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Motherwell were defeated 3-2 against Forfar Farmington on Sunday in controversial circumstances.

Kerry Montgomery’s last minute goal was chopped off to deny Motherwell a point, after seemingly completing a late comeback.

However, the ball was judged to have hit the net after the referee’s final whistle.

Motherwell started the game well, coming out the traps by creating some early attacking chances.

Sarah Crilly was the architect of the best of the early chances, the winger making the most of the space out wide by making a bursting run down the left wing, before playing the ball straight into the path of Katie Rice who was arriving at the back post, the ball however was overhit and it came to nothing.

As the game progressed Forfar grew into the and created more chances in the Motherwell half.

They nearly went ahead through Robyn Smith’s long range volley, the ball was only partially cleared from the corner before falling to the striker who was situated at the edge of the box, the striker’s effort however slashed just wide of the post.

The hosts broke the deadlock with 10 minutes played. Hannah Stewart was on hand to blast a volley past Morgan Hunter in the ‘Well goal. The goal came from some attacking pressure before the inviting cross was finished well by the midfielder, who had found space in the box.

Spurred on by the early goal, the game was predominantly played in the Motherwell half. Minutes after the first goal, Donna Paterson was denied by a superb flying save from Hunter, tipping the headed effort past the post to prevent the hosts from extending their lead.

With half an hour on the clock, Forfar extended their lead. Stewart grabbed her second of the match, capitalising on a loose ball.

The bounce of the ball beat Maxine Welsh as she tried to clear it forward, Stewart was able to latch onto the loose ball before advancing forward. The midfielder then cut inside from the left before pulling the trigger on her right foot from outside the box, the ball sailed over Hunter into the net as the hosts began to pull away.

Farmington were able to see the half out with a two-goal advantage,despite the best efforts of the Motherwell attack, who continued to press and play the ball in the final third. Frustratingly they were restricted to long range shots with Kerry Montgomery’s effort being the closest to finding the net.

Motherwell started the second half brightly, determined to get an early goal to get themselves back in the game. Montgomery nearly got the visitors off to the perfect start as she came close with a long-ranged effort.

The shot looked destined for goal, but Fiona McNicoll in the Forfar goal done brilliantly to tip it over the bar.

Chelsea McEachren came close shortly after as the bright spell continued with the ‘Well looking the more dangerous of the two sides. The attacker picked up the ball down the left wing, wriggling past two defenders and working her way into a position to shoot. The shot was inches away from nestling into the top corner.

Eventually, the attacking pressure paid off on the 54th minute as Motherwell managed to grab a goal back and blow the game wide open again. Rice was the scorer as her long-ranged driven strike bounced off the post and over the line to reignite the contest.

Motherwell’s joy however was short lived. Four minutes later the hosts hit back, a superb free kick delivery from Nicola Davidson reached the head of Paterson, who broke free from her marker and produced a glancing header to direct it past Hunter to extend the deficit once more.

Despite being behind, the women of steel never let their heads drop as the continued to build from the back and to work the ball into dangerous areas, but they couldn’t find a way through the disciplined Forfar side.

With just over ten minutes to go, Motherwell came agonisingly close to reducing the gap once more. Montgomery pressed up the pitch well and nicked the ball back before making a run for the byline.

Drawing the keeper out wide with her, she picked out Mhairi Fyfe in the box with a low driven pass. All Fyfe had to do was get a touch on it and it was a goal but a superb covering block from Paterson denied the substitute a chance to get the ‘Well back into the game.

The chance seemed to have breathed new life into the ‘Well side as they continued to advance forward, looking to create something but once more the resilient Forfar were up to the task of batting back any Motherwell advance.

Substitute Fyfe gave Donald Jennow’s side some late hope as she made it 3-2 in additional time with a well worked goal. Latching onto the through ball, the striker took on and dribbled past the defence before slotting her shot into the opposite corner of the net past the diving McNicoll in goal.

There was drama at the final whistle as Montgomery fired a shot into the roof of the net, but the goal was chopped off as the ball was judged to have hit the net after the referee had blown the final whistle, denying Motherwell a late point.

Next up for Motherwell is SWPL Cup action as they face Hutchinson Vale next Sunday in the capital.

After getting off to a winning start in SWPL1, Motherwell are aiming to make it two wins from two on Sunday when they travel to Station Park for a meeting with Forfar Farmington.

Kerry Montgomery’s long range effort clinched all three points as the women of steel edged out Stirling University in their opening game.

It was the ideal way to start the new season, but life in the top flight will mean the tough games will come thick and fast.

Kick off at Station Park is 1pm. Entry is priced at £4 adults, £3 concessions and free for under 16s.

THE OPPOSITION

Forfar Farmington enjoyed a comfortable first season in SWPL1 in 2018, following promotion to the top flight the previous year.

The appointment of Stevie Baxter ahead of the 2019 campaign has also brought significant changes to the playing squad and the new boss will be hoping his side can gel quickly in order to build on last season’s success.

A 4-0 defeat to Celtic on the opening day was a disappointing way to begin the season, but Baxter’s side will be determined to make amends in their first home fixture.

POSITION

Forfar: SWPL1 – 8th – zero points

Motherwell: SWPL1 – 2nd – three points

WHAT THEY SAID

Kirsten Rolph is hoping Motherwell can build up momentum after a winning start.

“Nobody needs to stress to us not to get carried away,” Rolph said. “We all know we are in for a tough season and are taking it game by game.

“There is a great team spirit already, despite having only been together as a group for a few weeks.

“During the game we all worked hard for each other and everyone was buzzing with the win.”

Donald Jennow has been pleased with the attitude and work rate of his squad in the lead up to taking on Forfar.

The ‘Well head coach is now urging his players to keep on improving, after an impressing showing against Stirling University.

“We’ve put in a good week of work in the build up to Sunday’s game,” said Jennow. “What has been most pleasing is the determination of the players to keep on improving.

“Every coach will strive for consistency and so I want us to replicate the things we did well last week while adding those thing that we’ve looked at following the Stirling game.”

DON’T MISS OUT

We’ll have a full match report and goal highlights here and on the club’s social media channels.

Kirsten Rolph says Motherwell must now build up momentum, after opening their SWPL1 campaign with a victory over Stirling University.

Former Kilmarnock defender Rolph joined the ranks at ‘Well earlier this year and played a big role as they opened their top flight account with a victory.

Next up for the women of steel is their first away fixture of the season, when they travel to Station Park to take on Forfar Farmington.

Going into the game on the back of a good victory will ensure Donald Jennow’s side are full of confidence, but Rolph is well aware they’ll need to be at their best to come away with a positive result.

“Nobody needs to stress to us not to get carried away,” Rolph said. “We all know we are in for a tough season and are taking it game by game.

“There is a great team spirit already, despite having only been together as a group for a few weeks.

“We have all gelled really well from day one and I think that showed against Stirling.

“During the game we all worked hard for each other and everyone was buzzing with the win.”

In contrasting fashion, Forfar opened their season with a 4-0 defeat against Celtic.

Last season, after gaining promotion to the top flight, the Blues handled the transition well and comfortably finished in fifth place.

Rolph believes Motherwell are more than capable of taking another positive result, but has warned they are in for a very tough encounter.

“They’ll definitely want to bounce back from last week and the defeat to Celtic,” she added.

“I know they have made some changes in coaching staff and similar to us brought in new players.

“Forfar are a good side who last year had some mixed results, but managed to stay a solid team in SWPL1.

“That being said we are confident in our own abilities and will definitely be looking to come away with a result.”

Despite a close season of major transition within the Motherwell squad, Rolph feels she and her fellow new recruits have settled in easily.

The 26-year-old also has been impressed with the quality within the squad and is relishing the increased exposure that has come with life in the top league.

“Since joining Motherwell it has been really clear how good the standard is,” she said.

“For me personally, I feel I’m always learning and there’s a lot of differences to take on board.

“I feel like I’m progressing every week, it’s been a good transition for me.

“We are part of the top league in Scotland, so are in the spotlight a lot more and as the newly promoted team there’s that added interest.

“It’s nice to get that added attention, but our focus is simply on achieving our goals for the season.”

Motherwell head coach Donald Jennow expressed delight at a winning start to life in SWPL1.

Kerry Montgomery’s second half screamer against Stirling University earned all three points for the women of steel, who were twice denied by the woodwork as they looked to extend their lead.

Jennow believes that a winning start will be a huge confidence boost and praised skipper Montgomery for her superb winning goal.

“To start with three points is very positive and reflects well on how quickly the group has come together,” Jennow said.

“There is always an element of uncertainty when starting a new season, so the win helps to boost confidence and trust within the squad.

“We were a bit hesitant to shoot in the first half so it was great to see Kerry take the shot on and then her ability to execute is why she’s so important to us.”

Despite getting off to the best possible start, Jennow is refusing to get carried away.

Instead, the ‘Well gaffer insists that the primary goal for the season is retaining their top flight status.

Motherwell romped to the SWPL2 title last season and have gone over a year without defeat on home soil.

“We need to win games to stay in this league,” he added.

“We have made the best possible start to that but I’m stating the obvious when I say one win isn’t enough.

“The earlier we can pick up enough points to make us safe, the sooner we can start to think about how we progress to the next level.”

The women of steel will play their home matches at Ravenscraig this season, but with resurfacing work ongoing at the venue, Fir Park hosted Sunday’s game.

Jennow felt that his team adapted to their surroundings and impressed on the big stage, though has stressed there’s still work to be done.

“Speaking selfishly, I love these opportunities,” the ‘Well boss said.

“It allows me to see which players thrive on the bigger stages and after a cagey start I thought everyone grew into their surroundings.

“We still have a lot of work to do but I firmly believe that, after today, I have a group that will relish the challenges we will face this year.

“We showed flashes of the type of football we are capable of but that level of performance needs to be sustained if we are going to have success this year.”

Motherwell got their SWPL 1 campaign off to a winning start, defeating Stirling University 1-0 at Fir Park on Sunday.

Captain Kerry Montgomery’s wonder strike was enough to ensure that the three points stayed in Lanarkshire, with a clean sheet as an additional bonus.

It was a nervy start for ‘Well. An early mix up at the back nearly gifted Eva Rule an early goal but home keeper Morgan Hunter, making her first appearance in claret and amber, saw the danger and tracked back to gather the loose pass to clear the danger.

The women of steel grew more and more into the game and the first chance fell to Scotland international Sarah Crilly.

The winger burst down the right wing producing a dangerous looking cross only for the ball to be scrambled clear by the Stirling defence.

With just under half an hour played, the hosts came the closest to drawing first blood.

Stephanie Knox was at the back post from the corner kick when the cross came over. Amongst the bodies in the box the ball fell to the defender, but she couldn’t stretch out to poke it over the line.

After the first sniff of goal, the momentum in the match looked to be with ‘Well. Some good build-up play between the midfield and forwards opened the door to more chances with the Stirling defence tested on numerous occasions.

But it would be honours even at the end of the first half, with both sides unable to find the net.

The start of the second half mirrored that of the first, Stirling started brightly but their attacking threat didn’t pose too many issues for Hunter.

At the other end, Motherwell’s first chance came in the form of a corner. Katie Rice’s delivery was swung into a dangerous area, but again the Stirling defence were able to clear their lines.

The deadlock was finally broken just after the hour when Montgomery opened Motherwell’s SWPL 1 scoring account in outstanding fashion.

The captain picked up a pass from the left wing, dribbled into space and, after spotting the keeper off her line, unleashed a rocket of a strike from her right foot that flew into the roof of the net.

Motherwell came so close to increasing their advantage shortly after, but struck the frame of the goal twice in a matter of minutes.

Former Hamilton Accies forward Rice met a teasing cross with a powering header that smashed off the crossbar, much to the delight of Stirling keeper Chloe Logan, who was rooted to the spot.

Substitute Mhairi Fyfe saw her shot cannon off the post as ‘Well sensed blood, but Stirling survived to keep the match delicately poised going into the closing stages.

Another sub, Caitlin Russell, could’ve ended the match as a contest when she was sent racing away. However, her effort lacked enough power and it was comfortably stopped by Logan.

After a slight scare late on in the home box, Russell had another opportunity to add to the score sheet, but her effort again lacked conviction and Logan again blocked.

Next up for Motherwell is a trip to face Forfar Farmington on 17 February.

Motherwell open their SWPL1 campaign on Sunday afternoon as Stirling University visit Fir Park.

The close season has been one of major transition for Donald Jennow’s squad, with only five members of last season’s SWPL2 winning side remaining at the club for their top flight challenge.

Making the step up to the top league in Scottish women’s football will represent a stern test for the women of steel, though they will take confidence from their performances and results in pre-season. A 2-2 draw with Newcastle United was followed up with a 3-1 success over St Johnstone.

Kick off at Fir Park is 2pm. Entry is free, for all with spectators housed in the Phil O’Donnell Stand.

THE VISITORS

After recording an impressive fourth place finish during the 2017 season, Stirling University found life in the top flight somewhat more difficult in 2018.

They would finish in seventh place, one place and three points above Hamilton Accies who were relegated to SWPL2.

Ahead of the new season, interim head coach, Craig Beveridge has targeted an improvement in their league position, sighting consistency as the key to ensuring a more successful year.

Last season

Motherwell: SWPL2 – 1st – 53 points

Stirling: SWPL1 – 7th – 15 points

WHAT THEY SAID

Sarah Crilly is desperate to get her career with the women of steel off to a flyer when they face Stirling University in the season opener at Fir Park.

“I’m buzzing to get going, it’s been a long and cold pre-season,” said Crilly.

“It’s hugely important we get off to a good start, Stirling have always been a team that are difficult to take points from.

“They are a good team, a scrappy team and I think it’ll be a battle in the midfield.

“Hopefully we can come out on top and get a result that will stand us in good stead for the rest of the season.”

‘Well gaffer Donald Jennow is relishing the challenge of mixing it with the country’s top sides.

And after overseeing a close season of big transition, Jennow has praised the attitude and desire of his new recruits.

“We are looking forward to it and I’m happy with how we are progressing,” Jennow said.

“Making the changes hasn’t been difficult because of the support I’ve had.

“The coaching team have been a great help with recruitment.

“Part of the reason that I’m so happy with the players we brought in is that it wasn’t a hard sell, they all want to be here and that’s half the battle.”

DON’T MISS OUT

Our match programme is available for free download now.

You can also get goal updates from the match on the @MotherwellFC Twitter account.

Motherwell Football Club are removing the word ‘Ladies’ from the name of the women’s team.

Going forward, Donald Jennow’s side will simply play under the banner of Motherwell Football Club, with reference being made to the team as women only when needed for clarity.

Since officially coming under the wing of the club in 2018, Motherwell have performed outstandingly, winning the SWPL2 title and promotion in record time, and reaching the SSE Scottish Cup final in the same season.

In general terms, the club does not think it is necessary to specifically highlight the different genders of teams when discussing any side which is part of Motherwell Football Club.

“Whether it is the first team, reserves or women, all of our players play as Motherwell FC,” chief executive Alan Burrows said.

“We want to completely remove the idea that our female players exist as some form of ‘arms length’ side. The team, as you would expect, train in club facilities and obviously play in the same kits.

“We are all united together, and this name change is another indication of our intent to grow and promote our women’s team as they start life in the top flight.”

Forward Sam McManus added: “Since day one we’ve felt part of the club, so the name change feels a natural progression for everyone.

“We’re proud to wear the Motherwell badge and represent the club, and hope that supporters will get behind us as we start playing in the top flight of the women’s game in Scotland.

The team start the new campaign in the top flight on Sunday, when Stirling University are the visitors to Fir Park*. Kick off is at 2pm.

The women’s team’s social media content will also come from the official Motherwell Football Club accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter going forward.

*The nominated home venue throughout the 2019 season will be the indoor pitch at the Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility. However, due to upgrade and replacement works currently taking place on the synthetic surface, Fir Park is being utilised for Sunday’s SWPL1 fixture.

With just days to go until Motherwell play their first ever fixture in SWPL1, the excitement within Donald Jennow’s newly-assembled squad is building.

Last season, the women of steel enjoyed a remarkable campaign, setting a record points tally on the way to the SWPL2 title and reaching the Scottish Cup final.

The heavy defeat in the cup final to Hibernian was the only disappointment in a season in which Motherwell regularly demonstrated their superiority, with empathic victories and highly impressive performances.

Progression to the top level of Scottish women’s football will provide a huge challenge for Jennow’s side. But it is one he is relishing.

Only five players of last season’s squad remain at the club ahead of the step up, with the ‘Well boss bringing in no fewer than 13 new faces to Fir Park during the close season.

“We are looking forward to it and I’m happy with how we are progressing,” Jennow said.

“Making the changes hasn’t been difficult because of the support I’ve had.

“The coaching team have been a great help with recruitment.

“Part of the reason that I’m so happy with the players we brought in is that it wasn’t a hard sell, they all want to be here and that’s half the battle.”

Jennow’s squad have prepared for the new season with friendly encounters against Newcastle and St Johnstone as well as an intense training schedule.

‘Well were denied victory over Newcastle by a stoppage time equaliser, before coming back from a goal down to defeat St Johnstone 3-1.

Next up is the season opener against Stirling University at Fir Park on 10 February, with the women of steel determined to get off to a winning start.

“Both pre-season games have been very competitive,” he added.

“I think St Johnstone will do well this year and I want to thank them for their hospitality on the day.

“We know step up in quality of opposition means that we will have to improve as well.

“Targets are something that any squad will have, but I think they are best kept in house.

“What I will say is that the first job for any newly promoted side is survival – so that’s where we’ll start.

“This next week is the best of pre-season, as soon as the next game is a competitive one then the dynamic changes a bit.”

While many Motherwell fans would have followed the successes of the team last season via the club website channels and through social media, it was unfortunate that their only live televised fixture resulted in a heavy defeat.

Hibs, who have now recorded back-to-back cup doubles swept Motherwell aside at Firhill, in what was a bitterly disappointing day for the team.

Jennow admits he’s still not fully over the pain of suffering such a heavy defeat on the big stage, but believes the turnover in personnel at the club means that there will be no negative effects on his players.

“Personally the Scottish Cup final stung and I won’t forget it easily,” he confessed.

“It’s important to remember though that this is a new squad, most of them weren’t there so we won’t be dwelling on it.”

2019 is set to be a huge year for women’s football in Scotland and the undoubted highlight will come when Shelly Kerr leads Scotland into their first ever World Cup in June.

Domestic football is set for heightened exposure too, with BBC Alba showing an increased number of games during the season ahead.

The Motherwell gaffer is pleased that the women’s game is enjoying increased coverage and insists it is just reward for the abilities and dedication of the players involved.

As well as increased media coverage of the game, Jennow also hopes to see more supporters getting along to back his team during their first season in the top flight.

“Exposure is for the players,” said the former Glasgow City assistant.

“They deserve recognition and promotion for their talent and commitment.

“Hopefully the players will also feel a bit more valued due to the heightened interest.

“A positive from the cup final in how many supporters turned out and it would be great if a few could come along to the league games this year.”

Motherwell recorded their first victory of 2019 with an impressive 3-1 victory over St Johnstone.

Following up from last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Newcastle, Donald Jennow’s side went one better in the cold and windy conditions at McDiarmid Park.

It was the hosts who broke the deadlock after six minutes through their captain Jade McDonald, but ‘Well came battling back and Kerry Montgomery headed home an equaliser just after the half hour mark.

There were chances at both ends early in the second half before Chelsea McEachran fired ‘Well in front with quarter of an hour remaining and Sarah Crilly put the game beyond doubt when she swept home after 86 minutes.

The women of steel started the game brightly and there was chances for Crilly and Katie Rice before Saints took the lead.

Motherwell were caught out in possession, allowing the hosts to counter and McDonald rounded Morgan Hunter before calmly rolling the ball into the net.

A back and forth game followed with both sides creating plenty of chances, Ellie May Cowie continued to look dangerous for the home side while Montgomery was pulling the strings in midfield for the ‘Well, continuously looking to exploit the space in behind the defence.

The equaliser arrived after 32 minutes, when Montgomery rose highest to power home a header despite the best effort of the Saints defender on the line.

Hunter twice denied Cowie to ensure the game was level at the break and the former Killie keeper again produced a brilliant stop to deny the midfielder after the restart.

‘Well were also carrying a threat in attack and the ever dangerous Crilly saw her looping shot cannon back off the crossbar before Rice was denied by a good save.

With 15 minutes remaining the turnaround was complete, the Saints defence were unable to scramble clear Hayley Cunningham’s corner and McEachran smashed the ball high into the roof of the net

The game was put beyond doubt with four minutes left on the clock and it came from yet another flowing Motherwell attack.

Cunningham burst into the box brilliantly and laid the ball to Maxine Welsh who saw her shot blocked before Crilly converted to cap an excellent showing with a goal.

Motherwell get their SWPL1 campaign underway in two weeks time when they host Stirling University at Ravenscraig.

Donald Jennow has bolstered his squad with a host of new faces ahead of Motherwell’s first season in SWPL1.

Among the recruits are Sarah Crilly, who has been capped four times by Scotland and moves from Celtic to add further experience to the midfield, having also spent three years with Glasgow City.

Her international debut made the headlines back in 2012. Attending a friendly match with Norway as a fan, having trained with the team the previous day, a succession of injuries led to her being called from the stands to join the action. Even more remarkably, wearing oversized kit and boots, she scored the equaliser in a 2-2 draw.

Katie Rice was formerly with Hamilton and the 19-year-old has been capped at various youth levels by Scotland. She’s also joined by her former Accies team-mate Lori Gardner, who plays up front.

Mhairi Fyfe has spent time in recent years in the United States of America, breaking records with Campbellsville University Tigers in Kentucky, becoming their all-time record goal scorer.

Goalkeeper Morgan Hunter joins from Kilmarnock, having faced us in SWPL2 last season, as did her ex-Killie team-mate Kirsten Rolph and Morgan Hay, who signs on from Glasgow Girls.

Claire Adams made the switch from Rangers to Celtic for the 2018 season, with the 20-year-old midfielder joining from the Glasgow side alongside defender Georgie Rafferty, who has also joined the women of steel.

They are joined by current Scotland Under 17 international Chelsea McEachran, former EUHV forward Beth McLeod, Stephanie Knox, who spent a short spell with us at the start of last season, Sam McManus, who has been promoted from our development squad, and former Scotland youth cap midfielder Stacey Hutchison, who has signed on from Hearts.

Kendall Welsh, Kerry Montgomery, Hayley Cunningham, Natasha Roberts and Maxine Welsh have been retained from the squad that were crowned SWPL2 champions, and they are joined by Caitlin Russell, who has made her loan spell from Hibernian permanent.

“It has been a busy close season for us and there have been significant changes to the playing squad,” manager Jennow said.

“I am delighted to have some really important players sign up again for the season ahead. Kendall, Maxine, Natasha, Kerry, Hayley and Caitlin all played significant roles in the success the club had and are players I know are excited by the challenge ahead.

“To supplement those returning, we have recruited a number of very talented players. I am sure will they will fit in well. We have brought in players who will work hard, are motivated and can create moments that win games.

“There are also a number of players who have left the club and they all depart with our best wishes and the knowledge they helped the club reach SWPL1.”