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Motherwell return to action in a behind closed doors friendly this afternoon.

Following a heavy defeat to Hearts in their previous pre-season encounter, the women of steel will be looking for a response, as they host East Fife at K-Park.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

Paul Brownlie’s side will be looking for a resurgence from Friday evening’s defeat, with the Fifers visit providing the opportunity to secure our first pre-season victory, as we approach the finale of our 2023/24 campaign.

The women of steel will have a full squad available for this afternoons encounter, minus the recent acquisition of Hannah Cunningham, who will remain unavailable.

It has been over half a decade since Motherwell’s last meeting with East Fife, with both sides facing each other in an SWPL2 clash in September 2017, with the points shared in a 1-1 draw.

East Fife

East Fife are preparing for a season in the SWF Championship following relegation from SWPL2 last season.

The visitors finished the 2022/23 campaign 12 points shy of nearest rivals Stirling University, with their only victory coming in a 2-1 win over Queens Park.

How to follow the action
Supporters can follow this afternoons encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match.

Motherwell will continue their pre-season preparations this evening.

Following last weekend’s 1-1 stalemate with SWPL2 side Boroughmuir Thistle, the women of steel return to action in a behind-closed doors friendly with Hearts at Dalziel Park.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell

Paul Brownlie’s side will be on the hunt for their first victory of their 2023/24 pre-season campaign, following weekend’s meeting with Boroughmuir Thistle, where Bailley Collins’ 90th-minute equaliser cancelled out Boroughmuir’s early second half opener to secure the striker’s first non-competitive goal for the club.

Motherwell have also faced encounters with SWPL2 promotion-chasers Gartcairn and defending Scottish-Cup champions Celtic, as they continue to prepare for the opening weekend of the 2023/24 SWPL1 calendar.

The women of steel will have a full squad available for this evening’s encounter, minus the midweek acquisition of Hannah Cunningham, who signed a permanent deal following a short trial period at the club.

Hearts

After surpassing local rivals Hibs, Hearts established themselves as a top-four SWPL1 side last season, with their last competitive victory coming in a 2 -1 Edinburgh derby win at the Oriam.

The Jambos are two games into their pre-season preparations, with encounters against Dundee United and Durham Women both taking place behind closed doors.

Like Motherwell, Hearts have been prolific in acquiring their new additions early in the summer transfer window, with Brodie Greenwood, Kathleen McGovern, Carly Girasoli, Katie Lockwood, Lizzie Waldie, and Esther Morgan all making the switch to Gorgie.

How to follow the action

Supporters can follow this evening’s encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match.

Left-back Hannah Cunningham has joined the club on a permanent deal following a successful trial period.

The 21-year-old, who made 26-appearances for Glasgow Women in their maiden SWPL1 campaign last season, will make the switch to ML1.

“I’m delighted to join the club,” said Cunningham.

“The club are building something positive here, they drive high standards, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.

“I’m really excited to step into such a competitive environment, use the knowledge of the management team and the girls in the squad to develop as a player. I can’t wait to get started here.”

The defender, who has been capped internationally for Scotland at both U16 and U17 level, will be the tenth new acquisition for the women of steel this season.

“I’ve known Hannah for several years now and I’m fully aware of the qualities she has,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“Hannah is versatile in position, she has the qualities to play at full-back and centre-half. Being left sided, she’ll bring great balance to the team and also add more competition to the defensive area of the squad.”

Motherwell reached the halfway stage in their pre-season campaign, with Boroughmuir Thistle the visitors in a behind closed-doors friendly at K-Park on Sunday.

A frustrating afternoon for the women of steel, as the scoreline failed to accurately reflect their dominant share of possession, with a late Bailley Collins header cancelling out an opener from the SWPL2 side.

Chances proved to be few throughout the first half, with both sides trading control of the ball.

Katie Rice came closest to the opener after latching onto Collins’ through ball at the edge of the box, but the midfielder couldn’t apply the finishing touches, as her effort curled over the bar.

A resolute Boroughmuir defence continued to frustrate the hosts, forcing attempts from distance, with strikes from Kayla Jardine and Collins failing to trouble the keeper.

However, Jardine’s pace continued to cause the visitors problems, with the youngster flooding the opposing penalty area with crosses from the left, but the opener failed to materialise before the break.

The half time whistle allowed both sides the opportunity to make several alterations to their squad, with head coach Paul Brownlie switching eight players.

Looking for a response, Motherwell came agonisingly close to the breaking the deadlock moments after the restart.

After initially being fouled at the edge of the box, Rice stepped up and curled an exceptional free kick beyond the reach of the keeper, but the crossbar gave the visiting defence a lifeline.

After failing to capitalise on an array of opportunities, Boroughmuir netted the opener against the run of play.

An in-swinging corner from the right sailed dangerously across the face of goal, and the striker placed an accurate header past Cameron.

With the final few minutes ticking by, Motherwell found the equaliser. Captain Gill Inglis’ deep delivery from the left floated invitingly towards the back post, and Collins expertly escaped her marker to convert.

The women of steel will continue their pre-season preparations with a visit from Hearts on Friday.

Line-ups:

First Half – E. Mutch, T. McGonigle, G. Rafferty, Trialist, E. Donald, S. Gibb, K. Rice, L. Boyes, B. Collins, K. Jardine, K. McDonald-Nguah.

Second Half – R. Cameron, M. Hay, J, Addie, C. Watson, B. Collins, G. Inglis, A. Anderson, K. McDonald-Nguah, K. Jardine, Trialist, K. Canavan.

Motherwell FC are delighted to announce the signing of Aberdeen midfielder Bailley Collins on a permanent transfer.

The 19-year old featured 32 times for the Dons last season, netting four goals.

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

“A club with great management and a strong squad of players that I know will help me improve.”

Collins will be the ninth acquisition of the summer transfer window, as the women of steel prepare to challenge for the top-six this season.

“Bailley is a fantastic, versatile young player who will provide real energy and drive to this team,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“She possesses the quality we need to help strengthen the squad.”

Bailley will be available for Motherwell’s upcoming pre-season friendly with Boroughmuir Thistle on Sunday.

Motherwell continued their pre-season preparations in a behind closed-doors friendly with Celtic at Barrowfield on Wednesday night.

A valiant display from an experienced and youthful Motherwell side proved not to be enough as the hosts held a comfortable five-goal advantage at the final whistle.

It wouldn’t take long for the Scottish Cup champions to break the deadlock, with the opener coming on the third minute.

Celtic were able to exploit the high Motherwell backline, and despite an exceptional reaction save from Rebecca Cameron at the initial attempt, the rebound was prodded home into the empty net.

Nevertheless, the women of steel continued to threaten and minutes later, they netted the equaliser.

Katie Rice’s floated corner kick sailed invitingly towards the near post, and Kaela McDonald-Nguah expertly escaped her marker to apply the finish from close range.

Motherwell’s route back into the game was however quickly undermined, as Celtic restored their advantage.

The visitors were dispossessed deep into their own territory, leaving Cameron in no mans land, and the Celtic forward rounded the keeper with ease, before placing her strike into the empty net.

On the 20-minute mark, the hosts had their third, with Motherwell the architects of their own downfall.

Cameron looked to quickly build from the back, but her short throw was easily intercepted and coolly dispatched for Celtic’s third of the evening.

Motherwell threatened with efforts from Rice and Canavan coming close, but ultimately couldn’t find their second of the game.

A previously arranged water-break on the half hour mark allowed both sides to make several alterations to their line-ups.

With both alternated sides struggling to settle into the tempo of the game, Celtic received a penalty, which was drilled high into the roof of the net. A harsh start for the changed squad.

Canavan came close to narrowing the deficit as the second half resumed after connecting with Rice’s corner kick, but the forward’s looping header narrowly cleared the crossbar.

A mix-up at the back allowed Celtic through again for their fifth of the evening before a late strike from the edge of the box sealed a comprehensive 6-1 win for the hosts.

Head coach Paul Brownlie will have several positives to take from this evenings contest, as the scoreline didn’t fully represent the course of the 90-minutes.

The women of steel will continue their pre-season preparations with a visit from Boroughmuir Thistle on Sunday.

Tara McGonigle has joined the club from Hamilton ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The former Spartans and Glasgow Women forward will make the short trip across the river Clyde after featuring 22 times for Accies last season.

“I am really excited to sign for Motherwell,” McGonigle said.

“I’m eager to learn a lot under Paul and Leanne, and I’m really looking forward to getting the season started.”

McGonigle, who has featured for Scotland at U16, U17 and U19 level, will be the eighth new addition to the women of steel this summer.

“Tara will be a great addition to this team,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“I’ve worked with Tara previously at youth national level, so I’m well aware of the qualities she has to offer.

“I’m delighted to get her on board.”

Kayla Jardine has re-joined the club on a season-long loan deal from Rangers.

The 18-year-old, who netted three times across her first spell in Lanarkshire, extends her stay at the club after signing a short-term loan deal in January.

“I was really welcomed by all of the girls and enjoyed being back at the club for half of last season” Jardine said.

“I’m really excited to be back and can’t wait to get started.”

Jardine, who has competed internationally for Scotland at U15, U17 and U19 level , will be Brownlie’s seventh summer acquisition.

“I’m really happy to get Kayla back on loan for the coming season,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“Having spent the last six months with the club, Kayla’s impact during that time was exceptional; scoring some big goals along the way with some very impressive performances to match.”

Motherwell will face several pre-season tests prior to the opening weekend of the SWPL1 calendar.

The women of steel will start their pre-season programme against SWPL2 promotion chasers Gartcairn on Sunday 9th July before a midweek encounter with Scottish Cup champions Celtic on the 12th.

Boroughmuir Thistle and Hearts will be the opponents the following week, with both matches taking place on the 16th and 21st July respectively.

The programme will conclude with a triple header against East Fife, SWPL1 champions Glasgow City and Dundee United on the 23rd, 26th and 30th of July.

“Preparations are well underway for season 2023/24,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“Players reported back last week with a real sense of excitement. The sessions have been intense so far, and the application has been first class.

“Throughout pre-season, training and matches will be designed to push the squad to their maximum. I look forward to updating supporters on our progress over the pre-season period.”

All matches will take place behind closed doors.

Laura McCartney has made the permanent switch to ML1 from Rangers.

The centre-midfielder had been on loan at Motherwell for the last two seasons however is yet to feature due to injury.

Fresh off the back of a full recovery, McCartney now joins the women of steel as she looks forward to her return to action.

“There is no doubt due to Laura’s circumstances of injury, that the last two season’s have been incredibly frustrating,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“However, she has returned to training and is fully focused on a strong season on the pitch this term.

“Laura was one of my first signing’s at Motherwell, on loan, and that’s because I fully believe in her ability.

“I look forward to seeing her back on the pitch in competitive matches.”