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Looking to put a weekend of cup disappointment firmly in the past, the women of steel return to league action this weekend, as Motherwell seek to end their recent winless run against title-chasers Celtic.

Motherwell’s pre-international break woes persisted on their return in the East coast, as a prolific Montrose racked up three second-half goals to secure their place in the second round of the Sky Sports Cup, with Motherwell suffering a disappointing early exit.

Paul Brownlie’s side will now travel to the Excelsior stadium, as they look to conclude their misfortunes on the road.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

The visitors exceptional start to the league campaign saw Motherwell record three wins from their opening five league games, however the women of steel have since faced a strenuous couple of months, with four successive defeats in all competitions.

Battling performances against Partick Thistle and Hibernian unfortunately yielded no points, with narrow one-goal deficits ultimately deciding the tie.

Motherwell will be looking to replicate their previous performance against the Glasgow outfit, as neither side found the target which transpired to be an historic point in the last meeting in January.

Celtic

Last season’s Scottish Cup champions Celtic have picked up where they left off last season, with an impeccable eight successive victories in all domestic competitions, placing the Glasgow side one point behind league leaders and fierce rivals Rangers with a game to spare.

Celtic have proven to be prolific in-front of goal whilst remaining compact and difficult to break down at the back, as Fran Alonso’s side netted 41 goals and conceded only five in their opening seven league games.

Ticket Information

Cash & card payments are also available for this fixture. Supporters can purchase tickets here:

• Adult – £8
• Under 16s – £4 (Proof of age may be required)
• Adult & Child (U16) – £10

How to follow the action

Those attending Excelsior Stadium will be able to access the ground from 13:30 ahead of a 14:00 kick off. Supporters can follow Sunday’s encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match.

Motherwell’s pre-international break woes persisted on their return in the East coast, as a prolific Montrose racked up three second-half goals to secure their place in the second round of the Sky Sports Cup, with Motherwell suffering a disappointing early exit.

Aimee Ridgeway broke the deadlock early into the second-half, with Neve Guthrie quickly doubling the hosts advantage on the hour mark. Louise Brown added a third in the latter stages to compile Motherwell’s misery on the road.

Head coach Paul Brownlie made three changes from the previous defeat to Hibernian, as Murron Cunningham, Katie Rice and Bailley Collins all returned to the starting XI. Academy graduate Hannah Cairns secured a pace on the bench whilst Carla Boyce and Kaela McDonald-Nguah led the line.

Keen to break their three game winless run of form, Motherwell started firmly on the front foot, with Collins coming agonisingly close to an opener in the early exchanges.

The wingers strike from distance changed direction in the air, leaving the Montrose stopper scrambling, as the ball rattled off the crossbar. Carla Boyce prodded home the rebound, but the strikers celebrations were quickly cut short, as Boyce narrowly strayed offside.

Motherwell were awarded a penalty minutes later, as Louisa Boyes’ clever first-touch caught the defender off-balance, and a reckless challenge left the referee no alternative but to award the spot kick. McDonald-Nguah stepped up and saw her penalty parried clear by Lauren Perry in the Montrose goal. A moment which soon reflected the visitors afternoon.

Louisa Boyes had the ball in the net as the half-time whistle approached, but the referee adjudged an offside in the build-up which kept the scoreline intact.

As the second half resumed, Montrose netted the opener. Substitute Flo Bruce’s delivery was met by Ridgeway near the edge of the box, and the forwards powerful attempt sailed into the top-left corner.

The hosts soon doubled their advantage, as Charlotte Gammie’s delivery from the right was parried clear by Mutch, but only to the feet of Guthrie who fired home from close range.

With the women of steel desperately searching for a route back into the game, Montrose secured a decisive third on the counter attack.

Guthrie capitalised on Motherwell’s high defensive line, racing in-behind before picking out Louise Brown inside the penalty area, and the midfielder calmly placed a low effort into the bottom-right corner to earn her sides place in the third round of the Sky Sports Cup.

Motherwell will turn their attention to league action with Celtic the hosts at the Excelsior Stadium.

Narrowly missing out on top-six football was a bitter pill for Paul Brownlie’s side to swallow last season, but the campaign was littered with success. Beating the previous highest points total in the league but also reaching the semifinal of the Scottish Cup and becoming the first domestic women’s team to step onto the Hampden turf was just two of those successes.

It was a historical moment and despite a 2-0 defeat to Rangers on the day, it has given everyone within the squad the taste of a cup run, something they want to repeat this year. In Sky Sports cup action this weekend, Motherwell travel north to newly promoted Montrose in the second round, looking to get off to the best possible start and overcome the first hurdle.

For summer signing Hannah Cunningham however, reflecting on last season’s cup run with Glasgow Women was not one to fondly remember as her side were beaten by Motherwell, one stage before Hampden.

“The team had a great run last year,” said Cunningham.

“I was on the losing side in the quarter final, so felt the opposite feelings to the team, but for us to have another run this season only increases momentum, and as a squad we should always be aiming to achieve results in any game that we play.

“Going to their ground will be difficult and we can’t underestimate them, but concentrating on our game plan and executing it effectively will be crucial for us to get into the next round of the cup.”

Motherwell’s last victory in the domestic calendar came against the Gable Endies earlier this month, with strikes from Katie Rice, Louisa Boyes and Kaela McDonald-Nguah securing a comprehensive 3-1 victory at K-Park.

“The first game we played against Montrose was a test for us, as all games are in this league,” Cunningham said.

“We played some good football in spells, but we can always improve on our own performance, and I think that’s definitely something we identified moving forward.

“We’ve had some very good performances so far this season, but as Paul has said, it’s small details in some of those games that has let us down. It’s crucial for us as a squad to regroup and fix the small details.”

Arriving from Glasgow Women in the summer, Cunningham has instantly cemented her place at the core of the Motherwell backline, aiding a seamless transition to ML1 which the defender noted was an attractive move.

“Moving to Motherwell was a very attractive move for me,” Cunningham explained.

“Playing against Paul and Leanne on numerous occasions last year, you could see the standards set here. I always want to improve and push my levels as far as possible, so they were a huge influence on me coming here for sure.

“I’ve been settling in well within the team and getting used to the high demands set on us. It’s a very competitive and challenging environment to step into, which is always a positive, and we are moving in the right direction each day as a squad.”

Cunningham’s first taste of top-flight football in Scotland came last season in Glasgow Women’s maiden SWPL campaign, an experience that has proved instrumental this time around.

“Last year was an extremely good experience,” Cunningham added.

“Getting to know and testing yourself against some of the best players in the country will only improve personal performances. Even though last season didn’t end on a positive note, I hope to bring the experiences I gained into my game here at Motherwell.

“Morale is very strong within the group, the experienced players are always trying to help newer players strive to be successful within the team, and there’s also a great sense of togetherness within the squad.”

Following an extended international break, the women of steel return to action in the Sky Sports League Cup, as Paul Brownlie’s side look to replicate last season’s Scottish cup successes which saw the side overcome Gartcairn, Montrose and Glasgow Women before facing Rangers in a closely-fought Semi-Final at Hampden Park.

The brief hiatus from the domestic calendar has allowed the squad the ideal opportunity to regroup following a tough final week, with competitive performances against Partick Thistle, Rangers and Hibernian yielding no points.

With a trip to Links Park on the horizon, Motherwell will be looking to finally conclude their misfortunes on the road and secure their second victory over Montrose this season.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

The women of steel will be keen to replicate their league victory over Sunday’s hosts, as they prepare to kickstart their league cup campaign.

Motherwell’s last victory in the domestic calendar came against the Gable Endies earlier this month, with strikes from Katie Rice, Louisa Boyes and Kaela McDonald-Nguah securing a comprehensive 3-1 victory at K-Park.

The women of steel will be looking to surpass last-season’s Quarter-Final exit to eventual champions Rangers, with the side envisioning a place in the latter stages of the competition.

Montrose

The hosts have had a tough start to life in the SWPL after their title-deciding SWPL 2 campaign last season, with the side picking up one win from their opening eight league encounters.

A heavy defeat to Rangers will have drained much optimism gained from their historic first Premier Legue victory over Dundee United in the same week.

The Links Park side will be keen to establish a lengthy cup run to support their efforts in their maiden league campaign.

Ticket Information

Cash & card payments are also available for this fixture.

• Adult – £7
• Concession – £5
• Under 16s – Free to enter when accompanied by an adult.

*Concession tickets apply to those over 65, and to full-time students eligible with a valid matriculation card.

How to follow the action

Supporters travelling to Links Park will be available to access the ground within the hour prior to kick-off at 1PM.

Sunday’s encounter can be followed online on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match.

Kayla Jardine has left the club and will return to Rangers after being recalled from a season-long loan deal.

The 18-year-old, who netted three times across her first spell in Lanarkshire, extended her stay at the club this summer after signing an initial short-term loan deal in January last season.

However, the forward has returned to her parent club having yet to make her first appearance in claret and amber for the 2023/24 campaign.

We thank Kayla for her efforts at Motherwell and wish her all the best for the future.

Global steel supplier Steel Plate & Sections and Management consultancy Faithful+Gould, since rebranded as AtkinsRéalis will become our new official U14s regional and national academy squad sponsors until the conclusion of season 2023/24.

With over 50 years of industry experience, SPS were the first and continue to be a leading supplier in high-yield steel for offshore fabrication and have been committed to ensuring the needs of numerous industries across the globe.

“We are delighted to announce that SPS Profiling have proudly sponsored Motherwell Football Club’s women’s U14 Academy squad,” SPS Division Manager, John Lynas said.

“Known as ‘The Girls of Steel’, this support pays tribute to the area’s steelmaking heritage, epitomised by the men’s team, “The Steelmen.”

“This partnership underscores the connection between local industry and community, fostering youth development and unity. It’s a symbol of the enduring legacy of steelmaking and a bright future for young athletes in the community.

“Our sponsorship equips the U14 girls with new training gear and features the SPS Profiling logo on their match day kits.”

AtkinsRéalis, previously named Faithful+Gould, design and deliver major projects on the built and natural environments all around the world, by advising and supporting public and private sector clients with the delivery of complex, outcome-focused projects.

The U14 national squad sponsor, build relationships based on understanding, integrity and collaboration. Engineering a better future for the planet and its people.

“We are thrilled to be sponsoring Motherwell Girls National Academy Programme under 14 Football team,” Director Tom McDougall said.

“Empowering the next generation of females is a cause close to our hearts, and we believe in fostering their passion and dedication.

“By sponsoring this talented group of girls, we hope to have contributed in a way that the girls have the resources, coaching, and opportunities they need to excel on the field and beyond.”

A tough week for the women of steel was further compounded, as visitors Hibernian narrowly edged a 0-1 victory to end Motherwell’s unbeaten home run in a closely-fought encounter at K-Park on Sunday.

Jorian Baucom’s second-half strike proved to be the difference, as Motherwell failed to capitalise on numerous goalscoring opportunities and were consigned to defeat, with Hibernian securing their third successive victory.

Head coach Paul Brownlie made one change from the midweek defeat to Rangers, as goalscorer Carla Boyce returned to starting XI, with Bailley Collins taking place on the bench. Injury woes have continued to hamper the side, as Morgan Cross, Morgan Hay and Eve Donald continue their return to full fitness.

Eagerly looking to impose themselves from the off, the visitors sprayed several deliveries across the Motherwell penalty area, with Baucom denied the opener early on by Emily Mutch. A skilful turn at the edge of the box allowed Baucom to evade Jo Addie before firing a low strike across the face of goal, but Mutch reacted well to produce a comfortable stop.

Motherwell came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock with unarguably the best opportunity of the opening 45-minutes. Amy Anderson’s incisive through ball accurately picked out Kaela McDonald-Nguah lurking within the penalty area, and the striker expertly shifted the ball onto her stronger right foot, but her dangerous effort drifted agonisingly wide of the top-right corner.

With both sides failing to break the deadlock before the break, Motherwell picked up where they left off, threatening the visiting goal. Captain Gill Inglis’ exceptional solo-run saw the defender cruise past three or four Hibs jerseys, before a late lunging tackle from former Motherwell defender Lauren Doran-Barr, denied Inglis from getting a shot on goal.

Inglis was again called into action moments later, this time at the other end of the pitch, as Abbie Ferguson’s driving run on the counter-attack allowed the midfielder to coast into the Motherwell penalty area, but a late tackle from Inglis diverted Ferguson’s effort wide of the target.

With both sides looking evenly-matched throughout and the game seemingly destined for a closely-fought stalemate, the visitors found the breakthrough.

Ferguson’s through ball from the right fell kindly to the feet of Baucom deep inside the Motherwell penalty area, and a clever turn allowed her to escape pressure from Chelsie Watson and Amy Anderson before picking out the top-left corner with an unstoppable strike.

Brownlie’s side pushed forward until the final whistle, but were unable to find the eventual equaliser and were consigned to defeat. The squad will now face a short international break before returning to cup action, with Montrose standing in their way of a place in the next round.

An intense week for the women of steel will come to a conclusion this weekend, as Paul Brownlie’s side get set to preserve their unbeaten home record, with Hibernian the visitors at K-Park.

Motherwell will be poised to enhance their impressive home record after struggling the break their misfortunes on the road. The hosts woes in Springburn were soon followed by defeat to Rangers at a rainswept Broadwood Stadium, with the side struggling to replicate their successes in East Kilbride.

Victory at K-Park has already proven to be a difficult proposition for visiting sides this season, with Motherwell achieving maximum points at home thus far.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

Motherwell will be looking to bounce back from the midweek defeat to Rangers, as Carla Boyce’s solitary goal proved to be insufficient as the hosts cruised to a comfortable 4-1 lead.

The women of steel’s most recent victory over the Hibees came at Meadowbank last season, as goals from Jo Addie, Lori Gardner and Amy Anderson sealed a historic 3-2 victory for Brownlie’s side.

Despite Laura McCartney returning from a long-term injury, which kept her out of action for 855 days, Motherwell’s recent injury concerns will continue to limit squad selection on Sunday. Morgan Cross, Morgan Hay and Eve Donald will all remain doubtful for a return following injuries sustained over the past week.

Hibernian

One win from their opening five league games proved to be a confidence-draining start for the visitors. However, Grant Scott’s side have since overturned their early struggles, building a positive run of form that has earnt a place in the top-six of the SWPL league table.

The Edinburgh side will travel to Calderglen, buoyed by successive victories over Aberdeen and local rivals Hearts in the first Edinburgh derby of the 2023/24 campaign.

American forward, Jorian Baucom has proven to be a dangerous asset this season, netting five times thus far, including an impressive hat-trick in a dominant 5-0 win over Aberdeen midweek.

Ticket information

Cash & card payments are also available for this fixture.

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

*Concession tickets apply to those over 65, and to 12–17-year-olds, with full-time students also eligible with a valid matriculation card.

Additional information – no pets allowed within K-Park.

How to follow the action

Supporters can follow Sunday’s encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match. The match will also be available to watch live on the BBC Sport Scotland website. Kick-off is at 4PM.

Three successive victories in East Kilbride has preserved an impeccable unbeaten home record for the women of steel, but replicating their success on the road has proven to be a strenuous undertaking and midfielder Tara McGonigle believes finding their rhythm will be key to success.

“I think we’ve found it difficult to find our rhythm in away games so far,” said McGonigle.

“We’ve let ourselves down so far with away ties, but we’ve looked back on areas we need to tighten up on, and we look to do this in the tough run of away fixtures we have coming up.”

The first Lanarkshire derby victory of the 2023/24 SWPL campaign was complimented with commanding performances over Spartans and newly promoted Montrose, with Paul Brownlie’s side achieving maximum points at home thus far.

“It’s extremely important we keep our momentum at home,” McGonigle explained.

“I think we’ve shown a lot of resilience at home so far. We’ve had a few tough battles, but keeping our composure especially in-front of goal has really helped us to settle into our game and play our style of football.

“We don’t want this to be an easy place for teams to pick up points and we’re working hard on and off the pitch to be tactically hard to break down at all times.

“At home, we have been performing better although still not at the same level we are capable of, and battling for results is something we need to take on the road with us to really push our season on”

A late goal in Springburn denied Motherwell their first points on the road last weekend, with Partick Thistle salvaging a late victory in a game of defensive prowess and limited goalscoring opportunities for both sides. A tough 4-1 defeat to league leaders Rangers at a rainswept Broadwood Stadium followed, as the women of steel continue to seek their first points on the road.

“It was extremely disappointing to concede the late goal against Thistle. We looked strong defensively and were on top throughout the second half, but one moment of switching off gave them the lead.

“It’s something we need to learn from and be alert at every moment during the game, especially during set pieces.”

As the side look to get their form back on track, McGonigle detailed what Brownlie’s message was to the players for the upcoming season.

“The message was that we need to recover from the game and focus on the next challenge. We will definitely reflect and look over aspects of the game, but this gives us a good chance to bounce back

“We believe in ourselves and want to prove we are good enough to take points from the top of the table sides, and hopefully on Sunday we can take something from the game.”

Motherwell’s matchday woes on the road persisted in Cumbernauld, as the women of steel suffered a 4-1 defeat to league leaders Rangers under the lights of a rainswept Broadwood stadium on Wednesday.

Kirsty Maclean got Rangers off the mark after half an hour to give Jo Potter’s side a slim advantage at the break. Rio Hardy doubled the advantage early into the second half, with Rachel McLaughlin adding a third on the hour mark.

Carla Boyce pulled one back in the latter stages of the second half, but a 90^th-minute Kirsty Howat strike settled an assured 3-goal advantage for the hosts.

Head coach Paul Brownlie made three changes from Sunday’s late defeat to Partick Thistle, with Kaitlyn Canavan, Sarah Gibb and Hannah Cunningham returning to the starting XI, as Katie Rice, Tara McGonigle and Carla Boyce settled for a place on the bench.

Looking to put a halt to their recent away record, Motherwell started brightly, testing Victoria Esson in the Rangers goal. Canavan shielded the ball well at the edge of the box before being impeded at the edge of the Rangers penalty area. McDonald-Nguah stepped up and drilled an exceptional effort that looked destined for the top-right corner before curling agonisingly over the crossbar.

The Gers broke the deadlock midway through the first-half, as Middag’s short corner caught the Motherwell defence off-guard, and Laura Berry coasted through the visiting penalty area before coolly dispatching an accurate finish into the bottom-right corner.

The hosts netted a second moments after the restart, with Mclaughlin’s pinpoint delivery from the right sailing invitingly into the path of Hardy, who headed home with ease.

The third of the evening came shortly after, with McLaughlin converting with a composed finish, picking out the bottom-corner.

A late Motherwell resurgence saw a flurry of chances narrowly evade the Rangers goal. A floated delivery from the right was accurately met by an unmarked Chelsie Watson in the air, but the centre-backs wayward header failed to trouble the Rangers stopper.

Amy Anderson tried her luck from distance, with a spectacular effort from over 30-yards out rattling the crossbar, but the breakthrough failed to materialise.

As the full-time whistle approached, Motherwell finally got their reward. Indecision in the Rangers backline allowed Boyce to capitalise, with the striker curling a precise effort into the bottom-left corner, leaving Esson caught in no-man’s land.

Motherwell pushed forward in search of a second and found themselves caught on the counter, with the hosts netting a decisive fourth, as Howat volleyed home Mia McAulay’s delivery.

Motherwell will return to home this weekend looking to preserve their unbeaten record at K-Park, with Hibs the visitors in East Kilbride.