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  • Women

    Completing the comeback

  • Women

    Narrow Defeat in SWPL1

  • Women

    A Lanarkshire Derby at Fir Park in SWPL1

  • Women

    Rangers up next in SWPL1

  • Women

    Motherwell draw with Partick Thistle in SWPL1

  • Women

    London Pollard called up to Scotland’s Under 19s

  • Women

    Partick Thistle up next in SWPL1

  • Women

    Defeat to Celtic in SWPL1

  • Women

    Celtic next in SWPL1

  • Women

    Hibernian next in SWPL1

  • Women

    Completing the comeback

    Completing the comeback

    When Lauren Doran-Barr lined up for Motherwell in the Scottish Women’s Premier League against Celtic last month, it represented the culmination of a two-year journey back to the starting line-up.

    But the 22-year-old feels her comeback was just the latest stage in an ongoing attempt to get where she wants to go in football and make up for lost time.

    The former Scotland youth international had last played in February 2020 before suffering the latest in a short series of medial knee ligament sprains in training.

    Further assessment from the physio led to the feeling there was something more to the sprains but the pandemic caused major delays in getting to the root of the problem.

    “She suggested I go to my doctor and hopefully they could refer me for an MRI scan,” the right- back said.

    “I had my doctor’s appointment a week before lockdown happened so there were bigger things going on in the NHS. It took about six months to get the MRI.

    “The scan came back clear but I had a ganglion cyst. People usually get them in their wrist but it is really uncommon in knees so it was a bit new to the physios. I still had pain when I ran so I got referred to a knee specialist and waited another six months.

    “Thankfully I didn’t need surgery, he was happy for me to push on and the main thing was strengthening about the area because there was quite a bit of scar tissue there. The biggest thing that kept me out for so long was the waiting but there was nothing I could do with Covid going on. It was a bit of a strange injury and the timing wasn’t great.

    “Since then it’s been trying to find a rehab programme that has worked for me. It was just trial and error and eventually we got it right and get to the level of strength where I was able to kick through it.”

    Doran-Barr returned to training in January and was back in action in February off the bench before starting the last two games against Celtic and Partick Thistle.

    “It felt like a long time coming,” she said. “I was just absolutely buzzing to be back kicking a ball again.

    “I have just tried to take it one week at a time and not look at the bigger picture. It’s just about getting game time under my belt to get my fitness levels back up. It’s been two years so it’s not going to happen overnight.

    “As much as you are buzzing to come back in and you can’t wait, it is quite daunting. My first session back, I was really quite nervous.

    “During the two-year period, not only have I got to catch up fitness wise but there’s a feeling that everyone else has had an additional two years’ development. But I can only focus on myself and take it one week at a time and be better than I was the last week. That’s what got me through the two years, just celebrating small wins.

    “It was probably quite a surprise that I started a couple of weeks ago, but I have just tried to keep my head down and work away sand thankfully I got an opportunity. Hopefully between now and the end of the season I will get as many minutes as I possibly can and look to get a really good pre-season under my belt and kick on next season.”

    Eddie Wolecki Black was in charge when Doran-Barr got injured but current boss Paul Brownlie and player/coach Leanne Crichton have made sure the pathway to the first team was open.

    “They have been great in terms of supporting me and keeping me on throughout the journey,” she said.

    “Under that change, initially there was that doubt before I had a conversation with Paul, he was not a coach I had worked with before. Given I was out for so long, it was in the back of my head: ‘Will he keep me?’

    “But the first conversation I had with him, he just wanted to get me the support that I needed. Straight away his take was that he wanted to get me back fit and back playing.

    “He hadn’t seen me play for a long time so coming back from injury I feel a bit like I have a point to prove to re-sign for season 22-23. I am hoping to get as many minutes as I can and hopefully stay on for next year.”

    Doran-Barr has had to show similar determination to prove herself throughout her football career.

    “I played in boys’ teams when I was younger,” she said. “I think it has massively changed now but back then I was the only girl in my team and I don’t ever remember coming up against another girl.

    “There was always a comment or two made by the opposition player or coaches: ‘They have got a girl in their team’. That probably puts a target on your back at times. Maybe at times they thought it was going to be easier because I was a girl.

    “I think it gives you a bit more determination to prove yourself and make a point that you are not a passenger, that you can actually play. You always work that bit harder to impress the coaches.

    “The coaches and boys I played with were always great, they accepted me straight away, and I think that was off the back of me working hard every session and wanting to win. They were always very encouraging and accepting and I definitely felt part of the team.

    “Rangers was my first girls’ team. I got scouted when I was playing for the school team. It was a tournament at Toryglen and I think I was in first year. I signed for Rangers when I was 11 or 12, going into the under- 13s, and worked my way up to the first team.

    “When I was 17 or 18 I left to go to Stirling because I was at university in Stirling. In my second year, I went and played for Stirling University in the SWPL and then came over to Motherwell.

    “My initial time was under Donald Jennow, who really kicked me on confidence wise and had a lot of belief in me.”

    As well as her football education with Rangers, Doran-Barr also won 10 Scotland youth caps at age levels up to under-19s.

    “I absolutely loved going away with Scotland squads. I have got so many memories and made friends for life throughout that journey. There were so many amazing trips.

    “Everyone wants to play for their national team but my focus is just on getting back to where I need to be and helping the team. I don’t think I am anywhere near where I want to be, I have still got a long way to go to get back to sharpness.

    “It is definitely an exciting time to be at Motherwell, we are trying to kick on. The club has taken massive strides in the two years I was out and I want to be a part of it. We are building something special.

    “Paul and Leanne have great experience in the women’s game and it’s somewhere I feel I can become a better player.”

    Football has also been a major part of Doran-Barr’s education and current full-time job for a sportswear firm, where she has worked after graduating from a sports studies degree in 2021.

    “In my dissertation I looked at the perceptions and knowledge levels of the menstrual cycle within Scottish women’s football,” she said.

    “I interviewed six coaches and sent a survey out and got over 100 responses. I got a first in it so I did all right.

    “It was definitely interesting. It’s something not a lot of people talk about or are aware of. There is still more that can be done to develop the education side of women’s football for coaches.

    “Women’s football has taken massive strides and the participation levels for young girls are amazing to see, it wasn’t like that when I was younger.

    “But there are still sides oft the game that need to be developed, the education side of the game is almost entirely based on male athletes. For coaches that are coaching the women’s game, I think it’s important they have more knowledge of the athletes they are dealing with, that they go through different things.”

  • Women

    Narrow Defeat in SWPL1

    Narrow Defeat in SWPL1

    Motherwell showed their resilience to fight until the end, but Rangers snatched the three points in the second half to clinch a narrow 1-0 victory at Alliance Park.

    Lizzie Arnot’s second half strike proved to be the difference in what was an excellent performance from Motherwell.

    Following last weekend’s tumultuous 3-3 draw with Partick Thistle, Paul Brownlie made three changes from the previous outing. Ciara Duff, Murron Cunningham and Carla Boyce all dropped out whilst Khym Ramsay, Chelsie Watson and Kodie Hay all returned to the starting 11.

    Motherwell pressed high from the off, frustrating the visiting defence who looked to build from the back.

    Katie Rice’s pinpoint delivery fell kindly to Lori Gardner at the edge of the box, but the wingers drilled attempt was brilliantly parried wide of the target in what was an early warning sign for the league leaders.

    Minutes later, Rangers again failed to cope with the accuracy of Rice’s corner kicks, as Hay was left unmarked lurking at the back post, but the powerful headed effort rattled off the crossbar.

    Rangers though were threatening when they finally broke free of Motherwell’s grip. Demi Vance’s cross from the right flashed across the face of goal, but despite being a few yards out; Brianna Westrup couldn’t capitalise on the glorious chance at the back post.

    The visitors continued to pile on the pressure, and almost found the breakthrough minutes later.

    After latching onto Chantelle Swaby’s magnificent cross-field pass, Brogan Hay superbly cut in from the right before picking out Kayla McCoy in the box, but the forward couldn’t adjust her position and the chance slowly petered away.

    As the half time whistle loomed, Motherwell continued to flood the Rangers penalty area in search of the opener. Gardner skilfully worked her way into the box after defeating her opponent with a clever nutmeg before firing towards goal, but Swaby’s late lunging tackle steered her effort wide of the target.

    With both sides level midway into the second half, the visitors snatched a lead.

    The lively Hay skilfully worked her way into the box before firing an enticing delivery across the face of goal, and Arnot was on hand to coolly slot her strike into the bottom right corner.

    With the women of steel chasing the game in the final few minutes, Gill Inglis volley sailed into the path of Gardner at the edge of the box, who intelligently chested the ball down before dispatching a spectacular half-volley inches wide of the far post.

    Despite their tireless efforts, Motherwell were unable to find the late equaliser that they truly deserved. Paul Brownlie will have several positives to take from today’s contest before moving on to face local rivals Hamilton in the Lanarkshire derby at Fir Park.

  • Women

    A Lanarkshire Derby at Fir Park in SWPL1

    A Lanarkshire Derby at Fir Park in SWPL1

    The third Lanarkshire derby of the SWPL1 season will take place at Fir Park.

    Motherwell will take on Hamilton at Fir Park on Saturday 16 April. Kick off is 3pm.

    The women of steel will play their first SWPL1 match at the Fir Park as they look to secure their third victory over their Lanarkshire rivals this season.

    There will be free to entry to the stadium for the match. However, if you are able to, there will be buckets available for fans to place donations.

    All profits will go towards the girls academy.

    Fans will be located in the John Hunter stand for the match.

    “This is a momentous occasion for the players and the club,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

    “Playing Hamilton was always going to be a big game, given the fact it is a derby match and it could be a game that defines where we finish this season.

    “I am delighted that the players get the platform to go out and perform on a bigger stage.

    “It will hopefully help raise the profile of the women’s game within Motherwell Football Club as we have worked very hard this season to push it on to the next stage.

    “I hope the Motherwell fan base turn out in their numbers to help push the girls on in what will hopefully be a day and a game to remember.”

  • Women

    Rangers up next in SWPL1

    Rangers up next in SWPL1

    Motherwell play Rangers in SWPL1 on Sunday at Alliance Park.

    Kick off is 4pm.

    Come and Watch

    There will be no tickets sold before the match on Sunday.

    It will be pay at the gate only, with tickets priced at £5 for adults while kids go free.

    Tale of the Tape

    Motherwell last picked up points in this fixture back in April 2019, when they drew 3-3 with the Glasgow outfit.

    Rangers came out 5-0 winners last time the two sides played.

    Form Guide

    Motherwell staged a remarkable comeback in their previous outing, against Partick Thistle, coming back from two goals down. Kaela McDonald-Nguah grabbed her fourth and fifth goal of the season, while Gill Inglis also got on the scoresheet.

    The ‘Well last picked up three points against Spartans in January.

    Rangers are top of the league in SWPL1, two points clear of Glasgow City but also have a game in hand over City.

    The Gers have a perfect record in the league stretching back to October 2021, where they drew 1-1 with Glasgow City.

  • Women

    Motherwell draw with Partick Thistle in SWPL1

    Motherwell draw with Partick Thistle in SWPL1

    Motherwell fought back from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 with Partick Thistle on Sunday at Alliance Park. 

    Kaela McDonald-Nguah scored two while captain Gill Inglis also got on the scoresheet.

    Cara McBrearty scored from the penalty spot for Thistle, with Linzi Taylor and Teigan McCann also netting.

    The deadlock was broken on six minutes, when Gill Inglis fouled in the penalty area and Thistle striker McBrearty took full advantage.

    Thistle doubled their lead after 32 minutes. The ball was flicked through and Taylor finished cooly into the corner.

    After finding themselves behind, Motherwell kept pushing to get the goal that would bring them back into the game, and on the stroke of half time they did just that.

    McDonald-Nguah picked up the ball just outside the box and unleashed a fine strike which flew past the Thistle keeper. 1-2.

    After half time, it was Motherwell who came out the traps flying. Inglis was fouled in the wide area and lined up the free kick. A looping effort which was destined for the top corner left the Thistle keeper helpless and the skipper levelled the game.

    After coming back from 2-0 down, Motherwell were not finished. The women of steel were awarded a free kick which McDonald-Nguah converted. A fierce shot beat the wall and nestled into the bottom left corner.

    However, their lead would only last a matter of minutes.

    A ball into the box wasn’t dealt with and McCann was on hand to finish and level the score. 3-3.

    There would be a chunk of added time at the end of the game, as Murron Cunningham was stretchered off after a suspected knee injury, but neither side could find the back of the net and the game would end in a draw.

  • Women

    London Pollard called up to Scotland’s Under 19s

    London Pollard called up to Scotland’s Under 19s

    Motherwell striker London Pollard has been called up to the Scotland Under 19s squad.

    Scotland play three matches in round two of the UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship.

    The first match takes place on Tuesday 5 April, when the dark blues take on Kazakhstan at Ainslie Park.

    They will then take on Estonia on Friday 8 April at Ainslie Park, before facing Kosovo at the Falkirk stadium on Monday 11 April.

    London Pollard featured in Pauline Hamill’s previous Under 19s squad in February, scoring against Wales.

  • Women

    Partick Thistle up next in SWPL1

    Partick Thistle up next in SWPL1

    Motherwell play Partick Thistle on Sunday 27 March at Alliance Park in SWPL1. 

    Kick off is 4pm. 

    Come and Watch

    Tickets will be sold on the gate only and they are priced at £5 for adults whilst children go free. 

    Tale of the Tape

    Partick Thistle have the upper hand against Motherwell this season. 

    Brian Graham’s team have picked up a victory in the league and in the cup this season, whilst the third fixture was a 2-2 draw. 

    Last time out, Partick Thistle came up with a second half leveller as the points were shared in a 2-2 draw. Kaela McDonald-Nguah and Amy Anderson got on the scoresheet for the women of steel that day. 

    Form Guide 

    Motherwell have faced a tough run of games, facing off against three of the top four in SWPL1 in the last three weeks. 

    Motherwell’s last game ended in a harsh 6-1 defeat to Celtic, with Jemma Hughes grabbing her second goal of the season. 

    Partick Thistle have also been on a difficult run. The Glasgow side last picked up points when they beat Hearts 4-2 in Edinburgh at the end February.

  • Women

    Defeat to Celtic in SWPL1

    Defeat to Celtic in SWPL1

    A difficult afternoon for Motherwell as the women of steel struggled to break down an organised Celtic side in a tough encounter at the Penny Cars stadium on Sunday.

    Larisey Clarissa fired Celtic into the ascendency early into the first half before Jemma Hughes netted a spectacular equaliser minutes later. Annie Timoney restored the hosts advantage seconds before half time before Charlie Wellings added a third early into the second half.

    A Chloe Craig double and Izzy Atkinson strike followed to settle a disappointing 6-1 defeat for Paul Brownlie’s side.

    Looking to narrow the gap to bitter rivals Rangers, Celtic started on the front foot with Fran Alonso’s side testing Ciara Duff in the Motherwell goal.

    Sarah Harkes powerful free kick ricocheted its way back to the feet of the American who picked out Clarissa with an intelligent through ball, but the strikers hopeful effort sailed wide of the target.

    Minutes later, Celtic found their breakthrough. Harkes’ incisive through ball fell kindly to the feet of Olafasdottir Gros’ on the right, who skilfully worked her way into the box before firing an enticing delivery across the face of goal, and Clarissa coolly slotted her strike home at the back post.

    Demoralised with the early setback, Motherwell toiled in search of a route back into the game. Kelly Clark’s mistimed clearance was superbly intercepted by Hughes at the edge of the penalty area, and the forward’s magnificent strike nestled perfectly into the top left corner.

    Celtic continued to threaten the Motherwell goal and with the half time whistle looming, the hosts restored their advantage.

    Wellings floated corner kick fell kindly to Timoney at the edge of the box and her audacious attempt evaded everyone before finding the bottom right corner.

    The hosts continued to flood the Motherwell penalty area and added their third of the afternoon in the early stages of the second half.

    Despite the game initially being halted for a Motherwell substitution, Celtic continued to play on and after an exceptional run from Bowie, Wellings escaped her marker to stab home a stealthy finish at the back post.

    Minutes later, Celtic added a fourth from the penalty spot. After initially being impeded in the box, Craig stepped up and placed her composed effort past Duff.

    In the dying stages of the game, the hosts secured their fifth. Wellings strike was superbly parried away by Duff, but only to the feet of Atkinson who fired home from close range. The striker appeared to score from an offside position, but the referee looked disinterested in the adamant Motherwell pleas.

    Minutes from full time, Craig netted her second and Celtic’s sixth of the afternoon after latching onto Tyler Toland’s drilled corner kick to complete a disappointing afternoon for Paul Brownlie’s side.

  • Women

    Celtic next in SWPL1

    Celtic next in SWPL1

    Motherwell are back in SWPL1 action on Sunday when they face Celtic at the Penny Cars Stadium on Sunday 20 March.

    Kick off is 2pm.

    Come and Watch

    There will be no tickets sold on the gate of the stadium.

    Tickets for the game can be purchased here.

    Tale of the Tape

    Celtic last dropped points in this fixture back in March 2019, when they drew 0-0 with Motherwell.

    Motherwell have failed to score in the last six meetings between the two sides.

    Celtic have won 7-0 and 4-0 this season against the women of steel.

    Form Guide

    Celtic have lost three of their last five league games.

    They most recently lost the Glasgow derby against Champions Glasgow City when they fell to a 2-1 defeat.

    Motherwell have lost their last four games. They still occupy seventh in the table and are currently six points off of fifth place, where Spartans currently sit.

  • Women

    Hibernian next in SWPL1

    Hibernian next in SWPL1

    Motherwell will look to bounce back from defeat against the champions Glasgow City when they take on Hibernian on Sunday at the Tony Macaroni Arena.

    Kick off is 4pm.

    Tale of the Tape

    Hibernian have the upper hand in this fixture this season.

    They have won both games, 1-0 and 4-0 respectively this campaign.

    Form Guide

    Hibernian come into the fixture off the back of two defeats. The most recent coming against Edinburgh rivals Spartans, when they fell to a 2-0 defeat on Sunday.

    The Hibees last league win came against Motherwell in January, when they won 1-0.

    Motherwell were beaten 6-0 by champions Glasgow City on Sunday.

    The women of steel have lost their last three games, with their last win coming against Spartans in January.