A stalwart of the Motherwell midfield, Lucy Ronald quickly established her place at the core of the squad after signing permanently from Glasgow Women in 2022, earning the women’s player of the year award in her maiden season, but the then 21-year-old soon had to face a cup heartbreak.
The National Stadium beckoned, as the women of steel prepared to face Rangers in a highly-anticipated Scottish Cup Semi-Final at Hampden Park, but less than a fortnight until the meeting in Glasgow; Ronald’s sixteen-month spell on the sidelines with an ACL-injury began. Over two-years on, the women of steel have the opportunity to return to Hampden Park for only the second time in the club’s history when they face Boroughmuir Thistle at Meadowbank on Sunday. Ronald remains focused on making up for lost time.
“Missing out on the Scottish Cup Semi-Final at Hampden was heartbreaking,” Ronald explained.
“It’s been my biggest dream since I was young to play at the National stadium, so to miss out by a week when we had a massive double-header, playing one of our first games to be held at Fir Park only the week before the game at Hampden was a tough pill for me to swallow.
“The injury was incredibly sudden, so to head to Hampden two-weeks later, I was filled with so many mixed-emotions. I was so proud to watch the squad on the pitch, but at the same time, I was absolutely heartbroken to be watching from the stands because I knew that the opportunity to play at Hampden had been taken from me.
“However, I’ve used it as motivation through my rehab. I wanted to get myself back to performing at the same level with the belief that I could potentially have that opportunity again, but at the same time I’m remaining level-headed and taking every moment as it comes.”
Two-years on and Motherwell are on the road to Scottish Cup glory, cruising to a formidable 7-0 victory over Rossvale in their opening cup fixture before defeating Bonnyrigg Rose by six-goals to nil at K-Park. The women of steel will face SWPL2 promotion-chasers Boroughmuir Thistle at the Quarter-Final stage in the Scottish capital on Sunday, and Ronald is relishing the opportunity.
“Sunday’s game means a lot to me,” Ronald added.
“These occasions are what we live for as footballers, and ultimately you never know how many opportunities you’re going to have to play at these special venues in your career. Football is incredible sometimes though, because we have that opportunity to earn a place at Hampden again, and I am determined to do everything I can to support the team to another Scottish Cup Semi-Final.
“Boroughmuir Thistle will be an incredibly tough test. They are well-organised, performing to a high-standard in SWPL2, and will be fully motivated to cause a cup upset.
“They have a very strong side with a lot of experienced players, so we understand the challenge ahead won’t be an easy one. The squad consists of players that have played at the highest level for a number of years, so despite the difference in league position; they’re certainly not to be underestimated. We will be prepared for what’s to come and will be expecting a challenging contest.”
The women of steel have remained resolute since confirming their top-six SWPL status, with intense preparations continuing, as the squad prepare for Sunday’s Scottish Cup showdown.
“Preparations have been good,” Ronald said.
“Collectively as players, we know what’s at stake for ourselves and the football club. It’s a massive opportunity and a privilege to play at Hampden Park and we are all focused on securing our place at the Semi-Final stage. As a team and as a staff group, the expectations are always set at a high level, our standards and approach remain consistent whether in training or on a matchday. We have approached this week in the correct manner, and will be looking to replicate our performances on the training pitch this Sunday.
“Of course it’s an exciting prospect, as we’ve had a really good season so far. Securing the first top-six finish in the club’s history was a huge achievement, and we are determined ton continue that form into the cup competition. We are taking every game as it comes, preparing with the right mindset, as we know that Sunday will be a massive test for us.”
