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Katey Turner believes the warm welcome from her new Motherwell team mates has allowed her to make an instant impact with the women of steel.

The former Hibs attacker came off the bench to set up the decisive goal in the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup win over Spartans, before marking her league debut with a goal and two assists as ‘Well defeated Glasgow Girls 3-2.

Turner is now hoping to continue her excellent start when St Johnstone visit Braidhurst on Sunday for their final SWPL2 fixture of the season and has stressed the importance of the game in building her match sharpness.

“It’s been a really good first few weeks here,” she said. “The girls have been very welcoming and that’s made the transition easy.

“I hadn’t been in a team environment for a few months, but they’ve made me feel very comfortable.

“You can be as fit as you possibly can be, but match sharpness is a totally different ball game.

“I played the 90 minutes against Glasgow Girls and hopefully I can get more game time against St Johnstone.

“These games are going to be absolutely vital for me in building up my match fitness.

“My aim coming in was to make a positive impact, I’ve put as much effort in as possible and I think that’s paid off.”

Motherwell will have the opportunity to conclude what has been a fantastic league campaign in style when they host Saints on Sunday.

Donald Jennow’s side have an 18-point lead over nearest rivals Kilmarnock and have set a record SWPL 2 points total with one game to spare.

It’s an encounter that Turner believes will provide perfect preparation ahead of their 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 20-year-old added.

“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.”

Having had three different spells with Hibs, Turner is well versed on the qualities the Edinburgh side possess.

She admits coming up against her former team mates is a challenge that excites her and an occasion where she is keen to show demonstrate her qualities.

“It’ll be a strange one, they were my last club before joining Motherwell and I know a lot of the girls really well,” said Turner.

“It’s all about going out there, trying to prove yourself and hopefully we can come out on top.

“The Scottish Cup final is the best we could have wished for and it’s very exciting for us all to be preparing to give it our best choice shot against Hibs.

“It would be great to have a big support and a good atmosphere for the final.

“The women’s game has come on leaps and bounds in the last couple of years and the media coverage has increased, there’s so many positives right now.”

Motherwell have received three nominations for this year’s Scottish Women’s Football annual awards.

Top scorer Suzanne Mulvey is one of four players up for the SWPL 2 Player of the Year award, going head to head with St Johnstone’s Jade McDonald, Lauren Evans from Glasgow Girls and Hearts’ Pamela Liddell.

The team collectively have been nominated for the Senior Team of the Year gong, marking their incredible season which has seen them win the league with a record points tally and upset the odds by reaching the SSE Scottish Cup final.

Motherwell are up against the nation’s top two clubs, Glasgow City and Hibernian, as well as Forfar Farmington.

Former boss Eddie Wolecki Black has also been nominated for Senior Coach of the Year for his efforts in delivering the league title, before departing for Celtic.

This year’s awards dinner will take place in Glasgow on Saturday, 17 November.

Get your tickets for our own Player of the Year awards

Our women’s team have had a hugely successful year, lifting the SWPL 2 title in record time and reaching the SSE Women’s Scottish Cup final against Hibernian.

Let’s celebrate their success as we hold their Player of the Year awards dinner on Friday, 16 November.

For just £32 per person, you can enjoy a two-course meal at the Centenary Suite here at Fir Park. With a glitz and glam dress code, the night will be hosted by Suzie McGuire.

To book your ticket, just email events@motherwellfc.co.uk or call 01698 333333.

Motherwell smashed the SWPL2 record points tally with a battling 3-2 victory over Glasgow Girls at Budhill Park.

The women of steel move on to 53 points after their 17th victory of the season, surpassing Forfar Farmington’s tally of 52 set in 2017 with one game remaining.

Donald Jennow made four changes to the starting team that defeated Spartans to earn a place in the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup final.

Katey Turner made her first start for the team, while Caitlin Russell, Natasha Roberts and Kaitlyn Canavan were all handed starting roles.

Turner marked her league debut in perfect fashion, when her low cross evaded everyone inside the area and found the bottom corner to give ‘Well the lead after just four minutes.

Despite taking an early lead, Motherwell were struggling to take a grip on the game and the hosts deservedly got back on terms with eight minutes of the first half remaining.

After a nice passing move, Lauren Evans fired low beyond Kendall Welsh to level the scores.

Things would get even better for the hosts just four minutes later, when Shannon Ashley Mulligan latched on to a through ball and lashed the ball high into the net.

It was the first time Motherwell had trailed a match at the interval in any competition this season, presenting Jennow and his coaching staff with a difficult half time team talk to stir their struggling side.

Whatever was said during the break clearly had an effect, as within 60 seconds of the restart, Motherwell were level.

Having scored in the first half, Turner this time turned provider and she picked out Sammy Hare who coolly finished.

Hayley Cunningham and Lauryn Reside had efforts blocked as the visitors looked to get ahead for the second time in the match. At the other end, Evans’ shot failed to trouble Welsh.

It looked like the game was heading for a draw before Motherwell were presented with the perfect opportunity to claim the win with five minutes remaining.

Turner’s run was brought to an end by a careless foul by Katie Hay and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Cunningham stepped up to take the resulting kick and despite the keeper getting a hand to it, she couldn’t keep the ball from nestling in the back of the net.

Evans came close with a free kick as Glasgow Girls looked for a response, but the Motherwell defence held firm to claim all three points on a day where the result was undoubtably better than the performance.

Motherwell finish their SWPL2 campaign next Sunday when they host St Johnstone, before taking on Hibernian in the Scottish Cup final one week later.

Head coach Donald Jennow has strengthened his squad with the addition of two new players, with the prospect of another joining shortly.

The women of steel are in the final of the SSE Women’s Scottish Cup next month, but before then close their league campaign with games against Glasgow Girls and St Johnstone.

A win on Sunday at Budhill Park will see ‘Well move onto 54 points, a record haul for SWPL 2.

However, a number of injuries have left the squad thin and Jennow has taken the opportunity to add striker Katey Turner, as well as goalkeeper Autumn Farrell to his pool.

Turner has arrived from Hibs and actually made her debut last Sunday in the 3-1 semi final success over Spartans at Forthbank.

The 22-year-old forward has now enjoyed three separate spells with the Hibees, but has also turned out for Accies and Rangers following her youth days with Dunfermline.

Goalkeeper Farrell is another who has worked previously with Jennow at Glasgow City and another who has came out of a break from football to join up with ‘Well.

The 22-year-old came through the youth ranks at Celtic, before being snapped up by City back in 2014.

After a year with the squad, she spent a season on loan at Hearts during the 2015 campaign, but stepped out for work reasons. Farrell will compete with youngster Kendall Welsh for a spot between the sticks.

“We’ve been working with a bit of threadbare squad over the last few games, so it was important we helped out the current group by adding a few more faces,” Jennow said.

“I am really delighted Katey and Autumn have agreed to join us. They will add significant quality to the squad for our remaining games.

“I am also excited to see players who have been away from the game get back on the park. They all have quality and I am sure will be big assets for us between now and the finish.

“We have another forward who we hope to confirm over the weekend and announce on Monday.”

Motherwell assistant boss Greg Harrison says reaching the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup final has rounded off a dream start to his time at the club.

Donald Jennow brought Harrison to Fir Park following his appointment as head coach in August.

Since his arrival, the women of steel have negotiated their quarter-final tie with St Johnstone and then recorded a superb 3-1 victory over Spartans to set up a meeting with Hibs in the final at Firhill on 4 November.

“I couldn’t have written this script,” he said. “I came in after the league was already won, so the focus was set on the cup as well as breaking records as a team and individually.

“It has been a difficult run to the final, St Johnstone gave us a very tough game in Perth and then obviously we had to then beat top flight opposition in the semi final.

“I’m sure I speak on behalf of all the coaching staff when I say we are all so excited by the challenge.

“Now our task is to provide the players with as much guidance ahead of what will be a massive occasion for the football club.”

Following clinching a place in the final, Jennow and Harrison now are tasked with the responsibility of bringing the players focus back to league matters.

‘Well travel to face Glasgow Girls on Sunday, in what is their penultimate SWPL2 fixture.

Harrison insists the final two league fixtures represent a perfect opportunity for everyone in the squad to stake their claim for a place in the starting team on cup final day.

“After the game it took a wee while to sink in,” he added. “We were all absolutely delighted and it was a proud day for everyone involved with the team.

“Training on Monday was great, and the players are all really excited and working hard to prove they deserve a cup final place.

“The two remaining games are a great chance for everyone in the squad to prove their worth and will provide some opportunity to perhaps rest a few too ahead of another massive fixture.

“Personally, I’m very excited, as a player I wasn’t ever good enough to play in a Scottish Cup final, but the squad we have are more than capable and absolutely deserve the opportunity.”

Following the Spartans victory, both Jennow and influential midfielder Kerry Montgomery thanked the ‘Well support for their backing at Forthbank.

Harrison is hoping to see even more claret and amber at Firhill in just over two weeks time and has urged the fans yet to attend a women’s football match, to give the game a chance.

“What I’d say to any Motherwell fan thinking of making it along is to please do so,” said the ‘Well assistant. “I’m sure anyone coming along for the first time will be surprised by the quality on show.

“An adult can go for £5 and youngsters get in for free, it’ll be a great family occasion.

“It’s a Motherwell team in a Scottish Cup final. It’s the same badge on the kit and we will be doing everything we can to do the club proud.”

Donald Jennow was thrilled after seeing his side overcome SWPL 1 side Spartans to reach the final of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup.

Second half goals from Kerry Montgomery and Caitlin Russell earned the women of steel a 3-1 victory after Tegan Reynolds had cancelled out Megan Burns’ first half opener.

‘Well will now face holders Hibernian at Firhill on 4 November in an attempt to complete a league and cup double.

“We were massive underdogs coming into the game and Spartans were in great form too,” Jennow said. “It was going to be a massive challenge for us, but every one of our players stood up and overcame that challenge.

“I wasn’t concerned when their equaliser went in, it’s something that happens in football and you just have to show the character and resolve to deal with it.

“When we scored our third with only a little time left there was a bit of relief and we were able to see the game out from there.”

Jennow’s side will now turn their focus back to the league and their final two fixtures of what has been an incredible season.

The ‘Well gaffer is excited at what lies ahead and insists his squad are up for the challenge of coming up against the cup holders and SWPL1 tile contenders.

“We were relishing the challenge of facing Spartans and we relish the challenge even more to play Hibs in the final,” Jennow added. “It’ll be a huge game and a massive test, they are competing for the SWPL1 title and have won the cup in the last two seasons.

“They have very good players, but so do we.

“I’m delighted for the players and everyone at the club to have reached the final, it’ll be a great occasion.
“We had a great support today and hopefully we can have even more ‘Well fans along for the final in three weeks’ time.”

Motherwell will take on Hibernian in the final of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup after a fantastic 3-1 victory over Spartans at Forthbank.

130-times capped midfielder Megan Burns headed the women of steel ahead after 15 minutes before Spartans’ Tegan Reynolds blasted home from close range to level the scores.

The influential Kerry Montgomery restored Motherwell’s lead early in the second half, before Caitlin Russell came off the bench to notch the final goal of the game.

‘Well headed into the game as underdogs against their SWPL1 opponents, but the early stages demonstrated a much closer encounter was on the cards than some may have anticipated.

There were little chances of note before the opening goal arrived after 15 minutes, Burns rising to meet Kirsty McLaughlin’s corner and her header struck Dion McMahon before spinning over the head of Rachel Harrison and into the net.

After falling behind, Spartans responded well, and Reynolds passed up a good opportunity before getting on the scoresheet, coolly converting Elena Santoyo-Brown’s cross beyond Kendall Welsh.

Having lost their lead, Motherwell managed to regain a foothold on the game and there were chances for Sammy Hare and Hayley Cunningham as the first half ended.

At the other end, the creative spark of Santoyo-Brown was causing problems for the Motherwell backline and Reynolds was showing a desire to add to her tally.

The second half began perfectly poised and Donald Jennow’s side were facing the biggest 45 minutes of their season.

They made the perfect start when McLaughlin’s corner found Montgomery, who after seeing her first header blocked, reacted quickest to steer the ball home and put ‘Well in front.

Suzanne Mulvey shot wide of the target before Spartans almost levelled for a second time when Stephanie Briggs’ header beat Welsh but not the crossbar.

Russell replaced Montgomery and debutant Katey Turner came on for Hare as Jennow looked to add some fresh legs into his hard-working side and it proved to be a masterstroke by the ‘Well boss.

Turner did brilliantly to cross for Russell and the winger made no mistake in heading home from close range.

Russell’s delight was clear for all to see and she was mobbed by her teammates after scoring the goal that all but secured a place in the final.

Spartans continued to battle to find a way back into the game, but the solid Motherwell backline, including Emma Black, Lesley Condie, Maxine Welsh and Ashley Nicolson, refused to be breached and the final whistle sparked more scenes of celebration among the players, staff and supporters.

Having already lifted the SWPL2 championship, the team will now set their sights on securing a quite incredible double when they face Hibs at Firhill on Sunday, November 4.

Images: Ben Kearney

Maxine Welsh can’t wait for the opportunity to play on the big stage when the women of steel take on Spartans in the semi-final of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup.

The 20-year-old has battled back from almost two years on the sidelines through injury, to play an important role in Donald Jennow’s side capturing the SWPL2 title.

On Sunday, ‘Well will aim to continue their success by reaching the final of the Scottish Cup, following in the footsteps of their male counterparts, who contested two national finals last season.

“I’ve spent quite a lot of my time as a senior player injured, so have never played in a cup final at this level,” Welsh said. “Everyone is really looking forward to Sunday, it’s a big occasion and an exciting one to be involved in.

“Most of our more experienced players have played in high profile games and know how to handle the pressure that comes with it.

“We’ve been working hard in training and I think with the mix of youth and experience within the team, we’ll fancy our chances.”

Many of the Motherwell squad have sampled great success in the Scottish game and Sunday’s big game at Forthbank Stadium won’t be a step into the unknown.

Welsh believes the more experienced figures within the team have been vital in providing guidance to the younger players in the build up to what will be for some, the biggest game of the careers so far.

“The more experienced players can also help the younger players deal with the pressure, they’ve done this for years and the information they pass on is invaluable,” she added. “Playing and training alongside such experience and hard workers pushes you.

“I’ve also been putting in extra work in the gym and it seems to have paid off for me.

“We were written off a bit at the start of the season as we had a lot of older players, some of which hadn’t played in a while.

“There’s a great unity within the team as well as determination and motivation to prove the doubters wrong.”

Former Glasgow City youngster Welsh, has had to recover from ACL surgery to restart her career at Motherwell.

She was reunited with Eddie Wolecki Black when the former ‘Well boss brought her to the club in May and she believes she has made good progress following a difficult start to life at the club.

“When Eddie asked me to come in, I hadn’t played in a while and was pretty nervous,” she admitted. “I arrived after not playing for two years, from there I had to build my fitness up and bide my time a bit.

“The girls and the coaches gave me a chance though and I feel like I’ve developed a lot in a short space of time.

“When I got my chance, it wasn’t in my natural position, but I was more than happy to take the role as it’s not for me, it’s for the team.”

By the time Motherwell take to the field on Sunday, it will have been a fortnight since they were last in competitive action.

There has been no let up in training though and Welsh believes Jennow’s dedicated approach to the team will ensure they are well prepared for what is their biggest game of the season.

And the youngster, who has adapted superbly to her role at centre back, hopes the Motherwell fans can get along to back those in claret and amber.

“Donald won’t settle for anything other than what he knows we’re capable of,” Welsh said. “He pushes us in every training session and prepares everything for us to ensure the standards won’t slip.

“He does all his work and we want to repay him for all his efforts.

“We saw a few more fans along at the Hearts game and it’s nice to have people taking an interest and supporting the team.

“It gives you that big game experience and it would mean a lot to have a good support on Sunday.”

Motherwell captain Suzanne Mulvey believes that the winning mentality within the squad can be a key factor in their SSE Scottish Women’s Cup semi-final against Spartans.

The women of steel take on the SWPL1 side at Forthbank next Sunday, with a place in the final of the showpiece fixture in Scottish women’s football up for grabs.

It would cap off a phenomenal season for Donald Jennow’s team, who have already stormed to the SWPL2 title with six games to spare and are on the brink of setting a record points total.

“There’s a winning mentality through the amount of experience that is in the squad,” Mulvey said. “We want to win not just every game, but every tackle, every header and every 50/50.”

“We know we’ll need to be at our best against Spartans, we’ll continue to work hard in every training session, take all the information we can on board from the coaches and make sure we are as prepared as we possibly can be for the game.

“It’s very exciting, we take one game at a time and all our focus is on the Spartans game. But if at the start of the season you had said we would have won the league with a number of games to spare and be in the Scottish Cup semi final we’d have jumped at that.

“This is the type of game I’ve loved playing in throughout my career, it’s going to be a battle and I can’t wait.”

The mixture of youth and experience has proven to be a winning formula for ‘Well so far this season.

In recent weeks Cara Lovatt and Natasha Roberts have been handed first team opportunities, while the likes of Kaitlyn Canavan, Lauryn Reside, Caitlin Russell and Kendall Welsh have all played a big part over the course of the season.

A cup semi-final will be unchartered territory for many of the youngsters, but Mulvey believes the older players will step up to help them adapt to the big occasion.

“Many of the squad have experienced this type of game before, so it won’t be a new or scary experience,” she added. “For the younger players, we’re building it up as an exciting experience, a great opportunity to get themselves noticed and show that there are a number of good players at Motherwell.

“It’s a very competitive environment, there are a number of younger players who have come in and made a big impression.

“To have different options in different positions is fantastic and I think it’s our mixture of youth and experience that has been key to our success this season.”

While the debate rumbles on over the scheduling of the Betfred League Cup semi finals, there are no such issues when it comes to the women’s game.

Both last four fixtures will take place at the home of Stirling Albion on the same day and for £5 you can see Glasgow City take on Hibernian before Motherwell face Spartans.

Mulvey is hopes a few new faces can get along to back the team on what is set to be their most important game of the season so far.

“We appreciate all the support we’ve had so far this season and to see a few new faces along at the semi final would be fantastic,” added the striker. “This isn’t the finale, this is just the beginning of the journey, even though we are moving towards the end of the season, it feels like there is plenty more to come

“The success we’ve had this season is a great reflection on all the hard work that everyone has put in, we have a great group of staff and players.”

Motherwell’s SSE Scottish Cup semi-final with Spartans on Sunday, 14 October has been put back by an hour.

The women of steel will now kick off their last four tie at Forthbank Stadium at 4pm.

The time has been moved to give the teams more time to prepare, with the other semi-final tie between Glasgow City and Hibernian taking place at 12pm.