The task has been set for the women of steel this weekend, with victory over Partick Thistle extending Motherwell’s foothold in the final top-six place in the Scottish Women’s Premier League table, but Head Coach Paul Brownlie assured that preparations have not been altered ahead of the highly-anticipated encounter at Petershill Park on Sunday.
Paul Brownlie’s side remain one-point clear of Brian Graham’s Jags in the final top-six place, despite enduring the first defeat between the sides, when the visitors cruised to a frustrating four-nil advantage at Fir Park last September. Despite the anticipation of facing a close-rival, the women of steel’s preparations haven’t altered.
“We all understand how important this game can look from the outside,” Brownlie explained.
“Our preparations remain the same. It’s important to focus on ourselves and not the occasion. We are determined to achieve a positive result, especially after the defeat at Fir park earlier in the year, but the squad aren’t adding unnecessary pressure onto themselves. We will approach the game in the same manner as we try to for every game.
“Thistle have proved their capability as a top-six side and we have to respect that, but I believe in the ability and the desire within the squad to achieve that for ourselves.”
The women of steel’s long-awaited return to Fir Park failed to live up to expectations, as Partick Thistle comfortably swept the hosts aside before cruising to a commanding four-nil victory in the first meeting between the sides this season. Motherwell have since regrouped and regained their early signs of momentum, coasting past Aberdeen with a magnificent six-goal victory 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 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.
“We’ve been really positive on the road this season,” Brownlie added.
“Earning three-points against Aberdeen and Queens Park, whilst scoring 12-times demonstrates the clinical performances that the squad have been capable of showing.
“We picked up only seven-points from our opening 11-away games last season, and we quickly looked to address that record. We’ve already achieved more points on the road in this campaign in five fewer games, scoring an additional 12-times and conceding 18-less goals.
“We’re always looking to progress, and having come close to defeating Thistle on a few occasions in the past, we are looking to get over that hurdle, but the players are not getting caught up in the occasion and are relishing the opportunity to get back onto the pitch, regardless of the opponent.”
In the past week, the women of steel have been flying the flag for the Scotland National team, with Sophie Black, Amy Sharkey and Sienna mcGoldrick all representing the Scotland under-17 squad, with Sharkey netting against the Netherlands yesterday. Striker Laura Berry and fellow Rangers-loanee Mason Clark have both been selected to represent the Scotland under-19 squad in their latest set of Euro 2025 qualifiers.
“It’s always great to see our players on the international stage,” Brownlie emphasised.
“It’s always a rewarding feeling for myself and all of the coaching staff to see the players club performances being rewarded, whether that be through squad selection or featuring within the matchday line-up.
“We hope the players are able to take those excellent experiences within the international ranks back into club football, and are able to really drive us forward throughout our next set of fixtures.”