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A disappointing evening for the women of steel, as defending SWPL1 champions Glasgow City cruised to a comfortable victory in a behind closed doors friendly at Dalziel Park on Wednesday.

Bea Prades broke the deadlock midway through the first half following a goal-line scramble, with Kinga Kozak doubling the visitors advantage moments later.

Lauren Davidson accurately picked out the bottom-right corner with a free-kick on the stroke of half time, with Haley Lauder and Miracle Porter both netting late into the second half.

Head coach, Paul Brownlie made five changes to the side that started Sunday’s 9-0 victory over East Fife. Eve Donald, Kaela McDonald-Nguah, Bailley Collins and Jo Addie all returned to the starting XI, whilst Emily Mutch replaced Rebecca Cameron in goal.

Looking for a response to their previous pre-season defeat to Durham Women, City started brightly, testing Mutch within the opening few minutes.

A low delivery from the left sailed invitingly towards Sophia Martin at the front post, but Mutch reacted well to deny the forward with a smart stop.

The Motherwell stopper was called into action moments later, with Davidson drilling a low shot from the edge of the box, but Mutch was able to gather.

Motherwell’s resolute defence was quickly undone in minutes midway through the first half, as City netted two quickfire goals.

The women of steel failed to clear their lines from a dangerous corner on the right, and following a goal line scramble, Prades smashed home the opener from a few yards out.

Seconds after the restart, City recovered possession through Davidson, with Kozak’s overlapping run exploiting the high Motherwell backline; and the midfielder calmly picked out the bottom left corner with a composed finish.

As the half time whistle approached, Glasgow tripled their advantage. After initially being impeded inches outside of the penalty area, Davidson stepped up and curled a precise effort into the bottom right corner.

The hosts came close to narrowing the deficit as the second half resumed, with McDonald-Nguah narrowly evading the target with a shot from distance moments after Carla Boyce rattled the crossbar from 30-yards.

Lauder capitalised on a moment of defensive indecision to secure City’s fourth of the game, converting from a few yards out.

In the latter stages of the second half, the visitors sealed the game with a fifth decisive goal. A low cross from the right was met by Porter in the six-yard box and her slight touch ricocheted off the boot of Addie, who’s lunging tackle diverted the strikers attempt beyond the reach of Mutch in goal.

Line-ups.

E. Mutch, E. Donald, J. Addie, C. Watson, B. Collins, G. Inglis, S. Gibb, L. Boyes, K. McDonald-Nguah, C. Boyce, K. Jardine.

The women of steel will start to put the finishing touches on their pre-season preparations tonight.

Following a cancellation of our final pre-season fixture against Dundee United, Motherwell will start to conclude their 2023/24 pre-season campaign with a visit from Glasgow City in a behind closed doors friendly, with one final friendly match still to be announced.

Paul Brownlie’s side have already faced tests against SWPL2 promotion-chasers Gartcairn, Celtic, Boroughmuir Thistle, and Hearts.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

After sealing their first pre-season victory in a commanding 9-0 win over East Fife at the weekend, Motherwell will be looking to develop a positive run of form with a result against the defending champions, as the opening weekend of the SWPL1 campaign approaches.

An emphatic Carla Boyce hat-trick, supplemented with braces from Kaitlyn Canavan and Kayla Jardine, and further strikes from captain Gill Inglis and Bailley Collins cemented a vital step in our foundations for the upcoming SWPL1 season.

Motherwell suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Glasgow City in their last home meeting, with a 97^th minute Jenna Clark header sealing the three points for City on that day.

Glasgow City

Defending champions, Glasgow City are preparing to preserve their SWPL1 crown, after securing their 16^th Premier League title on the final day last season.

City will be looking to bounce back from their last pre-season encounter, which saw the Petershill side lose out to Durham Women.

How to follow the action

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

Motherwell dusted off Friday nights blues with a comprehensive victory over East Fife in a behind closed doors friendly at K-Park on Sunday.

Captain Gill Inglis broke the deadlock early on with an accurate strike from distance, with a Carla Boyce hat-trick, Kayla Jardine double, a brace from Kaitlyn Canavan and a late Bailley Collins volley sealing an exceptional 9-0 victory.

Head coach, Paul Brownlie made six changes to the side that started Friday’s encounter, with Morgan Hay, Georgie Rafferty, Louisa Boyes, Sarah Gibb, and Kayla Jardine all returning to the starting XI, whilst Rebecca Cameron returned in goal.

On the hunt for their first victory of the 2023/24 pre-season campaign, Motherwell started the first half firmly on the front foot, with Canavan coming close to an early opener after cutting inside from the right, but the strikers effort narrowly evaded the far post.

The visitors struggled to maintain possession in the opening phases of play, with the women of steel quickly retrieving control of the ball and finding opportunities across both flanks. Motherwell continued to flood the opposition penalty area and their persistence was soon rewarded with a quickfire double.

Inglis accurately picked out the top corner with a precise curling effort from the edge of the box before a loose pass at the back was expertly intercepted by Jardine who coolly converted.

Jardine continued to cause the visitors problems cutting inside from the left flank before picking out both Tara McGonigle and Canavan, but Motherwell couldn’t capitalise.

The hosts eventually netted their third of the afternoon on the stroke of half time. Jardine again worked her way into a threatening position on the left before accurately picking out Boyce with a floated delivery across the face of goal, and the striker smashed a low strike beyond the reach of the keeper.

As the second half resumed, Motherwell picked up where they left off, forcing East Fife into trading possession deep into their own half, and another two quickfire goals followed.

Boyce netted her second of the game, with a high cross from the left drifting invitingly towards the striker, who headed home for her second and Motherwell’s fourth of the afternoon.

A mix-up in the penalty area preceded a goal-line scramble, which allowed Motherwell to force through their fifth.

Boyce completed her hat-trick soon after, heading home from close range. Canavan made it seven after a perfectly-weighted through ball from Jardine sliced through the visiting defence, leaving the striker one-on-one with the keeper, but despite her initial effort blocked; the striker prodded home the rebound.

Canavan secured her brace moments later after substitute Kaela McDonald-Nguah found the forward lurking in the box, and Canavan expertly escaped her marker to prod home Motherwell’s eighth.

Substitute Collins made an instant impact from the bench, lashing home a volley from the right, picking out the far-left corner for Motherwell’s ninth and final goal of the game.

Line-ups:

R. Cameron, M. Hay, T. McGonigle, G. Rafferty, C. Watson, G. Inglis, S. Gibb, L. Boyes, K. Jardine, C. Boyce, K. Canavan.

Motherwell return to action in a behind closed doors friendly this afternoon.

Following a heavy defeat to Hearts in their previous pre-season encounter, the women of steel will be looking for a response, as they host East Fife at K-Park.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

Paul Brownlie’s side will be looking for a resurgence from Friday evening’s defeat, with the Fifers visit providing the opportunity to secure our first pre-season victory, as we approach the finale of our 2023/24 campaign.

The women of steel will have a full squad available for this afternoons encounter, minus the recent acquisition of Hannah Cunningham, who will remain unavailable.

It has been over half a decade since Motherwell’s last meeting with East Fife, with both sides facing each other in an SWPL2 clash in September 2017, with the points shared in a 1-1 draw.

East Fife

East Fife are preparing for a season in the SWF Championship following relegation from SWPL2 last season.

The visitors finished the 2022/23 campaign 12 points shy of nearest rivals Stirling University, with their only victory coming in a 2-1 win over Queens Park.

How to follow the action
Supporters can follow this afternoons encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match.

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.

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.”

Motherwell reached the halfway stage in their pre-season campaign, with Boroughmuir Thistle the visitors in a behind closed-doors friendly at K-Park on Sunday.

A frustrating afternoon for the women of steel, as the scoreline failed to accurately reflect their dominant share of possession, with a late Bailley Collins header cancelling out an opener from the SWPL2 side.

Chances proved to be few throughout the first half, with both sides trading control of the ball.

Katie Rice came closest to the opener after latching onto Collins’ through ball at the edge of the box, but the midfielder couldn’t apply the finishing touches, as her effort curled over the bar.

A resolute Boroughmuir defence continued to frustrate the hosts, forcing attempts from distance, with strikes from Kayla Jardine and Collins failing to trouble the keeper.

However, Jardine’s pace continued to cause the visitors problems, with the youngster flooding the opposing penalty area with crosses from the left, but the opener failed to materialise before the break.

The half time whistle allowed both sides the opportunity to make several alterations to their squad, with head coach Paul Brownlie switching eight players.

Looking for a response, Motherwell came agonisingly close to the breaking the deadlock moments after the restart.

After initially being fouled at the edge of the box, Rice stepped up and curled an exceptional free kick beyond the reach of the keeper, but the crossbar gave the visiting defence a lifeline.

After failing to capitalise on an array of opportunities, Boroughmuir netted the opener against the run of play.

An in-swinging corner from the right sailed dangerously across the face of goal, and the striker placed an accurate header past Cameron.

With the final few minutes ticking by, Motherwell found the equaliser. Captain Gill Inglis’ deep delivery from the left floated invitingly towards the back post, and Collins expertly escaped her marker to convert.

The women of steel will continue their pre-season preparations with a visit from Hearts on Friday.

Line-ups:

First Half – E. Mutch, T. McGonigle, G. Rafferty, Trialist, E. Donald, S. Gibb, K. Rice, L. Boyes, B. Collins, K. Jardine, K. McDonald-Nguah.

Second Half – R. Cameron, M. Hay, J, Addie, C. Watson, B. Collins, G. Inglis, A. Anderson, K. McDonald-Nguah, K. Jardine, Trialist, K. Canavan.

Motherwell FC are delighted to announce the signing of Aberdeen midfielder Bailley Collins on a permanent transfer.

The 19-year old featured 32 times for the Dons last season, netting four goals.

“I’m delighted to have joined Motherwell,” Collins said.

“A club with great management and a strong squad of players that I know will help me improve.”

Collins will be the ninth acquisition of the summer transfer window, as the women of steel prepare to challenge for the top-six this season.

“Bailley is a fantastic, versatile young player who will provide real energy and drive to this team,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“She possesses the quality we need to help strengthen the squad.”

Bailley will be available for Motherwell’s upcoming pre-season friendly with Boroughmuir Thistle on Sunday.

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.”