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Putting pen to paper over a fortnight after the closure of the summer transfer window, 16-year-old forward Sophie Black made the daunting switch to ML1 after penning a season-long loan deal from title-chasers Rangers.

Black made a name for herself very early on in her career. Making her competitive debut for the Gers at just 16-years-old, Black featured in the Glasgow sides 11-goal opening day victory over Aberdeen before featuring in the Champions League matchday squad against European powerhouses Arsenal and Atletico Madrid.

Ready to establish herself within the Scottish game, Black is determined to follow in the footsteps of fellow teammate Laura Berry, and progress though the ranks in the Scottish top-flight.

“Motherwell seemed like the perfect environment for me,” Black explained.

“From the very first conversation I had with Paul, Leanne and the other staff, I could see the clear vision of what they wanted to achieve whilst playing a style of football that suited my qualities as a player.

A striker by trade, the versatile forward had to wait for her competitive league debut after representing the Scotland U-17 squad alongside teammates Amy Sharkey and Sienna McGoldrick.

Scotland secured victory over Iceland, Northern Ireland and Poland to comfortably earn their qualification to the second round of UEFA European Championship Qualifiers ahead of the final qualification round in the Faroe Islands next summer.

“It’s always a great opportunity to go away with the national team,” Black emphasised.

“I learn a lot playing against different opposition that you don’t often have the opportunity to learn from. We’re always being pushed to progress our standards to the next level, and to come away from the international break with three wins and at the top of our group, it really shows how much we’ve developed as a team.

“It will be great to bring back these experiences and hopefully implement some new things into my game.”

Despite having to wait for her competitive debut in South Lanarkshire, Black introduced herself to the K-Park faithful as a second-half substitute in the women of steel’s comfortable 4-1 victory over Dundee United. A Berry double, with strikes from Chelsie Watson and Louisa Boyes sealed a convincing victory in East Kilbride.

“I’m really delighted to have made my debut for Motherwell,” Black noted.

“I have been working hard for this moment, so to finally put on the shirt and represent the club was an incredible feeling.

The women of steel have made a positive start to league proceedings. Victory over the Tangerines enabled Paul Brownlie’s side to overtake closest rivals Partick Thistle into the final top-six place, returning 12-points from nine outings. Victory on derby day saw Motherwell progress past local rivals Hamilton to confirm their place in the Quarter-Final of the Sky Sports League Cup.

Keen to play her part, Black hopes to add vital competition for places, as the women of steel travel North next weekend to face Aberdeen at Balmoral Stadium.

“On a personal level, my main goal is to establish myself in the squad and make a real impact on the pitch,” Black said.

The women of steel travel North this weekend, looking to build on their comfortable victory over Dundee United, when they head to the Granite City to face Aberdeen.

Motherwell comprehensively overcame the Tangerines, sending four past the visitors in an assured performance at K-Park. Laura Berry continued her remarkable goalscoring form since returning to Motherwell on her second consecutive loan spell from league leaders Rangers, netting twice alongside strikes from Louisa Boyes and Chelsie Watson.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

The hosts return to Balmoral Stadium for the first-time since securing three points with the final kick of the game. Motherwell cruised to a formidable two-goal cushion before Francesca Ogilivie received a straight red card, keeping the women of steel firmly in the ascendency.

The Dons bounced back with two quickfire goals, but in the final seconds of the game, Chelsie Watson bulleted home the decisive header to gift Motherwell all three points.

Paul Brownlie’s side retain a positive record against Sunday’s opposition, returning three wins from their last five meetings. The women of steel have netted 18-times against the Dons since 2023 and will be looking to add to their tally this weekend.

Aberdeen

Sunday’s hosts have had a mixed start to their 2024/25 SWPL campaign, picking up victories against Montrose and Queens Park whilst also enduring substantial defeats to Rangers and Hibernian. Aberdeen sit ninth in the SWPL table, four points adrift of Motherwell.

Ticket information

Supporters can purchase tickets on matchday, with the clubs turnstile in operation. Tickets can also be purchased in advance through the Aberdeen FC ticketing website.

• Adult – £5.
• Under-12s – Free to enter.

How to follow the action 

Supporters can follow Sunday’s encounter on X formerly Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match. Kick-off from Balmoral Stadium at 1PM.

The women of steel comfortably earned their second successive victory in East Kilbride, placing four past a defeated Dundee United side in an assured performance at K-Park on Sunday.

Laura Berry continued her remarkable goalscoring form since returning to the women of steel on her second consecutive loan spell from league leaders Rangers. The 17-year-old broke the deadlock early into the first-half with a precise finish into the top-left corner before United promptly equalised with a sharp counter-attack.

Louisa Boyes restored Motherwell’s advantage moments later, forcing the ball over the line from close-range before Chelsie Watson ensured the women of steel headed into the half-time break with a two-goal cushion after powering home Bailley Collins’ floated free-kick.

Head Coach Paul Brownlie reshaped his starting XI from last weekend’s narrow defeat to league leaders Rangers, with Scotland internationalists Sienna McGoldrick, Amy Sharkey and Sophia Black all returning to the matchday squad alongside Rangers loanees Laura Berry and Mason Blyth-Clark.

Emily Mutch retained her place in the Motherwell goal, lining-up behind the back-four of skipper Gill Inglis, Jenna Penman, Chelsie Watson and Rachel Todd. Fellow Scotland youth internationals Berry and Sharkey partnered each other in the final third, with Sarah Gibb, Laura McCartney and Louisa Boyes completing the midfield trio.

The women of steel started brightly, immediately imposing their gameplay onto the fragmented visiting backline, and the hosts instantly found the breakthrough. Berry latched onto Gill Inglis’ enticing through ball before shifting the ball onto her stronger right-foot and dispatching an unstoppable finish into the top-left corner.

The hosts advantage failed to hold, as United quickly restored their foothold in the game. Catching Motherwell on the counter-attack, Ellie Cowie’s pinpoint cross-field pass accurately found teammate Ashley Robertson, who skilfully wrong-footed Emily Mutch with a looping finish on the half-volley.

Motherwell stuck to their gameplan, regrouped and soon found themselves ahead for the second-time. the hosts forced the United backline deep into their own penalty area, and despite numerous attempts to clear their lines, the ball eventually fell kindly to the feet of Boyes, who narrowly forced the ball over the line from a few yards out.

Five minutes later, Motherwell had their third of the afternoon. Collins’ floated free-kick from the left sailed invitingly into the path of Watson, who powered a headed effort down into the ground that fortunately ricocheted off one of the United backline before nestling comfortably into the back of the net.

Heading into the second-half, Motherwell struggled to find their assurance in-front of goal, as a variety of goalscoring opportunities evaded the women of steel. Collins’ came closest with a dangerous strike from distance that left Beth Rennie scrambling in the visiting goal.

Paul Brownlie’s side secured a fourth win the latter stages of the game, with Berry skilfully working her way through several white and tangerine jerseys before drilling a composed finish into the bottom-left corner for her seventh goal since making the switch back to ML1 in the summer.

Motherwell move back into the final top-six place, one point clear of nearest rivals Partick Thistle, who sit seventh in the SWPL league table.

The women of steel return to action this weekend, encouraged by their valiant and spirited display against league leaders Rangers, when they take to the K-Park turf against Dundee United.

The women of steel stood resolute against the Glasgow-side until the opening exchanges of the second-half, where a quickfire Rangers double sealed victory against a weakened Motherwell side, which left out Rangers loanees Laura Berry and Mason Blyth-Clark alongside Scotland under-17 internationals Amy Sharkey, Sienna McGoldrick and latest addition Sophie Black.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

The hosts head back to South Lanarkshire looking to replicate their late cup heroics after defeating local rivals Hamilton in the Lanarkshire derby almost a fortnight ago. The women of steel head into Sunday’s encounter keen to establish consistency in East Kilbride.

Motherwell’s squad selection limitations will improve this weekend, as Amy Sharkey, Sienna McGoldrick and latest addition Sophie Black all return from international duty with Scotland U17s, whilst Laura Berry and Mason Blyth-Clark are both eligible after being sidelined against their parent club.

The women of steel’s academy graduates have continued to prepare with the first-team squad, with striker Kyla Thomson, Hannah Cairns and Mia Gillespie all featuring against rangers at Broadwood last weekend.

Dundee United

The visitors have yet to pick up their first victory of the 2024/25 SWPL campaign, earning one point from their opening nine league games, after holding Aberdeen to a 1-1 stalemate at Balmoral Stadium. The Tangerines sit at the foot of the Premier. league table, four points adrift of the Dons in 11th-place.

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.

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.”