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Motherwell were unable to mark being presented with the SWPL 2 title with a victory, after being held to a 1-1 draw against Hearts.

Kerry Montgomery opened the scoring after 10 minutes, before former ‘Well played Pamela Liddell levelled early in the second half.

It was the first time this season Donald Jennow’s side have dropped points at home this season and the first time they have failed to win after opening the scoring.

The hosts started brightly, and Suzanne Mulvey came close in the first minute before Sammy Hare headed just over the bar five minutes later.

‘Well were rewarded for their early attacking threat when Montgomery swept the ball home from close range after Mulvey had struck the post.

Kendall Welsh in the Motherwell goal was forced into a brilliant stop on 20 minutes to deny Liddell a leveller, but it was the home team who continued to enjoy the better of the chances.

Sammy Hare rattled the post and then the bar within the space of a frantic few minutes. Normally so clinical in front of goal, the striker was clearly frustrated she had failed to find the net when particularly on the first occasion it almost looked easier to score than miss.

Hayley Cunningham and Lauryn Reside both passed up chances before Hare again was unable to convert a good scoring opportunity, firing high over the bar on the stroke of half time.

The driving wind in the second half made playing any sort of football difficult and Motherwell struggled to maintain their attacking threat of the first 45.

The equaliser arrived on 55 minutes when Liddell latched on to a through ball and finished with great composure.

Following the Hearts goal the game was thrown wide open as a contest, but chances were at a premium.

Hayley Cunningham’s low drive drifted just past the post and, at the other end, Liddell couldn’t find the target after bursting through the ‘Well defence.

The last big chance of the match came when Mulvey managed to breach the Hearts backline. But her final touch was heavy, allowing Jambos keeper to bravely intercept and ensure the score remained level.

It wasn’t the result that the women of steel hoped for, but it didn’t hamper their post-match celebrations in which they finally got their hands on the title.

Motherwell return to action in two weeks, when they face Spartans at Forthbank with a place in the final of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup up for grabs.

Pictures: Craig Murray

Kaitlyn Canavan is gutted to be missing out on the celebrations as Motherwell lift the SWPL2 title on Sunday.

The 17-year-old will join up with Northern Ireland’s Under 19 side on Saturday, ahead of their triple header against Estonia, Kosovo and Germany.

While she’ll have to wait to pick her up her league winners medal, Canavan is determined to make an impact on the international stage in what is set to be a busy week for the ‘Well forward.

“It would have been nice to have been a part of the title celebrations, but it’s a huge honour to be part of the Northern Ireland squad,” Canavan said. “We have three games in six days and I really want to make the most of the opportunity.

“Sunday will be a great day for everyone involved with Motherwell, everyone has worked so hard and deserves to get their hands on the trophy.”

After a tireless shift in the women of steel’s 1-0 SSE Scottish Cup win over St Johnstone, Canavan played the full 90 minutes in last weekend’s 4-0 success at Aberdeen.

At times patience has been key for the youngster, but she has now set her sights on an extended run in the team.

“I feel for me this has been my best season playing football, the coaches and players who have come in have taught me so much,” she added. “Personally, I feel as player I’ve progressed and as a team it’s been great to have achieved as much as we have.”

“My season has really kicked on in the last few weeks, that gives me confidence – I’m improving and learning every time I play.

“Donald [Jennow] and Eddie [former boss, Wolecki Black] have played a massive part in my development, their experience has been vital and that’s shown in our results on the park too.”

Motherwell host Hearts at Braidhurst on Sunday prior to the trophy presentation.

It’s sure to be a special day for all involved with the team and also represents a final competitive fixture for Donald Jennow’s side ahead of their Scottish Cup semi final clash with Spartans on 14 October.

With fierce competition for places throughout the squad and the team chasing a record SWPL2 points tally, Canavan is certain there will be no dip in standards.

“If we keep the standards high then I see no reason why we can’t keep our winning streak going,” she said.

“It won’t be an easy game against Hearts and we’ll need to fight for the three points, but everyone is determined to lift the title on a high.

“We know preparation is the main thing going into a semi final against a top league team. If we play the way we know we can, then I see no reason why we can’t challenge Spartans.

“It will be another big day for the team and we really hope the fans can get along to Stirling and get behind us.

“We’re all in this together and the more support we can get along the better.”

Motherwell are closing in on a record SWPL 2 points total after defeating Aberdeen 4-0 at the Aberdeen Sports Village.

The women of steel have racked up 49 points so far this season on their way to clinching the league title.

With three league games remaining, Donald Jennow’s side are moving ever closer to Forfar Farmington’s league record tally of 52.

The visitors broke the deadlock after eight minutes when top scorer Suzanne Mulvey turned provider for Lesley Condie, sending over a delightful cross that the defender nodded home from close range.

Following the opening goal, the Dons responded positively, and it took a wonderful stop by Claire Johnstone in the Motherwell goal to deny Amy Phillips an equaliser.

It looked as if ‘Well would take a slender lead into half time, but they would double their advantage in the final seconds, with the goal coming in bizarre fashion.

Hayley Cunningham’s whipped corner evaded all inside the box and nestled inside the roof of the net.

After the restart, Motherwell began to stamp their authority on the game and the third goal arrived after 57 minutes.

Megan Burns capitalised on Anna Blanchard’s short goal kick, heading the ball through to Mulvey who made no mistake with her finish.

The ‘Well captain added to her tally with 19 minutes remaining, seizing on a defensive mix-up to head the ball beyond the keeper and into the net.

Jennow used the remainder of the game to give some game time to a number of his fringe players, as well as Kerry Montgomery, who missed last Sunday’s Scottish Cup clash with St Johnstone due to injury.

Montgomery almost made an instant impact when she closed down Blachard’s clearance, but the ball spun inches past the post.

In the final minute Sophie Jamieson breached the ‘Well backline to go clear on goal, but with just Kendall Welsh to beat, she pulled her shot wide of the target.

Motherwell have now racked up three successive clean sheets and remain 16 points ahead of FC Kilmarnock at the top of the table.

Next up is a home meeting with Hearts at Braidhurst, after which the team will be presented with the SWPL 2 championship.

Picture: Maureen Lyall

Lesley Condie says Motherwell won’t let up in their pursuit of perfection this campaign.

The women of steel travel to Aberdeen on Sunday for their penultimate away league fixture of the season, with a SSE Scottish Cup semi-final also on the horizon.

Following a points deduction, the Dons require four wins from their last four games and a massive swing in their goal difference to avoid relegation.

Despite their opponents’ struggles, Condie insists there will be no easing up from Motherwell when the two sides meet at the Aberdeen Sports Village.

“Although we have already won the league, we are all still motivated to do as well as we can and continue on our successful run,” she added. “I think we would be disappointed in ourselves if we let our standards slip.

“Everyone wants to be on the pitch playing, especially when the spotlight turns to the semi-final so it is keeping the tempo and standards high at training.

“We had a tough game last week and we didn’t play as well as we could have, so the game against Aberdeen is a chance to put things right again and play the way we have the majority of the season.”

The defender ended a four-year absence from the game when she joined the women of steel at the beginning of the season.

Over the course of the campaign Condie has played a major role in ‘Well clinching the SWPL 2 title and in their progression to the last four of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup.

Motherwell have conceded just 16 goals across 21 games in all competitions this season.

“It’s been fantastic, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this season,” Condie said. “I had been out of the game for four years, so I was feeling a bit apprehensive about coming back. But it has been the best thing I have done.

“We have a great group of girls, many of whom I used to play with and of course it’s nice for the defence to get a bit of credit for that success.”

Having defeated St Johnstone in last Sunday, Motherwell will face Spartans in the semi final, looking to top off an incredible season in style.

As the only remaining SWPL 2 side in the competition, Condie believes Motherwell will be considered underdogs, but says she and her team-mates are relishing the opportunity to test themselves on the big stage.

“It’s massive for us, especially being a SWPL 2 team and then other three being top league sides,” she said.

“We are looking at it as an amazing opportunity to see how well we can do on the big stage.

“We know we are underdogs but that’s the beauty of the cup and we will certainly put everything we have into it. It will be a very exciting day for everyone associated with the team.”

Motherwell boss Donald Jennow has issued a rallying call to fans to turn out to support the women’s team in their forthcoming SSE Scottish Women’s Cup semi-final.

After securing the SWPL 2 title, the women of steel booked the place in the last four with a battling 1-0 victory over St Johnstone on Sunday.

Jennow is delighted that the players are reaping the rewards of all their efforts and believes they deserve all the attention that will come with a Scottish Cup semi final, which will take place on 14 October at Forthbank Stadium against Spartans.

“From our perspective we went into the draw against a big three,” he said. “They are all SWPL 1 sides and all of them therefore would go into a tie against us as favourites.

“The excitement comes in it being a Scottish Cup semi-final, it was well earned courtesy of a very hard fought quarter-final.

“The more Motherwell fans we can get along there the better it will be for us. I know the reserves play a number of their games at Forthbank, so it’ll be a familiar ground for a number of ‘Well supporters.

“My big thing is it’s the same badge on that shirt, it’s your club and we’re a part of it and trying to do the club proud.

“If you can come along and give us a wee bit extra support then it would be more than appreciated.”

Having wrapped up the title early and standing just one game away from a prestigious final, the head coach has rightly heaped praise on the achievements of his squad over the course of a magnificent season so far.

“It’s a platform that the players deserve,” he said. “There’s a whole number of off-field issues that individuals have had to deal with this season

“Football can be a different world at times, but there is a life away from the game and there are a number who haven’t had their troubles to seek.

“I’m incredibly proud of the team of how they’ve handled and managed that, together with their dedication and commitment to playing for Motherwell.

“Those two things together make them deserving of a place in the semi-final and the attention that comes with that.”

Since taking over from Eddie Wolecki Black, Jennow has overseen two victories, a 9-0 win over Central Girls in the league, followed by the cup victory over St Johnstone.

Currently 16 points ahead in the table, the team now have their sights set on finishing their league campaign on a high.

Sunday will see the third visit to Aberdeen in as many months, the Dons will be reeling for a points deduction that almost certainly will see them relegated, but the ‘Well boss insists his team won’t drop their standards.

“The first league game was so important,” he added. “We spoke about momentum and how easy it can be to lose that despite having worked so hard over the course of the season, so to win so well against Central was very pleasing.

“We’re very keen to show the league the respect it deserves, we don’t want to end the season on a whimper and reduce the gap that we’ve worked incredibly hard to create.

“I was also told the other day that there’s potentially some records there to be broken, so as competitors that obviously holds motivation for us too.

“The plaudits always go to the players at the end of the day, they are the ones who win the games, score the goals and keep the clean sheets.

“Wounded animals can often be the most dangerous and we know we’ll have to be at our best to win at Aberdeen.”

Motherwell will face Spartans in the semi-final of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup.

The women of steel will travel to face the Edinburgh club in the last four at Forthbank Stadium on Sunday, 14 October.

Donald Jennow’s SWPL2 champions defeated St Johnstone on Sunday to book their place.

Hibernian will host Glasgow City in the other semi-final tie.

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.”