Latest News

Laura Berry has won the September ScottishPower Women’s Premier League player of the month award.

The 17-year-old returned to North Lanarkshire in emphatic style, netting five-times in her first month at the club since returning for a second loan spell from league leaders Rangers.

A promising young talent, Berry confidently resumed her scintillating goalscoring form from the previous league campaign, scoring four-times against Queens Park in only her second appearance since returning to the women of steel before striking in the final seconds of the game to level the Lanarkshire derby which eventually led to Motherwell securing their place in the Quarter-Final of the Sky Sports League Cup.

“I’m extremely proud to receive this award,” Berry said excitedly.

“It meant a lot to receive the award once last season and I wanted to achieve that again.

“Having the award voted on from fellow players and managers is especially meaningful, as their recognition is something I haven’t taken for granted. I’m looking to build on this start at the club this season and hopefully contribute to a successful season at the club.”

The women of steel fought valiantly against the SWPL leaders Rangers, but couldn’t overcome their squad depth woes, as the hosts capitalised twice in the second-half to secure the three points at Broadwood on Sunday.

Katie Wilkinson and second-half substitute Lizzie Arnot both eventually broke through the resolute Motherwell backline, as Motherwell were forced into a makeshift back-five following a head collision to Jo Addie in the latter stages of the first-half.

Head Coach Paul Brownlie named an alternative line-up, with a variety of senior players unavailable. Sienna McGoldrick, Amy Sharkey and latest addition Sophie Black were all unavailable whilst remaining on international duty, whilst Mason Blyth-Clark and striker Laura Berry unable to face their parent club.

Both sides struggled to establish a foothold in the game throughout the entirety of the first-half, with both trading possession in a frustrating opening to proceedings. The hosts came closest to breaking the deadlock after Tessel Middag struck a side-footed effort following a whipped delivery across the face of goal, but Emily Mutch reacted brilliantly to parry the midfielders attempt clear of the Motherwell goal.

The Motherwell stopper was called into action moments later, denying Rio Hardy at the near post with a late reaction save with her outstretching leg.

The hosts thought they had found the breakthrough after Mia McAulay drilled a low-strike beyond the reach of Mutch, but the strikers celebrations proved to be short-lived, as the linesman correctly spotted a Rangers player directly interfering with the line of sight of Mutch.

Wilkinson added another goalscoring opportunity to Rangers’ tally moments before the half-time break, but Mutch again denied the forward, easily gathering the strikers headed effort. Defender Jo Addie received an accidental head-knock in the final seconds of the first-half, forcing the defender out of action for the second period of the game.

Motherwell’s makeshift back-five saw midfielder Rachel Todd partnering Chelsie Watson at the centre of the defence alongside Katie Rice, Jenna Penman and skipper Gill Inglis. Unable to resist Rangers’ early attacking progress, Motherwell conceded early into the second-half. Kathy Hill’s cross-field pass was skilfully controlled by McAulay who drove past Rice before flashing an enticing delivery across the face of goal, and Wilkinson expertly escaped her marker before converting at the front-post.

The second followed shortly after, as Arnot calmly worked her way through the centre of the pitch before striking a dangerous shot off the side of Watson, which inadvertently diverted the ball past the wrong-footed Mutch in the Motherwell goal.

Motherwell continued to toil in search of a route back into the game, with academy graduates Kyla Thomson and Hannah Cairns both making an impact off the bench, as Mia Gillespie also made her senior competitive debut. However, the women of steel couldn’t overcome the two-goal deficit and left Broadwood empty-handed, but were left encouraged by a positive display against the league leaders.

The women of steel refocus their attention to league action this weekend motivated by their penalty shootout victory over local rivals Hamilton in the first Lanarkshire derby of the 2024/25 campaign which saw Motherwell progress to the Quarter-Finals of the Sky Sports Cup.

The women of steel conceded moments before half-time, and looked set to exit the Sky Sports League Cup to their closest Lanarkshire rivals, but within the final few seconds of additional time, Rangers-loanee Laura Berry rifled home a magnificent volley from Louisa Boyes’ skilfully chipped through ball to send the tie into extra-time.

Neither side could be separated over the additional half-hour, with the derby to be settled over a penalty shootout. Goalscorer Berry sent her opening effort over the crossbar, giving the Accies the early advantage, but two exceptional reaction saves from Motherwell stopper Rebecca Cameron sealed the women of steel’s place in the next round.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

Motherwell’s late cup heroics tees up a meeting with Sunday’s opponents in the Quarter-Final’s next month, providing both sides  with the opportunity to face a cup preview when they face in the SWPL this Sunday at Broadwood. The women of steel head into Sunday’s encounter with back-to-back victories following a comfortable six-goal victory over Queens Park at Ochilview.

Motherwell will face a variety of squad selection limitations this weekend, as Amy Sharkey, Sienna McGoldrick and latest addition Sophie Black all continue to represent Scotland U17s, whilst Laura Berry and Mason Blyth-Clark are ineligible against their parent club.

Limitations on squad selection may provide the opportunity for several academy graduates, who featured in the squad against Hamilton last weekend. Striker Kyla Thomson came off the bench and impressed in a late second-half cameo, whilst Hannah Cairns and Mia Gillespie were also named amongst the substitutes.

Rangers

Rangers are unbeaten in their opening nine SWPL fixtures so far this season, picking up eight straight victories before a 2-2 stalemate with bitter rivals Celtic in the first derby of the 2024/25 campaign. Rangers’ only defeats so far came in the Champions League against Arsenal and Atletico De Madrid.

Ticket information 

Cash & card payments are also available for this fixture.

• Adult – £7.
• Concession – £4.
• Juvenile – £4.

How to follow the action 

Supporters can follow Sunday’s encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match. Kick-off from Broadwood at 2PM.

Deadline day moves always bring a bit of added excitement. The rush to get things over the line in time. The last-minute dash to complete a medical. The announcement.

It’s all part of the fun. For young Lucy Barclay, her move came at the last knockings of the summer window. Arriving from SWPL champions Celtic, 17-year-old Barclay made the switch as she begins to build-up her experience in the Scottish top-flight.

“Motherwell was the perfect destination for me,” Barclay said.

“I was so chuffed to get the move complete, and it’s now just a case of me getting my head down and trying to get minutes on the pitch.

“It made sense to come here. Motherwell have a track record of playing young players and building them up. The team has ambitions to compete against the best clubs in Scotland, and I want to be a part of that.

“They are a competitive club within the SWPL, and having watched them many times, I was impressed by their attractive style of football, which I’m looking to positively contribute to.”

Barclay made a name for herself very early on in her career. Making her debut for the Hoops at just 16, she is looking for that continued progression though the ranks.

But playing for the champions is no easy feat, and Barclay felt that she needed a move to continue her development.

“I was looking to move throughout the summer,” she added.

“There was an injury I had been carrying from last season, so I wasn’t able to fully train. There were a number of clubs interested, but Motherwell, with Paul and Leanne’s experience, was the one that was interesting.

“I’ve been training with the team for a few weeks, so I’m just glad to get the move confirmed.”

A right-back by trade, now 17-year-old Barclay was named on the bench for the first time against Glasgow City two weeks ago. Keeping her head down and professionalism up, the young. Defender is determined to make an impact in her time in ML1.

“Paul’s expectations from me are to work hard and show determination to help the team,” she explained.

“He wants me to make a contribution to training and games. My own ambition is to gain first-team SWPL experience. The team is looking to be competitive and aiming for a top-six finish in the league, with progression in the cup competitions.”

The women of steel have made a positive start to league proceedings. Currently in 7^th place, with nine points from eight outings, Paul Brownlie’s side have impressed. Narrowly losing out to Glasgow City was a bitter pill to swallow, given the chances squandered against a top side, but in their last match, Motherwell dispatched six goals past Queens Park.

Laura Berry returned to Motherwell on deadline day and scored four in just her second match since returning. With the team in a good place, Barclay has her eyes set on improvement. But as she takes a moment to reflect, she is reminded of what she had already achieved within the game.

“I have two highlights, one for club and the other for country,” Barclay said.

“Firstly, making my SWPL debut against Hibernian for Celtic. I was only 16, and I was proud to have reached that milestone so early in my career.

“My other was captaining Scotland at Under-16 level. It will always be an honour to represent my country; it’s something anyone should be proud of. But to be trusted with the responsibility of the armband, that’s a different level.

“It shows trust, and if I’m honest, I do like to be a leader on the park. Whether that is from central midfield positions or on the right/left wing. I will always try my best.

“I enjoy not only creating and scoring goals but also the tactical defence side of the game. Rose Reilly is an inspiration, and I enjoy watching Caroline Weir play.

“You learn so much by watching and analysing. Anything that can help me improve as a player, I’ll do it.”

Sophie Black completes ML1 switch after penning a season-long loan deal.

The midfielder joins the women of steel on a deal from title-chasers Rangers.

The Scottish youth international makes the switch in search of regular first-team action after rising through the ranks at the Ibrox side. Black made her Rangers debut at only 16-years-old and has continued to impress throughout the clubs youth academy.

“I’m delighted to be at the club,” Barclay said.

“Paul and Leanne have a proven track record of developing young players and providing them with the opportunity of regular first-team football. I want to be the next player to follow in those footsteps, so regular first-team minutes were exactly what I was looking to gain.

“I can’t wait to get started.”

The combative midfielder will add an alternative dynamic to Motherwell’s central options and will provide a valuable and productive competition for places.

‘This is a positive addition to the squad,” head coach Paul Brownlie added.

“Sophie is an exciting young player and someone who we feel can compete and enhance our options across the centre of the pitch.

“We are looking forward to aiding her development this season.”

The women of steel return to South Lanarkshire this weekend encouraged by their emphatic display over newly-promoted Queens Park, as they prepare for the first Lanarkshire derby of the 2024/25 SWPL campaign.

The women of steel cruised to a comfortable six-goal advantage over the Glasgow side, with deadline day addition Laura Berry finding the target four-times alongside a Bailley Collins double to complete a resoundingly positive performance at Ochilview last weekend.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

Motherwell return to competitive action following a convincing victory over the Spiders last weekend, as the women of steel prepare for their first matchday in the Sky Sports Cup in a second-round encounter against local rivals Hamilton in the first Lanarkshire derby since the Accies relegation to SWPL2 last season.

The women of steel will look to retain their derby day dominance when they take to the K-Park turf this Sunday after two assured performances over Hamilton last season, with Paul Brownlie’s side cruising to a 4-0 and 4-2 victory respectively.

Hamilton

The Accies have found a resurgence in form since adjusting to life in the Scottish second-tier, remaining unbeaten in their opening five league games, picking up five victories and one draw throughout that time.

Ticket information 

Cash & card payments are also available for this fixture.

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

How to follow the action 

Supporters can follow Sunday’s encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match. Kick-off from K-Park at 4PM.

The women of steel head to Stenhousemuir this weekend encouraged by their spirited display over title-chasers Glasgow City, as they prepare face newly-promoted SWPL2 champions Queens Park.

The women of steel fell to a narrow defeat to the recently dethroned champions Glasgow City, with the visitors netting the solitary goal on the counter-attack against the run of play after positive passages of play had the hosts firmly in the ascendency in East Kilbride.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

Motherwell return to competitive action after encountering back-to-back defeats to Partick Thistle and Glasgow City. Deadline day addition Laura Berry returned to the club on-loan from title-chasers Rangers and instantly featured in the starting XI whilst fellow late addition Lucy Barclay secured a place on the bench.

Motherwell will face Queens Park for the first time since the Spiders promotion to the Scottish top-flight last season.

Queens Park

The Glasgow-based side have maintained a tumultuous start to the 2024/25 SWPL campaign, defeating Spartans and Dundee United whilst encountering defeats to Hearts, Rangers, Montrose, Glasgow City & Hibernian.

Ticket information 

Cash & card payments are also available for this fixture.

• Adult – £8
• Concession – £2
• Children – £2

How to follow the action 

Supporters can follow Sunday’s encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match. Kick-off from Ochilview at 3PM.

The women of steel valiantly fought against title-chasers Glasgow City, but couldn’t capitalise on their attacking dominance, as Glasgow City converted against the run of play to secure the three points under the South Lanarkshire sunshine.

Emily Whelan netted the decisive solitary goal, with experienced shot-stopper Lee Gibson proving to be a vital component, as the 32-year-old stood resolute to deny several goalscoring opportunities from Laura Berry, Bailey Collins, and Amy Sharkey in an afternoon of mixed emotions for Motherwell at K-Park.

Paul Brownlie named five changes to the starting XI from the side that were defeated by Partick Thistle at Fir Park last weekend. Chelsie Watson & Sarah Gibb both returned to the starting line-up, playing ahead of the back three of Gill Inglis, Jenna Penman, and Katie Rice. Rebecca Cameron & Amy Sharkey both made their first competitive starts, with deadline day addition Laura Berry also making an immediate return to the starting XI after completing a season-long loan deal on Friday evening.

Motherwell started brightly and grew in confidence throughout the opening phases of play, with Berry coming closest following the early exchanges. A clever shift of the ball and an unpredictable turn of pace allowed the forward to freely escape her marker before solely bearing down on goal. The striker attempted to curl a weighted effort past Gibson, but the Scotland international stood strong to parry clear.

Motherwell continued to control the early proceedings, limiting and frustrating the visitors into trading possession deep into their own half. However, despite the encouraging start, City netted the opener against the run of play.

Catching Motherwell on the counter-attack, City instantly progressed forward with ease, slicing through the scrambling Motherwell backline before Whelan fired past Cameron in the home goal.

As the second-half resumed, Motherwell firmly picked up where they left off, with Bailey Collins forcing Gibson into making an exceptional close-range save after an intricate piece of build-up play.

Cameron was soon called into action, as Whelan again pressured the Motherwell goal. The forward drilled an effort towards the near post, but young shot-stopper reacted well to parry over the crossbar.

Motherwell penned the struggling City side deep into their own half in the final stages of the game, but ultimately couldn’t find the fundamental equaliser, as City held out for the three points.