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A run of difficult SWPL1 matches for Motherwell continues on Wednesday night, as Glasgow City are the opponents for Donald Jennow’s side.

The match at Wishaw Sports Centre kicks off at 7.30pm.

The form guide

Motherwell are on a run of four defeats, albeit against challenging opposition.

Back-to-back league and Scottish Cup semi-final defeats to high-flying Hibernian were followed up by a narrow away loss at Rangers, and then defeat at the hands of Celtic away at the weekend.

The women of steel started the second half of the season in scintillating form, winning five and drawing one, and are looking for a way to return to that form.

Glasgow City need little introduction, as the perennial champions. A 32nd straight league victory on Wednesday night would land them the title and would maintain a 100% record in the league season, with three games to spare.

With 81 league goals scored and six conceded, the leaders are also involved in UEFA Women’s Champions League action currently, holding a 2-0 away win aggregate lead over Brondby ahead of the second leg of the last 16 next week.

Head to head

The two teams have faced once earlier this season, with Glasgow City 8-0 home winners in April.

Another away trip lies in wait on 17 November in the final game of the league season.

Manager mindful of test ahead

“Facing Glasgow City is obviously a huge task for any team in this league,” head coach Donald Jennow said.

“We have to go into the match with a positive mindset. We are prepared for what they’ll throw at us, and it’s important we stick to what we’ve discussed and see where it takes us.”

Match programme

Motherwell suffered defeat at the hands of Celtic in SWPL1 on Sunday.

A double from Sarah Ewens, and further goals from Rachel Donaldson, Keeva Kennan and Josephine Giard gave the third-placed side a 5-0 win.

Donald Jennow’s side went to K-Park hoping for a repeat of the performance which saw them pick up a 0-0 draw on their last visit to East Kilbride earlier in the season.

But after repelling early pressure from their hosts, they would go behind 25 minutes into the match when Donaldson poked home the opener from close range.

Giard then doubled Celtic’s advantage with a shot from a tight angle three minutes before the interval, before Keenan and Ewens would go on to add the other three goals in the second half.

Glasgow City travel to Wishaw Sports Centre in the next league encounter on Wednesday night. Kick off is at 7.30pm.

Motherwell travel to K-Park on Sunday to play their third match in a week in an important SPWL1 clash with Celtic.

The women of steel will face a tough test against a talented side who sit comfortably in third spot in the table.

‘Well suffered a rueful defeat midweek, losing out by a single goal to Rangers, who were reduced to 10 players for the last half hour of the match.

Kick-off is at midday at K-Park in East Kilbride.

LEAGUE POSITIONS

Celtic – third in SWPL1 – 34 points

Motherwell – fifth in SWPL1 – 18 points

WHAT THEY SAID

Head coach Donald Jennow admits Wednesday night was hard to take, but he expects a good reaction.

“It was wasn’t good enough collectively as a group, but we have put it behind us. Our full focus is on Celtic.

“They are a team full of good players, but we believe we can cause them problems.”

Rachel Connor, who scored on her debut on Wednesday night has full confidence the team can get back to winning ways.

“They are a difficult team to break down, but we know our strengths and how we can win the match.

“The girls have been great since I came in, it is a great environment to be in.

“We want to get as high up the table as possible.”

Motherwell were made to pay for an off-colour performance as they slumped to a 4-3 defeat against Rangers on Wednesday night in SWPL1.

Looking to bounce back from defeat in the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup semi-final to Hibernian at the weekend, the women of steel headed to the Rangers Training Centre knowing a win would keep up the pressure on the side they’re chasing in fourth spot.

The opening spell of the game saw the hosts have all the ball. The first effort from Motherwell came from captain Georgie Rafferty, as her free-kick was held by Nicolson in goals.

Inevitably, Rangers broke the deadlock on 25 minutes. Napier tapped in at the back post after she found herself free in the box.

Motherwell were camped in their own half, with Morgan Hunter making two fine diving saves to keep the ball out of the net.

Just before the break, Rangers’ lead was doubled when Boyce blasted the ball into the net, Hunter’s previous block only pushing the ball into the path of the on-rushing forward.

The second half saw Brown sent off for the hosts after an altercation with Lauren Doran-Barr on the hour mark, and it gave the visitors a way back into the game. Rachel Connor scored on her debut just after, as she raced through on goal to place the ball into the far corner.

But Gregory Vignal’s side managed to extend their lead further on 67 minutes. Bourma put the home side back in the driving seat, working her way through the defence and finishing well in to the far corner to put Rangers 3-1 up.

In a match filled with defensive errors, Abby Callaghan found herself one-on-one with Nicolson and she calmly finished with 15 minutes to go to give the women of a steel a chance of taking a point.

But, in the 82nd minute, Brownlie floated in an excellent cross on the counter-attack that was headed home by Gemmell to make it 4-2 and seal the points.

Callaghan was sent through on goal in the last few seconds, slotting home to make it 4-3 as she scored her third in a week, but it was too little, too late for Motherwell.

Head coach Donald Jennow admitted his side’s display wasn’t what he had come to expect.

“To be honest, it just wasn’t good enough,” he said. “For everyone involved, it wasn’t anywhere near the standards we set as a group.

“We didn’t work as hard as them, we sat far too deep. Ultimately, we didn’t do ourselves justice today.”

The ‘Well boss however did take positives from a debut goal from Rachel Connor and a brace for Abby Callaghan.

“It was good for both on a personal level, it is good to have you forward scoring and Abby is doing that at the moment,” he added.

“We now need to focus on Sunday and the trip to face Celtic, who have been tough opponents this season.”

Motherwell: Hunter, Roberts, Rafferty, Rolph, Doran-Barr, Connor, Adams, Cairney, McEachran, Gardner, Callaghan.

Subs: Vincenti, Otto, Munro, Montgomery, Inglis, Fyfe.

Motherwell travel to take on Rangers in SWPL1 on Wednesday evening.

The game at Rangers’ training ground kicks off at 8pm. Entry is £5 for adults, £3 for concessions and free entry for Under 12s.

The form guide

Defeat to Hibernian in the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup semi-final at the weekend made it back-to-back defeats against the Edinburgh club, having also lost 2-0 on league duty last time out.

That said, the women of steel started the second half of the season in scintillating form, winning five and drawing one.

Rangers also exited the Scottish Cup on Sunday, at the hands of Glasgow City.

Gregory Vignal’s team have had mixed results since returning from the summer break, winning five and losing four.

Head to head

A 3-3 draw in the last league outing between the two sides came at Ravenscraig back in April.

For the two sides, it’s about the battle for fourth spot. Motherwell sit four points behind Rangers in fifth, and know a win will go a long way towards chances of a top half finish in the club’s first season in the top flight.

Jennow: Chance to bounce back

“We were obviously disappointed to go out of the cup to a very strong Hibernian team,” head coach Donald Jennow said.

“But we have shown in our last two matches that, despite defeat, we are showing a lot of encouraging signs with a young squad.

“Our form since the return from the summer break highlights that. Rangers will be another tough opponent, but we must retain our positivity and believe we can get a result.”

Motherwell exited the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup at the semi-final stage, as they were defeated 4-1 by an impressive Hibernian.

The re-run of last year’s final, which was won by the Edinburgh side, saw the two go head-to-head for the chance to face Glasgow City.

It started heavily in the opponents’ favour. Motherwell nearly fell behind inside the second minute, with Cavanagh’s volley crashing against the crossbar.

Napier then had the ball in the net moments later for Hibs, only to be correctly ruled offside.

The women of steel could not find a way out of their own half – pinned back by an impressive opposition.

Muir then scored for Hibernian on 21 minutes, when her header flew past Anna Vincenti into the roof of the net.

It was quickly two, with Cavanagh’s driven shot sneaking in at the near post after going past Rolph.

Vincenti made two superb diving saves to deny long-range efforts from Cornet and Boyle, pushing both onto the post.

But Hunter completed the scoring in the first half, she rose highest in the box to make it 3-0 to Hibernian.

The second half started with a speculative effort from Chelsea McEachran. Doing well to find space outside the area, her shot was straight at the keeper.

Hibs added a fourth on 56 minutes in unfortunate circumstances. A Hibs penalty was saved by Vincenti from the spot, only to be left helpless as the follow-up found its way into the net.

Motherwell went close when Lori Gardner turned the defender and blasted the ball past onto the crossbar.

Abby Callaghan then reduced the deficit with a wonderful finish, when her effort went right into the corner on 62 minutes. Gardner’s low drive into the box to find her was inch-perfect.

The match finished with a more advanced and confident Motherwell, who pushed for another goal, but were left to rue a poor start.

Motherwell: Vincenti, Callaghan, Rolph, Rafferty, Doran-Barr, Cairney, Roberts, Adams, Munro, McEachran, Gardner.

Subs: Hunter, Cullan, Crooks, Arbuckle, Fyfe, Otto.

Abby Callaghan looks forward to Sunday’s SSE Scottish Women’s Cup semi-final, buoyed by her role in Scotland Under 19s qualification to the UEFA Elite Round midweek in Poland.

ON SCOTLAND DUTY

“It was an incredible experience. We went with the goal of qualifying and we did that and topped the group.

“Playing for Scotland is a massive honour and that feeling never goes away, this summer was the highlight for me being in the squad for the tournament that was held here.

“The experience is like nothing else, you learn so much playing against different players and cultures. I feel like I acquitted myself well while on the pitch.”

ON SUNDAY

“Hibernian are a brilliant side, we can’t deny that fact. As a squad, we have to believe we can match them.

“Last time against them we gave them a tough test, we were really disciplined in our play and a wee bit unlucky.

“We have nothing to lose, as a young player, matches like this only make you better and you learn so much.

“Sunday is our focus, we can’t think about another final yet.”

ON THE SQUAD

“I’ve really been enjoying my time at Motherwell since moving in the summer. All the girls have been extremely welcoming.

“It’s been brilliant for me as it has created an environment where I’m pushed and challenged by my teammates which has made me a better player.

“Donald is a great coach who is always willing to push players in order to reach their full potential.

“We are a close group and I think this is starting to benefit us on the pitch. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”

Motherwell take on Hibernian in the semi-final of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup on Sunday.

THE FORM GUIDE

The two teams met just over a week ago and although Donald Jennow’s side lost 2-0, he will take encouragement from their disciplined performance.

Motherwell have had a positive first season in the Scottish top flight. The women of steel have have already secured their place in the league next season with six games to play and have a fight on with Rangers and Spartans to try and finish fourth behind Glasgow City, Hibs and Celtic.

Despite that, ‘Well will go into the match as underdogs, considering Hibernian’s impressive form this season.

The Edinburgh outfit last tasted defeat five games ago and that was at league leaders Glasgow City. Since that loss, Grant Scott’s side have scored 24 goals and have yet to concede.

HOW THEY GOT HERE

Both sides entered the competition in third round and have convincingly won the three games to get them to this stage.

Motherwell have yet to concede a goal, seeing off Partick Thistle 2-0, Inverness CT 5-0, and then beating Queen’s Park 5-0 in the quarter-final.

Current holders Hibs have been in formidable cup form too. They started the defence of their trophy with a 5-0 win over Stirling University, followed by a 7-1 win over Edinburgh rivals Hearts and a 3-0 win over Hamilton Accies in the quarters.

ON THE TASK IN HAND

“It’s an opportunity. The girls have worked incredibly hard to get themselves the opportunity of a semi-final and I want them to go out and approach it as an opportunity – nothing more than that.

“It’s a chance to go out and show what they are capable of and hopefully reap the rewards of that.”, said head coach Donald Jennow.

Defender Georgie Rafferty added “As a player, these are the games you want to be playing in.  There’s no denying Hibs are a fantastic side but you’re getting the opportunity to test yourself against some of the best in the country so we are looking forward to it.”

WATCH THE MATCH

Forthbank Stadium in Stirling is the venue for the match on Sunday. Kick off is at 3.30pm. Entry is £5 for adults, £2 for concessions and U12’s go free.

Motherwell battled bravely as their unbeaten run came to an end against Champions League participants Hibernian in SWPL1 on Sunday.

With Donald Jennow’s side set to face the Edinburgh side in the Scottish Cup semi-finals, the match at Ravenscraig was a rehearsal and a chance to pick up a positive result against one of the nation’s top teams.

The visitors always prove tough opponents, but the women of steel’s performance arguably merited more than the 2-0 defeat.

After having a number of first half chances, Motherwell would be undone just after the half hour mark. A ball over the top was met by Colette Cavanagh, who was able to knock the ball into the net.

Having more than held their own in the first 45, the second half started in disappointing fashion as Hibs doubled their lead.

A free-kick was well saved, but Cavanagh was on hand to tee up Chelsea Cornet to fire home.

The visitors had chances to extend their lead, but Motherwell more than held their own in a dogged second half performance.

Motherwell host Hibernian in SWPL1 on Sunday, in the first of two big games against the Edinburgh club.

The game at Ravenscraig kicks off at 2.30pm.

The form guide

Motherwell have now won five and drawn one of their last six competitive games.

Since returning from the summer break, three wins have come in the cup, defeating Partick Thistle, Inverness CT and Queen’s Park.

In the league, last weekend’s 1-0 televised win at Forfar Farmington came after a draw with Spartans came before victory over Stirling University.

Hibernian exited the UEFA Women’s Champions League in midweek, losing out 9-2 on aggregate to Slavia Prague.

The Czech side were formidable opponents, having reached the quarter-finals last season before going out to giants Bayern Munich.

Back in domestic competition, the Hibees have won their last six, including a big 3-0 win over Celtic in their last league outing.

MANAGER ON THE TASK IN HAND

“We’ve been on a brilliant run of form since returning from the summer break,” said head coach Donald Jennow. “But the games in the coming weeks will ultimately determine our season.

“We’re all too aware of the threat that they pose as they try to push closer to the top and also hold on to the cup.

“We can see the opportunity to claim fourth spot which, if we achieve it, would be a remarkable feat for us considering it’s our first season in the top flight and also considering the strength of the teams – Rangers and Spartans – we would have to overcome to manage it.”

Download the match programme

You can download and read our Motherwell v Hibernian match programme here.

WATCH THE MATCH

Ravenscraig is the venue for the match on Sunday. Kick off is at 2.30pm.