Motherwell’s swift return to action following Sunday’s victory over Spartans proved to be challenging, as the defending champions punished the visitors squandered chances by racking up a four goal-lead under the lights of Petershill Park in Glasgow.
The attacking quality at Glasgow’s disposal was demonstrated only minutes into the game, with Emily Whelan breaking the deadlock after only five minutes. Claire Walsh powered home a header from close range 15 minutes later to double the hosts lead.
Carla Boyce narrowed the deficit midway through the first half with a composed finish from distance, but a late Cori Sullivan goal restored the hosts advantage seconds before the break. The midfielder netted her second of the evening late into the second half to seal victory for her side.
Head Coach Paul Brownlie made one change from the side that secured the first three points of the new campaign. Sarah Gibb returned to the starting XI against her former side whilst Amy Anderson remained available from the bench.
Looking to continue their quest for silverware this season, City started on the front foot and netted the opener in the early exchanges.
Lauren Davidson’s driving run from the right allowed her to tee off Whelan midway through the Motherwell penalty area, and the forward calmly dispatched her strike into the bottom-left corner.
The hosts netted their second after surpassing the 20-minute mark, with Walsh powering home Sullivan’s floated corner kick from the left.
Moments after the half hour mark, Motherwell sought a vital route back into the game. Picking up the ball deep on the right, Boyce drove to the corner of the Glasgow penalty area before curling an exceptional effort into the top-left corner, beyond the reach of the City stopper.
Despite some positive play from the visitors, City netted a third against the run of play. Sullivan’s deep cross from the left sailed over Emily Mutch before nestling into the side netting.
Motherwell started the second half brightly, limiting the hosts to few chances whilst testing the Glasgow defence on numerous occasions.
Tara McGonigle’s whipped free kick from the left forced a smart stop from Erin Clachers in the City goal, with the looping strike destined for the top-corner.
Moments later, the winger’s floated corner kick sailed invitingly into the path of Chelsie Watson, who’s dangerous header narrowly evaded the crossbar.
The visitors squandered opportunities were soon punished as Glasgow netted a decisive fourth. Sullivan’s corner kick from the right sailed towards the back post, evading everyone in the penalty area before picking out the side netting at the far post for her second of the evening.
A disappointing and frustrating evening for the women of steel was brightened with a positive change late into the second half, with Murron Cunningham returning to action following a lengthy period on the sideline with injury.
Brownlie’s side will return to action this weekend, with a highly-anticipated visit from local rivals Hamilton in the first Lanarkshire derby of the 2023/24 SWPL campaign.
