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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.”

“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.”

Chief Executive Brian Caldwell speaks after the appointment of the club’s new Executive Board members. Caldwell discusses the recent overcrowding in the away end against Celtic, as well as Lennon Miller speculation.

He touches on the recent trip to Hampden and the financial benefit that will have on the club.

All eyes turn to Springburn this weekend, with Scottish Women’s Premier League action firmly on the mind, as the women of steel travel to face closest rivals Partick Thistle in a 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, but despite the sense of occasion associated with facing a close-rival, the women of steel’s preparations haven’t shifted, with the squad remaining composed and ready to approach Sunday’s contest like any other. Midfielder Katie Rice discussed Motherwell’s approach heading into this weekend’s matchday in Glasgow.

“We are treating this game like any other,” Rice explained.

“It’s important not to get lost in the build-up and compromise our own standards by focusing too heavily on the occasion and the pressure that naturally comes against a close-rival in the league. We know the standards we are capable of producing, and our sole priority is to focus on ourselves, remain composed and humble and the rest will take care of itself.

“We have battled Thistle closely over the past few seasons, and narrowly missed out on the top-six by one-point in the 2022/23 SWPL campaign, so we have to respect the fact that we are facing a strong side, who have proved that they are a top-six team, but we know we have the capability to achieve a positive result.”

“Taking each game at a time is always a cliche, but it’s absolutely true,” Rice added.

“We have responded really well since the game at Fir Park earlier in the season, earning a place in the Quarter-Final of the Sky Sports League Cup and and returning four-wins from six in all competitions, but those games are in the past. We can appreciate and celebrate those results at full-time, but we swiftly move on, as we know we have to be ready and prepared for the next test.

“We know that these matches are ultimately decided by fine margins, but by remaining composed and focused on ourselves, we know that we can head into the game on Sunday in a positive mindset. The defeat at Fir Park was disappointing and frustrating for us all, but ultimately it was only one game, and we know that our final place in the season will be decided by consistent performances over the months ahead.”

Despite nine new additions joining the squad in the summer transfer window, the close-knit relationship in the dressing room has remained since, and Rice spoke of the importance of that relationship in achieving our targets this season.

“Having a strong relationship in the dressing room is absolutely essential,” Rice emphasised.

“We have a really strong core dynamic within the squad, and we all want to perform well for each other. As we head into this game at the weekend, we hope that relationship can benefit us and we can put in a strong performance.

“This game is one we are all looking forward to, and we’d be very appreciative to have a strong away crowd to support us on Sunday.”

When Aston Oxborough first arrived at Motherwell back in August 2022, the man who signed him, Graham Alexander, had just departed the club. 

Prior to arriving, Oxborough knew that current number one and to-be club captain, Liam Kelly, was firmly the man he had to overcome if he wanted game time.

Knowing the state of play, his move here was calculated and planned out. He knew he would have to bide his time, and eventually, after two seasons when Liam Kelly left for pastures new, Oxborough signed a new deal, having only made two appearances in two seasons.

At the age of 26, he had very few minutes to his name, and it was a case of now or never for him in Motherwell colours. With the arrival of another keeper, Oxborough fought it out for the number one spot and has now cemented that position in the team thanks to countless good performances and has even picked up some accolades along the way.

This upturn in fortune has occurred at just the right time, with the arrival of his first child, Arlo, coinciding with this good form on the pitch. Having suffered miscarriages in the past, Arlo’s arrival marks the start of everything clicking into place for the English shot-stopper on and off the pitch.

It was a momentous occasion for Motherwell Football Club last week. A trip to the national stadium for the first time in six years. Reaching a semi-final is not something that comes around very often for the club and its supporters.

The sentiment wasn’t lost on the ‘Well faithful. Over 8000 fans descended onto Hampden, brimmed with belief and hope. The result may not have gone the way they wanted, but Kofi Balmer ensures that the disappointment of coming up short won’t have a lasting effect on the squad.

“It wasn’t the way we wanted to end the day,” Balmer said.

“We went into the game wanting to get to the final; it didn’t happen, but I thought we gave a good account of ourselves. We pushed them right until the end, which this squad will always do.

“We’ve got to park that game now and focus on the upcoming matches.”

Arriving this summer from Crystal Palace, the run to the semi-final and positive start to the William Hill Premiership campaign has been ideal for Balmer, as he begins to understand the importance of this club to it’s community.

“The location of the stadium is very much a signal of how engrained the club is with the community,” he explained.

“The following that we’ve had for the semi-final and all the games to date has been nothing short of stunning. As a new player coming in, it’s helped me understand what it means to everyone.

“It gives me an extra bit of fight to ensure I put 100% in.”

He may have had to be patient initially, but having been given his opportunity on the pitch, Balmer hasn’t looked back and has put in a number of impressive displays. With that comes the recognition and reward.

With only a small amount of minutes played on the pitch, Balmer earned a late call-up to the Northern Ireland squad last month.

“I wasn’t expecting it, that’s for sure,” he laughed.

“There was no way I was match-fit. I’d just been sitting in the living room, and the phone went. It was the administrator for Northern Ireland, and they’d just said that Michael O’Neill wanted me to join up with the squad.

“It may have been last minute, but there was no way I was going to turn it down. Obviously, it’s great to be called up again this month.

“As a kid, it’s what you want to do. I think it’s not only my dream, but it’s my dad’s and brother’s dream because that’s what they wanted me to do when I was younger. It’s a great achievement, and it just shows what can happen when you get a run of games under your belt. Hopefully I can get that first cap.”

His move to Motherwell was calculated, however. Balmer had seen the past success stories of players who have come to Fir Park, impressed and got their call-up. Trevor Carson and Liam Donnelly being perfect examples.

“It’s a good place to get games,” he explained.

“I know a couple of boys who already came to Scotland, played games, and got the shout for their countries. I think the international stage was a big factor in me coming here; it’s now starting to pay off.

“But the club football will always come first for me. I’m under no illusions with that. The week-to-week is my priority.”

Balmer may only be 24-years-old, but the Northern Irishman has experienced his fair share in the world of football, all starting from the tender age of 16.

“I was only 16 when I made my debut for Ballymena United,” the defender added. “It was against Coleraine, which is a derby. It was a big game because we needed at least a draw to get into the European play-offs. I didn’t know what to expect, but I played the game, and I actually scored the equaliser.

“That secured the European spot, and I sort of cemented my place in the team. I played over 100 games for them before moving to Larne, where I played a season. The biggest European game I played in was against Malmo for Ballymena. It’s all helped shape me.”

Having burst onto the scene and becoming highly sought after, Balmer moved across the water to Crystal Palace, where he would train predominately with the academy team.

“When you were younger, you always wanted to go across the water as early as possible,” he explained.

“But in a way, I’m glad I didn’t because I was able to get that proper experience within the men’s game. I matured mentally and physically, which gave me an advantage over the other academy players at Palace when it came to maturity.

“When we got beat, it wouldn’t affect them as much. I was used to first-team football, where you’re fighting every week for as many points as possible. Playing back home helped me so much; if I moved younger, I don’t think I’d be in the position I am now. It gave me an extra push at a younger age.”

And where he is now is at the heart of the Motherwell backline. Having impressed since his introduction to the starting 11, Balmer has no plans on stopping.

“I want to win as many games as possible,” the 24-year-old said.

“Our target is to win the next game. I want to stay fit and play as many games as I can. I have enjoyed it all so far. I’ve worked with Stephen Frail before; he was my Under 19s Northern Ireland manager.

“The gaffer knows what he wants, and if he sees something you can improve on, he’ll coach it into you. That’s the way it should be. It’s been great to be back in the first-team environment; it’s where I’m comfortable, and hopefully we continue to pick up points in the league.”

Motherwell have a number of players out on loan at present. Below, we take a look at how they got on in the last four weeks. 

Matty Connelly

Matty Connelly has made a further seven appearances for East Kilbride since our last update, taking him up to 17 games for the season.

Throughout the month of October, and November so far, East Kilbride haven’t lost a game. Connelly hasn’t missed a minute of action. They are top of the Lowland League and have reached the semi-final of the SPFL Trust Trophy, after they knocked out Championship opposition in the form of Ayr United on Tuesday night.

Their run to the semi-final has been littered with success against teams in the divisions above, including Cove Rangers and Airdrie.

Max Ross

Max Ross has now made seven appearances for Albion Rovers. He has started in the last seven games for Rovers.

Winning four, drawing two and losing one, Ross and Albion Rovers are up to seventh in the Lowland League table, as they look to close the gap on those above.

Brannan McDermott

At Cowdenbeath, Brannan McDermott has started all five games since our last loan report. He’s now up to seven appearances.

He scored his first goal in a 2-2 draw with Albion Rovers. He is yet to miss a minute of action this season.

Olly Whyte

Since the last update, Olly Whyte has started all five games. Although they haven’t won a game in the league since the start of October, Cowdenbeath produced a remarkable Scottish Cup upset in late October.

They knocked out League Two Spartans at Ainslie Park, winning 2-1.

Dylan Wells

Dylan Wells hasn’t featured for Edinburgh City as yet. He picked up a knock but will return this weekend.

Filip Stuparevic

Filip Stuparevic is up to nine appearances for Morton this season. Now an established starter for Morton, Stuparevic’s side picked up a big point against Ayr United last weekend.

In their most recent match, Morton were defeated 2-1 by Livingston in the quarter-final of the SPFL Trust Trophy, where the Serbian played 64 minutes.

Luca Ross

Luca Ross has made one further appearance since the October report for Annan Athletic.

He was named on the bench for Annan against Queen of the South at the end of October.

Mark Ferrie

Mark Ferrie is up to five appearances for Bonnyrigg Rose. He has started the last four matches for Rose.

In their last match against Elgin City, Ferrie’s dink in the second-half got him off the mark for the season, helping his side on the way to three points. He picked up the man of the match award in the process.

Bonnyrigg are fifth in the League Two table, they are on 17 points as they close down on the playoff spots.

The women of steel swiftly refocus their attention to Premier League action, looking to replicate their emphatic league display over Aberdeen in the Granite city on Wednesday evening, as they attempt to shake off their Quarter-Final blues, when they travel to Springburn to face closest rivals Partick Thistle on Sunday.

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 Brian Graham’s Jags. 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 will look to regain their signs of momentum after reflecting on a disappointing Sky Sports Cup Quarter-Final exit to defending champions Rangers. Motherwell cruised past local rivals Hamilton in the previous round, but couldn’t overcome the Ibrox side, as Amy Sharkey netted the solitary Motherwell goal in a comfortable victory of the visitors at K-Park.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

Paul Brownlie’s side head into Sunday afternoons meeting looking to redeem themselves following a disappointing performance against the hosts at Fir Park last September. The women of steel have yet to take three points from the Glasgow-side, despite scoring 10-times since last thrashing the Jags by six-goals to one in March 2020.

Motherwell remain in a prolific goalscoring run of form on the road, finding the target on 12-occasions in their last three SWPL encounters, with striker Laura Berry netting five-times and midfielder Louisa Boyes’ complimenting with an additional three.

The women of steel will have more options within their matchday squad, as Rangers loanees Sophie Black, Laura Berry and Mason Clark will all be eligible to return following the Sky Sports Cup Quarter-Final defeat against their parent club.

Partick Thistle

Thistle remain one-point behind the women of steel in the SWPL table after picking up one win from their last five league games, defeating Queens Park two-nil, whilst drawing on the road to Montrose, and enduring defeats to Hearts, Glasgow City, and Hibernian.

Ticket information

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

• Adult – £8.
• Concession – £6.
• Under-16s – Free to enter.

How to follow the action 

Supporters can follow Sunday’s encounter on X formerly Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match. Kick-off from Petershill Park at 1PM.

Three Motherwell players are away on international duty for the next seven days.

Kofi Balmer

After returning to the Northern Ireland squad last month, Kofi Balmer has been named in Michael O’Neill’s initial squad in November.

Northern Ireland are in Nations League action this month, against Belarus and Luxembourg. They are looking to confirm their promotion back to League B.

A win in their home match against Belarus would all but secure top spot in the group.

• 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

Lennon Miller

Lennon Miller will be turning out for the Scotland Under 19 side, in a triple header.

The 18-year-old has been an integral part of Stuart Kettlewell’s side as well as Scotland’s Under 21s, however with no games for Scott Gemmill’s youngsters, Neil McFarlane has called upon the midfielder’s services.

Scotland play three Under-19 European Championship qualifiers, taking on Wales, Liechtenstein and France, with the aim of progressing to the Elite Round in March.

• Scotland v Wales 
• Wednesday 11 November 
• Forthbank Stadium, Stirling

• Scotland v Liechtenstein 
• Saturday 16 November 
• Cappielow Park, Greenock

• Scotland v France 
• Tuesday 19 November 
• Forthbank Stadium, Stirling

Tawanda Maswanhise

It’s a huge couple of games for Zimbabwe and Tawanda Maswanhise this month, with the Warriors in touching distance of qualifying for AFCON.

Their two strong results last month have ensured Zimbabwe are in pole position to grab second spot in Group J.

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

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

Stuart Kettlewell had set his team the task of reaching 19 points by the November international break. To do this, they would have to overcome St Johnstone at Fir Park in their final match before the break. 

With the Perthshire side under the new guidance of former Motherwell player Simo Valakari, the Steelmen needed a fast start. Showing energy and a clinical edge, Motherwell blew the visitors away in the first half and held a 2-0 lead going into the interval thanks to goals from Tawanda Maswanhise and Tom Sparrow.

St Johnstone were aided by a VAR intervention to give a handball against Andy Halliday, which saw Nicky Clark convert to halve the deficit.

They thought they got the game level in stoppage time from a corner, but VAR spotted a handball in the area to rule the goal out. That meant 19 points have been achieved in 11 league outings for the Steelmen, with a trip to Ross County waiting for when they return to domestic action.

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.