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Motherwell defied a late Aberdeen comeback in emphatic style, netting a decisive goal with the final kick of the game to continue their nine game unbeaten run whilst surpassing the Dons in the SWPL league table.

Motherwell comfortably cruised to a two-goal advantage in the first-half, with Kayla Jardine’s whipped delivery diverted goal-bound by the foot of an Aberdeen defender before striker Laura berry continued her remarkable goalscoring form with an exceptional solo-run and finish shortly before half-time.

The hosts were soon reduced to 10-players moments later leaving the women of steel firmly in the ascendency heading into the second-half. Despite controlling the first-half, the visitors lost their momentum, with Aberdeen responding with two quick-fire goals against the run of play.

As both sides looked certain to share a closely-fought point, defender Chelsie Watson powered home a header with the last kick of the game to secure the three points and ninth unbeaten game.

Head coach Paul Brownlie made two changes from the side that drew with Montrose at K-Park last weekend, with Bailley Collins and Rebecca Cameron settling for a place on the bench whilst Murron Cunningham and Emily Mutch both returning to the starting XI.

Knowing a victory would propel the women of steel to the top of the split, Motherwell started firmly on the front foot and soon netted the opener within the first two-minutes. Kayla Jardine’s whipped delivery from the left flank coasted across the face of goal and a mistimed Aberdeen interception forced the ball into their own net.

Murron Cunningham was next to test the Aberdeen goal, latching onto Amy Anderson’s precise through ball that sliced through the Aberdeen backline, but the experienced defender lost her footing on the artificial turf, reducing the momentum in her strike.

Morgan Cross carved the next opportunity, racing through a series of Aberdeen jerseys before curling a hopeful right-footed effort from the edge of the penalty area, but the strikers attempt was equally matched by an exceptional reaction save.

Motherwell continued to threaten the Aberdeen half, with the second following shortly before the half-time break. Striker Laura Berry regained possession with a clever interception on the halfway line before running directly through the centre of the Aberdeen half. The youngster skilfully switched the ball onto her left-foot before dispatching a calm and composed finish into the bottom-right corner.

Motherwell looked firm favourites to coast to their seventh victory throughout their impeccable unbeaten run when Aberdeen were reduced to 10-players following a verbal discussion with the match officials.

However, the women of steel suddenly lost their rhythm and momentum in the game, with Aberdeen netting twice in a prolific spell.

However, the women of steel’s never say die attitude prevailed. In the final minute of the game, Katie Rice’s whipped corner kick sailed invitingly to defender Chelsie Watson, who steadied herself before guiding a precise headed effort into the top-left corner to seal a dramatic victory on the road in the Granite City.

Eight games unbeaten on the domestic calendar, Motherwell make the trip north to the Granite city, with their sights firmly set on reaching the top of the split, as nearest league rivals Aberdeen only three points ahead.

Four straight victories at K-Park preceded a two-goals stalemate with Montrose last weekend, as the women of steel continued to narrow the ga to Aberdeen who were held to successive draws by Montrose and Hamilton.

Paul Brownlie’s side cruised past the Dons on their previous meeting in East Kilbride, with Morgan Cross breaking the deadlock before a quickfire double across both halves from Laura Berry sealed a comfortable three-goal victory on that day.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

Six victories and two draws since March ensured the women of steel maintained the momentum in closing down Aberdeen, with the women of steel’s goalscoring woes a distant memory.

22-goals have been crafted out across the Motherwell squad, conceding only eight within the time, with forwards Laura Berry and Morgan Cross forging a formidable partnership in the final third. Berry’s efforts were rewarded with the SWPL player of the month award for April.

Victory over Aberdeen would level both sides points tally, with the women of steel retaining a mathematically greater goal-difference.

Aberdeen

The hosts head into this afternoon’s contest after back-to-back draws with Montrose and Hamilton. Despite this, the Dons are unbeaten in their last five games, with four straight victories at Balmoral Stadium.

Aberdeen overcame the women of steel on the opening day of the season in the Granite City, with a Bailley Hutchinson double added by a strike from Hannah Stewart in a narrow 3-2 victory.

Ticket information

Cash & card payments are also available for this fixture.

• Adult – £5
• Under 16s – Free to enter.

How to follow the action

Supporters can follow Sunday’s encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match. Kick-off from Balmoral Stadium at 2PM.

Motherwell came away from the Highlands with a resounding 1-5 win in Dingwall.

Goals from Blair Spittal and Paul McGinn had the away side up at the break before Spittal, Zdravkovski and Paton added gloss to the scoreline late on.

County, who came into this enounter with only one home defeat in eight, were on the ropes early as the visitors started brightly and nearly took a lead when Andy Halliday was slid in on the edge of the box,  but the midfielder’s effort was matched by Laidlaw who made a fine stop.

The Steelmen were looking dangerous but their lead came in an unexpected fashion. Liam Kelly angled a ball forward which harmlessly ended up at Ross Laidlaw but the County ‘keeper spilled it straight to Blair Spittal who gratefully fired home.

County didn’t take long to respond, drawing level five minutes later. Disappointingly it was from a Motherwell corner, which Brophy broke away from and slid in Simon Murray who cooly slotted past Kelly.

As the game started to even out, it looked as though both sides would head down the tunnel level, probably deservedly so, but Paul McGinn had other ideas.

Georgie Gent’s free-kick was again fumbled by Laidlaw and it landed kindly to the feet of the former Scotland International who fired in his first Motherwell goal and first time hitting the net since May 2022.

Don Cowie made three changes at the break as County looked to find a way back in to the match to edge away from relegation trouble for all their hard work and endeavour, they rarely troubled Liam Kelly.

Indeed, as Motherwell looked to see the game out, they broke forward through Theo Bair and he laid it on a plate for Blair Spittal to notch his second of the game with a superb curler into the top corner.

At that point it looked like game over but the Steelmen weren’t finished yet.

Theo Bair burst in behind the defence and with a shot looking likely, he unselfishly pulled it back to his teammate Davor Zdravkovski who powered it into the net for his first goal in claret and amber.

‘Well weren’t finished there as Harry Paton was sent into the box, with a moment of brilliance from Blair Spittal, allowing the Canadian to slot into the bottom corner.

Motherwell now take on Hibernian, with the Lanarkshire side looking to continue their decent form in the run-up to the league finalé.

Stuart Kettlewell gives his thoughts on the 5-1 win over Ross County.

• Trying to be entertaining
• Becoming third top scorers in the league
• A special mention the travelling supporter

After making his 150th appearance for Motherwell against Aberdeen last month, we sit down with Liam Kelly and reminisce about some of his best moments from the last three-and-a-half years.

Starting from his save best saves whilst on an initial six-month loan, he talks us through some of his best saves and the process behind them.

We then cover the penalties he has faced in his time at the club, and how the battle of the mind games between goalkeeper and player unfolds.

Harry Paton was pleased to make a swift return to action after a two month lay off. 

The Canadian defender has high ambitions of retaining his spot in the Canadian squad, ahead of matches against Netherlands, France and Argentina in the COPA America this summer.

Stuart Kettlewell was pleased that his side put in a strong performance against Livingston in the cinch Premiership last weekend, but insists his team need to approach the Ross County match with the same, professional mindset. 

Despite safety being secured, Kettlewell has his eyes set on finishing 7th place and wants that to be a driving factor for the remaining games.

The roar of the crowd, the excitement as you step out of the tunnel and onto the hallowed Fir Park turf – here is your chance to Live the Dream as a Motherwell player for the day.

Today we launch an exclusive opportunity for fans to play on the pitch on the evening of Friday 24 May 2024, with all money raised going to The Well Society.

There are 32 places available, each giving you the chance to experience life as a professional footballer. Four of these places will be given free to fully paid up Well Society members who apply through a draw. The rest of the places will go on sale tonight on a first come, first-served basis.

To take part in the event you need to:

• Be available from 6.30pm on Friday 24 May 2024
• This is a physically demanding event – you must be healthy enough to take part
• Read and agree to our terms and conditions
• Sign our disclaimer

In return you will:

• Have the chance to grace Fir Park with your footballing skills
• Enjoy a rare opportunity to experience life as a Motherwell player
• Receive a playing shirt with your name and number
• Catch up with fellow players at our post-match reception
• Gather photos and memories which will last a lifetime

Buy your place

Buy your place here. The teams are open to all genders and abilities. There are 14 places available on each team, with prices ranging from £150 for the opportunity to come off the bench as an impact sub, to £200 for a place in the starting line up.

FREE places

To be in with a chance for one of the free places you’ll need to be a current member of the Well Society. If you are not a member you can subscribe via this link (join by 5pm Tuesday 14 May). To get your name in the frame, email us with your details by midnight, Thursday 16 May. The draw for the places will take place at noon on Friday 17 May 2024.

Supporters

Help us create a great atmosphere for the players and celebrate fan ownership by joining us for the big match on the night. Entry will be priced at £5 per person with all proceeds going to support the Club through The Well Society.