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Motherwell will continue their pre-season preparations this evening.

Following last weekend’s 1-1 stalemate with SWPL2 side Boroughmuir Thistle, the women of steel return to action in a behind-closed doors friendly with Hearts at Dalziel Park.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell

Paul Brownlie’s side will be on the hunt for their first victory of their 2023/24 pre-season campaign, following weekend’s meeting with Boroughmuir Thistle, where Bailley Collins’ 90th-minute equaliser cancelled out Boroughmuir’s early second half opener to secure the striker’s first non-competitive goal for the club.

Motherwell have also faced encounters with SWPL2 promotion-chasers Gartcairn and defending Scottish-Cup champions Celtic, as they continue to prepare for the opening weekend of the 2023/24 SWPL1 calendar.

The women of steel will have a full squad available for this evening’s encounter, minus the midweek acquisition of Hannah Cunningham, who signed a permanent deal following a short trial period at the club.

Hearts

After surpassing local rivals Hibs, Hearts established themselves as a top-four SWPL1 side last season, with their last competitive victory coming in a 2 -1 Edinburgh derby win at the Oriam.

The Jambos are two games into their pre-season preparations, with encounters against Dundee United and Durham Women both taking place behind closed doors.

Like Motherwell, Hearts have been prolific in acquiring their new additions early in the summer transfer window, with Brodie Greenwood, Kathleen McGovern, Carly Girasoli, Katie Lockwood, Lizzie Waldie, and Esther Morgan all making the switch to Gorgie.

How to follow the action

Supporters can follow this evening’s encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match.

Callum Slattery is delighted with his start to his season so far. 

The English midfielder scored against Queen of the South and can see the team beginning to pick up the match sharpness game by game.

Slattery knows how important these games are, especially in front of the home crowd at Fir Park for the first time in the 2023/24 campaign.

Assistant Manager Stephen Frail speaks to the press for the first time since joining in March.

Frail discusses how his tenure has went so far and the excitement that the team have about the prospect of playing back in front of the home fans.

The number two also tells us about the importance of progression in the Viaplay Cup competition this season.

We take on Queen’s Park in our first home match of the 2023/24 season. 

Kick-off is 5.15pm at Fir Park.

How to follow the game

We would like to make coverage for the match as clear as possible for our supporters, given recent reports.

The match will be shown exclusively live on Viaplay Sports, with the kick-off time remaining at 5.15pm. Coverage will begin on air at 5pm.

Tickets can be purchased online.

Additional information

SEASON TICKET HOLDERS

If you are a season ticket holder, you can purchase your own seat(s) for the match.

To get yours, just log in to your account at tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk. Once logged in, your reserved ticket(s) will be in your account menu and will be uploaded to your card. You will not be required to collect a physical ticket if you purchase your season ticket seat(s).

For help, call 01698 333333 or email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please note there will no cash turnstiles on the day of the game. The ticket office will be open for sales from 1.30pm on the 22nd July.

The Centenary Suite and Cooper Suite will open for refreshments and bar food pre-match from 2.30pm, with both bars open following the match. No reservations required and both home and away fans are welcome.

Kit Watch

We will be wearing our home kit for the match against Queen’s Park.

Team News

Calum Butcher will remain sidelined for a number of weeks.

Ricki Lamie will be absent due to his second yellow card against Queen of the South.

Motherwell’s fortunes

With a win and gaining a further two points against Queen of the South on Tuesday night, Motherwell sit on five points after two games.

A win against Queen’s Park would see Motherwell go three points clear of second place East Fife, who don’t play this weekend.

With East Fife due to play Queen of the South on Tuesday night, the Doonhamers could only be a point behind the Fifers going into the game meaning all three teams could qualify top of the group.

Opposition report

Queen’s Park narrowly missed out on winning the Championship last term, losing out to Dundee on the final day of the season.

Since then, manager Owen Coyle has departed the club for India, with Robin Veldman taking the reigns at the club.

Queen’s were beaten by East Fife on penalties in their first match of the season.

There have been seven incomings thus far, including former Queen of the South talisman Ruari Paton. The Irishman scored 26 goals of Queen of the South last season, with former Motherwell man Dom Thomas also within the Queen’s ranks.

We have entered a new partnership with Phoenix Specialist Solutions.

The brand will feature on the back of the first-team home and away shirts for a minimum of two years.

Phoenix Specialist Solutions are a local company that specialise in street lighting, road marking and traffic signs.

“We are delighted that we can take our relationship to the next level with Motherwell Football Club as their new back of shirt sponsor,” managing director David Clark commented.

“As my family and I are all Motherwell supporters, it is with great delight that we are now partners with the club, and I look forward to a successful season on the pitch.”

“We are delighted to welcome Phoenix Specialist Solutions to our partnership portfolio and thank David for his support of the club. Through this agreement and other partnerships, we have surpassed the club’s commercial revenue figure to date,” Motherwell Football Club Commercial Director added.

“It is wonderful to partner with another local business who are truly invested in the club’s long-term success, and I very much look forward to working with them.”

On the road for the second time in four days, Motherwell went South this time around as they headed for Dumfries to face Queen of the South. 

With a sell out travelling Motherwell crowd behind them, the Steelmen were looking to make it two wins out of two in the Viaplay Cup group stage.

In a game that everything, it was Queen’s who struck first. Kieran McKechnie battered in a strike off the post from the edge of the box after 20 minutes.

Motherwell didn’t let this setback effect them and immediately set off to find an equaliser. Jon Obika would go close but it would be Blair Spittal who drew the sides level, after he finished off Callum Slattery’s cutback just before half time.

The game was turned on it’s head when Slattery raced through on goal to give his side the lead.

Missed chances would prove costly for Motherwell. Having hit the post, crossbar and forcing the hosts’ keeper into a number of saves, Gavin Reilly would convert at the back post from a cross on the counter attack.

An immediate response would see Motherwell back in front with 10 to go.

Craig Napier controversially pointed to the spot, adjudging Ricki Lamie to have fouled in the penalty area. Reilly made it two for the evening but the drama didn’t stop there.

Napier again at the centre of attention, blew up play when Lamie went sliding into to block a cross off the pitch. Napier subsequently sent Lamie off for his second bookable offence, causing mass confusion at Palmerston.

A penalty shootout would decide who got the bonus point on the evening. The first eight penalties were converted before debutant Aston Oxborough made the first penalty save in the shootout. Stephen O’Donnell stepped up to confirm a bonus point for the ‘Well, taking them to five points in the group.

Left-back Hannah Cunningham has joined the club on a permanent deal following a successful trial period.

The 21-year-old, who made 26-appearances for Glasgow Women in their maiden SWPL1 campaign last season, will make the switch to ML1.

“I’m delighted to join the club,” said Cunningham.

“The club are building something positive here, they drive high standards, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.

“I’m really excited to step into such a competitive environment, use the knowledge of the management team and the girls in the squad to develop as a player. I can’t wait to get started here.”

The defender, who has been capped internationally for Scotland at both U16 and U17 level, will be the tenth new acquisition for the women of steel this season.

“I’ve known Hannah for several years now and I’m fully aware of the qualities she has,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“Hannah is versatile in position, she has the qualities to play at full-back and centre-half. Being left sided, she’ll bring great balance to the team and also add more competition to the defensive area of the squad.”

The manager reacts to our frantic game against Queen of the South.

• Have to improve defensively
• Additions needed up top
• Held composure in shootout

Motherwell had to settle for a 4-5 win on penalties after a 3-3 draw with Queen of the South.

The Steelmen dominated the match but somehow couldn’t secure all three points after goals from Blair Spittal and Callum Slattery.

Stuart Kettlewell handed debuts to Aston Oxborough and new signing Pape Souaré and gave Mark Ferrie his first start in claret and amber.

The Steelmen controlled the opening exchanges with plenty of possession in the Queens half but looked vulnerable to a counter attack.

Kieran McKechnie broke forward, cut in on his right foot and dispatched a curling shot in off the post past the helpless Oxborough.

The same pattern then continued – plenty of Motherwell possession and shots in the final third but each time Botterill was equal to the shot.

It looked like it was going to be one of those nights when Obika spun his man in the box but somehow Botterill got his foot to the goalbound shot and it went out for a corner.

Motherwell finally found a way though just before half-time.

A nice bit of play from Slattery found Spittal inside the area and he did the rest from close range to net his first goal of the season.

The Steelmen almost took the lead minutes into the second half. A teasing ball from O’Donnell found Obika but his diving header came crashing back off the post.

Obika could have found himself on the scoresheet but ended up producing a fine assist as Motherwell took the lead.

A ball forward was expertly flicked into the path of Callum Slattery. The midfielder still had a lot to do as he raced past his man but kept his head down and rifled the ball into the back of the net

Incredibly Queens drew level with fifteen minutes to go. Obika’s shot came crashing back off the bar and from there the home team broke away and Gavin Reilly converted from a cross.

It was totally against the run of the play and it might have been easy for the wind to be sucked out of Motherwell’s sails.

However, almost instantly, Paul McGinn worked his way into the box and squared for Blair Spittal to cooly finish for his second of the night.

That looked to be the win secured but ‘Well passed up numerous other chances and were punished for their wastefulness.

Queens broke into the box and a midfielder went down under Spittal’s challenge. Craig Napier pointed to the spot and Gavin Reilly converted the spot-kick.

Defender Ricki Lamie was then sent off, shown his second yellow card for a foul that had taken place off the pitch.

A point was disappointing in the end although Motherwell did win the bonus point on penalties. Spittal, Wilkinson, Slattery, McGinn and O’Donnell all scored and Aston Oxborough saved McKechnie’s penalty.

Focus now turns to Queen’s Park on Saturday, with Motherwell sitting joint top of group G with East Fife.

Jon Obika got off to the perfect start on Saturday against Elgin City. The newly signed striker got his first goal of the season in the second half and discusses how important it was to start strong. 

The new number nine is asked about replacing the goals of Kevin van Veen this term and the expectation he has for himself.