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Donald Jennow believes a draw was a fair reflection on proceedings, as he watched his Motherwell side play out a goalless draw with Celtic.

The Motherwell boss’ team battled valiantly at K-Park against former Well manager Eddie Black’s side. Chances were limited throughout, with the game largely being played in midfield.

It was a valuable point for the women of steel, moving them onto four points from four games.

Jennow was pleased with his team but identified areas where the side could make some improvements.

“I think a point was probably fair,” he said. “I thought we defended well and we caused them some real problems on the counter-attack.

“I thought our midfielders were excellent. I thought we kept the ball quite well and we were really competitive. Their energy throughout the game was top notch.”

Jennow’s side came into the game on the back of a disappointing 4-0 home defeat to Hibs.

The result was harsh on the team, who were punished by their clinical opponents in ruthless fashion.

Friday saw a massive improvement from their last scoreline, and Jennow has taken away some big positives from his side’s fruitful performance.

“In the last couple of league games, we have conceded a few goals, and a few poor ones at that. I think throughout the team defensively, not just the back four and the goalkeeper, but the midfield and the shape in front of them.

“I think the clean sheet was a real positive for us. The defensive performance is going to be the foundation for us. If we keep clean sheets, we don’t lose games. So that’s a good place to start on.”

Motherwell’s next fixture is an SWPL quarter-final against Spartans, a repeat of last year’s Scottish Women’ Cup semi-final.

Jennow believes there is plenty to come from his side and that his side won’t begin to rest on their laurels after an impressive performance.

“I am happy enough with the point,” he said. “I think with the quality of squad we’ve got though, we need to get ourselves into a position where we’re not content with a point. I want to get us in a situation where we expect a bit more from ourselves.

“What we will look to build on is what can we add to our game, particularly in the final third. We just have to add a bit more quality and precision so we can perhaps get a few goals.”

Motherwell took a richly deserved share of the spoils on Friday night, after battling out a 0-0 draw with Celtic at K-Park.

Caitlin Russell replaced the injured Maxine Welsh in the only change to the ‘Well side that lost to Hibs five days previously.

Chances were at a premium throughout what was a fiercely contested encounter in SWPL1.

Natalie Ross spurned the best chance of the game for the hosts, while Katie Rice fired over from range and Mhairi Fyfe had an effort blocked as ‘Well looked to clinch the win late on.

A point moves the women of steel on to four points from four games.

They return to action next Sunday, when they host Spartans in the last eight of the SWPL Cup.

Motherwell: Hunter, Knox, Rolph, Rafferty, Crilly, Russell (Fyfe), Montgomery, McEachran, Adams, Rice, Gardner.

Subs not used: Cunningham, Hutchison, Roberts, McManus.

A huge weekend for Motherwell will be kicked off by the women of steel on Friday evening, when Donald Jennow’s side take on Celtic at K-Park.

On the back of successive league defeats, ‘Well will be keen to bounce back against a Hoops side buoyed by an impressive 5-1 victory over Spartans in their last outing.

Last weekend’s 4-0 reverse at home to Hibs was a harsh on ‘Well who, despite competing well for long spells of the game, were punished by their more clinical opponents.

With just five days between the fixtures, the game presents the ideal opportunity to get over that disappointment.

The game was initially moved to the Friday evening to be shown live on BBC Alba, however logistical issues mean this no longer will be the case.

Kick off at K-Park is 7:45pm. Adult entry will cost £5, concessions £3 and under 16s go for free.

The Opposition

The game will see Eddie Wolecki Black come up against Motherwell for the first time since departing the club for Celtic in the summer of 2018.

As well as a familiar face in the dugout, former ‘Well players Emma Black and Kirsty McLaughlin are both also likely to feature for the Hoops, with both players having played big roles in Motherwell’s SWPL2 success last season.

Celtic have enjoyed a good start to the new campaign, with two wins from their opening three fixtures.

In their last outing, they comfortably overcame Spartans 5-1 and will be aiming to push on in their bid to upset the dominance of Glasgow City and Hibernian at the top of the women’s game in Scotland.

Position

Celtic: SWPL1 – third – six points

Motherwell: SWPL1 – sixth – three points

What They Said

Motherwell keeper Morgan Hunter is aiming to eradicate the disappointment of last weekend’s defeat to Hibs.

“Last week was tough, but I think we held our own very well in the first half,” she said. “We need to take that confidence into the game on Friday.

“There have been lots of changes to most teams in SWPL 1 this season so it’s hard to predict how things will go.

“Celtic will definitely be a tough opposition but we are more than ready to show we are too.”

‘Well boss Donald Jennow says the rescheduling of the fixture has had no impact on his preparations.

Jennow was disappointed the game will no longer be broadcast live on television, but insists his focus is on a positive result against Celtic.

“Whilst we are disappointed the match won’t be shown on Alba, it hasn’t impacted on our preparations,” Jennow said.

“It’s a game we’re all looking forward to and as far as we’re concerned, it’s business as usual as we look to bounce back following Sunday’s defeat.”

Morgan Hunter believes the women of steel are ready to show their mettle, when they travel to K-Park to face Celtic on Friday evening.

After opening their SWPL1 campaign with a win over Stirling University, ‘Well have suffered two successive league defeats.

Last weekend’s 4-0 loss at home to Hibs was harsh on Donald Jennow’s side, but Hunter says all their focus is on bouncing back in East Kilbride.

“Last week was tough, but I think we held our own very well in the first half,” the ‘Well keeper said. “We need to take that confidence into the game on Friday.

“There’s been lots of changes to most teams in SWPL 1 this season so it’s hard to predict how things will go.

“Celtic will definitely be a tough opposition but we are more than ready to show we are too.”

Friday evening’s clash will see Motherwell come up against Eddie Wolecki Black for the first time since the former ‘Well gaffer joined Celtic in the summer of 2018.

It’s another element that will add to the intrigue of an important league fixture, though Hunter insists all that matters is the end result.

“The only thing mentioned has been that we must fight to win and get three points,” she added. “There’s no personal feelings when that whistle goes on Friday.

“It’s always important to get points on the board early and build momentum.

“We won’t focus on the league table too early. It’s important that we take it game by game.”

Morgan has enjoyed a solid start to life at Fir Park.

She kept a clean sheet on her debut and in the SWPL Cup win over Hutchison Vale.

On Sunday, the 25-year-old made a number of good stops, before suffering the misfortune of seeing Kirsten Reilly’s free kick slip through her grasp for Hibernian’s fourth.

“That final goal was a massive disappointment and it’s a horrible feeling conceding a goal like that,” she admitted. ”It’s so important not to go into your own head after that happens.

“It can’t be changed, so you focus on the next one, which was a shot on target that I managed to push round the post.

“If I’d let my head drop, that would’ve been another goal.

“I’m really enjoying it here, as I said it’s my first taste of SWPL1 and it’s challenging but I’m learning everyday.

“The girls have made it so easy settling in and theres so much quality about this team. I’m excited to see how the season goes.”

Motherwell’s SWPL1 match with Celtic on Friday will no longer be broadcast live on BBC ALBA.

The match will still be played on Friday, 15 March at K-Park for a 7.45pm kick-off.

Due to unforeseen circumstances at K-Park, the host venue, the broadcaster says it can no longer show the match.

“Whilst we are disappointed the match won’t be shown on Alba, it will not impact on our preparations,” ‘Well boss Donald Jennow said of the news.

“As far as we’re concerned, it’s business as usual as we look to bounce back following Sunday’s defeat.”

Hibernian hit four as they inflicted a second defeat of the season for Motherwell at Ravenscraig on Sunday.

A second half showing from Hibs ensured that they would be travelling back to Edinburgh with the three points.

It had been an even start to the encounter. Motherwell found success down the left wing, with Sarah Crilly surging down the flank trying to create an early chance, but the cross was headed away by the Hibs defence.

Lauren Davidson had an early chance for Hibs. The striker picked the ball up down the right wing before trying to cut inside onto her left foot. Trying to place it past the keeper, Morgan Hunter got down well to make the save.

As the game progressed, Hibs were pressing forward more, linking up in the middle and trying to ship the ball out to Jamie-Lee Napier on the left wing. The attacking possession however never led to any clear-cut chances and the ‘Well were able to deal with the challenge.

There was a scare for Motherwell on the stroke of 30 minutes. The hosts had won a free kick in a promising position, but the strike deflected off the wall and Hibs began to counter in numbers.

Davidson latched onto the long ball in behind of the defence, but Hunter met her halfway as she rushed off her line to try and stop the attack. The break of the ball fell to Lia Tweedie, whose half volley sailed over the bar.

Hibs continued to press up the pitch as the half came to a close. Joelle Murray came agonisingly close with a header from a set piece, whivh had Hunter beaten but was cleared off the line to deny the midfielder.

Just as Motherwell looked likely to go into the break on level terms. Hibs went ahead on the stroke of half time.

Rachel Small bundled the ball over the line amongst a barrage of bodies from a Napier cross. The initial shot came off the bar but the midfielder was able to nod the ball into the corner to put Hibs ahead with 44 minutes played.

Motherwell came out the traps determined to bounce back from the late Hibs goal. Chelsea McEachran looked to be in on goal before being bundled to the ground, the subsequent free kick was hit by Montgomery, but it sailed harmlessly over the bar.

However, it didn’t take long for Hibs to start going. Napier was inches from heading home a cross, the Motherwell defence was split by the low through ball and Napier was left unmarked at the back post for the cross, the ball however the ball had just too much on it.

Napier continued to cause problems, this time hitting the bar with 55 minutes played. The winger brushed past Natasha Roberts before trying to fire the ball goalward, the shot evaded Hunter but crashed off the post and eventually clear.

McEachran looked to have snuck in behind the defence and was in on goal to try and put Motherwell level. She brought down the pass and looked set to pull the trigger, but the shot was blocked well however to deny the women of steel a leveller.

Hibs made it two shortly after. Davidson produced a composed finish into the bottom left corner, after a lay off by Napier to double their lead on the 65th minute.

The table toppers got a third in quickly soon after, when Small’s corner was floated into the back post and Hunter could do nothing but help it in the net with 19 minutes left on the clock.

The final goal of the game – and the fourth for Hibs – came from Kirsten Reilly’s free kick, which went through the gloves of Hunter and into the net.

A dominating second half showing ensuring that the visitors would be heading back to Edinburgh with three points and still on top of SWPL1.

Motherwell: Hunter, Knox (Russell), Welsh (Roberts), Rolph, Rafferty, Rice, Crilly, Montgomery, Gardner (Fyfe), McEachran, Adams.

Subs not used: Hutchison, McManus.

Ravenscraig will host its first SWPL1 fixture of 2019, when successive SWPL Cup and Scottish Cup winners Hibernian make the journey to North Lanarkshire.

‘Well began life in the top flight with a 1-0 victory over Stirling University at Fir Park, before narrowly losing out to Forfar Farmington in their second fixture of the new campaign.

An emphatic 13-0 success over Hutchison Vale in the SWPL Cup followed and now the women of steel can look forward to returning to league action, at the new venue that they’ll call home.

Kick off indoors at Ravenscraig is 2:30pm.

The Opposition

In recent years Hibs have firmly established themselves as one half of the ‘big two’ in Scottish women’s football.

In 2017 and 2018 they enjoyed triumphs in both the SWPL Cup and Scottish Cup. However on both occasions, they narrowly missed out on ending Glasgow City’s stranglehold on the league title.

The close season has been a difficult one for Hibs boss Grant Scott, who has seen a number of top players head down south, though the quality he has at his disposal is undeniable.

A surprise 0-0 draw at home to Spartans on the opening day led to a few raised eyebrows, however Hibs have bounced back with wins over Celtic and Hearts in the week’s following.

Position

Motherwell SWPL1 – 5th – three points

Hibs SWPL1 – 1st – four points

What They Said

Having netted four goals in the 13-0 win over Hutchison Vale, Lori Gardner is hoping to get among the goals in the league when Hibs visit Ravenscraig.

Gardner feels the international break came at a good time for the women of steel and says the squad are now looking forward to returning to action.

“It was good to have a break and recharge,” she said. “All the girls are now excited to get back to playing and the challenges ahead.

“As a striker, it’s always good to get goals and I’m obviously looking to get as many as I can.”

“Regardless of opposition we always look to set up and play the same way.

“It was good to put in such a dominant performance against Hutchison Vale and it has really helped our confidence for the league kicking off again.”

Motherwell head coach Donald Jennow is well aware of the challenge awaits his side and has challenged his squad to keep improving in the weeks ahead.

“Our recent performances have been mixed and we know today is likely to be a challenging afternoon,” he said. “I think this group of players has a lot of potential and they have shown that in flashes.”

“We need to perform at our highest level for longer in games, when we do we are a tough opponent.

“Between the cup game and today, we have had a couple of weeks to work on the areas we wanted to improve on and that we hope will stand us in good stead for the rest of the season.”

After netting four goals in the emphatic 13-0 victory over Hutchison Vale, there could be a case for suggesting the international break arrived at a bad time for Lori Gardner.

The ’Well forward was in lethal form as Donald Jennow’s side booked their place in the last eight of the SWPL Cup.

However Gardner, who has enjoyed a good start to life at Fir Park, feels the squad have returned from the break raring to go and is hoping to get among the goals in the league when Hibs visit Ravenscraig on Sunday.

“It was good to have a break and recharge,” she said. “All the girls are now excited to get back to playing and the challenges ahead.

“As a striker, it’s always good to get goals and I’m obviously looking to get as many as I can.”

While victory over struggling, lower league opposition in their last match came as little surprise to most, the margin of Motherwell’s success certainly did.

Gardner also feels the result came as a big lift following the disappointment endured at Forfar one week before, in which Kerry Montgomery was controversially denied a last gasp leveller.

“The result was very important,” Gardner added. “Regardless of opposition we always look to set up and play the same way.

“It was good to put in such a dominant performance and it has really helped our confidence for the league kicking off again.”

Successive double winners Hibs make the trip to Lanarkshire from the capital, having recovered from an early season setback.

They followed up their surprise opening day draw with victories over Celtic and Hearts.

Those results have gone someway to alleviating fears that a close season where they lost a number of star players would hamper their chances of another successful season.

Motherwell provided the opposition as Grant Scott’s side lifted their last trophy, the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup, but Gardner says the previous meeting between the sides won’t be a factor.

“It’ll be a challenge but one we’re looking forward to,” the 22-year-old said. “These are the kind of games you want to be playing in and allows us to challenge ourselves against the best.

“We always try to look forward as individuals and as a team, so the previous result between the teams won’t come into our thoughts.”

The women of steel squad underwent major overhaul ahead of their first season in SWPL1 and Lori admits settling in has been an easy process.

The striker celebrated her 22nd birthday earlier in the week and now she is now targeting a belated gift.

“I’m really enjoying it. Everyone gets on really well which made it easy to settle in quickly.

“The standard of players who have remained and have been brought is high. We all share common goals and a have desire to be as successful as we can.

“It would be great to celebrate my birthday with a goal and that’s certainly what I’ll be hoping for.”

Motherwell Football Club are pleased to welcome SRB Wealth Management as the new front of shirt partner for our women’s side.

The partnership will see the SRB Wealth Management’s logo featured across their home shirts in all competitive games.

SRB Wealth Management are a Bellshill-based team of financial advisors, who specialise in achieving and maintaining financial security for all individuals and businesses across the west of Scotland.

Suzanne Reid, head of commercial and marketing at Motherwell FC, said: “I am delighted to announce this partnership.

“I am sure SRB Wealth Management will reap the benefits from our team playing at the top level of Scottish women’s football and TV coverage from BBC Alba this season. I look forward to working with Steve and his team and thank him for his support”.

Steve Brough, Director at SRB Wealth Management added: “We are proud of our west of Scotland heritage and are delighted to be supporting the team. Motherwell are going from strength to strength and we’re excited to see what the season will bring.”

Motherwell’s Kerry Montgomery got on the scoresheet as Northern Ireland opened their Alanya Gold City Women’s Cup campaign with a win.

The midfielder was on target in a 6-0 victory over Jordan, as the side take part in the tournament to prepare for their UEFA Women’s Euro 2021 qualifying campaign starting in August.

Montgomery’s side will play four games in seven days at the competition in Turkey. Next up are France B on Friday, before further matches with Kazakhstan and a final fixture determined by group placings.