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The women of steel battled relentlessly till the end in their maiden top-six encounter, but ultimately couldn’t repel the rampant Rangers frontline, as the visitors secured a comfortable 0-8 victory at K-Park on Sunday. 

A Katie Wilkinson hat-trick, braces from Camille Lafaix and Kirsty Howat, with a single-goal from Rio hardy secured a harsh victory for Rangers.

Head Coach Paul Brownlie named three changes from the side that defeated Boroughmuir Thistle to confirm their place in the Semi-Final of the Scottish Cup last weekend. Goalkeeper Rebecca Cameron replaced Emily Mutch between the sticks, as Shannon Leishman and Lucy Barclay both earned their place in the starting XI. Captaining Gill Inglis and Sarah gibb remained available from the bench. Recent acquisition Brodie Greenwood also featured in her first matchday squad since signing on loan from Hearts, with the midfielder amongst the substitutes.

Rangers swiftly got off the mark, as Wilkinson’s drilled delivery across the face of goal ricocheted through the path of Cameron before nesting comfortably inti the back of the net. Motherwell were somehow denied a penalty-kick moments later, as Louisa Boyes defeated Jenna Fife in their race to the ball, with Fife clattering aimlessly through the midfielder deep within the Rangers penalty area, but the referee incredibly waived play-on; much to the understandable frustration of the Motherwell technical area.

Lizzie Arnot teed up LaFaix moments later, with the American midfielder smashing home an unstoppable strike. The 23-year-old completed her brace minutes later, converting Kathy Hill’s delivery. Howat soon lashed home a fourth moments before the break, leaving Motherwell with much to reflect on at half-time.

Wilkinson continued Rangers’ persistent goalscoring form five minutes after the restart, with Howat making it six shortly after. Wilksinon claimed her hat-trick and Rangers’ seventh in the final stages of the game, as Hardy made it eight in the final few minutes from the penalty spot.

Motherwell will return to action in a fortnight’s time when they face Hibernian at K-Park at the end of March.

A dedicated and loyal addition to the Motherwell backline, defender Katie Rice entered the 2024/25 campaign ready to mark her sixth consecutive season at the club by earning a place in the top-six of the Scottish Women’s Premier League. 

As the final pre-split fixture came to a close, the women of steel can firmly set their sights on the top-six when they welcome title-chasers Rangers to K-Park on Sunday. Rice acknowledged the effort to reach this milestone, but remained adamant that the squad aren’t there to make up numbers.

“We are in the top-six to compete,”Rice explained.

“We have earned the right to compete amongst the best by becoming highest performing part-time team in the country. Whilst we’re all incredibly proud to reach the top-six, the hard-work doesn’t suddenly stop.

“We want the top-six to be a regular occurrence for the squad, and we need to be consistent to achieve this. To be consistent, you have to perform against the full-time teams and we want to showcase what we’re capable of this weekend.

“Rangers will always be a difficult test, they have an incredibly talented squad who understand that every single point matters for them at this stage of the title race. We know what to expect, but ultimately we can only focus on ourselves and ensure we can carry out our gameplan effectively.”

Preparations swiftly resumed following last weekend’s Scottish Cup Quarter-Final victory over Boroughmuir Thistle, as the women of steel secured their place in the final-four at Hampden. Louisa Boyes broke the deadlock midway through the first-half before a Boroughmuir Thistle own-goal doubled Motherwell’s advantage moments later. Captain Gill Inglis sealed victory shortly before the half-time break, as the experienced defender curled home a magnificent right-footed effort into the top-left corner.

“We certainly celebrated the night of the game,” Rice added.

“It was a massive moment for the squad to get back to Hampden for the first-time since 2022, so we made sure to celebrate after the game, but once Monday came around; we were straight back into our preparations for the game this weekend.

“Training has been really positive this week. We’ve had the girls, who represented Scotland under-17s back involved, and there has been a really friendly atmosphere amongst the squad. There is a real bond between the players in the dressing room, we all want to support each other to drive our standards and performances forward, and we will be ready to start our top-six fixtures this weekend.

A familiar face will line-up against the women of steel this weekend, as striker Laura Berry returns to K-Park for the first-time since departing Motherwell to return to her parent club in January, after countless impressive display in a Motherwell jersey; netting 11-goals in 11-appearances. Rice is relishing the opportunity against her former teammate.

“It will be great to face off against Laura,” Rice joked.

“Laura was an exceptional player throughout the season, and an absolutely pivotal part in achieving a top-six finish, but we’re on either side of the pitch now. Once we hear the first-whistle, we’ll be looking to capitalise on our knowledge of her style of play and will try to nullify her game as best as we can.

“It’s going to be incredibly tough to cope with the immense talent at their disposal, but we’ve prepared in the correct manner, are feeling positive heading into this weekend, and are ready to make K-Park a difficult venue for teams to visit.

The K-Park faithful have backed the women of steel both home and away this season, leading the squad to the top-six and a place in the Scottish Cup Semi-Final, and Rice hopes their following can guide Motherwell to a successful post-split campaign.

“The support we’ve received this season has been excellent,” Rice said.

“The crowds at K-Park have continued to grow season upon season, and with our position in the top-six and our Scottish cup run, we’re really keen to hopefully see these attendances grow. We’re really excited by the challenges at this stage of the season, and we hope to see you all supporting us through each game.

“I can’t wait to see you all backing us from the first whistle to the last this Sunday.

A stalwart of the Motherwell midfield, Lucy Ronald quickly established her place at the core of the squad after signing permanently from Glasgow Women in 2022, earning the women’s player of the year award in her maiden season, but the then 21-year-old soon had to face a cup heartbreak. 

The National Stadium beckoned, as the women of steel prepared to face Rangers in a highly-anticipated Scottish Cup Semi-Final at Hampden Park, but less than a fortnight until the meeting in Glasgow; Ronald’s sixteen-month spell on the sidelines with an ACL-injury began. Over two-years on, the women of steel have the opportunity to return to Hampden Park for only the second time in the club’s history when they face Boroughmuir Thistle at Meadowbank on Sunday. Ronald remains focused on making up for lost time.

“Missing out on the Scottish Cup Semi-Final at Hampden was heartbreaking,” Ronald explained.

“It’s been my biggest dream since I was young to play at the National stadium, so to miss out by a week when we had a massive double-header, playing one of our first games to be held at Fir Park only the week before the game at Hampden was a tough pill for me to swallow.

“The injury was incredibly sudden, so to head to Hampden two-weeks later, I was filled with so many mixed-emotions. I was so proud to watch the squad on the pitch, but at the same time, I was absolutely heartbroken to be watching from the stands because I knew that the opportunity to play at Hampden had been taken from me.

“However, I’ve used it as motivation through my rehab. I wanted to get myself back to performing at the same level with the belief that I could potentially have that opportunity again, but at the same time I’m remaining level-headed and taking every moment as it comes.”

Two-years on and Motherwell are on the road to Scottish Cup glory, cruising to a formidable 7-0 victory over Rossvale in their opening cup fixture before defeating Bonnyrigg Rose by six-goals to nil at K-Park. The women of steel will face SWPL2 promotion-chasers Boroughmuir Thistle at the Quarter-Final stage in the Scottish capital on Sunday, and Ronald is relishing the opportunity.

“Sunday’s game means a lot to me,” Ronald added.

“These occasions are what we live for as footballers, and ultimately you never know how many opportunities you’re going to have to play at these special venues in your career. Football is incredible sometimes though, because we have that opportunity to earn a place at Hampden again, and I am determined to do everything I can to support the team to another Scottish Cup Semi-Final.

“Boroughmuir Thistle will be an incredibly tough test. They are well-organised, performing to a high-standard in SWPL2, and will be fully motivated to cause a cup upset.

“They have a very strong side with a lot of experienced players, so we understand the challenge ahead won’t be an easy one. The squad consists of players that have played at the highest level for a number of years, so despite the difference in league position; they’re certainly not to be underestimated. We will be prepared for what’s to come and will be expecting a challenging contest.”

The women of steel have remained resolute since confirming their top-six SWPL status, with intense preparations continuing, as the squad prepare for Sunday’s Scottish Cup showdown.

“Preparations have been good,” Ronald said.

“Collectively as players, we know what’s at stake for ourselves and the football club. It’s a massive opportunity and a privilege to play at Hampden Park and we are all focused on securing our place at the Semi-Final stage. As a team and as a staff group, the expectations are always set at a high level, our standards and approach remain consistent whether in training or on a matchday. We have approached this week in the correct manner, and will be looking to replicate our performances on the training pitch this Sunday.

“Of course it’s an exciting prospect, as we’ve had a really good season so far. Securing the first top-six finish in the club’s history was a huge achievement, and we are determined ton continue that form into the cup competition. We are taking every game as it comes, preparing with the right mindset, as we know that Sunday will be a massive test for us.”

A monumental matchday awaits the women of steel this weekend, as the National Stadium beckons the victor of Sunday’s Quarter-Final meeting with Boroughmuir Thistle at Meadowbank. 

Motherwell could return to Hampden Park for the first time since facing Rangers in the 2022 Scottish Cup Semi-Final, with the women of steel defeating Rossvale and Bonnyrigg Rose to secure their place in the Quarter-Final stage.

An exciting occasion awaits in the Scottish capital, as Motherwell target their first-ever piece of major silverware.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell 

Motherwell will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to title-chasers Glasgow City, as Paul Brownlie’s side fell to a 4-0 defeat in Springburn. The women of steel fought the 13-time champions closely, but fatigue in the latter stages saw the hosts cruise to a scoreline that failed to accurately reflect the entirety of the game.

Brownlie’s side will be looking to surpass their Sky Sports League Cup run, as the women of steel exited the competition at the Quarter-Final stage to eventual champions Rangers.

The women of steel head into Sunday’s encounter with a full matchday squad, as latest addition Brodie Greenwood could be set to make her Motherwell debut.

Boroughmuir Thistle

The SWPL2-side could prove to be a difficult opponent for the women of steel, as Boroughmuir continue to prove their worth in the second-division. Thistle sit level on 41-points with Kilmarnock in the chase for promotion to the SWPL and will be firmly prepared to secure their place at the National Stadium, Hampden Park.

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The women of steel fell to defeat in Springburn despite valiantly fighting title-chasers Glasgow City to the final whistle, who cruised to an assured 4-0 victory at Petershill Park on Sunday. 

The scoreline failed to accurately reflect the intense work-rate and momentum that the squad showed in the first-half of play, as Icelandic striker Brenna Lovera broke the deadlock moments before the half-time break. Lisa Forrest made it two on the 70-minute mark, with the women of steel starting to tire and fatigue.

Polish midfielder Natalia Wrobel soon completed a brace in the latter stages of the game, with the hosts returning to the top of the SWPL table.

Head Coach, Paul Brownlie named an unchanged starting XI from the side that overcame a 2-1 deficit at half-time to defeat Aberdeen. Defender Jo Addie and midfielder Laura McCartney both returned to the matchday squad, earning a place on the bench. Rangers loanee Eilidh Austin made her second competitive start alongside Mason Clark in the Motherwell frontline, as Shannon Leishman remained in the Motherwell backline.

After sealing their top-six status over a fortnight ago, Motherwell headed to Glasgow for a post-split preview, as they looked to finish their final pre-split fixture on a high.

Motherwell fought relentlessly in the first-half of play, repelling all of City’s attacks whilst remaining relatively comfortable and assured in the backline. City’s frustrations and inability to break through the Motherwell defence was reversed three minutes from the half-time break, as Lovera’s left-footed shot sailed across the face of goal before nestling into the bottom-right corner.

Lovera turned provider in the latter stages of the second-half, teeing up Forrest at the edge of the six-yard-box, who drilled a right-footed strike into the bottom-right corner. Wrobel sealed the three points in quick succession, netting a composed finish from close-range before placing a fourth into the bottom-right corner in the final phase of the game.

Motherwell will now turn their attention to the Quarter-Final of the Scottish Cup against Boroughmuir Thistle before welcoming Celtic in the first post-split fixture of the 2024/25 SWPL campaign.

Midfielder Brodie Greenwood has completed a move to Lanarkshire from Hearts. 

The 18-year-old central midfielder joins the women of steel ahead of their forthcoming top-six campaign on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The Scottish youth international makes the switch to Lanarkshire after featuring for Hearts in the Scottish capital one eight-occasions since joining the Jambos from fellow SWPL outfit Dundee United.

Greenwood heads to Motherwell seeking to continue her development, as Motherwell target a successful post-split campaign.

“I’m delighted to have joined Motherwell,” Greenwood said.

“I’m excited by the playing style at the club, and the competitive nature of the team. I feel there is a lot that I can learn from the young and senior players at the club, and I’m ready to have a positive impact this season.

“I can’t wait to get started.”

The youngster joins the women of steel looking to gain a wealth of professional experience, having already featured for Hearts, Dundee United and Aberdeen.

‘We are delighted to welcome Brodie to the club,” head coach Paul Brownlie added.

“Brodie is an important addition at this stage of the season. We are looking to challenge and develop our standards in the top-six, and we felt Brodie brought the perfect dynamic to the squad that could drive us forward this season.

“Despite her age, Brodie already has a wealth of experience at this level, and technically is a very exciting player to have in the squad.”

At the helm of an historic top-six campaign, Head Coach Paul Brownlie has already led the women of steel to unprecedented success in claret and amber.

Motherwell will contest the top-six of the Scottish Women’s Premier League table for the first-time in their history, whilst also facing an enticing Scottish Cup Quarter-Final tie against Boroughmuir Thistle, with a place at the National Stadium, Hampden Park at stake.

As an emphatic SWPL title-race reaches its final dramatic chapter, Motherwell will be set to face title-chasers Rangers, Celtic, Glasgow City, Hibernian and Hearts. Despite the financial imbalance of full-time and part-time football, Brownlie insists that his side have earned their top-six place on merit, and will be looking to compete until the end of the season.

“Our season is far from over,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie said.

“We have worked tirelessly to achieve a place in the top-six, but that doesn’t mean we now down tools and look ahead to next season. We have a very motivated and competitive squad, who are capable of competing with the best in the country. We held Hearts to a goalless draw, and had chances to earn three-points, likewise in narrow 1-0 defeats to rangers and Glasgow City.

“The squad have earned the right to compete against the best in the league, and we have to prepare in the correct manner to head into the post-split campaign with the confidence that we can achieve positive results.”

Brownlie’s side confidently restored their competitive edge after a disappointing top-six push of the previous campaign. The women of steel demonstrated a strong resurgence this season, picking up 13-more points with one-game still in-hand, scoring 21-more goals whilst conceding 14-less goals. Motherwell have won almost half of their fixtures this campaign, compared to the six victories pre-split last season, with the squad facing six-less defeats.

“The squad have really understood the style, and manner in which we want to play,” Brownlie added.

“We narrowed the squad size compared to last season which we collectively felt was necessary to uphold the standards without losing quality due to constant rotation. Defensively, we’ve been resolute which has provided the forwards with the platform to play without the unnecessary pressure of having to compensate for cheap goals conceded at the back.

“We’ve recruited well in both windows. Shannon [Leishman] is an experienced addition in the backline alongside Jenna [Penman], who at 21-years-old has experienced a vast array of top-flight football. Despite returning to her parent club, Laura [Berry] really hit the ground running in her second spell, as our top goalscorer. There are so many more that I could individually praise for what they’ve added to the team, but overall I’m extremely pleased with the balance within the matchday squad.

“We have a really good core group of players. Every player, whether young and experiencing their first season in the top-flight or an experienced professional, the full team are all collectively pulling in the same direction.”

The women of steel will conclude the regular season on the road to title-chasers Glasgow City, as Motherwell face an opportunity to test their top-six status, before facing the first of their Championship group fixtures. With four sides locked on 51-points in an exhilarating title-race, Brownlie insists his side are there to compete and disrupt their opponents title hopes.

“We have to take the confidence from the regular season into the post-split campaign,” Brownlie noted.

“The four-team title-race will obviously take centre-stage in the post-split campaign, but we have an opportunity to be as competitive and disruptive to the remaining teams in the top-six. Whilst we are extremely proud to achieve a place in the top-six, we want that position and feeling to be a regular occurrence at the club.

“The only way to continually guarantee your top-six status for the future is by being able to compete with the best teams in the country on a consistent basis, and we are treating our post-split campaign as an opportunity to develop our quality and standards on the pitch.

Whether captaining the club for six consecutive seasons, leading a Motherwell side onto the Hampden Park turf or guiding the club to their maiden top-six finish, skipper Gill Inglis is no stranger to historic moments in claret and amber. 

Victory over Aberdeen at K-Park was to be the next chapter in the Rutherglen-born full-back’s illustrious career in the Scottish game, as the 34-year-old defender celebrated her sixth year of dedication and commitment to the club, by leading the women of steel to their first top-six finish in the Scottish Women’s Premier League table. An unprecedented achievement for the Lanarkshire side.

“Achieving a top-six finish was an incredible moment,” Inglis said.

“We have targeted the top-six over the previous few years, and have narrowly missed out twice, even by a single-point in 2023. It’s been incredibly frustrating, but at the start of the season, we regrouped and refreshed ourselves as a squad with a clear focus on getting over the line this season.

“We’ve had our highs and lows alongside every squad in the league, but to have led the chase for a top-six finish all season, and to finally get over the line by coming back from 2-1 down made the moment, day and season even sweeter.

A top-six finish looked firmly within grasp, as defender Rachel Todd bulleted home Katie Rice’s whipped delivery to gift the women of steel a one-goal advantage. However, a quickfire double from the Dons left Motherwell stunned at the break.

A red card to former Well midfielder Niamh Noble prompted a swift second-half resurgence, as Bailley Collins prodded home the rebound from the resulting free-kick. Rangers loanee, Eilidh Austin’s first Motherwell goal followed before Louisa Boyes added a fourth, as Paul Brownlie’s side coasted through to confirming their top-six status.

“The manner in which we achieved top-six was an incredible feeling,” Inglis added.

“Results elsewhere would’ve meant we’d have achieved top-six even if we were defeated, but we didn’t care about that on the pitch. We’d worked all year for that moment, and we would’ve been disheartened to fall over the line with a defeat.

“We wanted to get over the line on our own terms, and the resiliency from the squad to pick themselves up at half-time and restore our lead was a proud moment for myself and the full team.

Despite leading the women of steel to several historical accolades over the years, including an appearance in the first Scottish domestic women’s match t0 be played at the National Stadium, Hampden Park – captain Inglis’ insisted that a top-six finish ranks highest.

“A top-six finish in the SWPL is a massive achievement for the players, coaching staff and the club as a whole,” Inglis explained.

“To be part of, and to captain the team that secures the highest league finish in the club’s history and the first appearance in the top-six is one of, if not my proudest achievement at the club. We have worked tirelessly both on and off the pitch to get to this point, and to be considered one of the best teams in the country is the perfect reward.

“The supporters have been with us all season, but they really turned out in their numbers to see us over the line. Full supporter buses travelling from Fir Park to K-Park was a great sight, and something we are immensely appreciative of as a squad. We are incredibly grateful for this effort, and we were pleased to reward that commitment with a strong performance on the pitch.

Despite coasting to the top-six with a nine-point advantage, Inglis insists the season is not yet over, and the post-split campaign will be the perfect opportunity for the squad to test and develop their standards on the pitch.

“Ultimately the season is far from over,” Inglis said.

“We’ve worked hard to get to this point, and we want to take the experience of the top-six in our stride. We are there to compete, and we want to demonstrate the ability and belief we have within the squad.

“We’ve enjoyed and celebrated the moment, but we now turn our attention back to the league and prepare for our final pre-split fixture against Glasgow City. We hope to see you all with us.”

After celebrating their long-awaited and record-breaking top-six finish, Motherwell are on the road to Springburn to face Glasgow City in their final pre-split fixture at Petershill Park on Sunday. 

Motherwell confirmed their top-six status, for the first time in the club’s history, after overcoming a 2-1 deficit at the half-time break before coasting to an assured 4-2 victory in East Kilbride.

The women of steel will look to test their top-six pedigree this weekend against title-chasers Glasgow City ahead of a closely-fought 12-game post-split campaign, where they will face title-chasers Celtic, Rangers, Glasgow City, Hibernian and Hearts both home and away.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell 

Motherwell completed an exceptional top-six shootout, coasting to an unmatched nine-point advantage over closest-rivals and dethroned top-six rivals Partick Thistle to complete a fiercely contested top-half of the SWPL table. Paul Brownlie’s side will look to frustrate and disrupt their top-six competitors, with four sides locked on 51-points in an exhilarating title-race.

Momentum has remained with the North Lanarkshire side since the start of 2025, earning five-straight victories in all competitions, with Motherwell finding the target 24-times whilst conceding only four during the same time.

Motherwell will look to rectify their spirited defeat to City in September last year, with Emily Whelan netting the only-goal in an impressive and competitive display at K-Park.

Glasgow City

City remain locked on 51-points, with title-chasing rivals Celtic, Rangers and Hibernian all maintaining their impeccable run of form. City have picked up five wins from seven, defeated only by Hibs in the Scottish Capital whilst being held to a four-goal stalemate to defending champions Celtic.

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The women of steel coasted to their fifth successive victory, defeating Aberdeen by four-goals to two, securing an historic top-six finish in the SWPL table for the first time. 

Rachel Todd earned her place on the scoresheet, bulleting home Katie Rice’s whipped corner-kick to give the women of steel a one-goal advantage before a quickfire double had the visitors ahead shortly before the half-time break. Former Motherwell midfielder, Niamh Noble was soon given her marching orders following a late tackle on Lucy Ronald, allowing the women of steel to threaten the visiting goal.

Bailley Collins levelled the game from the resulting free-kick, with Eilidh Austin then netting her first competitive goal for the club to restore Motherwell’s advantage. Louisa Boyes struck the back of the net moments from full-time to seal Motherwell’s first-ever top-six finish in the SWPL table.

Head Coach Paul Brownlie made three changes to the starting XI from the side that defeated Spartans one-week ago. Rangers loanee Eilidh Austin made her first competitive start alongside Mason Clark in the Motherwell frontline, as Laura McCartney and Amy Sharkey both settled for a place on the bench. Sophie Black also made way for defender Shannon Leishman who returned to the starting XI.

Knowing a victory would seal a long-awaited top-six finish, Motherwell started firmly on the front foot, with a real statement of attacking intent. Katie Rice’s whipped corner-kick sailed invitingly into the Aberdeen six-yard-box, and Todd was on-hand to power home from close-range.

Toni Leigh pulled the Dons level in similar circumstances, placing her headed effort beyond the reach of Emily Mutch before repeating her equaliser soon after to give the visitors an unforeseen advantage at the half-time break.

A cagey opening to the second-half was soon overcome, as former Motherwell midfielder Niamh Noble was sent off following a rash challenge on Lucy Ronald, a challenge which left the 22-year-old requiring treatment on the K-Park turf. Rice’s floated delivery from the resulting free-kick fell kindly into the path of Collins, who rifled home into the top-right corner.

January addition, Eilidh Austin etched her name onto the scoresheet late into the second-half, drilling home from within the Dons 18-yard-box to restore the women of steel’s advantage. Louisa Boyes rounded off a closely-fought afternoon in East Kilbride, skilfully working her way through several Aberdeen jerseys before dispatching a cool finish low into the bottom-left corner. Motherwell held out in the final moments of the game to record their first-ever top-six finish in the SWPL.

Motherwell will now face a fortnight-long break before visiting title-chasers Glasgow City in the final pre-split fixture of the 2024/24 campaign.