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Signing from Glasgow Women in the summer of 2022, Lucy Ronald quickly established her place at the core of the Motherwell midfield, earning the women’s player of the year award in her maiden season, but a serious injury sustained in the latter stages of the league campaign would suddenly rule the midfielder out of action.

483 days later, the 22-year-old returned to action on the very pitch that left her side-lined over a year and a half ago.

“It’s a really good feeling,” the midfielder explained.

“It’s been such a long time coming for myself personally and dreaming of the moment I could get back on the pitch kept me going through the recovery time.

“Getting back onto the same pitch that I last played on felt very emotional and I am really looking forward to the season ahead.”

A physically and mentally demanding challenge for the midfielder came to a hopeful and uplifting conclusion last weekend, as the women of steel kicked off the 2024/25 SWPL campaign with a comfortable 5-1 victory over Spartans in the Scottish capital.

Ronald took to the pitch in the latter stages of the second-half to the applause of both sides.

“It almost feels like it was meant to be,” Ronald noted.

“Around sixteen months ago, I landed very unfortunately on my right leg and instantly knew it was bad. Initially, I was told that my knee was dislocated, but in the following days it was confirmed it was an ACL injury which I knew was about a 9-12 month recovery process.

“Anyone who’s experienced an ACL injury will understand that the mental challenge is the most difficult aspect of recovery to face. Returning to the same pitch can be a massive contributor to that anxiety, so for me, I’m really pleased and relieved to get that one out of the way.

“I’ve never been injured in my career up until this point and missing out on the Scottish Cup Semi-Final at Hampden Park and experiencing playing at Fir park was hard for me to watch from the sidelines, but my biggest motivation was to experience the feeling of returning after working so hard. There is nothing sweeter than that.”

Even at 22, the youngster has had a wealth of experience in the women’s game, captaining Glasgow Women at only 18-years-old and has since become an integral component of the Motherwell squad, playing through the majority of her maiden season in claret and amber.

Ronald’s return to the matchday squad will strengthen Paul Brownlie’s revitalised squad after six fresh additions within the summer transfer window.

“The squads in a really good place,” Ronald emphasised.

“We’ve had a good pre-season and the players we’ve added to the squad as we saw on Sunday are already contributing to the team, which is always a positive sign, so hopefully we can continue to grow through the season.

“The atmosphere is great; it’s such a good group of girls. It’s nice to see how much we care about each other on and off the pitch and that has real impact in how we perform.

“I’m probably being a bit more realistic with myself this season. I’ve missed so much football and know it will take me awhile to get back to where I was and build on my confidence.

I want to perform well and have a really good season, I’ll always have those high expectations for myself but it’s also being realistic in the fact that it will take time.

Looking to go one step further than 12 months ago, Motherwell had to overcome Kilmarnock at Fir Park if they wanted to be in the hat for the quarter-final draw of the Premier Sports Cup. 

The visitors arrived at Fir Park having just won in Norway three days prior and made nine changes to their lineup. The Steelmen were still dealing with eight first-team injuries but started the game brightly.

Robinson and Miller both had opportunities but the game would change entirely when Stuart Findlay seen red for a second yellow card just before the hour mark.

New signings Tawanda Maswanhise and Tony Watt were introduced alongside Moses Ebiye, to push Motherwell over the line. Dominating the ball and creating plenty chances, the Killie backline survived and extra-time was required.

It didn’t take long for the deadlock to be broken in extra-time, as Ebiye headed home to give his side the advantage. Seeing out the game and ensuring that progression came next for Kettlewell’s side, Motherwell can now look forward to a home tie against Dundee United for a spot in the semi-final and a trip to Hampden.

Motherwell’s progressed into the cup quarter-finals and a with a thoroughly deserved win over a tired but fighting Kilmarnock.

It might have taken an extra time goal from Moses Ebiye to separate the sides but having pressed the Rugby Park men deep into their own half for most of the game, the tie should have been won long before extra-time

It was a great team performance from ‘Well and after a fairly even opening half hour, the Steelmen dictated play but couldn’t find the killer touch and goal they deserved in the regulation 90 minutes. Despite immense pressure the leg weary Rugby Park men bravely defended their goal, despite being reduced to 10 men for over an hour when central defender Stuart Findlay was sent off.

Stuart Kettlewell resisted the temptation of throwing Tony Watt into the starting line-up, preferring to stand by the eleven that pushed Rangers all the way to the final whistle at Hampden last week.

After their wonderful win over Tromso on Thursday, the Rugby Park players rightly took the acclaim from the huge Ayrshire following prior to the kick-off.

Motherwell fans, meanwhile, were hoping that Killie’s midweek exertions in Norway would leave Derek McInnes’ side exhausted.

However, there were no signs of fatigue in the Killie ranks in the opening stages as play moved from end to end.

After six minutes, Steve Seddon, impressive on the left side, whipped in a cross which found ‘Well wing backs Ewan Wilson and Stephen O’Donnell just beyond the six-yard box but neither of them could get any purchase on the ball as it trundled through to Kieran O’Hara.

The first potential threat on Aston Oxborough’s goal came in the 10th minute, but the Kilmarnock corner was easily defended.

Two minutes later a quick break upfield presented Marley Watkins with a sight of goal but from the corner of the box his low shot flew past Oxborough’s right hand post.

In an open competitive contest the ball was rarely in the middle of the park as both teams pressed towards the opponents penalty area.

A tempting ball from O’Donnell zipped through a packed Killie six yard box before at the other end Fraser Murray’s cross was nodded wide by Watkins.

Gradually, the Steelmen began to dominate possession and as the half moved into the last 15 minutes the visitor’s box was the busier of the two as ‘Well looked the more likely to find the opening goal.

With O’Donnell allowed time and space on the right he delivered a succession of crosses which begged a finish.

His high cross to the back post was clutched by O’Hara at full stretch with Halliday and Robinson rising behind him seeking a touch.

Then another deep cross from the former Scotland international, found Lennon Miller produced a superb touch before his cut back was pushed beyond Wilson by the Killie ‘keeper at full stretch.

Seven minutes from the break Miller’s low corner deflected off a defender forcing O’Hara to smother the ball on his goal line.

In the final minute, Robinson who was having more success in holding the ball up, worked a quick exchange with Wilson and Miller only for the latter to volley the ball wide from 18 yards.

Despite the home side not finding that elusive goal the Fir Park fans showed their appreciation as the team headed up the tunnel at the interval.

The Fir Park men began the second where they left off and at the edge of the visitor’s box Wilson checked back onto his right foot before his drive was clumsily palmed round the post by O’Hara.

Robinson was next to test the Killie ‘keeper but his left foot shot from the edge of the box, with Miller better placed, lacked any power.

Five minutes into the half Kilmarnock were reduced to ten men when Findlay was shown a second yellow card.

With 57 minutes on the clock and his men overworked McInnes made three changes.

Two minutes later and hoping to press home their extra man, Kettlewell made a double substitution with Zimbabwean winger Tawanda Maswanhise making his debut and Watt returning to a largely warm reception from the ‘Well fans.

With the home side camped around the Killie box crosses were still flying across O’Hara’s goal with no takers.

More fresh legs were injected to the home side when Tom Sparrow, Marvin Kaleta and Moses Ebiye were given 15 minutes to find a winning goal.

It almost arrived in the 78th minute when the lively Maswanhise cut into the box and his curling shot was on target until it deflected off Joe Wright’s thigh and sailed over the bar.

With the game edging towards extra time, yet another cross from O’Donnell found Watt at the back of the six-yard box but with a hero’s return beckoning he powered his header over the bar.

An additional six minutes gave enough time for a winner before extra-time but although Motherwell continued to build steadily from the wings the Killie defence held firm.

Six minutes into extra time ‘Well finally made the breakthrough when two of the subs combined for the opening goal.

Former Leicester City youth Maswanhise once again teased the Killie defence before whipping a ball towards the six yard box. And Ebiye, eight yards from goal with a deft header directed the ball inside O’Hara’s right post to the relief of the ‘Well fans.

Until that point the Rigby Park men, understandably, looked content to hang on until penalties.

In a rare advance upfield, Oxborough produced his first save of the game after 102 minutes diving to smother Robbie Deas’ back header.

As Killie upped the tempo in the second period of extra-time, the ‘Well ‘keeper was called into action firstly punching away Matty Kennedys free kick and then getting down to hold Kyle Vassell’s angled drive.

In a grandstand finish from Kilmarnock, Oxborough’s goal survived a couple of scares as Motherwell deservedly booked their place in the last eight of the Premier Sports Cup.

Stuart Kettlewell’s thoughts on the 1-0 win over Kilmarnock.

We have been drawn to play Dundee United in the quarter-final of the Premier Sports Cup.

The tie will take place on September 21 or 22.

Zimbabwean international Tawanda Maswanhise has signed on a short-term deal till January, with the club holding an option to extend that further. 

A product of the Leicester City youth academy, 21-year-old Maswanhise developed through the ranks with the Foxes before cementing himself as a ‘shining light’ in the club’s Premier League 2 Division 1 squad.

The forward made seven Under 18 appearances throughout his breakthrough season in 2019/20, before making his development squad debut against West Ham United in 2021. The youngster soon made the bench for the senior side two months later against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

“Tawanda has been on trial for a couple of weeks now,” manager Stuart Kettlewell said

“We have been impressed with his endeavour every time he has taken to the training pitch. He took part in the bounce match against Everton last week and once again, he looked good.

“He offers something a bit different for us. He’s quick, direct and likes to find the back of the net. There’s lots of potential with Tawanda and hopefully we can get the best out of him.”

Goals continued to follow Maswanhise in the club’s development side, netting 22-times across 61-appearances in Premier league 2. The 21-year-old’s performances were rewarded when he made his senior debut as a second-half substitute against Millwall in a 3-2 victory during the third round of the FA cup under manager Enzo Maresca.

Capable of playing centrally or as a winger, Maswanhise netted a hat-trick as a trialist for English league Two outfit Stockport County after departing the foxes this summer. The Zimbabwean international, capped three-times by his country, will now join Stuart Kettlewell’s side until January.

“I’m just buzzing to be in this position,” Maswanhise added.

“This summer has been about hard work and getting my head down. I’ve been looking for an opportunity to show people what I can do and now I’ve got one.

“I feel good and feel ready to make an impact.”

Maswanhise will wear the number 55 shirt.

Returning for his second spell, Tony Watt insists there’s not any bad blood with Dundee United and that he wants supporters to give him a chance at winning them over. 

The forward confirmed his arrival this week for the season on loan and feels he can make an instant impact this week.

Asked why he has chosen to return, Watt revealed his loving relationship with the club didn’t stop after his departure in 2022 and that coming back was always something he wanted.

Make sure you don’t miss our crucial Premier Sports Cup tie against Kilmarnock on Sunday 18 August. 

• Concessions are over 65, Students and Young Adults (14-17)
• Juveniles would be 13 and under (must be accompanied by an adult)
• Ticket Office open from 10am – the ticket office is open until kick-off with no pay gate facility.

Supporters are able to buy tickets online or visit the ticket office at Fir Park.

If you are outside the UK, you can watch the game via Motherwell TV.

Should you be in the UK, it will be live commentary only.

If you are in the UK, you can watch the match live on the Premier Sports website.

You can watch these exclusive games on Premier Sports – who are offering a special, limited-time annual offer of £99 for an entire year of Premier Sports by using promo code FITBA99, saving you £92 on the standard monthly price over a full year – almost 50%!

Simply select the ‘Pre-Paid Annual’ or ‘Annual Upfront’ subscription option when subscribing via Sky or Premier Sports streaming service platforms, and enter the promo code FITBA99 to avail of this special, limited time offer.

Visit their website here to get started.

This offer is applicable only to Sky and Premier Sports streaming service platforms, and only available to new / returning customers of Premier Sports. NOTE: Sky customers can free access to the Premier Sports Streaming Service where you can watch tomorrow’s game.

This will give you live and on-demand access to all Scottish football games and all other channel content including the LALIGATV channel, every United Rugby Championship and Investec Champions Cup game live and much more!

Stuart Kettlewell knows how important cup runs can be when it comes to growing the football club and has made has made that a priority going into this week’s last 16 tie against Kilmarnock in the Premier Sports Cup.

The Motherwell boss believes bringing Tony Watt back for his second spell was a good bit of business and believes that the 30-year-old will do his talking on the pitch to win over the Fir Park faithful.

Kettlewell also provides an update on Apostolos Stamatelopoulos’s injury after it was confirmed he would be sidelined for six weeks.

Tony Watt became a fan-favourite for his goals and raw endeavour during his first spell in ML1. Scoring 19 goals and leading the line in style got the fans off their seats. 

However, that good work didn’t go unnoticed and soon enough, Premiership rivals Dundee United brought him to Tannadice in a deal that changed his family’s life and his own.

Now back for a second time, the reception has been mixed to the news of his arrival and that is something he expected. But, Watt only asks for the chance to outwork the criticism as he aims to reignite a loving relationship with the supporters and local community.