fans to remember loved ones. Fans also have the option to inter ashes and hold short services to mark a loved one’s passing.

Work began in 2023 to transform the previously named “Reading Garden”, after The Well Society were contacted by a relative of a Well fan whose ashes were scattered there. She asked that some attention be given to the garden, which had become overgrown.

Thanks to a grant from North Lanarkshire Council’s RecoverNL fund, and support from local building and gardening suppliers, the garden has bloomed from an untidy scrap of land to a well-defined and restful Memorial Garden of which Motherwell fans can be rightly proud.

“Football provides so many memorable moments, often in the company of family and friends,” Well Society development manager Sally Hall said.

“When they’ve passed it’s nice to remember the good times, and we’re are proud to be able to restore this space so fans can do just that.

“We are indebted not only to NLC, local businesses and the ground staff here at the club, but to a large number of Well Society members who gave up their time to help. Special mention must go to Jim Wright and John Lowry for their time, advice and building expertise and to Tom, John and Billy from Carluke Men’s Shed, who were also integral to the project.”

“We know how much the club means to our fans,” chief executive Brian Caldwell said.

“This combined effort ensures we can provide our community with a space where they can feel connected to the club and to their loved ones. It has been great to see so many people work together to deliver the project and the creation of what is now a fitting Memorial Garden for our local community.”

“It is wonderful to see the memorial garden at Fir Park revitalised using the RecoverNL grant and for it to become a peaceful community space where people can spend time for remembrance and reflection,” Provost Kenneth Duffy added.

“The club is truly a part of the local community and this is a meaningful way of connecting people to their loved ones, the club and their community.”

Provost Duffy cut the ribbon to officially open the Memorial Garden. The club are planning a re-dedication event for families next spring when the garden will be in full bloom. Anyone whose loved one’s ashes are scattered at Fir Park should get in touch: well.society@motherwellfc.co.uk. Details on funerals and remembrance services can be found here.

As well as NLC and The Well Society, support was received from Thornbridge Timber, Origin Amenity Solutions, JW Grant, Paterson’s Memorials, Avia Signs and Rosebank Garden Centre.

Midfielder Tom Sparrow has enjoyed getting more minutes on the pitch recently, and is looking forward to getting back to the action this weekend against St Johnstone. 

The former Stoke City player believes Lennon Miller to be a ground individual, and Sparrow says the group are raring to impress the home crowd on Saturday.

Tawanda Maswanhise has earned his place in the Zimbabwe squad. 

The Warriors will round off their Africa Cup of Nation qualifying campaign. With two good results last month, their qualification fate is in their own hands.

They are on eight points and currently in second place in Group J. They will take on third placed Kenya first on Friday 15 November, before playing already qualified Cameroon on Tuesday 19 November.

Zimbabwe go into this round of games knowing a point against Kenya would be enough to qualify.

• Zimbabwe v Kenya 
• Friday 15 November 
• 4pm Kick Off 
• Orlando Stadium, South Africa 

• Cameroon v Zimbabwe 
• Tuesday 19 November 
• 1pm Kick Off 
• Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Cameroon