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At the helm of an historic top-six campaign, Head Coach Paul Brownlie has already led the women of steel to unprecedented success in claret and amber.

Motherwell will contest the top-six of the Scottish Women’s Premier League table for the first-time in their history, whilst also facing an enticing Scottish Cup Quarter-Final tie against Boroughmuir Thistle, with a place at the National Stadium, Hampden Park at stake.

As an emphatic SWPL title-race reaches its final dramatic chapter, Motherwell will be set to face title-chasers Rangers, Celtic, Glasgow City, Hibernian and Hearts. Despite the financial imbalance of full-time and part-time football, Brownlie insists that his side have earned their top-six place on merit, and will be looking to compete until the end of the season.

“Our season is far from over,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie said.

“We have worked tirelessly to achieve a place in the top-six, but that doesn’t mean we now down tools and look ahead to next season. We have a very motivated and competitive squad, who are capable of competing with the best in the country. We held Hearts to a goalless draw, and had chances to earn three-points, likewise in narrow 1-0 defeats to rangers and Glasgow City.

“The squad have earned the right to compete against the best in the league, and we have to prepare in the correct manner to head into the post-split campaign with the confidence that we can achieve positive results.”

Brownlie’s side confidently restored their competitive edge after a disappointing top-six push of the previous campaign. The women of steel demonstrated a strong resurgence this season, picking up 13-more points with one-game still in-hand, scoring 21-more goals whilst conceding 14-less goals. Motherwell have won almost half of their fixtures this campaign, compared to the six victories pre-split last season, with the squad facing six-less defeats.

“The squad have really understood the style, and manner in which we want to play,” Brownlie added.

“We narrowed the squad size compared to last season which we collectively felt was necessary to uphold the standards without losing quality due to constant rotation. Defensively, we’ve been resolute which has provided the forwards with the platform to play without the unnecessary pressure of having to compensate for cheap goals conceded at the back.

“We’ve recruited well in both windows. Shannon [Leishman] is an experienced addition in the backline alongside Jenna [Penman], who at 21-years-old has experienced a vast array of top-flight football. Despite returning to her parent club, Laura [Berry] really hit the ground running in her second spell, as our top goalscorer. There are so many more that I could individually praise for what they’ve added to the team, but overall I’m extremely pleased with the balance within the matchday squad.

“We have a really good core group of players. Every player, whether young and experiencing their first season in the top-flight or an experienced professional, the full team are all collectively pulling in the same direction.”

The women of steel will conclude the regular season on the road to title-chasers Glasgow City, as Motherwell face an opportunity to test their top-six status, before facing the first of their Championship group fixtures. With four sides locked on 51-points in an exhilarating title-race, Brownlie insists his side are there to compete and disrupt their opponents title hopes.

“We have to take the confidence from the regular season into the post-split campaign,” Brownlie noted.

“The four-team title-race will obviously take centre-stage in the post-split campaign, but we have an opportunity to be as competitive and disruptive to the remaining teams in the top-six. Whilst we are extremely proud to achieve a place in the top-six, we want that position and feeling to be a regular occurrence at the club.

“The only way to continually guarantee your top-six status for the future is by being able to compete with the best teams in the country on a consistent basis, and we are treating our post-split campaign as an opportunity to develop our quality and standards on the pitch.

Whether captaining the club for six consecutive seasons, leading a Motherwell side onto the Hampden Park turf or guiding the club to their maiden top-six finish, skipper Gill Inglis is no stranger to historic moments in claret and amber. 

Victory over Aberdeen at K-Park was to be the next chapter in the Rutherglen-born full-back’s illustrious career in the Scottish game, as the 34-year-old defender celebrated her sixth year of dedication and commitment to the club, by leading the women of steel to their first top-six finish in the Scottish Women’s Premier League table. An unprecedented achievement for the Lanarkshire side.

“Achieving a top-six finish was an incredible moment,” Inglis said.

“We have targeted the top-six over the previous few years, and have narrowly missed out twice, even by a single-point in 2023. It’s been incredibly frustrating, but at the start of the season, we regrouped and refreshed ourselves as a squad with a clear focus on getting over the line this season.

“We’ve had our highs and lows alongside every squad in the league, but to have led the chase for a top-six finish all season, and to finally get over the line by coming back from 2-1 down made the moment, day and season even sweeter.

A top-six finish looked firmly within grasp, as defender Rachel Todd bulleted home Katie Rice’s whipped delivery to gift the women of steel a one-goal advantage. However, a quickfire double from the Dons left Motherwell stunned at the break.

A red card to former Well midfielder Niamh Noble prompted a swift second-half resurgence, as Bailley Collins prodded home the rebound from the resulting free-kick. Rangers loanee, Eilidh Austin’s first Motherwell goal followed before Louisa Boyes added a fourth, as Paul Brownlie’s side coasted through to confirming their top-six status.

“The manner in which we achieved top-six was an incredible feeling,” Inglis added.

“Results elsewhere would’ve meant we’d have achieved top-six even if we were defeated, but we didn’t care about that on the pitch. We’d worked all year for that moment, and we would’ve been disheartened to fall over the line with a defeat.

“We wanted to get over the line on our own terms, and the resiliency from the squad to pick themselves up at half-time and restore our lead was a proud moment for myself and the full team.

Despite leading the women of steel to several historical accolades over the years, including an appearance in the first Scottish domestic women’s match t0 be played at the National Stadium, Hampden Park – captain Inglis’ insisted that a top-six finish ranks highest.

“A top-six finish in the SWPL is a massive achievement for the players, coaching staff and the club as a whole,” Inglis explained.

“To be part of, and to captain the team that secures the highest league finish in the club’s history and the first appearance in the top-six is one of, if not my proudest achievement at the club. We have worked tirelessly both on and off the pitch to get to this point, and to be considered one of the best teams in the country is the perfect reward.

“The supporters have been with us all season, but they really turned out in their numbers to see us over the line. Full supporter buses travelling from Fir Park to K-Park was a great sight, and something we are immensely appreciative of as a squad. We are incredibly grateful for this effort, and we were pleased to reward that commitment with a strong performance on the pitch.

Despite coasting to the top-six with a nine-point advantage, Inglis insists the season is not yet over, and the post-split campaign will be the perfect opportunity for the squad to test and develop their standards on the pitch.

“Ultimately the season is far from over,” Inglis said.

“We’ve worked hard to get to this point, and we want to take the experience of the top-six in our stride. We are there to compete, and we want to demonstrate the ability and belief we have within the squad.

“We’ve enjoyed and celebrated the moment, but we now turn our attention back to the league and prepare for our final pre-split fixture against Glasgow City. We hope to see you all with us.”

After celebrating their long-awaited and record-breaking top-six finish, Motherwell are on the road to Springburn to face Glasgow City in their final pre-split fixture at Petershill Park on Sunday. 

Motherwell confirmed their top-six status, for the first time in the club’s history, after overcoming a 2-1 deficit at the half-time break before coasting to an assured 4-2 victory in East Kilbride.

The women of steel will look to test their top-six pedigree this weekend against title-chasers Glasgow City ahead of a closely-fought 12-game post-split campaign, where they will face title-chasers Celtic, Rangers, Glasgow City, Hibernian and Hearts both home and away.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell 

Motherwell completed an exceptional top-six shootout, coasting to an unmatched nine-point advantage over closest-rivals and dethroned top-six rivals Partick Thistle to complete a fiercely contested top-half of the SWPL table. Paul Brownlie’s side will look to frustrate and disrupt their top-six competitors, with four sides locked on 51-points in an exhilarating title-race.

Momentum has remained with the North Lanarkshire side since the start of 2025, earning five-straight victories in all competitions, with Motherwell finding the target 24-times whilst conceding only four during the same time.

Motherwell will look to rectify their spirited defeat to City in September last year, with Emily Whelan netting the only-goal in an impressive and competitive display at K-Park.

Glasgow City

City remain locked on 51-points, with title-chasing rivals Celtic, Rangers and Hibernian all maintaining their impeccable run of form. City have picked up five wins from seven, defeated only by Hibs in the Scottish Capital whilst being held to a four-goal stalemate to defending champions Celtic.

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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.

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.”

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.

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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.”

Refreshed from their Scottish Cup triumph over Bonnyrigg Rose in the ScottishGas Scottish Cup, Motherwell turn their attention back to the league campaign, when they welcome Spartans to K-Park on Sunday.

The women of steel booked their place in the quarter-final’s of the Scottish Cup in fine form, placing six-goals past the Rose to tee up an enticing contest against Boroughmuir Thistle, with a place in the Semi-Final at stake. Striker Amy Sharkey celebrated her 17th birthday and first match in claret and amber since signing permanently from Celtic last week, scoring an impressive hat-trick, with Louisa Boyes, Sophie Black and Jenna Penman also adding to the tally.

Paul Brownlie’s side will refocus their priorities towards the league campaign, with victory over Spartans this weekend putting the women of steel within touching distance of a top-six finish this season.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell 

Motherwell remain five-points clear of closest-rivals Partick Thistle, having already played an extra game, as both sides remain firmly in the chase for a top-six finish this season. Motherwell are in control of their own destiny, with victory in their next two-games potentially securing their top-six place if results elsewhere are favourable.

The women of steel are unbeaten in their last four domestic encounters, holding high-flying Hearts to a goalless stalemate, before defeating Dundee United, Montrose and Bonnyrigg Rose last weekend. Motherwell will have to contend without top-goalscorer Laura Berry, who returned to Rangers on deadline day after being recalled by the Glasgow-side.

Motherwell bolstered their squad ahead of a vital run of fixtures, with Rangers loanee Eilidh Austin, and experienced defender Shannon Leishman both joining the ranks at K-Park.

Spartans 

The capital-based club remain ninth in the SWPL table, three-points ahead of the relegation-places after a difficult fixture list against five of the top-six sides. Spartans are without a league victory since November, defeating Montrose by three-goals to nil before encountering five defeats and one draw. The Edinburgh side also secured their place in the quarter-final’s of the Scottish Cup, racking up six-goals against SWPL2 side Kilmarnock.

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Adult – £8.

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Striker Amy Sharkey has completed a permanent move from defending champions Celtic following a successful initial loan spell in ML1. 

The 16-year-old joined the Hoops’ academy in February 2022, instantly making an impression throughout her time within the youth ranks at Parkhead. The striker was named as a substitute against fierce rivals Rangers at only 15-years-old in the maiden women’s Scottish Cup Final to be held at the National Stadium, Hampden Park.

The forward soon made her senior Celtic debut, before featuring twice against Hamilton and Dundee United, with Sharkey netting her first top-flight goal in a 9-0 victory over the Tangerines.

“I’m really excited to be staying at the club,” Sharkey said.

“I’ve really wanted to continue my development in a first-team environment, and the season so far at Motherwell has been a vital learning experience for myself.

“I want to be competing for regular match action at this level, and the opportunity to stay with the club on a permanent basis was one I simply couldn’t turn down.”

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.

“I’m delighted to have Amy remain at the club,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie added.

“Amy is a very talented young footballer with an excellent amount of experience both domestically and internationally despite still only being 16-years-old.

“She has competed well with the other strikers already at the club and has been fundamental in the system we’ve played of late.”

Defender Shannon Leishman has completed a loan move from Hibernian until the end of the season. 

A stalwart in the Scottish capital, Leishman achieved over 150-appearances in Leith, becoming one of the Hibees most decorated and long-serving players. Completing successive Scottish Cup and SWPL Cup title victories, Leishman has lifted four trophies during her time in Edinburgh, whilst representing the club in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

The 28-year-old versatile defender will be a key asset for the women of steel’s as they chase their long-evaded ambition of a top-six finish in the SWPL table.

“I’m excited to be at the club,” Leishman said.

“Motherwell are a really competitive and ambitious team, who are looking to achieve a historic top-six finish this season. I knew when Paul spoke to me about coming to the club that I would be keen to be a part of their plans for the season ahead.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the squad and getting started at K-Park.”

Leishman will add experience to the already strong Motherwell backline, who have kept two back-to-back clean sheets since New Years Day.

“This is an important addition to the squad,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie added.

“Shannon is an incredibly talented and experienced footballer, who has showcased her ability in the SWPL for countless seasons, and has been a fundamental component for Hibs in recent years.

“To have someone of her ability in the squad is a real statement of intent for where we want to be by the end of the season.”