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Motherwell continued their pre-season preparations in a behind closed-doors friendly with Celtic at Barrowfield on Wednesday night.

A valiant display from an experienced and youthful Motherwell side proved not to be enough as the hosts held a comfortable five-goal advantage at the final whistle.

It wouldn’t take long for the Scottish Cup champions to break the deadlock, with the opener coming on the third minute.

Celtic were able to exploit the high Motherwell backline, and despite an exceptional reaction save from Rebecca Cameron at the initial attempt, the rebound was prodded home into the empty net.

Nevertheless, the women of steel continued to threaten and minutes later, they netted the equaliser.

Katie Rice’s floated corner kick sailed invitingly towards the near post, and Kaela McDonald-Nguah expertly escaped her marker to apply the finish from close range.

Motherwell’s route back into the game was however quickly undermined, as Celtic restored their advantage.

The visitors were dispossessed deep into their own territory, leaving Cameron in no mans land, and the Celtic forward rounded the keeper with ease, before placing her strike into the empty net.

On the 20-minute mark, the hosts had their third, with Motherwell the architects of their own downfall.

Cameron looked to quickly build from the back, but her short throw was easily intercepted and coolly dispatched for Celtic’s third of the evening.

Motherwell threatened with efforts from Rice and Canavan coming close, but ultimately couldn’t find their second of the game.

A previously arranged water-break on the half hour mark allowed both sides to make several alterations to their line-ups.

With both alternated sides struggling to settle into the tempo of the game, Celtic received a penalty, which was drilled high into the roof of the net. A harsh start for the changed squad.

Canavan came close to narrowing the deficit as the second half resumed after connecting with Rice’s corner kick, but the forward’s looping header narrowly cleared the crossbar.

A mix-up at the back allowed Celtic through again for their fifth of the evening before a late strike from the edge of the box sealed a comprehensive 6-1 win for the hosts.

Head coach Paul Brownlie will have several positives to take from this evenings contest, as the scoreline didn’t fully represent the course of the 90-minutes.

The women of steel will continue their pre-season preparations with a visit from Boroughmuir Thistle on Sunday.

Tara McGonigle has joined the club from Hamilton ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The former Spartans and Glasgow Women forward will make the short trip across the river Clyde after featuring 22 times for Accies last season.

“I am really excited to sign for Motherwell,” McGonigle said.

“I’m eager to learn a lot under Paul and Leanne, and I’m really looking forward to getting the season started.”

McGonigle, who has featured for Scotland at U16, U17 and U19 level, will be the eighth new addition to the women of steel this summer.

“Tara will be a great addition to this team,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“I’ve worked with Tara previously at youth national level, so I’m well aware of the qualities she has to offer.

“I’m delighted to get her on board.”

Kayla Jardine has re-joined the club on a season-long loan deal from Rangers.

The 18-year-old, who netted three times across her first spell in Lanarkshire, extends her stay at the club after signing a short-term loan deal in January.

“I was really welcomed by all of the girls and enjoyed being back at the club for half of last season” Jardine said.

“I’m really excited to be back and can’t wait to get started.”

Jardine, who has competed internationally for Scotland at U15, U17 and U19 level , will be Brownlie’s seventh summer acquisition.

“I’m really happy to get Kayla back on loan for the coming season,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“Having spent the last six months with the club, Kayla’s impact during that time was exceptional; scoring some big goals along the way with some very impressive performances to match.”

Motherwell will face several pre-season tests prior to the opening weekend of the SWPL1 calendar.

The women of steel will start their pre-season programme against SWPL2 promotion chasers Gartcairn on Sunday 9th July before a midweek encounter with Scottish Cup champions Celtic on the 12th.

Boroughmuir Thistle and Hearts will be the opponents the following week, with both matches taking place on the 16th and 21st July respectively.

The programme will conclude with a triple header against East Fife, SWPL1 champions Glasgow City and Dundee United on the 23rd, 26th and 30th of July.

“Preparations are well underway for season 2023/24,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“Players reported back last week with a real sense of excitement. The sessions have been intense so far, and the application has been first class.

“Throughout pre-season, training and matches will be designed to push the squad to their maximum. I look forward to updating supporters on our progress over the pre-season period.”

All matches will take place behind closed doors.

Laura McCartney has made the permanent switch to ML1 from Rangers.

The centre-midfielder had been on loan at Motherwell for the last two seasons however is yet to feature due to injury.

Fresh off the back of a full recovery, McCartney now joins the women of steel as she looks forward to her return to action.

“There is no doubt due to Laura’s circumstances of injury, that the last two season’s have been incredibly frustrating,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“However, she has returned to training and is fully focused on a strong season on the pitch this term.

“Laura was one of my first signing’s at Motherwell, on loan, and that’s because I fully believe in her ability.

“I look forward to seeing her back on the pitch in competitive matches.”

Highly-rated Goalkeeper Rebecca Cameron has joined the club from St. Johnstone for the 2023/24 season.

An impressive SWPL2 campaign saw the Perth shot-stopper named Saints Player of the Year, and Cameron has since put pen to paper to join Paul Brownlie’s side for the forthcoming season.

“I am delighted to have signed for Motherwell,” Cameron said.

“I’m excited for a new challenge and am looking forward to the season ahead. I can’t wait to get started.”

“Rebecca will add extra quality to our goalkeeping department,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“She had an outstanding campaign last season with St. Johnstone. I’m delighted to get her on board.”

Cameron becomes Brownlie’s fifth summer signing.

Goalkeeper Katie Andrews has joined Gartcairn on loan until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old shot-stopper, who joined Motherwell in 2021, will continue her development with the SWPL2 side this season.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Katie,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“Gartcairn narrowly missed out on promotion last year in a very competitive league, so this will be the perfect environment for Katie to develop.”

“We are looking forward to seeing her progress.”

Kayleigh Bargathi has re-joined Glasgow Women on loan for the 2023/24 season.

The 18-year-old, who made her first-team debut last season, will continue her development at the club after making 13 appearances in the previous campaign.

“We are encouraged with Kayleigh’s progression so far,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“Extending her spell at Glasgow will allow her the opportunity to play regular first-team football.

“I am excited to see how she gets on this season.”