Latest News

Motherwell boss Donald Jennow believes game time was the most important factor, as his side conceded a late leveller in a friendly draw at Newcastle United.

The women of steel twice led the match and despite working with a vastly different squad from last season, played some encouraging football during an encounter that was contested in freezing conditions.

With Motherwell’s SWPL1 season opener against Stirling University just three weeks away, Jennow will continue to ramp up the intensity of training to ensure his side are ready for the step up to the top flight.

“The team have come off the back of quite a long off season and while training has been very good, nothing substitutes the minutes and the type of work that goes into a game,” he said.

“We’re getting there, there’s still work to be done though, we’ll able to continue to ramp things up in terms of intensity.

“Things are going to schedule so far and hopefully as we move closer to the start of the season, then that will continue.”

The 280-mile round trip presented a good opportunity for the much changed ‘Well squad to build team spirit, as well as testing themselves against English opposition.

It was a test Jennow believes they handled well and he was keen to talk up the positive effects of a lengthy pre-season trip.

“It was a good first step,” he added. “The couple of hours on the bus and in the restaurant after the game gives the players a chance to have a conversation about something other than football.

“You want players who get on with each other as much as being able to play football together.”

Maxine Welsh says Motherwell are relishing the chance to prove the doubters wrong again.

The 21-year-old played a big part in the latter stages of ‘Well’s charge to the SWPL2 title last season, securing promotion to the top flight.

A record-breaking campaign ended with the stinging disappointment of 8-0 thrashing in the Scottish Cup final against Hibs, but Welsh insists the experience will ensure the women of steel will return stronger and more determined.

“I think there is a bit of unfinished business following the final,” she said.

“I don’t we did ourselves justice and while there’s a lot of new faces, those of us who have stayed are determined to make up for the disappointment and hopefully the rest will have the same desire.

“I think I’ve said it before but I think we were really underestimated last season. We won the league last season and now want to show we can handle it in SWPL1.

“It’s a good calibre of players, we’re gelling well and quickly as a team – so I think we’ll do well this season.

“We know that it’s important we are fitter than we were last season as we are up against better teams, the hard work is required.”

Motherwell make the trip south on Sunday for a pre-season encounter with FA Women’s National League North side Newcastle United.

It’ll be the first of three warm up matches ahead of the start of the SWPL1 campaign on 10 February, and one the former Glasgow City youngster says the full squad are looking forward to.

“It’s quite exciting and the trip away will give the team a good chance to bond too,” she said. “I’m looking forward to playing in the top league much more with Motherwell than I was City.

“Personally I’m hoping to cement my position, last season I was obviously just filling in at centre half, I want to find my position, make it permanent, make sure I’m in the team every week and enjoy my football after a long time out with injury.”

Motherwell’s fixtures for SWPL1 have been announced for the 2019 campaign. 

Donald Jennow’s side gained promotion to the top flight after an impressive season in which they also made it to the final of the Scottish Cup.

And now the club can turn their attentions to what will be a historic campaign as they prepare for their first ever season in the top flight.

They will open the campaign with a home clash against Stirling University on Sunday, 10 February, before heading to take on Forfar Farmington for their first away fixture.

Jennow’s women will get an early shot against the side who defeated them in the Scottish Cup final when they host Hibernian in the third game of the season.

For a run down of the full fixture list, click here.

Motherwell’s Suzanne Mulvey has been named as the Player of the Year in SWPL 2.

Recognised for her role in the club’s record points tally in their title-winning season, the forward was honoured at the Scottish Women’s Football awards on Saturday night.

Mulvey, who was the team’s leading scorer in 2018 with 26 goals, was also named as the Coaches Player of the Year in the club’s own awards.

Megan Burns was nominated for Goal of the Season, while former coach Eddie Wolecki Black was on the shortlist for Manager of the Year.

Motherwell were unable to cap an incredible season by lifting the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup as they fell to a crushing 8-0 defeat against Hibs.

The women of steel headed into the showpiece fixture at Firhill as massive underdogs and, after conceding in the second minute, rarely came close to defying the odds.

Abigail Harrison’s deflected shot put Hibs ahead after just two minutes and they doubled their lead just three minutes later when Jamie-Lee Napier headed home Rachel McLauchlan’s cross at the back post.

Donald Jennow’s side were shell shocked and things went from bad to worse on 14 minutes when Harrison added to her tally with a clinical finish from close range.

Harrison limped off to be replaced by Lauren Davidson and the substitute made an immediate impact when a clinical counter from a Motherwell corner ended with the striker slotting the ball under the helpless Autumn Farrell.

The ‘Well goal continued to come under siege and Maxine Welsh was desperately unlucky to see her clearance from a low cross beat Farrell and find the net for 5-0.

A sixth Hibs goal followed before the break, Cailin Michie’s low drive from outside the area finding the bottom right corner.

Going into the half time break 6-0 down, Jennow was tasked with delivering one of the most difficult team talks of his managerial career.

Napier bagged her second of the afternoon five minutes after the restart and completed her hat-trick just after the hour mark when she tapped in after Farrell had denied McLauchlan.

Hayley Cunningham had a shot well saved and Suzanne Mulvey’s header was scrambled clear as Motherwell tried to find a consolation, but it was Hibs who continued to enjoy the better of the chances as the match drew to a close.

In the end it was a bitterly disappointing way for ‘Well to end the season, but they can take great pride in their record breaking league campaign and in the run to the final.

Motherwell will return to action in the new year, when preparations will begin for their first ever season in SWPL 1.

Picture: Lorraine Hill

Motherwell will bid to complete a historic league and cup double when they take on Hibernian in the final of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup on Sunday.

The women of steel have enjoyed a quite remarkable season, racing to the SWPL 2 title, setting a record points tally along the way and they have carried their form into the Scottish Cup, scoring 20 goals in their four games in so far in the competition.

Donald Jennow’s side will go into the final as massive underdogs against a Hibs side aiming to clinch a Scottish and SWPL Cup double for the third successive season.

Kick off at Firhill is 4:10pm. Tickets are available on the gate priced £5 for adults, £2 for concessions and free entry for under 16s.

The Visitors

In Hibernian, Motherwell will be coming up against one of the very best sides in Scotland.

The Easter Road side have a wealth of quality throughout their side and have demonstrated those qualities with successes in both cup competitions over the last three years.

Despite their domination in the cups, Grant Scott’s side fell agonisingly short of ending Glasgow City’s stranglehold on the SWPL 1 title, missing out on the final day of the season.

Road to The Final

Motherwell

R2 – Cumbernauld Colts – 8-1

L16 – Aberdeen – 8-1

QF – St Johnstone – 1-0

SF – Spartans – 3-1

Hibernian

R2 – Thistle Weir – 7-0

L16 – Dundee United – 3-0

QF – EUHV – 11-0

SF – Glasgow City – 2-1

What They Said

Emma Black is under no illusions as to the size of the task facing Motherwell at Firhill and despite having won all there is to win in the Scottish women’s game, the defender insists sampling Scottish Cup success on the back of a superb league campaign would be amongst the best.

“Hibs have won all the domestic cups out with the league in the last few seasons, that show they have that winning mentality already in place,” she said. “They have a lot of quality and international players and we are under no illusions as to how difficult a game it will be.

“If you said to me when I signed in January that we’d have won the league having gone all the season unbeaten on the pitch and made the Scottish Cup final I’d have said there was no chance.”

‘Well gaffer Donald Jennow is determined to build on a fantastic season and is relishing the big occasion.

“I’ve spoken recently about the success of this season and the achievements of this squad but today I want to look forward,” he said. “The most successful teams always ask “what’s next?” For me today should whet the appetite for more success.

“I want more success for these players and for this club and so I want today to be the first step towards sustained success”

Don’t Miss Out

If you can’t make it along to Firhill, be sure to follow @MotherwellLFC on Twitter for team news, live updates, goal highlights and action shots from the match. The game will also be shown live on BBC Alba.

Motherwell are aiming to pull off a shock as they take on Hibernian in the SSE Scottish Cup final.

Having deservedly earned their place in Sunday’s showpiece at Firhill, Donald Jennow’s team are looking to lift the trophy by defeating a top flight Hibs side who have lost just once all season and missed out on the league title by just three points.

The women of steel won the SWPL 2 title with a record points tally, earning their place in the top division next season, and are going for the double in Glasgow.

Motherwell saw off Spartans in the semi final, having also defeated Cumbernauld Colts, Aberdeen and St Johnstone.

Hibs meanwhile saw off main rivals Glasgow City in the last four, having previously overcome Edinburgh University Hutchison Vale, Dundee United and Thistle Weir.

Kick off at Firhill Stadium on Sunday is at 4.10pm. Adult prices on the gate are £5 and concessions can get in for £2. Kids aged under 16 get in for free.

We encourage all Motherwell fans to get along and support the women as they look to defy their underdog status and pull off an upset.

Emma Black says capturing the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup with Motherwell would rank alongside the top achievements in her career.

The women of steel take on Hibernian at Firhill on Sunday, aiming to complete a remarkable league and cup double.

Black has enjoyed a trophy-laden career, earning an impressive nine Premier League winners medals, six Scottish Cup winners medals and six Scottish Premier League Cup winners medals.

Despite having won all there is to win in the Scottish women’s game, the defender insists sampling Scottish Cup success on the back of a superb league campaign would be amongst the best.

“Winning the Scottish Cup would be right up there with anything I have achieved in the game,” she said.

“Hibs have won all the domestic cups out with the league in the last few seasons, that show they have that winning mentality already in place.

“They have a lot of quality and international players and we are under no illusions as to how difficult a game it will be.

“If you said to me when I signed in January that we’d have won the league having gone all the season unbeaten on the pitch and made the Scottish Cup final I’d have said there was no chance.

“I was a bit unsure of what to expect coming in, but Eddie [Wolecki Black] brought a number of players on board and created that winning mentality, as well as a professional environment.

“People might look at the results and say it was easy for us as we’ve been scoring five or six goals in most games, but it has been far from easy.

“It’s hard to keep on producing good results and performances every week, especially having won the league with a number of games to spare.

“It’s important we continue to train hard and keep the levels up.”

The recent success of the Scottish women’s side clinching qualification for the World Cup has ensured the profile of the female game in the country has never been higher.

Black, who has 40 caps for the Scottish national team, is excited about the continued progress of the women’s game and hopes it encourages Motherwell fans to get along to Firhill to back the team.

“It would be amazing to have Motherwell supporters there at Firhill,” she said. “We’ve won the league, we’re in the Scottish Cup final, come and see us and we can showcase our talents.

“There will be a lot of ‘Well fans who haven’t been to a live women’s match. I’d encourage them to get along and give it a try.

“Everyone of us grew up dreaming of playing in a Scottish Cup final and you want to have supporters there.

“It gives you extra confidence seeing supporters in the stand and it drives you on to win it for them.

“The brilliant achievements of the national side have boosted the profile of the women’s game massively. It has never been higher and that’s really exciting.”

Motherwell rounded off their outstanding SWPL 2 campaign with a 5-1 victory over St Johnstone at Braidhurst.

The women of steel scored an incredible 90 goals in 21 league matches during a superb season and the champions finished 21 points ahead of nearest rivals Kilmarnock.

Donald Jennow’s side can now look forward to the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup final against Hibs, after a convincing win in which the three points were rarely in doubt.

The hosts were forced into an early change when Kerry Montgomery hobbled off to be replaced by Lesley Condie and the substitute almost opened the scoring on 10 minutes when she headed wide Katey Turner’s cross.

The hosts would break the deadlock six minutes later, courtesy of an unlikely source.

Ashley Nicolson has been a rock at the heart of the Motherwell defence throughout the season, but she had failed to add her name to the scoresheet until she reacted quickest to pounce on Kirsty McLaughlin’s delivery and smashed the ball high beyond Rebecca Cameron.

After taking the lead, Jennow’s side were clearly buoyed and what would follow in the next four minutes effectively ended the match as a contest.

Turner, who was causing all sorts of problems for the Saints defence, sent across a tantalising delivery and Amy Henderson’s sliced clearance found the corner of her own net.

On 20 minutes it was 3-0. Hayley Cunningham’s corner with perfect and Suzanne Mulvey leapt to head the ball home.

Motherwell looked determined not to let their levels drop and Sammy Hare passed up two opportunities, before adding her name to the scoresheet with three minutes remaining in the first half.

Turner took on her marker, before cutting the ball across the face of goal and Hare made no mistake from close range.

To their credit, St Johnstone didn’t let their heads drop and they got a goal back early in the second half when Rhianna Tweedie’s shot looped over the head of Kendall Welsh and found the net.

A series of substitutions for both sides broke up the rhythm of the second half, but it was Motherwell who continued to enjoy the better of the chances.

The final goal of the game came when two substitutes combined. Caitlin Russell’s cross slipped through the grasp of the Saints keeper and Susan Fairlie was left with the simple task of tapping the ball into the net from a yard out.

Emma Black almost got in on the scoring act with a deft chip, but she would see her effort land on the top of the goal in what would prove to be the last incident of note in the match.

The women of steel will now bid to clinch a double in next Sunday’s Scottish Cup final at Firhill.

Motherwell will end their record breaking SWPL 2 campaign on Sunday, when they host St Johnstone at Braidhurst Academy.

The women of steel defeated Glasgow Girls last weekend to move on to 53 points for the season and surpass Forfar Farmington’s previous league record of 52.

With the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup final against Hibernian firmly on the horizon, Donald Jennow will be looking for a big performance from his side and may also use the occasion to hand game time to some of his fringe players pushing for a place on the big day.

Kick off at Braidhurst Academy in Motherwell is at 2pm. Entry to watch the game is free.

The Visitors

St Johnstone will visit Braidhurst hoping for a change in fortunes, having lost their three previous meetings with ‘Well.

While they have failed to get the better of Motherwell so far this season, Jason McCrindle’s side have represented a stern test on each occasion, especially in the previous two clashes in which a single goal has separated the teams.

Saints currently sit fourth in the table and behind Hearts only on goal difference. Should they avoid defeat against the champions, they will surpass their points total of 31 from last season.

Form Guide

Motherwell last five:

• W – Glasgow Girls 3-2
• W – Spartans 3-1
• D – Hearts 1-1
• W – Aberdeen 4-0
• W – St Johnstone 1-0

St Johnstone last five:

• D – Kilmarnock 2-2
• L – EUHV – 2-0
• W – Glasgow Girls 3-0
• L – Motherwell 1-0
• L – Hearts 0-2

Last Meeting

St Johnstone 0-1 Motherwell, SSE Scottish Women’s Cup, 16 September 2018

Motherwell booked their place in the semi-final of the SSE Women’s Scottish Cup with a hard fought 1-0 victory over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.

Megan Burns bravely headed home the only goal after 10 minutes and despite finding themselves on the back foot for much of the second half, the ‘Well defence held firm to book their place in the last four.

What They Said

Katey Turner believes the meeting with St Johnstone will provide perfect preparation ahead of the Scottish Cup final clash with Hibs and insists it’s important that performance levels don’t drop.

“It’s absolutely vital that we go out and get the three points at the weekend,” the new signing said. “A good performance will stand us in good stead to go on and compete in the final, we’ve got to be ready to raise our levels, so we can go out and compete at the highest level.”

‘Well head coach Donald Jennow has paid tribute to his players following an excellent league campaign and called for an improved performance after a below-par display against Glasgow Girls.

“I’m delighted to be talking about this game as the second last of our season,” he said. “The players have grown as individuals and as a group and deservedly close out the season as league champions.

“Since I took over there have been some good performances and some that fell below our standards, last week was one of the latter but given the mentality of the players we have I fully expect them to react positively against St Johnstone.

“St Johnstone have given us some of our toughest games this season and so if we want to finish our league campaign off properly we will need to perform well.”

Follow the action

If you can’t make it along to Braidhurst, you can follow @MotherwellLFC on Twitter for team news, live updates, goal highlights and action shots from the match.