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We had three players away on international duty this month. 

Bevis Mugabi

With Uganda kicking off their journey to the 2026 World Cup, the Cranes took on Guinea in their first qualifying match in Morocco.

Mugabi played the full 90 minutes however, Uganda conceded in the latter stages of the match and lost 2-1.

In their second outing against Somalia, Uganda picked up their first points in their group with a 1-0 win. Mugabi played the full 90 minutes at the heart of the backline.

Brodie Spencer

As Northern Ireland drew their EURO 2024 qualifying to a close, they travelled to Finland in their first match, with Spencer named amongst the substitutes.

The full-back played 13 minutes off the bench in the second half, however a classy second-half performance from the hosts seem them come away with a 4-0 victory.

The fixtures didn’t get any easier for the Northern Irish as they faced Denmark in Belfast in their second match. Spencer was named on the bench again and was an unused substitute but this time, Northern Ireland put in an impressive performance and came away with a 2-0 win.

Liam Kelly

Although already qualified, Liam Kelly and Scotland wanted to finish their group on a high.

Scotland drew both their games. A 2-2 draw against Georgia came before a thrilling 3-3 draw at Hampden against Norway which seen Scotland finish second in the standings.

Liam Kelly was an unused substitute for both matches.

We have ten players who are out on loan, who all have been in action of late.

Ricki Lamie

Ricki Lamie has now made eight appearances for the Dee. A strong month of results has seen them climb to fifth in the standings.

He’s started five of the last six matches for Tony Docherty, and was an unused substitute against Livingston.

In those five starts, he’s been at the heart of the defence that has managed to keep four clean sheets.

Nathan McGinley

Nathan McGinley has missed the last five matches at Partick Thistle.

Ewan Wilson

Since our last update, Ewan Wilson has made two starts and one appearance from the bench. It’s been a tricky run of form for Stirling as they haven’t won in the last five games.

Despite this, in the congested league 1 table, Stirling are seventh in the table but will have one eye on a playoff spot that is only seven points away.

Sam Campbell

With ten appearances already to his name at Annan Athletic, Sam Campbell is continuing his development.

He’s made one appearance in the last four, as a second-half substitute against Edinburgh City.

Annan were on a difficult run of results, however have seen improvement recently as they drew their last two games.

Robbie Garcia

Cowdenbeath have three draws and two losses to their name in the last five, with Robbie Garcia not featuring in any for the blue brazil.

Barry Maguire

Barry Maguire is already closing in on 20 appearances for Kidderminster Harriers and has played close to 900 minutes of National League football in his time down south.

Despite currently sitting bottom of the National League standings, Maguire has been a regular feature for the Harriers.

They haven’t won in their last five matches.

Ross Tierney

Ross Tierney has started eight matches since our last update.

He’s scored once and assisted once in that time. Tierney scored in an FA Cup tie that was live on ITV against Sheppey United.

It’s now 16 appearances for Walsall in all competitions for Tierney with The Saddlers sitting in 17th place in League Two.

Adam MacDonald

Adam MacDonald has started three of the last six matches, and has been a substitute in two for Cowdenbeath.

The Blue Brazil are sitting in the middle of the pack in the Lowland League.

Robbie Mahon

Michael McIndoe took the reigns of Edinburgh City last month and has seen an improvement in form.

Mahon has started the last five matches and has put in some of man of the match performances. The winger has notched two assist in that time and bagged himself three goals, including a double against Alloa in their last outing.

City have closed the gap to ninth placed Annan as they look to get themselves off the bottom of the table.

Mark Ferrie

Ferrie has made three substitute appearances since our last update for Stenhousemuir. He picked up a head knock against Spartans and was left out of their last two games for precautionary reasons.

Stenny are flying high at the top of the tree in League Two, as they bid for a promotion push this season.

Black Friday has arrived early.

Starting Monday 20 November, we’ve a host of great deals now and across the week.

First up, you can get 50% off our warm-up top sponsorship, which now costs £135.

You can also save 50% when you sponsor one of our Women’s players away shirt.

If you’re looking for some Christmas gift inspiration, we’ve also got you covered.

Our commemorative bricks, which are placed in the wall in our Davie Cooper Stand, are reduced by 40% to £33.

We’ve also got £12 off our Scottish Cup Anniversary whisky, and £5 off our Motherwell FC Special Edition Ben Lomond Gin, now £25.

Bring in the festive season

There’s also discounts to be had on some great events at Fir Park.

You can get £5 off our Christmas party night on Friday 5 December, where you can enjoy a two-course meal.

We’ve also got Bounce Bingo with Zander Nation on Friday 2 February down to £11pp.

Motherwell v Ross County Hospitality

Enjoy a 3-course meal in the Centenary Suite, half-time refreshments, main stand match ticket, match programme, teamsheet with pay bay facility.

Our special Black Friday prices are £34 per person for season ticket holders, £46 for non-season ticket holders and £15 for kids (under 12’s for a children’s meal)

Come in out of the cold and enjoy relaxed hospitality from the warmth and comfort of our Cooper Box.  Package includes viewing the match from the box, half-time refreshments in the suite, match programme, teamsheet and 2 complimentary drinks per person.

Our special Black Friday price is just £40 per person.

Misfortunes on the road persisted in the North-East coast, as Motherwell failed to capitalise on their dominance in possession and countless goalscoring opportunities, with Montrose netting a late equaliser to deny the women of steel their first away victory of the 2023/24 campaign at Links Park on Sunday.

Chelsie Watson netted her first goal of the campaign, pouncing on a dangerous Kayla Jardine corner late into the second half, as Motherwell looked certain to finally earn their rewards from performances in recent weeks, but a late Louise Anna Brown penalty kick restored a point for the hosts.

Head Coach, Paul Brownlie made two changes from the side that suffered a harsh defeat to Aberdeen prior to the international break, with Katie Rice and Laura McCartney returning to the starting XI, as Tara McGonigle and Sarah Gibb settled for a place on the bench.

Seeking to redeem themselves following their Sky Sports Cup exit at Links Park in October, Motherwell started firmly on the front foot and almost netted the opener within the opening exchanges.

Amy Anderson’s chipped through ball fell kindly to the feet of Bailley Collins who fired a low effort to the left of Montrose stopper Lauren Perry, who reacted well to deny the forward before gathering the follow-up effort from Jardine.

Motherwell continued to flood the hosts penalty area, with Laura McCartney’s drilled delivery flashing across the face of goal, but Carla Boyce’s resulting finish narrowly evaded the near post.

The women of steel’s composure in the final third failed to materialise, as the half drew to a close, with countless efforts evading the Montrose goal.

As the second half resumed, Jardine almost broke the deadlock after latching onto Watson’s floated delivery, firing a precise volley towards the bottom-right corner, but Perry again reacted well to produce a smart stop.

Motherwell’s frustrations in-front of goal seemed destined to persist as the full-time whistle neared, but with 10-minutes remaining, the visitors finally found the breakthrough.

Jardine’s floated delivery from the left sailed invitingly into the path of Watson deep into the Montrose penalty area, and the towering defender powered home a precise header for her first goal of the campaign and establishing the slimmest of margins to defend in the final few minutes.

However, Motherwell’s disappointment and frustrations on the road were compounded, as Montrose secured a penalty in stoppage time, as Charlotte Gammie fell theatrically under the challenge of Collins. Brown stepped up, and despite Emily Mutch guessing the correct way, the strikers low effort narrowly creeped into the bottom-right corner.

Motherwell will return home next weekend, as Partick Thistle travel to East Kilbride in what will be a vital encounter for the women of steel, as they seek to turn around their recent run of form.

Despite the recent news that Lennon Miller had sustained his first major injury in professional football, the 17-year-old signed a one-year extension at Motherwell, keeping him in ML1 until 2026. 

With a face-to-face conversation with manager Stuart Kettlewell’s office, we see Lennon Miller open up about dealing with the injury setback and he tells us his reasons why, despite a heap of interest elsewhere, he wanted to stay at Motherwell.

He may only be 17, but his football IQ and mental maturity are way beyond his years as he reflects on what has been his breakthrough season in first-team football and looks ahead to his mini milestones he wishes to achieve as he begin his road to recovery from a broken patella.

Lennon Miller has put to pen to paper on a one-year contract extension. 

The 17-year-old has committed his future at the club until the summer of 2026.

Despite suffering a broken patella in November, the midfielder has made 14 appearances in all competitions in his breakthrough season.

Miller has already made 19 appearances for the club, scoring two goals in the process.

“This contract extension tees Lennon up for that next chapter of his career,” manager Stuart Kettlewell said.

“He’s already ticked off a few important milestones in his young career but for him to know his future is here, gives him good security going forward.

“It’s very easy for players to get 13 starts at young ages in the modern game and to think the next chapter could be something different.

“It’s important he’s in a place to develop and I believe he’s an example to young modern players to not get too eager for the next opportunity. It comes naturally when you do good things.

“It’s a proper feel good factor for the football club as a whole and I look forward to seeing Lennon back on the pitch.”

Lennon suffered a broken patella against Aberdeen at the start of the month, which has ruled him out for a minimum of three months.

“My injury was a disappointment but to get my contract extended has given me a lift,” Lennon Miller added.

“I always wanted to stay at Motherwell and negotiations have been straightforward from my side of things.

“This club has given so many opportunities and to be rewarded with this, is something I’m grateful for.

“Now my focus is on achieving a full recovery and earning my spot back in the team.”

The thought of redemption will have remained firmly in the sights of the women of steel, as Sky Sports Cup action returned to the domestic calendar. Paul Brownlie’s side were left to reflect from the sidelines after their disappointing exit to Montrose last month.

Misfortunes from the penalty spot and an array of squandered opportunities epitomised the women of steel’s troubles on the day, as the hosts cruised to a commanding three-goal advantage.

With a trip to Links Park on the horizon, Motherwell will be looking to finally conclude their misfortunes on the road by securing their second league victory over Montrose this season.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

The brief hiatus from the domestic calendar will have provided the squad with much needed time to reflect and recuperate from their frustrating defeat to Aberdeen at K-Park, with the hosts dominance in possession and goalscoring opportunities failing to be reflected accurately in the scoreline.

Despite maintaining the fourth-best home record throughout the 2023/24 campaign, behind only title-chasers Rangers, Celtic and Glasgow City – Motherwell have struggled to replicate such dominance on the road, with the squad yet to achieve their first points.

The visitors previous league meeting with Sunday’s opponents saw the women of steel secure a comfortable 3-1 victory in East Kilbride, as Katie Rice, Louisa Boyes and Kaela McDonald-Nguah all found the target.

Montrose

The Gable Endies saw their Sky Sports Cup journey come to a conclusion last weekend, with Partick Thistle netting two quickfire goals late on to cancel out Louise Brown’s second half opener.

In contrast to Motherwell’s frustrations on the road, Montrose sit perilously at the foot of the SWPL home form guide, picking up a solitary point at Links Park in their opening six league encounters.

As both sides seek to address their troubles both home and away, Sunday’s encounter will mark a pivotal moment in the season for both sides.

Ticket Information

Cash & card payments are also available for this fixture.

• Adult – £7
• Concession – £5

How to follow the action

Supporters can follow Sunday’s encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match.

We have three players on international duty this month. 

Liam Kelly

With EURO 2024 qualification and a first cap for his country already secured, Liam Kelly and Scotland have ambitions to top their group ahead of the finals next summer.

Scotland travelled out to their camp in Turkey earlier this week and will then head to Georgia for their match on Thursday 16 November. Kick off is 5pm.

They will then round off their successful qualifying campaign against Norway at Hampden on Sunday 19 November. Kick off is 7.45pm.

Liam Kelly will be competing with Zander Clark and Robby McCrorie for the jersey, with Angus Gunn and Craig Gordon absent from the squad.

• Georgia v Scotland 
• 5pm KO
• Thursday 16 November
• Boris Paichadze, Tbilsi

• Scotland v Norway 
• 7.45pm KO
• Sunday 19 November
• Hampden Park, Glasgow

Brodie Spencer

Northern Ireland also round off their EURO 2024 qualification group this month. Although they can’t qualify, the young group will be looking to finish strongly ahead of their next set of fixtures in 2024.

First up, is a trip to Helsinki to face Finland on Friday 17 November. Kick off is 5pm.

They then finish their campaign at home to Denmark on Monday 20 November. Kick off is 7.45pm at Windsor Park.

• Finland v Northern Ireland
• 5pm KO
• 17th November 
• Helsinki Olympic Stadium

• Northern Ireland v Denmark
• 7.45pm KO
• 20th November
• Windsor Park

Bevis Mugabi

With a new manager in the dugout in the form of Paul Joseph, Uganda begin their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign, as the Cranes aim to be in the tournament over in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

There are six teams in Group G. Uganda, Algeria, Guinea, Mozambique, Botswana, Somalia, with the the group winner qualifying directly for the main tournament and the second-placed team entering a playoff.

Both of Uganda’s matches are taking place in Morocco, although both fixtures are technically classed as away matches for the Cranes.

First up, is Guinea on Friday 17 November. Kick off is 1pm.

They then take on Somalia on Tuesday 21 November with a 1pm kick off.

• Guinea vs Uganda
• 1pm ko
• 17th November 
• Stade Municipal de Berkane, Morocco

• Somalia v Uganda
• 1pm ko
• 21st November
• Stade Municipal de Berkane, Morocco

Lennon Miller- Withdrew

Due to his knee injury, Lennon Miller will no longer be taking part in Scotland Under 19s matches this month.

John Philliben, or better known as ‘Softie’, was born in Stirling on 14 March 1964. 

His life in football began with his local side Stirling Albion in 1980, where he went on to make 109 league appearances.

Philliben earned a move to Doncaster Rovers in a transfer worth £70,000. The move was a club record signing in 1984 and the defender enjoyed three years down South.

However, north of the border, Philliben was attracting interest. Tommy McLean was the first to make his move to bring the defender to Fir Park and succeeded in September 1986.

Just two weeks after joining, John was involved in the League Cup Final defeat to Celtic where the Steelmen succumbed to penalties.

Nonetheless, John continued to forge a career in the claret and amber and scored a 30-yard screamer against Morton for his first goal.

In one of Motherwell’s most renowned victories, a 3-0 thrashing of Rangers in 1991 at Fir Park, John got himself on the scoresheet.

He was instrumental in Motherwell’s eventual Scottish Cup success in 1991, being voted man of the match against Aberdeen at Pittodrie and featured against Falkirk, and both semi final matches against Celtic.

The epitome of a true professional, John was left out of the cup final squad however backed his teammates to get over the line against Dundee United.

In season 1992/93, he was an integral part of one of the most solid back five that has been constructed at Motherwell. Playing alongside Luc Nijholt, Chris McCart, Brian Martin and Rab McKinnon, John would produce and robust and professional performances for the Fir Park faithful.

He scored a last minute equaliser against Dundee United in 1993 that will live long in the memory of any travelling supporter that day.

He missed only five of the 36 league games in 1994/95 season where the team finished second in the Premier League.

John became only the 8th player in the club’s history to make 300 appearances for Motherwell in January 1998. His time in ML1 would draw to a close in May 1998 where he retuned to Stirling Albion as player/manager.

In the end, John made 302 league appearances for the club and scored seven goals. He was awarded a testimonial match against West Ham in 1998.

A popular figure for his work rate, professionalism and effort, John Philliben is a true Motherwell legend who gave everything anytime he pulled on the claret and amber.

But maybe the most fitting accolade that can be attributed to John Philliben, is that in a sport full of fickleness, mercenaries and greed, Motherwell had a player who was always prepared to put the team’s cause before his own personal well-being.

A true club legend and a thoroughly deserved inductee into the 2023 Motherwell Hall of Fame.

We will never forget those who have forged the path to where the club sits at present day. Some with us and some sadly not, we want to come together to celebrate the proud history we have at Motherwell Football Club.

This year, the event will take place at Dalziel Park Hotel on Friday 17 November, with host Tam Cowan inducting five new names.

If you would like to attend our night of celebration, tickets cost £66 for adults and £30 for children under the age of 12 are on sale now.

You can buy tickets for the dinner online or contact the commercial department on 01698 338011.

Please note than some of the colourful language on the night may not be appropriate for young children or those easily offended.

With a point gained in Perth on Tuesday night, it was still eight games without a win for the Steelmen, a run of form they were looking to rectify going into the November international break.

Hearts had other ideas and found themselves in front just shy of 30 minutes into the game.

VAR had checked for penalties for the visitors on two occasions, but on both occasions no penalty would be awarded.

They doubled their lead in the second half before Blair Spittal pulled one back from the spot as Motherwell looked to launch a second-half comeback once again.

Time ran out for the hosts and Stuart Kettlewell would be left frustrated at the end of the match.