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

The SWPL 2 champions are the only second tier side left in the competition, another fine achievement in what has been an incredible season for the Lanarkshire side.

‘Well boss Donald Jennow had to do without the services of Northern Ireland International Kerry Montgomery and the free-scoring Sammy Hare.

Both teams came out the traps attacking, hoping to set tone for the rest of the game.

Saints’ Rebecca McGowan had the first real chance of the match, with her early-hit shot heading for the bottom corner until Claire Johnstone got down well to make a strong save.

It didn’t take long for the Fir Parkers to break the deadlock, with the opener coming after just ten minutes.

Kirsty McLaughlin‘s deep free-kick found the head of Suzanne Mulvey inside the box, she knocked it on allowing former Scotland star Megan Burns to nip in between the defender and the keeper to bravely head home from close range.

Although ahead, ‘Well were forced to make an early change when Caitlin Russell went down with a suspected hamstring injury and was unable to continue. She was replaced by Lauryn Reside.

Ashley Nicolson came agonisingly close in the 30th minute when she got on the end of Hayley Cunningham’s corner, her glancing effort spun just wide of target.

At the other end, Saints squandered a great chance to level when Rachel Todd intercepted a slack pass, the striker dribbled all the way to the by-line but was unable to wrap her foot round the shot and it went out for a goal kick.

Just before the end of the half, another chance came and went for the Fir Parkers.

Kaitlyn Canavan broke free down the flank before putting in a great cross into the box. The home defence managed to scramble the ball away from goal, but only as far as the supporting McLaughlin, whose driven shot drifted past the post.

It was the hosts who started the brighter in he second half. Johnstone’s heroics in the ‘Well goal prevented Saints from squaring it up with just under a minute played.

McGowan caught the Motherwell defence napping, intercepting a loose pass before bursting through on goal unchallenged. She looked likely to net, but the ‘Well stopper stood up to the challenge and got down well to keep the lead intact.

With 55 minutes played, an unmarked Lesley Condie was just inches away from reaching Cunningham’s pinpoint cross as ‘Well looked to extend their advantage. However, Saints immediately broke on the counter attack, Ellie-May Cowie’s through ball fell perfectly for McGowan, but her weak shot was comfortable for Johnstone to collect.

As tensions rose and the game became scrappier, substitue Reside had a golden opportunity to put the game to bed. Finding space in behind the defence once more, she raced towards goal and, with only the keeper to beat, opted to try and take it round Rebecca Cameron in the Saints goal. However, much like her counterpart at the other end earlier in the half, the Saints stopper was up to the challenge and got a foot to the shot before the follow up was cleared for a corner.

With ten minutes to play, St Johnstone found another gear and upped the tempo as they chased the elusive equaliser. McDonald came close on two occasions when she found herself unmarked in the box, but was unable to convert as the women of steel held tight.

Despite the late Saints push, Motherwell dug deep to win the game and book their place into the last four of the SSE Cup, with Burns’ eighth goal of the campaign proving to be the difference.

Motherwell will face either Glasgow City, Hibernian or Spartans in the semi-final at Forthbank Stadium on Sunday 14 October.

Photograph: Stuart Cowper

Kerry Montgomery is relishing the prospect of taking on St Johnstone in the quarter-finals of the SSE Scottish Cup and continuing an incredible season for the women of steel.

The SWPL 2 champions travel to McDiarmid Park on Sunday with a place in the last four up for grabs.

Saints present familiar opposition for ‘Well, with the two sides having faced off in league action twice this season.

On both occasions Motherwell have come out on top. The first was an impressive 6-0 success, while the meeting at McDiarmid Park last month was a much closer affair in which Megan Burns’ late winner secured a 2-1 victory.

“St Johnstone proved a tough opposition in the last meeting, so on Sunday we will need to be at our best to book a place in the last four,” Montgomery said. “We expect a hard challenge, but I think that’s the games the girls relish and when we show our best on the pitch.

“To reach the semi-finals and face a potential top three SWPL side would be massive for us and provide a great opportunity to test ourselves and see what level we are really at.

“A cup semi final would be a game everyone would be excited and desperate to play in, so Sunday is vitally important for us to go and get the win to give us that massive opportunity.”

Despite having clinched the league title with six games of the season remaining, Donald Jennow’s side showed no signs of complacency as they produced a superb display to defeat Central Girls 9-0 in their last outing.

Northern Irish international Montgomery is sure that the targets set among the players will help drive them on through the final games of the season.

“The win over Central signaled our intent for the remainder of our season, we want to finish on as many points as possible,” she added.

“It was a great team performance after the international break everyone was glad to be back on the pitch.

“I think especially our striking duo are keen to keep banging the goals in to claim the top scorer prize.”

With the step up to the top flight of Scottish women’s football on the horizon, Montgomery is excited about what lies ahead for Motherwell.

The close season brought overhaul among the squad, but the midfielder feels the togetherness within the squad is very strong.

“We are a very tight group for only being together nine months. There’s a good amount of experience among us which I think has helped us to be as successful as we have been so far.

“The banter between everyone is great even with the staff too, training is always enjoyable which I think is important. I believe the club has a promising future going into the top flight next season.”

Last month saw Kerry feature in Northern Ireland’s World Cup quaifiers against Ireland and Slovakia, moving her on 10 international caps. Despite losing on both occasions, she believes the experienced gained will stand her in good stead going forward.

“The World Cup qualifiers were a brilliant experience. It’s always an honour getting selected in the squad and representing your nation.

“We have a very talented group of players so I’m always learning and being challenged at the highest level, I’m looking forward to the next campaign and pushing for more senior caps.”

Motherwell handed new boss Donald Jennow the perfect start as they recorded their biggest victory of the season, beating Central Girls 9-0 at Braidhurst.

Sammy Hare bagged four goals and Suzanne Mulvey a hat-trick, while Hayley Cunningham netted from the spot and Megan Burns added her name to scoresheet with a trademark long range strike.

It was a highly impressive display from the women of steel, who showed no signs of taking their foot off the gas despite having secured the SWPL 2 title with five games of the season remaining.

Hare opened the scoring within the first three minutes, Cunningham’s corner was only cleared as far as Mulvey who did well to turn her market and deliver the perfect cross for her strike partner to turn home from close range.

It was one way traffic towards the Central goal and on the 10 minute mark, Hare doubled her tally and Motherwell’s advantage.

Cunningham’s cross was parried out by Sarah King, but only as far as Hare who was left with the simple task of knocking the ball into the empty net.

The visitors had struggled to settle into the game but did offer a rare threat on the counter attack and Kennedy almost reduced the deficit before Motherwell struck for the third time inside the opening half hour.

Clare Johnstone in the ‘Well goal started the move with a smart kick out to Kirsty McLaughlin. The midfielder split the visiting defence with a superb pass to skipper Mulvey who drove forward before finishing in her usual composed fashion.

Five minutes later Hare completed her hat-trick, McLaughlin again played a pivotal role in the build-up and the striker calmly slotted the ball low into the net.

The hosts took a 4-0 lead into the interval and they made a blistering start to the second 45 – netting twice within three minutes of the restart.

Firstly, Cerys Gilbride brought down Mulvey allowing Cunningham to drill home the resulting penalty and Mulvey would then add her second goal of the match converting the rebound after King had kept out Hare’s initial effort.

Mulvey, Cunningham, McLaughlin and Hare all passed up opportunities before the seventh goal eventually arrived just before the hour mark.

Kerry Montgomery and Cunningham linked well down the right and when the ball reached the penalty area, it was Hare who yet again was there to turn the ball home.

Hare is enjoying a quite remarkable run of form in front of goal and has now netted 12 times in her last four appearances, taking her total to 20 for the season.

Despite having a seven-goal lead, Motherwell continued to look to add to their advantage and with 20 minutes remaining, Mulvey would complete her hat-trick when she nodded in McLaughlin’s pin-point cross.

The final goal of the game came with 11 minutes remaining, as Burns blasted home from range after a mix up in the Central defence.

Incredibly, Burns’ goal brings Motherwell to 77 in 17 league fixtures this term, with a positive goal difference of 62.

It also completed a dominant display from Jennow’s side that will set them up nicely for next Sunday’s big SSE Scottish Women’s Cup quarter final clash with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.

Report: Andy Ross
Pictures: Craig Murray

Caitlin Russell insists there will be no let up in performance levels, despite Motherwell having already clinched the SWPL2 title.

With five games still to go, the women of steel return to action after the international break when they take on Central Girls at Braidhurst on Sunday.

Donald Jennow’s side still harbour aspirations of SSE Scottish Women’s Cup success, having progressed to the last eight of the competition, and Russell believes that is all the motivation they need in their remaining league fixtures.

“We were delighted to wrap up the title so soon,” she said. “Now we can now use the game on Sunday as preparation for the big cup game against St Johnstone and the remaining games as preparation for the step up to SWPL1.

“It’s been a remarkable season in many ways, when you consider all the changes during the close season and the mixture of young players and experienced players, including some who came out of retirement to join Motherwell.

“Central have caused us problems in the past meetings this season, it has never been an easy game.

“As a team we just want to keep the winning run going, we won’t let up just because the league is won, it’s our aim to go end the league season unbeaten on the pitch.

“Looking at the cup game, we’ve beaten St Johnstone twice this season. But we still know it’ll take a massive fight to get into the semi-finals. If we can do that then it will present a great chance to challenge ourselves against the calibre of side we’ll be facing next season.”

Following the departure of Eddie Wolecki Black to Celtic, ‘Well moved quickly to promote his assistant Jennow to the position of head coach.

It’s an appointment that has went down well among the squad and Hibs loanee Russell says the familiarity between Jennow and the squad has made the transition an easy one.

“Eddie was regarded very highly among the players, but Donald was always a big part and took a lot of the training drills, that has ensured the transition has been quite a smooth one,” she said.

“Greg [Harrison] has also joined the coaching staff and he’s settled quickly, so we’re just looking forward to getting back to action after the international break.”

Russell has enjoyed an excellent season in which she has found the net on 11 occasions and featured regularly throughout.

She admits she is unsure as to where her future lies beyond the end of the season, instead focusing on finishing the campaign in style.

“The reason I came out on loan was to get game time and to get my confidence back up and that’s exactly what Donald and Eddie have done,” she added.

“From day one I’ve been made to feel very welcome and I’m really looking forward to seeing what the rest of this season will bring.

“I’ll see out the remainder of the season before speaking over my future, I’m enjoying my football and as for what happens after that I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.”

Donald Jennow has been appointed as the new head coach of Motherwell’s senior women’s team.

Previously number two to former boss Eddie Wolecki Black, Jennow steps in after his predecessor’s departure to Celtic, after the women of steel claimed the SWPL2 title.

Jennow has extensive experience both within the women and men’s game. He was assistant manager with Wolecki Black at Glasgow City for almost five years, followed by an almost two-year spell at League One side Airdrieonians.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity,” said the new head coach. “We’ve got the foundations of a really good set-up here and it’s something I’m very excited to take on.

“We’ve had success this year, just at the weekend we won the league, so to continue on is something that’s important to me.

“I don’t like leaving a job half done, and while we’ve had a great start to things, there’s a lot more to come.”

With the league title wrapped up last weekend with a 5-1 win against Edinburgh University Hutchison Vale, ‘Well still have interest in the SSE Scottish Cup. They will play St Johnstone for a place in the last four on Sunday, 16 September.

Jennow, who is currently working towards his UEFA Pro Licence, will retain the services of goalkeeping coach Andy Moran. He will look to appoint an assistant of his own in due course.

“Following Eddie’s departure for Celtic, Donald was the only name I considered and I am delighted he has accepted the job,” Motherwell chief executive Alan Burrows added.

“From the relatively short time we have worked together, it’s clear that Donald not only has the talent and the temperament to be a head coach in his own right, but that he’s very much ready for it too.

“I think he’ll have the respect of the current squad and we’ve already had positive discussions about our first every season in the Scottish top flight, something everyone at Motherwell is very excited about.

“I would also like to take one last opportunity to thank Eddie for his time at ‘Well and the infrastructure he helped created in just under one year. We wish him all the very best both in his personal and professional life.”

Motherwell are SWPL2 champions after defeating Edinburgh University Hutchison Vale 5-1 at Peffermill.

The women of steel sealed promotion to the top flight of Scottish women’s football with five games of the season remaining.

Victory over Hutchison Vale was rarely in doubt after from early in an encounter played out in driving rain.

Lauryn Reside replaced Megan Burns in the only change to the ‘Well starting team from last week’s victory over Kilmarnock and she blasted home a wonderful shot from range to put the visitors ahead after only two minutes.

Claire Johnstone in the Motherwell goal made a superb stop to keep the scores level as Hutchison Vale looked for a way back into the game. But they would find themselves 2-0 down on 17 minutes when Hayley Cunningham’s driving running ended with a shot that was parried only as far as Sammy Hare who tapped home from close range.

The hosts would reduce the deficit just before the half hour mark, when Nichola Sturrock’s free-kick was nodded on by Anna Hume and Lucy Brown calmly slotted the ball home.

Four minutes later it took another excellent stop by Johnstone to deny Sturrock an equaliser, but it would be Motherwell who regained their foothold on the match with a third goal.

Kerry Montgomery’s free kick caught the home defence cold and Cunningham slid the ball across the face of goal for Hare to slot the ball into the net.

Reside had a chance to add to her tally early in the second half before Motherwell made it 4-1. Cunningham again was the provider as she found Hare, who spun and unleashed a low drive beyond Charlotte Parker-Smith to complete her hat-trick.

Hare is enjoying a remarkable scoring run and has netted eight times in the last three games, taking her tally to 17 for the campaign.

There were chances for Kirsty McLaughlin and Caitlin Russell as the match drew to a close, before Cunningham completed a superb showing by converting Kaitlyn Canavan’s cut-back.

The final whistle brought scenes of delight among the players and staff, who have all played a huge part in an incredible season.

It was another magnificent display from ‘Well who have led the way in title race from a very early stage, racking up 14 wins and a draw in their last 15 matches and scoring 68 goals in the process.

Promotion to the SWPL presents the opportunity to come up against the top sides in Scotland including Glasgow City, Hibernian and Celtic.

Lauryn Reside says she is desperate to clinch the SWPL2 title with Motherwell for her family of fanatical ‘Well supporters.

Victory over Edinburgh University Hutchison Vale on Sunday would secure the league championship for the women of steel.

Motherwell have won all three matches since returning from the summer break, with a thumping 8-1 Scottish Cup success sandwiched in between narrow victories at St Johnstone and Kilmarnock.

“Winning the title would be amazing for me personally and for my family who are all massive Motherwell supporters,” Reside said.

“Everyone was buzzing after the Kilmarnock game, it meant so much to win and the feeling of being one step closer to lifting the trophy is amazing.

“We are all looking forward to Sunday’s game as we know what a victory would mean. It’s important we keep focused and not get ahead of ourselves though, as we still have a job to do against Hutchison Vale.

“When you are top of the league and winning games most weeks, it’s clear that other teams will raise their game against you.

“It’s important we never underestimate our opponents, keep our discipline and hard work ethic. As a team we want to win every game that we play.”

Despite a difficult season in the league, Hutchison Vale have enjoyed success in the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup, recently defeating top flight side Hamilton to reach the quarter finals.

Motherwell have recorded emphatic victories over the capital side in their two meetings this season, but Reside insists they’ll be taking nothing for granted on Sunday.

“We’ve won our last two games against them comfortably, but that doesn’t count for anything come Sunday,” she added. “Hutchison Vale got a great result in the cup and they’ll make it difficult for us.”

Winning the league title would round off a brilliant season for the 20-year-old midfielder, who has played a big part in ‘Well’s success over the campaign.

Last Sunday’s game against Kilmarnock saw debuts for three players from the Motherwell development squad and Reside is relishing the battle for a starting place.

“I’ve had a great season so far,” she reflected. “I feel that I have improved so much in quite a short space of time and that’s because of all the great players and coaches that I have around me.

“Every training session I’m learning, gaining more experience and more confidence. It’s great seeing new faces in and around the squad, it keeps you on your toes and ensures that you don’t become complacent.

“It will also benefit those players to have the chance to train and play alongside the players in our squad that have played at the highest level.”

Motherwell defeated Kilmarnock 3-2 on Sunday to move within one win of capturing the SWPL2 title.

Sammy Hare netted twice and Hayley Cunningham made no mistake from the penalty spot as ‘Well came out on top in a fiercely contested encounter.

Hare had two good chances as Motherwell made a bright start to the match, but they found themselves behind after 13 minutes. Kirsten Rolph’s dangerous cross found Aimee Docherty, who glanced a header beyond Claire Johnstone.

Within six minutes the women of steel were level. Hare’s first effort was kept out by Morgan Hunter, but the striker was quick to react, pouncing on the rebound and blasting the ball into the net.

Given the importance of a win for both sides, tempers began to flare as the first half went on. The half-time whistle brought a welcome opportunity for Eddie Wolecki Black and Donald Jennow to emphasise the importance of keeping their discipline.

Motherwell made the perfect start to the second 45 when Hare doubled her tally for the afternoon, converting from close range after Lesley Condie’s excellent cutback. The striker has now scored six times in the last three matches, taking her tally for the season to 13.

Kilmarnock responded well after finding themselves behind for the first time in the match and they got back on terms on the hour mark, courtesy of Lisa Swanson’s well-placed header.

Just minutes later, Motherwell were presented with a great chance to restore their lead. Rolph was adjudged to have handled Kerry Montgomery’s corner and Hayley Cunningham stepped up to take the resulting kick and blasted the ball into the bottom left corner of the net.

In the closing stages of the match ‘Well were forced onto the backfoot, but a combination of brave defending and some assured goalkeeping from Johnstone meant they would hold on for a huge victory.

The women of steel travel to Edinburgh next Sunday for a meeting with Edinburgh University Hutchison Vale. A win will secure the SWPL2 championship and promotion to the top flight of Scottish women’s football.