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Get ready for the second half of our William Hill Premiership campaign with a half season ticket. 

You can get yours online now.

Valid from our home match against Rangers on Sunday 29 December, your half season ticket will get you entry to at least nine games at Fir Park.

Secure your own personally selected seat to view all the action at Fir Park, from where you want.

Stuart Kettlewell’s side have made a valiant start to league proceedings, and are currently seven points better off from this point last season.

Having reached the semi-final of the Premier Sports Cup in November, the Motherwell manager urges everyone to get along to the stadium and support the players.

“The feeling around the club is that it’s going in an upward trajectory,” he said.

“There were over 8000 fans at Hampden, almost double our average home attendance. So, we know there are people out there who came along but don’t have a season ticket.

“We want to see our attendance go up as much as possible. Not only does it help the players, but it benefits the club as a whole. I urge as many of you as possible, if you’re able, to save yourself a bit of money by paying every week and come along to the games with your half season ticket.

“It’s greatly appreciated by everyone. I’m looking forward to this next section of the league campaign, and it would be great to have as many of you by our side as possible.”

Not only do you get to see the action for a cheaper price, but you also get a range of benefits from local businesses.

Games eligible (all fixtures are subject to change):

• Motherwell v Rangers Sunday 29 December – 3pm Kick Off 
• Motherwell v Aberdeen Sunday 5 January – 2:30pm Kick Off 
• Motherwell v Celtic Saturday 1 February – 3pm Kick Off 
• Motherwell v Ross County Saturday 15 February – 3pm Kick Off
• Motherwell v Dundee Wednesday 26 February – 7:45pm Kick Off 
• Motherwell v St Mirren Saturday 15 March – 3pm Kick Off 
• Motherwell v Hearts Saturday 12 April – 3pm Kick Off 
• Guaranteed at least two further home fixtures post-split 

We had three players away on international duty this month.

Lennon Miller

Having captained Motherwell for the last two matches, Lennon Miller had the armband on once again, this time for Scotland’s Under 19s. Playing the full 90 minutes in their first match against Wales, Scotland lost out 1-0 at Forthbank.

In their second match against Liechtenstein, Lennon Miller was unused substitute. Scotland won the match 4-0.

Against France, Miller started and had the armband once again. Scotland drew 0-0, with Miller coming off on the 67th minute.

Tawanda Maswanhise

It was huge match for Tawanda Maswanhise and Zimbabwe against Kenya. A draw would be enough to secure qualification to AFCON 2025.

Maswanhise started the match and scored his first goal for his country after 32 minutes. He was substituted on 72 minutes and although Kenya levelled the game, the Warriors did enough to hold on to the draw and subsequently qualified.

In their second match against Cameroon, Maswanhise started on the right-wing. After going 2-0 down early in the first-half, Zimbabwe got a goal back in the second period but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback. Maswanhise was substituted just before the hour mark.

Kofi Balmer

Kofi Balmer was an unused substitute for Northern Ireland’s 2-0 win over Belarus.

He was on the bench for their second match against Luxembourg on Monday night, and again didn’t get on the pitch. Northern Ireland secured promotion to League B of the Nations League after a 2-2 draw on the night.

The women of steel set their sights on K-Park this weekend, motivated by their revitalised performance over closest-league rivals Partick Thistle, as they prepare to face last seasons SWPL2 champions Queens Park in South Lanarkshire on Sunday. 

Motherwell came agonisingly close to achieving a vital three points against fellow top-six chasers Partick Thistle, with a fortuitous own-goal from Clare Docherty rewarding a dominant first-half display in Springburn. Former striker Tiree Burchill levelled the contest minutes into the second-half, but despite an array of goalscoring opportunities in the second-half, Motherwell couldn’t capitalise and seal the three points at Petershill Park.

Sunday’s hosts remain one point clear of the Jags following last weekend’s result, with the women of steel set to face a difficult fixture list to conclude the final matchdays of 2024. Paul Brownlie’s side will take on the Spiders in East Kilbride before facing title-chasers Rangers, Hibernian, and Hearts in the final fixtures in 2024.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

The women of steel optimistically turn their head to the weekend’s action, enthused by their impressive display against Partick Thistle. Motherwell controlled much of the attacking opportunities, but struggled to capitalise on their momentum in the game.

Motherwell have went unbeaten in five of their last eight games, only defeated twice by Rangers and once by defending champions Celtic. The Lanarkshire side will seek to replicate their clinical display over the Glasgow-outfit in September. Striker Laura Berry netted four-goals in her first start since returning on-loan from Rangers, with a Bailley Collins double complimenting a six-goal victory at Ochilview.

Queens Park

The Spiders have had a difficult run of form since enduring a heavy defeat in the previous meeting with the women of steel. Queens Park have picked up one point in their last five league matches, holding Edinburgh-side Spartans to a 1-1 stalemate, whilst encountering defeats to Aberdeen, Partick thistle, Celtic and Glasgow City alongside a Sky Sports Cup Quarter-Final exit to Hibernian.

Ticket information

Supporters can purchase tickets on matchday, with the clubs turnstile in operation.

• Adult – £8.
• Concession – £3.
• Under-11s – 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 K-Park at 4PM.

We return to William Hill Premiership action on Saturday 23 November, as we head North to take on Ross County in Dingwall. 

Kick off is 3pm.

How to follow the game

Kit Watch

We will be wearing our home kit for this match.

Injury Update

Stephen O’Donnell, Paul McGinn, Callum Slattery, Jack Vale, Ross Callachan and Sam Nicholson remain out for this game.

Harry Paton returned to the action last time out against St Johnstone. Liam Gordon has served his two match suspension and is available for selection.

Players on international duty will be assessed when they arrive back at Fir Park.

Motherwell’s Fortunes

Motherwell continued their fine start to their Premiership campaign last time out against St Johnstone. Tawanda Maswanhise found the back of the net for the third time in two matches, with Tom Sparrow adding his second in Motherwell colours.

That result leaves Motherwell seven points better off than this time last year. The Steelmen are joint fourth in the table on 19 points after 11 league games.

Opposition Report

Ross County have two wins since the end of July. Don Cowie’s side are on 12 points, with them drawing six games in the league campaign.

The two sides did meet on the opening day of the season, with the game ending 0-0 at Fir Park. Ronan Hale has had a noticeable impact since joining in the summer, with the striker finding the back of the net seven times in all competitions this season for the Staggies.

Motherwell’s last trip to the Highlands ended in a comfortable 5-1 win, with Blair Spittal scoring twice either side of half time and Harry Paton, Davor Zdravkovski and Paul McGinn also getting on the scoresheet.

It transpired to be a frustrating afternoon for the women of steel, as a dominant display could ultimately only merit a point, as the visitors braced the frosty conditions at Petershill Park on Sunday.

Laura Berry rewarded the women of steel’s attacking first-half threat, claiming the opener to propel the visitors firmly into the ascendency at the half-time break.

As play resumed, Motherwell were the architects of their own downfall, gifting possession cheaply to former striker Tiree Burchill, who drilled home an unstoppable strike into the top-left corner.

The women of steel rallied in the second-half, forcing the fatigued Thistle backline into trading possession deep into their own territory, but despite creating countless opportunities; the decisive winner evaded Paul Brownlie’s side.

Head Coach Paul Brownlie named five changes from the side that were knocked out of the Sky Sports League Cup Quarter-Final to defending champions Rangers over a week ago. Emily Mutch returned to claim her place in the Motherwell goal, with captain Gill Inglis, Sophie Black, Rachel Todd and Laura Berry all featuring in the starting XI.

Motherwell had the ball in the back of the net within the opening minutes of the game, as Rice’s whipped delivery across the face of goal was diverted back into the six-yard-box off the chest of Collins, and a defensive mix-up saw Clare Docherty head the ball into her own goal. However, the referee had adjudged Collins knee to have been her hand, and disallowed the goal for handball, much to the bemusement of the Motherwell players.

Berry continued to cause the hosts problems, skilfully working her way past numerous red and yellow jerseys before shifting the ball through the legs of Demi Falconer and delivering a low-delivery towards her fellow Rangers loanee Sophie Black, but despite a goalmouth scramble; Motherwell couldn’t convert.

Berry continued to be the provider, carrying the ball from midfield into the Thistle final third before teeing up the overlapping Bailley Collins, but the defenders low-effort failed to trouble the Jags stopper.

Motherwell’s dominance was soon rewarded, as the visitors finally broke through the resolute Thistle backline. Rice’s floated free-kick from the right-flank sailed invitingly into the Thistle penalty area, and Berry contested Demi Falconer for the ball, with the decisive touch coming off one of the challenging players before nestling comfortably into the back of the net.

As the second-half resumed, Motherwell gifted the hosts a lifeline, with former striker Tiree Burchill netting the equaliser. Motherwell were caught in possession, with a shortage of players at the back, and Burchill calmly raced through before drilling an unstoppable right-footed finish into the top-left corner.

Amy Sharkey came close to restoring the women of steel’s advantage after latching onto Sarah Gibb’s through ball, but the striker couldn’t find a clean connection on the ball, as the forwards strike fell well wide of the target.

Louisa Boyes almost secured the three points in the final stages of the game, curling a hopeful strike from the edge pf the penalty area, but it resulted in a comfortable save for the Thistle goalkeeper.

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.”