Latest News

The women of steel coasted to their fifth successive victory, defeating Aberdeen by four-goals to two, securing an historic top-six finish in the SWPL table for the first time. 

Rachel Todd earned her place on the scoresheet, bulleting home Katie Rice’s whipped corner-kick to give the women of steel a one-goal advantage before a quickfire double had the visitors ahead shortly before the half-time break. Former Motherwell midfielder, Niamh Noble was soon given her marching orders following a late tackle on Lucy Ronald, allowing the women of steel to threaten the visiting goal.

Bailley Collins levelled the game from the resulting free-kick, with Eilidh Austin then netting her first competitive goal for the club to restore Motherwell’s advantage. Louisa Boyes struck the back of the net moments from full-time to seal Motherwell’s first-ever top-six finish in the SWPL table.

Head Coach Paul Brownlie made three changes to the starting XI from the side that defeated Spartans one-week ago. Rangers loanee Eilidh Austin made her first competitive start alongside Mason Clark in the Motherwell frontline, as Laura McCartney and Amy Sharkey both settled for a place on the bench. Sophie Black also made way for defender Shannon Leishman who returned to the starting XI.

Knowing a victory would seal a long-awaited top-six finish, Motherwell started firmly on the front foot, with a real statement of attacking intent. Katie Rice’s whipped corner-kick sailed invitingly into the Aberdeen six-yard-box, and Todd was on-hand to power home from close-range.

Toni Leigh pulled the Dons level in similar circumstances, placing her headed effort beyond the reach of Emily Mutch before repeating her equaliser soon after to give the visitors an unforeseen advantage at the half-time break.

A cagey opening to the second-half was soon overcome, as former Motherwell midfielder Niamh Noble was sent off following a rash challenge on Lucy Ronald, a challenge which left the 22-year-old requiring treatment on the K-Park turf. Rice’s floated delivery from the resulting free-kick fell kindly into the path of Collins, who rifled home into the top-right corner.

January addition, Eilidh Austin etched her name onto the scoresheet late into the second-half, drilling home from within the Dons 18-yard-box to restore the women of steel’s advantage. Louisa Boyes rounded off a closely-fought afternoon in East Kilbride, skilfully working her way through several Aberdeen jerseys before dispatching a cool finish low into the bottom-left corner. Motherwell held out in the final moments of the game to record their first-ever top-six finish in the SWPL.

Motherwell will now face a fortnight-long break before visiting title-chasers Glasgow City in the final pre-split fixture of the 2024/24 campaign.

Motherwell were defeated by three goals to nil in a performance to forget for the Steelmen at Fir Park.

County’s top-scorer Ronan Hale found the target across both halves, with Connor Randall etching his name onto the scoresheet late on to ensure all three points return to the Highlands.

Interim boss Stephen Frail made four changes from the side which faced league leaders Celtic a fortnight ago. Northern Irish centre-half Kofi Balmer replaced Shane Blaney at the heart of the defence, with Lennon Miller and Callum Slattery partnering in midfield. Experienced striker Tony Watt was recalled to partner Luke Armstrong up front.

After defending their penalty area for much of the opening phases of play, ‘Well came within inches of opening the scoring after only five minutes.

Liam Gordon’s long ball found Tony Watt lurking at the edge of the penalty area, before expertly cutting inside Jon Tomkinson. The strikers left-footed drive darted across the face of goal until the ball rebounded from inside of the keeper’s left hand post.

With play largely confined to the middle of the park, neither side truly established themselves in the game until the 32nd-minute, when County found the breakthrough.

Amongst a pack of players at the edge of the box, the ball ricocheted through into the path of Hale, who lashed the ball past Balcombe.

Motherwell looked to respond with Armstrong coming close soon after. Armstrong wriggled himself free of his marker in the six yard box before looking to apply the finishing touches, but the forward could only scoop his effort over the County crossbar.

The prospect of an equaliser was given a severe blow shortly into the second-half when the Staggies doubled their lead.

Another swift counter-attack found Hale getting in-behind Gordon before calmly sliding the ball past the outstretched Balcombe to claim his second goal of the game.

That forced a double substitution for the Steelmen with Ewan Wilson and Luke Plange looking to make an impact with the final half-hour to play.

And within a couple of minutes, Plange was denied his first Motherwell goal after an exceptional one-handed stop from Amissah pushed Plange’s headed effort around the near post.

Watt came close to reducing the deficit moments later, as Sparrow’s deep dross from the right found Watt racing towards goal, and his controlled volley looked certain to hit the back of the net until the County stopper somehow re-adjusted his body position to parry wide of the target.

With time coming to a close, Slattery curled a hopeful 25-yard free kick around the defensive wall, only to see it ripple through the roof of the net on the opposing side of the crossbar.

County sealed the game two minutes from time, as Randall steered his low drive into Balcombe’s right handed corner to complete a frustrating afternoon.

Stephen Frail gives his views on the 0-3 defeat to Ross County.

The women of steel are within touching distance of a long-awaited top-six finish in the SWPL table but must get over the line this weekend. 

Momentum has remained with the North Lanarkshire side since the start of 2025, earning four-straight victories, including two comprehensive wins on the road against both Dundee United and Montrose. The hosts remain in control of their own destiny, knowing victory will be enough to ensure Motherwell achieve a top-six SWPL finish for the first-time in their history.

Midfielder Laura McCartney is relishing the opportunity in East Kilbride.

“It’s a massive chance to confirm top-six this weekend,” McCartney said.

“Having been in the position we’ve wanted to be in for much of the season, we’ve always had our eye set on the first opportunity to finally get over the line.

“We were incredibly frustrated to fall short in the previous two campaigns, but on reflection, our consistency across the season wasn’t at the standard we knew it needed to be. Thistle are an excellent team, who have continued to battle us closely this season, so we knew we had to be resolute in our performances.

“We’ve worked tirelessly since the end of last season to strengthen and put ourselves in the ascendency, so the visit of Aberdeen this weekend is our opportunity to cement our status as a top-six team in the SWPL.”

Motherwell will be looking to replicate their previous displays over the Dons, after remaining unbeaten in three consecutive victories. Paul Brownlie’s side coasted to a six-nil victory last November, with Louisa Boyes completing her hat-trick under the floodlights of Balmoral Stadium. Despite the unbeaten run, McCartney isn’t expecting an easy afternoon.

“Aberdeen are a strong side,” McCartney explained.

“They have a squad that’s capable of causing problems on the counter if you’re not performing at the right level, so we have to make sure that we are preparing in the correct manner.

“There is a really positive feeling amongst the squad at the moment. We’ve had a really positive week on the training pitch, the atmosphere is high and we are all motivated to continue our positive run.

“We know there will be a sense of the occasion with a chance to finally earn top-six, but we are putting that to the back of our minds and focusing on getting the three-points and the rest will take care of itself.”

Sunday’s encounter will feature free transport to East Kilbride, with the Well Society overseeing a pre-match event in the Fir Park centenary suite before that match. Buses will depart Fir park at 3PM ahead of a 4PM kick-off at K-Park. Tickets for the coach can be claimed here:

“We are excited by the prospect of a larger crowd at K-Park,” McCartney added.

“The support throughout the season has been incredible, but to hopefully claim top-six with an increased support at K-Park would be a brilliant experience.

“We are looking forward to seeing you all in East Kilbride this weekend, and hopefully put in a strong performance that is reflective of your support so far this season.”

Andy Halliday says the players have been fully focused on achieving three points this weekend against Ross County and haven’t let the manager search, that is currently ongoing, distract them. 

Halliday is delighted to have teammate Lennon Miller back in contention this weekend, with the midfielder citing the role he plays in the team.

Interim manager Stevie Frail says clarity has been key for the players and the staff going into this weekend’s William Hill Premiership match against Ross County. Frail had a full understanding that he would be taking the team well in advance for the fixture, which has helped everyone prepare sufficiently for the game. 

Frail was also boosted by Lennon Miller’s return to full training earlier in the week, saying he has played a pivotal role in the team success to this point.

The women of steel are within touching distance of achieving their long-awaited aspiration of a top-six finish in the SWPL table. 

Motherwell have all but confirmed their top-six status after defeating Spartans by four-goals to one in East Kilbride last Sunday – maintaining a six-point and 11-goal advantage over closest rivals Partick Thistle with two-games left to play.

After a closely-fought league campaign, Paul Brownlie’s side could finally cement their top-six status with a victory over Aberdeen this weekend.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell 

Momentum has remained with the North Lanarkshire side since the start of 2025, earning four-straight victories, including two comprehensive victories on the road against Dundee United and Montrose. The hosts are in control of their own destiny, knowing victory will be enough to ensure Motherwell achieve a top-six SWPL finish for the first-time in their history.

Striker Amy Sharkey has firmly picked up from where she left off after signing a permanent deal from defending-champions Celtic. The 17-year-old completed a hat-trick against SWF league One side Bonnyrigg Rose to secure a place in the Quarter-Final of the Scottish Cup before adding to her tally against Spartans last weekend.

Sunday’s encounter will feature free transport to East Kilbride, with the Well Society overseeing a pre-match event in the Fir Park centenary suite before that match. Buses will depart Fir park at 3PM ahead of a 4PM kick-off at K-Park. Tickets for the coach can be claimed here:

Aberdeen 

The Dons return to action wounded from a heavy defeat to title-chasers Rangers. Scott Booth’s side conceded 10-goals for the second time to Rangers, with victory at Broadwood following an opening day defeat prior to his tenure at Balmoral Stadium. Aberdeen will be looking to cement their top-flight status for the following season, with the visitors seven-points clear of the relegation places.

Ticket Information

Adult – £8.

Concession – £3.

Under 11s – FREE TO ENTER.

Motherwell make their return to William Hill Premiership action on Saturday 15 February against Ross County at Fir Park. 

Kick off is 3pm.

How to follow the game

• Young Adults tickets would ages 14-17.
• Juveniles would be 13 and under
• Ticket Office open from 11am – the ticket office is open until kick-off with no pay gate facility.

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

Ticket Office open from 11am – the ticket office is open until kick-off with no pay gate facility.

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.

What else is happening?

There will be a bucket collection for Uddingston Strathclyde Pipe Band.

Kit Watch

We will be wearing our home kit for this match.

Injury Update

Lennon Miller and Jair Tavares are back in full training.

Jack Vale has returned to his parent club to undergo surgery on an achilles injury. Vale will be missing for a period of time.

Archie Mair has also had surgery, with the goalkeeper sustaining a fracture of the hand.

Marvin Kaleta came off against Celtic with a knee issue. The club will monitor his condition.

Motherwell’s Fortunes

It’s been a turbulent few weeks at Motherwell following the departure of Stuart Kettlewell. Assistant Manager Stephen Frail took the reins against Celtic, where the Champions won 3-1.

Luke Armstrong got off the mark in claret and amber, with the forward looking to continue what he started.

The Steelmen dropped to sixth in the table but are six off Dundee United in third. Motherwell have yet to get the better of County this season. A 0-0 draw on the opening day of the season was followed up with a 2-1 loss in the Highlands in November.

Opposition Report

Ross County finished 2024 and started 2025 in fine form. From Boxing Day until 5 January, they won three and drew one. Since their last win against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park in early January, they have faced a tricky run of games.

The Staggies were knocked out of the Scottish Cup at home to Livingston in the fourth round and have been defeated by Celtic and Rangers also. They picked up a late point against Hibernian thanks to a Ronan Hale penalty in the 87th minute.

County’s goals have come largely from two of their forwards. Summer signing Ronan Hale and former Motherwell man Jordan White have ten goals apiece in all competitions this season.

Midfielder Emma McMurdo has completed a permanent move to Motherwell, as women of steel attract free agent to Lanarkshire. 

The 22-year-old central-midfielder spent nine years in Australia at the National Training Centre before experiencing two years in the National Premier League One – the second division of Australian women’s football.

McMurdo spent one season at fellow SWPL side Dundee United before a short stint in Glasgow for Queens Park.

“I’m really pleased to be at Motherwell,” McMurdo said.

“I’ve really experienced and understood the club culture within the squad whilst training behind the scenes, and I knew that I wanted to earn the right to play for the club.

“I want to be competing for regular match action at this level, and the opportunity to join Kilmarnock on-loan should prepare me perfectly for starting a fresh next season. ”

The Scotland under-17 international has already established herself within the youth ranks of the International stage, tallying seven appearances within the U17-squad and five amongst the U16 age category.

The young creative midfielder has trained alongside the women of steel for several months, and will be loaned to SWPL2 side Kilmarnock from the women of steel for the remainder of the 2024/25 SWPL campaign.

“We’re looking forward to having Emma sign permanently with the club,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie added.

“We were very impressed with her attitude and dedication towards our training sessions, with Emma instantly showcasing her flair and attacking ability.

“We felt Emma would benefit from a short-term loan deal to regain her match sharpness, and we are looking forward to seeing her development at Rugby Park this season.”

Lennon Miller and Jair Tavares are back in full training ahead of our match against Ross County at Fir Park on Saturday 15 February. 

Apostolos Stamatelopoulos is progressing through the rehabilitation process from his calf injury.

Jack Vale has returned to his parent club to undergo surgery on an achilles injury. Vale will be missing for a period of time.

Archie Mair has also had surgery, with the goalkeeper sustaining a fracture of the hand.

Marvin Kaleta came off against Celtic with a knee issue. The club are monitoring his condition.