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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.

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.”

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.”

The women of steel swiftly refocus their attention to Premier League action, looking to replicate their emphatic league display over Aberdeen in the Granite city on Wednesday evening, as they attempt to shake off their Quarter-Final blues, when they travel to Springburn to face closest rivals Partick Thistle on Sunday.

Motherwell coasted past the Dons under the floodlights at Balmoral Stadium in a performance which propelled the women of steel firmly back into the final top-six place, one-point ahead of Brian Graham’s Jags. Louisa Boyes’ netted a sensational second-half hat-trick, with Laura Berry also dispatching a strike from the penalty spot. Sienna McGoldrick and Sophie Black both got off the mark in claret and amber, netting their first goals for the club.

Paul Brownlie’s side will look to regain their signs of momentum after reflecting on a disappointing Sky Sports Cup Quarter-Final exit to defending champions Rangers. Motherwell cruised past local rivals Hamilton in the previous round, but couldn’t overcome the Ibrox side, as Amy Sharkey netted the solitary Motherwell goal in a comfortable victory of the visitors at K-Park.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

Paul Brownlie’s side head into Sunday afternoons meeting looking to redeem themselves following a disappointing performance against the hosts at Fir Park last September. The women of steel have yet to take three points from the Glasgow-side, despite scoring 10-times since last thrashing the Jags by six-goals to one in March 2020.

Motherwell remain in a prolific goalscoring run of form on the road, finding the target on 12-occasions in their last three SWPL encounters, with striker Laura Berry netting five-times and midfielder Louisa Boyes’ complimenting with an additional three.

The women of steel will have more options within their matchday squad, as Rangers loanees Sophie Black, Laura Berry and Mason Clark will all be eligible to return following the Sky Sports Cup Quarter-Final defeat against their parent club.

Partick Thistle

Thistle remain one-point behind the women of steel in the SWPL table after picking up one win from their last five league games, defeating Queens Park two-nil, whilst drawing on the road to Montrose, and enduring defeats to Hearts, Glasgow City, and Hibernian.

Ticket information

Supporters can purchase tickets on matchday, with the clubs turnstile in operation. Tickets can also be purchased in advance through the Partick thistle ticketing website.

• Adult – £8.
• Concession – £6.
• Under-16s – 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 Petershill Park at 1PM.

The women of steel face a swift return to competitive action, looking to capitalise on their confident six-goal victory over Aberdeen in the Granite city on Wednesday evening, when they return to South Lanarkshire to face Rangers in the Quarter-Final of the Sky Sports League Cup.

Motherwell coasted past the Dons under the floodlights at Balmoral Stadium in a performance which propelled the women of steel firmly back into the final top-six place, one-point ahead of nearest rivals Partick Thistle. Louisa Boyes’ netted a sensational second-half hat-trick, with Laura Berry also dispatching a strike from the penalty spot. Sienna McGoldrick and Sophie Black both got off the mark in claret and amber, netting their first goals for the club.

Paul Brownlie’s side turn their attention to the Sky Sports Cup after previously defeating local rivals Hamilton in the previous round. Laura Berry netted a magnificent right-footed volley in the final moments of the game to force the tie into extra-time. With neither side able to find the decisive winner, goalkeeper Rebecca Cameron proved to be the hero of the previous round, saving two spot-kicks to send the women of steel into the last-eight.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

Paul Brownlie’s side head into Saturday evening’s contest in fine form, picking up four wins from their last six games in all competitions, only suffering defeat to title-chasers Rangers and defending champions Celtic. The women of steel have netted 17-times throughout that formidable run, with striker Laura Berry netting eight-times and midfielder Louisa Boyes’ complimenting with an additional four.

The hosts have started to build momentum in East Kilbride this season, picking up two wins from their last three, overcoming Hamilton in the previous round before placing four past Dundee United in a convincing display in the SWPL.

The women of steel will face a squad alteration this weekend, as Rangers loanees Sophie Black, Laura Berry and Mason Clark will all be unavailable to face against their parent club.

Rangers

Saturday evening may prove to be a difficult test for Motherwell, as Rangers seek to maintain their unbeaten start to the domestic campaign. The Gers remain unbeaten in 13-games, returning 10-victories since the opening of the 2024/25 campaign, conceding points to only Celtic, Glasgow City and Hibernian in three stalemates. The visitors head into this weekend’s encounter following a commanding 10-2 victory over Montrose at Broadwood last week.

Ticket information

Supporters can purchase tickets on matchday, with the clubs turnstile in operation. Tickets can also be purchased in advance through the Aberdeen FC ticketing website.

• Adult – £8.
• Concession – £3.
• Under-11s – Free to enter.

How to follow the action 

Supporters can follow Wednesday’s encounter on X formerly Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match. Kick-off from K-Park at 7.45PM.

Following the departure of long-serving Assistant Coach Leanne Crichton, Head Coach Paul Brownlie moved swiftly to reshape his background staff, appointing First-team coach Colin Crichton to the vacant assistant position of Motherwell Football Club.

The experienced Scottish coach has worked within the coaching ranks at the women of steel for over two years, specialising as a set-piece coach, but will now permanently oversee duties as No.2 in the Motherwell dugout.

A former semi-professional footballer, Crichton maintained an impressive and dedicated 11-season stint at Shettleston Juniors, whilst also showcasing his ability throughout a stint at Newlandsfield Park for Pollok FC.

“It can sound cliche, but working within football has always been my passion and ambition,” Crichton explained.

“Like most working within the game, my motivation to pursue a career in football came from a young age, but unlike most; becoming a coach was always my intention.

“I loved my time as a player, it has always driven my love for the game, but coaching is where I’ve truly found my passion.”

Crichton started his coaching career working across youth and community football before taking his talents across the pond to the United States. Crichton spent several years working stateside operating across both male and female programmes before returning to Scotland, as Head of Football at Glasgow United Football Club.

He soon caught the attention of Head Coach Paul Brownlie, who appointed Crichton as a first-team coach in 2022, with a clear focus of becoming a set-piece specialist for the women of steel. An impressive contribution from the sidelines saw Motherwell pick up valuable points, most notably in the Granite city, as Chelsie Watson bulleted home a header from a corner in the final seconds of the game to overcome Aberdeen at Balmoral Stadium.

“I was absolutely delighted to join the coaching staff at the club,” Crichton added.

“Paul discussed his short-term and long-term vision for the club. There was a clear aspiration to push the club towards becoming an established top-six side in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, and I just knew I wanted to be a part of that journey.

“It felt like the perfect next step in my own development as a coach. The opportunity to work alongside such an experienced team has not only been valuable for my own progression, but the playing squad have really benefitted and developed from the talented collective team of coaching staff around them.”

The departure of long-serving assistant coach, Leanne Crichton left an important vacancy at the core of the Motherwell coaching staff, and Brownlie moved swiftly to promote Crichton alongside him in the Motherwell dugout.

“I was absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity,” Crichton said.

“It was an easy decision to make. Working directly alongside an experienced head, with coaching experience across a variety of levels, within both club and international environments was an opportunity I simply couldn’t turn down.

“This is a club with a really strong relationship within the dressing room and a club culture that everybody collectively buys into. We all want to progress the club forward, and I can’t wait to get started in trying to make that a reality and hopefully forging a successful time at Motherwell.”

The women of steel currently sit sixth in the SWPL table, one-point ahead of nearest rivals Partick thistle after defeating Aberdeen by six-goals in the re-arranged league encounter on Wednesday evening at Balmoral Stadium. Motherwell overcame Queens Park, Dundee United and local rivals Hamilton to pick up four victories from their last six matches, only suffering defeat to title-chasers Rangers and defending champions Celtic. Motherwell face an important run of fixtures, hosting Rangers in the Quarter-Final of the Sky Sports Cup before a crucial away test against Partick Thistle in the coming weeks.

“The next few weeks will be crucial to our season, as we begin to head into the new year,” Crichton outlined.

“Our Quarter-Final test with Rangers is one we are all looking forward to. Facing a full-time professional team is always a challenge, but we fought valiantly in our recent league game, and were unfortunate to leave Broadwood empty-handed.

“Likewise, we are all motivated to right the wrongs of our defeat to Thistle earlier in the season. The manner we were defeated at Fir Park is something the squad are all keen to reverse when we travel to Springburn in a fortnights time. We have to take each game as it comes, but we are all motivated to head into the new year on a high.

First-team coach Colin Crichton has been promoted to fill the vacant Assistant Coach position.

The experienced Scottish coach has worked within the coaching ranks at the women of steel for over two years, specialising as a set-piece coach. Following the departure of Leanne Crichton, Colin will now permanently oversee duties as No.2 in the Motherwell dugout.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” Crichton emphasised.

“I’ve been working at the club for a couple years now, and felt that this was the next step in my coaching career.

“It’s an honour to take on this position at the club, and I can’t wait to get started.”

“I’m delighted to have Colin alongside me in the dugout,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie added.

“His insight has been valuable over the past two seasons and his attention to detail has really supported our progression on the pitch.

“This is an excellent appointment for the club.”

Motherwell leapfrogged Partick Thistle into the final top-six place in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League table with a commanding 6-0 victory over Aberdeen at Balmoral Stadium. 

Sophie Black broke the deadlock minutes into the second-half with her first Motherwell goal, before a composed Laura Berry penalty kick doubled the women of steel’s advantage seconds later. A quickfire Louisa Boyes double had the visitors firmly in the ascendancy, as the full-time whistle approached, whilst Boyes completed her hat-trick in the final moments alongside a late Sienna McGoldrick strike.

Head Coach Paul Brownlie made three changes to the side that lost to defending champions Celtic last weekend. Rachel Todd, Sophie Black, and Mason Clark all returned to the starting XI, whilst Chelsie Watson, Katie Rice, and Sarah Gibb settled for a place on the bench.

The first-half certainly proved to be an uninspiring occasion for the neutral, with neither side settling into the game, and a lack of goalscoring opportunities hindering both sides throughout.

The earliest opportunity fell to Bailley Collins shortly before the half-time break, with the versatile defender threatening the Dons goal with a drilled effort from distance, but Collins failed to trouble Aberdeen stopper Megan Sidey. Refreshed and rejuvenated following the half-time break, Motherwell came out of the traps flying, and soon took full control of the game.

Striker Laura Berry coasted through the Aberdeen backline across the right-flank before driving into the box and teeing up fellow Rangers-loanne Sophie Black, who coolly dispatched a side-footed finish into the bottom-right corner.

Less than two-minutes later, Motherwell had their second. Skipper Gill Inglis worked her way into the Dons penalty area before being hauled down under a late challenge, leaving the referee no alternative, but to award a Motherwell spot-kick. Berry stepped up and drilled a low-strike into the bottom-left corner.

Boyes’ added a third shortly after the hour-mark, latching onto the ball at the edge of the penalty area before shifting the ball onto her stronger right-foot, and the midfielder curled a magnificent finish into the top-right corner. Boyes’ second and Motherwell’s fourth followed soon after, with the 2023/24 player of the year converting Black’s floated delivery across the face of goal.

The midfielder soon turned provider, teeing up Celtic loanee Sienna McGoldrick, who fired a low-finish through the legs of Sidey to put the women of steel five ahead.

Boyes’ secured her hat-trick in the final few minutes of the game, as Katie Rice skilfully outmuscled her opponent before firing a low delivery across the face of goal, and Boyes’ reacted quickest to prod home from close-range to round off a perfect evening in Aberdeen.

Paul Brownlie’s side comfortably swept aside hosts Aberdeen in a convincing display at Balmoral Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The women of steel leapfrogged Partick Thistle into the final top-six place in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League table after racking up six second-half goals to complete a commanding performance in the Granite City.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the second-half response from the players,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie said.

“First-half, we struggled to implement our gameplan and set the standards we know we are capable of. We addressed the performance at half-time, with the players taking accountability for the disappointing first-half display, but their response was absolutely magnificent.

“We looked sharper, more direct going forward, and almost immediately had us firmly in the ascendency.”

Sophie Black marked her first competitive start for the club with a composed finish to earn her first goal in claret and amber. Laura Berry drilled home a second from the penalty spot moments later, with a Louisa boyes hat-trick and a late strike from Sienna McGoldrick completing an exceptional second-half display.

“I’m absolutely delighted for both Sophie and Sienna after getting off the mark at the club tonight” Brownlie added.

“They’ve both worked tirelessly since joining the club, and the strikes tonight epitomised the effort and dedication they have both shown behind the scenes.

“We have worked closely with Louisa throughout the campaign about getting herself into attacking areas, as she possesses the quality in the final-third to not only create, but convert goalscoring opportunities when they fall to her. Tonight’s performance and hat-trick is the perfect reward, and the perfect reflection of what Louisa is capable of producing.”

The women of steel confidently move back into the top-six, picking up their third victory from their last five SWPL encounters. Brownlie’s side have netted 16-times throughout that time, suffering only two defeats to both Celtic and Rangers.

“We are on an excellent run, but we have to continue to maintain our standards,” Brownlie said.

“We head into a tough Sky Sports cup Quarter-Final match with Rangers before a crucial test with Partick Thistle the following weekend in the league. If we can perform at the levels we showed tonight, then we are capable of achieving some excellent results to continue our run of form.

“Tonight’s result is hopefully a sign of things to come.”