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Making the switch to ML1 in the summer of 2021, then Rangers loanee Laura McCartney had the world at her feet after breaking into the Ibrox first-team and consistent appearances on the international stage, but a serious injury sidelined the midfielder throughout her spell in Lanarkshire.

Looking for consistency at the domestic level, McCartney signed on a season-long loan deal with ambitions of establishing her place at the core of the Motherwell midfield, but a major injury sustained prior to her debut in claret and amber left the youngster on the sidelines for over two-years.

“I was returning from an ACL injury at the time,” McCartney explained.

“After returning from such a long period on the sidelines, I was looking to get back to a regular playing and training regime and Motherwell seemed the perfect place to be able to do that.

“After suffering an ACL injury previously, I was really excited to move to Motherwell and get back to playing football. For that to be curtailed with another stint on the sidelines with a cartilage injury was disappointing.”

McCartney’s highly-anticipated move to Lanarkshire proved to be a challenging process, as the combination of historical and fresh injury concerns left McCartney to face an extensive and unpredictable spell on the sidelines.

“At first, it was difficult to give an exact time frame,” McCartney outlined.

“With it being a cartilage injury, I knew that I would ultimately be on the sidelines for another long spell. Having already been through that experience and come back from an ACL injury, it was obviously really difficult to take.”

Despite having not featured for Paul Brownlie’s side across the following two seasons, the Head Coaches faith in McCartney’s ability persisted, with the 21-year-old signing on a permanent basis ahead of the 2023/24 SWPL campaign.

“It was really encouraging,” McCartney noted.

“At the time it was really important for me to be able to return to play but not in a rushed manner. Paul and the rest of the coaching staff as well as the team were great in being able to facilitate that for myself and eventually get me back onto the pitch.

“Ultimately, it is about working hard and having a positive impact on the game. When I’m given the opportunity, I always try to have an impact by working hard, sticking to the game plan and creating opportunities that will hopefully be capitalised on.”

After 855 days on the sidelines, McCartney returned to action against her former side in September, before re-introducing herself back to the K-Park faithful with an exceptional long-range strike in a prolific six-goal thriller over Dundee United.

“It was really special,” McCartney said.

“To see former teammates and staff that helped me through the process of getting back onto the pitch was great and to finally make a contribution to the team was a long time coming.

“Having not experienced that feeling for such a long time, you almost forget what it feels like. For that strike to hit the back of the net, it was a really special moment for me.”

The women of steel will return to competitive action next weekend, as the Scottish Cup returns to the domestic calendar, with Paul Brownlie’s side looking to replicate their successes of the previous season.

Motherwell etched themselves into the history books by becoming one of the first women’s sides to contest a domestic cup Semi-Final at Hampden Park after a comprehensive four-goal victory over Glasgow Women in the previous round.

Forced to watch from the sidelines, McCartney is motivated to reclaim the lost experience at the national stadium.

“The team did well last year to be able to make it to that stage of the competition,” McCartney explained.

“To be able to do it with the group of players that we have now, it would be special and ultimately it would be great to be able to have the opportunity to continue to compete for silverware.

“Having missed out on the opportunity last season, I’m focused and motivated to get back to that stage and experience playing at the national stadium.”

From leading the women of steel out onto the Fir Park turf to representing ML1 at Hampden Park in an historic Scottish Cup campaign, Motherwell skipper Gill Inglis has been an integral component to the development of the women’s game in claret and amber.

“It’s an honour to be captain of this club,” Inglis explained.

“It’s about leading the team, setting high standards both on and off the pitch, and communicating effectively with players and staff as I can be the link between them.

“Paul and Leanne often talk about creating high standards and driving each other on, and there’s an emphasis on the captain to ensure that those standards are met.

”With the women of steel narrowly missing out on a place in the top-six in the previous season, the summer transfer window provided an ideal opportunity to progress, with an influx and integration of promising developing talent with experienced professionals at the club. An opportunity for the captain to mentor and guide the latest acquisitions at the club.

“It’s important that new players are welcomed into the squad both on and off the pitch,” Inglis noted.“

Everyone has to start their career somewhere. At that stage in my career, the positive impact from the more experienced players was invaluable, so we’re fortunate that within the current squad, there’s a number of more experienced players who the younger ones can go to for advice and look up to.

“We have to get to know them as players, as individuals and they have to get to know their new teammates. A positive ethos builds trust amongst players who strive for a common goal.”

That positive ethos was a fundamental component in the women of steel’s exceptional Scottish Cup campaign, with Motherwell etching themselves into the history books by becoming the first women’s side to contest a domestic cup Semi-Final at the national stadium, Hampden Park. A moment that will live long in the memory.

“Leading the team out at Hampden was an experience I’ll never forget,” Inglis said.“

Hosting the latter stages of the tournament at Hampden is a step in the right direction for the women’s game and it provides the players a platform to perform.

“Getting back to that stage and earning the opportunity to play at the highest level is an ambition we collectively share as a squad.”

The women of steel have faced a turbulent run of form in the domestic calendar, with an early Sky Sports Cup exit to fellow SWPL side Montrose preceding a five-game winless run, as several positive performances were left unrewarded.

“That result was really disappointing for everyone at the club,” Inglis said.

“Going into the game, there was a good feeling about the squad, as we felt we had prepared well. We created numerous chances on the day, with a penalty saved, a shot cleared off the line and several shots off of the crossbar.

“On another day, it could have been a completely different result, but individually and collectively we’ve learned a lot from that game.”

Jo Addie netted her second goal of the season after latching onto Sarah Gibb’s floated delivery to ensure a vital victory over Dundee United in the City of Discovery last weekend, as Motherwell concluded 2023 on a positive display.

“Sunday’s victory over Dundee United was a massive result for us,” Inglis detailed.

“Dundee is a hard place to go, and I thought we managed the game effectively, especially in difficult conditions by showing a lot of character to secure a vital three points.

“It’s good to finish the year on a positive result and hopefully we can kick on from this in the second half of the season.”

The women of steel will return to competitive action in a fortnights time to face Partick Thistle at Petershill Park, with Paul Brownlie’s side looking to replicate their Scottish Cup successes of the previous season.

“The cup game against Thistle is another huge game for the club.”

“Our recent meetings in the last few years have usually been quite close, and entertaining games for the spectator. As a squad, we are motivated to go as far as we can in any competition that we play in.“

“There won’t be a huge break over the Christmas period anyway, so hopefully we can hit the ground running in January.”

We are looking to add coaches within our girls academy. 

The ideal candidates would have prior coaching experience and are working at UEFA B license level.

All roles within the girl’s academy are voluntary positions.

If you are interested and require further details, please contact academy coordinator Calum Ross calum.ross@motherwellfc.co.uk

Motherwell headed into the new year on a positive note, as the women of steel cruised past Dundee United to end their six-game winless spell at a windswept Foundation Park on Sunday.

Jo Addie converted the only goal in a promising afternoon for Paul Brownlie’s side, with the defender latching onto Sarah Gibb’s pinpoint delivery for her second goal of the 2023/24 SWPL campaign.

Head Coach, Paul Brownlie made two changes from the defeat to league leaders Rangers last weekend, with Kaela McDonald-Nguah and Carla Boyce returning to the starting XI, as summer acquisition Morgan Cross secured a place on the bench following a three-month spell on the sidelines.

Keen to replicate their dominant display over the Tangerines at K-Park in October, Motherwell started firmly on the front foot, with the visitors attacking setup forcing United into trading possession deep into their own territory.

The breakthrough almost came in the opening few minutes. Addie pickpocketed her opponent on the right flank, before chipping a dangerous delivery across the face of goal, as Boyce connected at the back post, but the strikers attempt failed to trouble the United stopper.

Moments later, Gibb’s first corner kick of the afternoon, floated precisely into the centre of the six-yard box, with Chelsie Watson’s initial attempt ricocheting off of the crossbar before falling to the feet of Louisa Boyes, who was denied on the rebound.

Less than a minute later, Watson was again denied by the woodwork. The referee adjudged a handball at the edge of the penalty area following a Bailley Collins strike, and from the resulting free-kick, Watson’s curling right-footed attempt rattled the near post.

As the half-time whistle neared, and Motherwell’s attacking frustrations continued to mount, the breakthrough finally emerged.

Gibb’s threatening delivery from the left continued to cause the hosts problems, with Addie rising highest above the United backline, to prod home at the back post.

Forward Morgan Cross returned to competitive action in the second half, and immediately impressed with her quick turn of pace. The winger teed-up teammate Bailley Collins after a driving run on the right, but Collins’ drilled effort connected with the crossbar for the third time of the afternoon.

United tried to rally late on, but the women of steel stood resolute to record a vital result, that narrows the gap to the top-six, ahead of a three-week hiatus over the festive period. Brownlie’s side will return to action in the first week of January, with a short-trip to Petershill Park to face Partick Thistle in the Scottish Cup.

Match Preview – Dundee United (A)

All roads lead to the City of Discovery this Sunday, as the women of steel prepare to descend upon Dundee, with a crucial encounter against Dundee United awaiting at Foundation Park.

Motherwell’s last domestic victory came against the Tangerines in October, with a Bailley Collins double and strikes from Jo Addie, Gill Inglis, Kayla Jardine and Laura McCartney sealing an exceptional 6-0 victory at K-Park – concluding a five-game winless run.

Seeking to replicate their successes in East Kilbride on the road, Paul Brownlie’s side will be prepared to conclude the 2023 calendar on a high.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

A positive performance over league leaders Rangers last weekend failed to be accurately reflected in the scoreline, as the Glasgow outfit cruised to a comfortable five-goal cushion.

As the festive period, and a four-week break from domestic football approaches, victory on Sunday will be vital in establishing the squads ambitions for the remainder of the campaign.

Head Coach Paul Brownlie will continue to have additional options at his disposal, as the squad continue their promising development from persistent injury woes. Morgan Cross will be doubtful after returning to full-contact training in the past week, with Eve Donald also making progress towards a return to action. Morgan Hay will remain unavailable for a place in the matchday squad.

Dundee United

After narrowly staving off relegation from the SWPL, with a four-point advantage over local Lanarkshire rivals Hamilton in the playoff position last season, United sit precariously above the congested bottom-three in the table.

Sunday’s hosts have also endured a turbulent domestic spell, with one solitary victory over Spartans in their last six league fixtures, yielding the sides only points in the last two months.

Strikes from Rachel Todd and Maya Knight overtured an early Montrose opener last weekend, as United looked to have regained some optimism, but a quickfire double in the dying stages of the game ensured victory for the Gable Endies

Ticket Information

Supporters can purchase tickets online, with cash & card payments are also available for this fixture on matchday

• Adult – £5
• Concession – £0

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 women of steel’s positive return from the international break failed to materialise, as league leaders Rangers coasted to a commanding five-goal advantage at a rainswept K-Park on Sunday.

An early Libby Bance opener was soon strengthened with a quickfire Sarah Ewens double, as the visitors coasted to a comfortable three-goal cushion in the opening quarter of an hour.

Motherwell regrouped and started to find their rhythm in the game, limiting Rangers to few chances across the remainder of the first-half, with Rangers netting two late second-half goals to secure the three points in East Kilbride.

Head Coach, Paul Brownlie made four changes from the defeat to Partick Thistle prior to the International break, with Kaitlyn Canavan, Murron Cunningham and Sarah Gibb returning to the starting XI. Laura McCartney also secured a place in the midfield against her former side.

Rangers’ intense opening to the game forced the women of steel into trading possession deep into the own territory, and moments later, the visitors netted the opener. Mia McAulay’s driving run across the right flank allowed the winger to drill a low pass across the face of goal, with Chelsea Cornet’s initial effort denied by Emily Mutch, but Bance calmly followed up from two-yards out.

The league leaders doubled their advantage minutes later, with Lizzie Arnot deceptively escaping the high Motherwell backline, as Ewen’s prodded home the forward’s chipped through ball.

On the 15-minute mark, Rangers had three, as Ewen’s netted her second of the evening. The forward darted across the edge of the penalty area, latching onto Michelle Colson’s perfectly-weighted through ball and the experienced striker coolly dispatched a low strike off of the near post.

Despite a relentless opening period to the game, Motherwell started to find their rhythm and established a foothold in the game, but a decisive goal failed to materialise.

Despite numerous exceptional saves from Emily Mutch, the visitors netted two-late goals in the second half, with Jane Ross and Rio Hardy finding the target to extend their lead at the summit of the SWPL league table.

Motherwell will return to action next weekend, with the women of steel travelling to the City of Discovery to face Dundee United.

Making the switch to ML1 in the summer, award winning goalkeeper Rebecca Cameron made the step up to the SWPL after an exceptional campaign with SWPL2 outfit St. Johnstone in the previous season, with the 23-year-old named the Saints Player of the year.

Since putting pen to paper, Cameron has had to bide her time for her competitive debut, with impressive performances from Emily Mutch providing the Perth shot-stopper with competition for a place in the starting XI.

However, Cameron insists that this competitive environment has maintained high standards in the goalkeeping department.“Football is always about developing yourself as a player and facing new challenges,” Cameron said.

“I knew that taking the step up to the SWPL and moving to Motherwell would mean I wouldn’t be guaranteed a starting place, but I understood that if I wanted to continue to develop, facing that challenge was the best decision for myself.

“Emily and I have a great friendship off the pitch which helps in training, as we are always pushing each other to high standards and want to see each other succeed. [Paul and Leanne] made it very clear from the start that this team is very competitive to earn a starting place. They have both told me to continue to work hard and have spoken about areas in which I can improve.

Since trading the Fair City for Lanarkshire, Cameron has continued to work behind-the-scenes in preparation for her competitive debut, and acknowledged that the intensity and standard of training was the initial attraction to playing football in ML1.

“The standard of goalkeeping training is on another level. Paul and Leanne have set a high demand on the players and created a brilliant atmosphere to learn and develop, which is what initially attracted me to the club.

“Colin, our goalkeeping coach, has made the transition much easier with the way he has supported me both on and off the pitch. I definitely think it is the hardest position on a football pitch. The physical and mental side to the game is demanding, with no room for error as any mistake will risk the ball ending up in the back of the net.“I want to continue to work hard and develop in this competitive environment which will hopefully lead to my first competitive debut.

The women of steel return to competitive action this weekend, with the two-week hiatus from the domestic calendar coming to a close, as Motherwell seek to conclude their recent turbulent run of form when they face league leaders Rangers at K-Park.

Paul Brownlie’s side have secured one win from their last five SWPL fixtures, with a comprehensive six-goal thriller over Dundee United ending a frustrating month-long goalless drought, but replicating that prolific display since hasn’t materialised, with a late equaliser in Montrose denying Motherwell their first victory on the road this season.

“We know we aren’t where we would’ve liked to be at this stage in the season,” Cameron explained.

“A lack of consistency in certain games and disappointing performances has been frustrating, but the coaching team have been really positive in ensuring we all stay focused and are all on the same page as to where we want to go as a team.

“The morale is still very high within the team. Everyone is very motivated and focused on the next run of games and hopefully we can get achieve the results we know we are capable of.”

The two-week hiatus from competitive action concludes this afternoon, as the domestic calendar returns to the forefront, with the women of steel looking to regain their early signs of momentum, as they face league leaders Rangers at K-Park.

Three wins from their opening five SWPL encounters had Motherwell looking positively to the season ahead, but only a victory over Dundee United has materialised since, with the women of steel picking up one point from their last four.

Carla Boyce fired Motherwell firmly into the ascendency in the opening few minutes of their last fixture in East Kilbride, but a late second-half resurgence ensured Thistle returned to Glasgow with the three points.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

The women of steel will be poised to reclaim their domestic dominance in Lanarkshire after successive defeats to Aberdeen and Partick Thistle undermined what has been an excellent start to the season at K-Park, with Motherwell securing four wins from their opening six.

Motherwell started brightly in their previous SWPL encounter with Partick Thistle, as Carla Boyce drilled a composed finish from the penalty spot to give Motherwell an early advantage, but complacency emerged, and Thistle coasted to a comfortable three-goal cushion. Kayla Jardine salvaged a late consolation, but it proved to be too little too late for the hosts.

Head Coach Paul Brownlie will be nearing a full squad, as Motherwell’s persistent injury woes show promising signs of improvement. Eve Donald will be eligible for contention in the matchday squad after returning to full-contact training prior to the international break. Morgan Hay and Morgan Cross will both be doubtful for this afternoon’s meeting with Rangers, as they continue to return from recent spells on the sidelines.

Rangers

Rangers head to Lanarkshire buoyed by their impressive start to the 2023/24 SWPL campaign. The league leaders have maintained a narrow one-point advantage over fierce rivals Celtic, with the visitors securing 13 wins from 14 and 12-successive victories in all competitions.

The Gers have confidently netted the second-highest goal tally in the league this campaign, with forwards Rio Hardy and Kirsty Howat collectively racking up 31-goals.

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.

From Stateside to Strathclyde, Scottish forward Morgan Cross returned to Scottish football this summer following a five-year stint at the University of South Alabama, where she netted 23-times in 89 appearances under a full scholarship at the Jaguars.

The 22-year-old, who has received international recognition for the Scottish national team at U15, U16 & U17 age categories, impressed scouts on a summer youth tournament in the states and secured the next step in her career as a result.

“Playing across in the US had a huge impact on me as a player,” Cross said.

“My first introduction to women’s football was playing for Central Girls. We played in a summer tournament in Florida and that’s where I was seen by my University coach.

“From there he reached out about the opportunity to play Division 1 football and it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.

“One memory that particularly stands out is our 2020 Sunbelt tournament final. We were one-nil down with five-minutes to go and I scored twice to win our second tournament in a row. I’ve never felt an adrenaline rush like it, and I still look back on the game as one of the best I’ve ever played in.

“Playing alongside girls from almost every continent that also dreamed of going professional in the future really helped drive our standards and keep our program successful during my time there.”

A spell at English second-division side, Coventry United followed, but recurring injuries curtailed the 22-year-olds progress in the West Midlands, with Cross unable to find consistency in the English Championship.

“After graduating, I had ambitions to keep playing at a high level and had the opportunity to join Coventry United in the English Championship,” Cross explained.

“I failed to get a consistent run of games due to injuries and receiving a concussion 40-minutes into my first game was definitely not what I envisioned. However, I still really enjoyed my time there and would love to play in England again.

Looking to re-establish a consistent run at senior football, Cross returned to Scotland after five years, with Head Coach Paul Brownlie seeking to enhance his forward line at K-Park.

The Dunfermline-born striker signed on the dotted line, as the women of steel’s 12th acquisition of the summer transfer window, with Cross making her debut in a 3-1 victory over Montrose.

“After a period of five-years being away from home and coming off my first hamstring injury, I felt it was a good time to come back home and be closer to family,” Cross outlined.

“I was attracted to Motherwell because of Paul. We’d previously worked together at Scotland U15s and almost at the National Performance Centre, so I was delighted with the opportunity to play under him again.”

However, historic hamstring injuries resurfaced, leaving the forward out of matchday contention and forced to recover from the sidelines, as the women of steel faced a turbulent run of form.

“The game against Montrose, when I got re-injured and the process since then has been one of the most frustrating and difficult challenges of my career,” Cross noted.

“It’s the longest I’ve been out through injury and not being able to help contribute to the team especially through the current spell has been difficult.

“The recovery process has been slow, but I’m starting to get back out on the pitch, so hopefully I can be back playing very soon.

Defensive indecision and attacking complacency have continued to undermine the early signs of optimism for the women of steel, with the squad picking up one win from five, in a six-nil thriller over Dundee United.

With an international break and a two-week hiatus on the horizon, Paul Brownlie’s side will look to regroup and respond ahead of a crucial tie with Rangers next month.

“I think this season we haven’t always got what we deserved out of certain games,” said Cross.
“I’m certain the team has enough quality to keep creating chances and hopefully we can be more ruthless in-front of goal going forward.

“I would love to contribute however I can to the team, whether that be goals, assists or just working hard for the players around me. My targets for the rest of the season are to get back playing consistently and remain injury free.”

Motherwell return to action this weekend, looking to kickstart their SWPL campaign after narrowly conceding what could’ve been their first victory on the road to Montrose last weekend.

Chelsie Watson fired the visitors into the ascendency late into the second-half with a precise header from a floated Kayla Jardine delivery, but Montrose rallied late on, and denied Motherwell the three points from the penalty spot.

As the focus shifts firmly to the arrival of Partick Thistle this weekend, Paul Brownlie’s side will look to head into the forthcoming international break on a high.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

The women of steel will be poised to reclaim their domestic dominance in East Kilbride after defeats to Aberdeen and Hibernian derailed what has been a magnificent start to the season at K-Park, with the women of steel securing four wins from their opening six.

The hosts’ previous encounter with Sunday’s opponents looked destined to conclude in a goalless stalemate, as both sides defensive displays were on show, until a late Megan Robb strike left Motherwell returning from Glasgow empty-handed.

Brownlie will potentially have more options at his disposal this weekend, as Eve Donald returned to full-contact training in the past week. Morgan Hay will be doubtful for this weekend’s encounter after the defender faced an unexpected setback following a brief return to action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Partick Thistle

Brian Graham’s side are in fine form, securing four back-to-back victories in all competitions, netting nine times across that spell. The Jags sit five-points behind defending champions Glasgow City in third, as the Glasgow side look to secure successive top-six finishes.

There will be numerous familiar faces in the red and yellow on Sunday, as Emma Lawton, Kodie Hay and Claire Adams all return to face their former side.

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.