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Motherwell exited the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup at the semi-final stage, as they were defeated 4-1 by an impressive Hibernian.

The re-run of last year’s final, which was won by the Edinburgh side, saw the two go head-to-head for the chance to face Glasgow City.

It started heavily in the opponents’ favour. Motherwell nearly fell behind inside the second minute, with Cavanagh’s volley crashing against the crossbar.

Napier then had the ball in the net moments later for Hibs, only to be correctly ruled offside.

The women of steel could not find a way out of their own half – pinned back by an impressive opposition.

Muir then scored for Hibernian on 21 minutes, when her header flew past Anna Vincenti into the roof of the net.

It was quickly two, with Cavanagh’s driven shot sneaking in at the near post after going past Rolph.

Vincenti made two superb diving saves to deny long-range efforts from Cornet and Boyle, pushing both onto the post.

But Hunter completed the scoring in the first half, she rose highest in the box to make it 3-0 to Hibernian.

The second half started with a speculative effort from Chelsea McEachran. Doing well to find space outside the area, her shot was straight at the keeper.

Hibs added a fourth on 56 minutes in unfortunate circumstances. A Hibs penalty was saved by Vincenti from the spot, only to be left helpless as the follow-up found its way into the net.

Motherwell went close when Lori Gardner turned the defender and blasted the ball past onto the crossbar.

Abby Callaghan then reduced the deficit with a wonderful finish, when her effort went right into the corner on 62 minutes. Gardner’s low drive into the box to find her was inch-perfect.

The match finished with a more advanced and confident Motherwell, who pushed for another goal, but were left to rue a poor start.

Motherwell: Vincenti, Callaghan, Rolph, Rafferty, Doran-Barr, Cairney, Roberts, Adams, Munro, McEachran, Gardner.

Subs: Hunter, Cullan, Crooks, Arbuckle, Fyfe, Otto.

Abby Callaghan looks forward to Sunday’s SSE Scottish Women’s Cup semi-final, buoyed by her role in Scotland Under 19s qualification to the UEFA Elite Round midweek in Poland.

ON SCOTLAND DUTY

“It was an incredible experience. We went with the goal of qualifying and we did that and topped the group.

“Playing for Scotland is a massive honour and that feeling never goes away, this summer was the highlight for me being in the squad for the tournament that was held here.

“The experience is like nothing else, you learn so much playing against different players and cultures. I feel like I acquitted myself well while on the pitch.”

ON SUNDAY

“Hibernian are a brilliant side, we can’t deny that fact. As a squad, we have to believe we can match them.

“Last time against them we gave them a tough test, we were really disciplined in our play and a wee bit unlucky.

“We have nothing to lose, as a young player, matches like this only make you better and you learn so much.

“Sunday is our focus, we can’t think about another final yet.”

ON THE SQUAD

“I’ve really been enjoying my time at Motherwell since moving in the summer. All the girls have been extremely welcoming.

“It’s been brilliant for me as it has created an environment where I’m pushed and challenged by my teammates which has made me a better player.

“Donald is a great coach who is always willing to push players in order to reach their full potential.

“We are a close group and I think this is starting to benefit us on the pitch. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”

Motherwell take on Hibernian in the semi-final of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup on Sunday.

THE FORM GUIDE

The two teams met just over a week ago and although Donald Jennow’s side lost 2-0, he will take encouragement from their disciplined performance.

Motherwell have had a positive first season in the Scottish top flight. The women of steel have have already secured their place in the league next season with six games to play and have a fight on with Rangers and Spartans to try and finish fourth behind Glasgow City, Hibs and Celtic.

Despite that, ‘Well will go into the match as underdogs, considering Hibernian’s impressive form this season.

The Edinburgh outfit last tasted defeat five games ago and that was at league leaders Glasgow City. Since that loss, Grant Scott’s side have scored 24 goals and have yet to concede.

HOW THEY GOT HERE

Both sides entered the competition in third round and have convincingly won the three games to get them to this stage.

Motherwell have yet to concede a goal, seeing off Partick Thistle 2-0, Inverness CT 5-0, and then beating Queen’s Park 5-0 in the quarter-final.

Current holders Hibs have been in formidable cup form too. They started the defence of their trophy with a 5-0 win over Stirling University, followed by a 7-1 win over Edinburgh rivals Hearts and a 3-0 win over Hamilton Accies in the quarters.

ON THE TASK IN HAND

“It’s an opportunity. The girls have worked incredibly hard to get themselves the opportunity of a semi-final and I want them to go out and approach it as an opportunity – nothing more than that.

“It’s a chance to go out and show what they are capable of and hopefully reap the rewards of that.”, said head coach Donald Jennow.

Defender Georgie Rafferty added “As a player, these are the games you want to be playing in.  There’s no denying Hibs are a fantastic side but you’re getting the opportunity to test yourself against some of the best in the country so we are looking forward to it.”

WATCH THE MATCH

Forthbank Stadium in Stirling is the venue for the match on Sunday. Kick off is at 3.30pm. Entry is £5 for adults, £2 for concessions and U12’s go free.

Motherwell battled bravely as their unbeaten run came to an end against Champions League participants Hibernian in SWPL1 on Sunday.

With Donald Jennow’s side set to face the Edinburgh side in the Scottish Cup semi-finals, the match at Ravenscraig was a rehearsal and a chance to pick up a positive result against one of the nation’s top teams.

The visitors always prove tough opponents, but the women of steel’s performance arguably merited more than the 2-0 defeat.

After having a number of first half chances, Motherwell would be undone just after the half hour mark. A ball over the top was met by Colette Cavanagh, who was able to knock the ball into the net.

Having more than held their own in the first 45, the second half started in disappointing fashion as Hibs doubled their lead.

A free-kick was well saved, but Cavanagh was on hand to tee up Chelsea Cornet to fire home.

The visitors had chances to extend their lead, but Motherwell more than held their own in a dogged second half performance.

Motherwell host Hibernian in SWPL1 on Sunday, in the first of two big games against the Edinburgh club.

The game at Ravenscraig kicks off at 2.30pm.

The form guide

Motherwell have now won five and drawn one of their last six competitive games.

Since returning from the summer break, three wins have come in the cup, defeating Partick Thistle, Inverness CT and Queen’s Park.

In the league, last weekend’s 1-0 televised win at Forfar Farmington came after a draw with Spartans came before victory over Stirling University.

Hibernian exited the UEFA Women’s Champions League in midweek, losing out 9-2 on aggregate to Slavia Prague.

The Czech side were formidable opponents, having reached the quarter-finals last season before going out to giants Bayern Munich.

Back in domestic competition, the Hibees have won their last six, including a big 3-0 win over Celtic in their last league outing.

MANAGER ON THE TASK IN HAND

“We’ve been on a brilliant run of form since returning from the summer break,” said head coach Donald Jennow. “But the games in the coming weeks will ultimately determine our season.

“We’re all too aware of the threat that they pose as they try to push closer to the top and also hold on to the cup.

“We can see the opportunity to claim fourth spot which, if we achieve it, would be a remarkable feat for us considering it’s our first season in the top flight and also considering the strength of the teams – Rangers and Spartans – we would have to overcome to manage it.”

Download the match programme

You can download and read our Motherwell v Hibernian match programme here.

WATCH THE MATCH

Ravenscraig is the venue for the match on Sunday. Kick off is at 2.30pm.

Kerry Montgomery’s late penalty gave Motherwell a deserved 1-0 win at Forfar Farmington on Friday night.

The captain’s spot kick, after substitute Lori Gardner was felled in the box, came in a match controlled in large part by the women of steel.

Victory lifts Donald Jennow’s side to fourth in SWPL1, leapfrogging Spartans and Rangers at least temporarily until Sunday’s fixtures.

Knowing the win could lift them up the league, Motherwell had plenty possession at Station Park and had chances to take home a more convincing scoreline.

Nevertheless, the assured performance marked the fifth straight win for the team in claret and amber, who are now also unbeaten in all six games since returning from the summer break.

“Forfar were organised and made us work for it,” head coach Donald Jennow said.

“We were a bit wasteful when we got chances near their goal, but we were still worth the win.

“We will continue to make sure we work hard and continue to improve. It’s great to be in fourth spot, and our main priority is staying above the two teams below us now.”

Motherwell: Hunter, Knox, Callaghan, Rolph, Rafferty, Rice, Montgomery, Doran-Barr, McEachran, Adams, Cairney.

Subs: Vincenti, Gardner, Crooks, Roberts, Arbuckle. Otto, Munro.

Motherwell travel to take on Forfar Farmington on Friday night in a televised SWPL1 match.

The game, which kicks off at 7.35pm, will be broadcast live on BBC Alba.

The form guide

Motherwell have won four and drawn one of their last five competitive games.

Three wins have come in the cup, defeating Partick Thistle, Inverness CT and Queen’s Park.

In the league, a draw with Spartans came before victory over Stirling University.

Forfar Farmington have won one and drawn two of their 14 league games so far.

That victory came against Motherwell at the same venue back in February, which controversially ended with the visitors netting just after the whistle had blown. Their two draws came against bottom club Stirling University.

Their last five league games have seen them draw one and lose four, scoring three and conceding 21.

MANAGER

With his side in form, Donald Jennow knows there’s an opportunity to kick on further and jump up to fourth in the league.

“We’ve performed well since coming back from the break, and the team are playing with confidence,” he said.

“It’s another important game in terms of where we finish in the league this season. With the Scottish Cup semi-final on the horizon too, it’s a chance for players to stake their claim.”

WATCH THE MATCH

Station Park is Forfar is the venue for the match, which will be broadcast live on BBC Alba. Kick off is at 7.35pm.

Motherwell will take on Hibernian in the semi-final of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup.

The game will take place on Sunday 13 October with a 3.30pm kick-off at Forthbank Stadium.

Motherwell booked their place in the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup semi-finals with a 5-0 win over Queen’s Park on Sunday.

A hat-trick from Chelsea McEachran, as well as goals from Lauren Doran-Barr and Myia Arbuckle, helped the women of steel progress to the semi-final stage of the competition for the second year in a row.

McEachran opened the scoring with 25 minutes on the clock, rising highest from the corner to head home.

Doran-Barr  thenadded the second ten minutes later with a powerful drive from the edge of the box.

In a one-sided first half, McEachran put the match beyond the visitors with a stunning strike, delicately placing the ball into the far corner from 30 yards.

Determined, and skilful throughout, McEachran got her hat-trick five minutes into the second half. The Queen’s defence could only watch as she moved past them into the box and finished easily.

Substitute Arbuckle completed the scoring on 77 minutes as she caught onto a loose ball, placing the ball past the keeper.

Motherwell will now be in the draw for the semi-final which takes place on Tuesday, 17 September. They will face either Glasgow City, Hibernian or Rangers.

Motherwell take on Queen’s Park in the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup on Sunday afternoon.

Donald Jennow’s side welcome the SWFL1 team to Dalziel Park in the quarter-final of the competition.

MANAGER CALLS FOR FOCUS

The head coach wants his side to target another final after the side were runners up last year.

“It’s a great opportunity to reach the prestigious end of the competition, which is where we want to be. Our full focus is on Sunday however.

“I don’t think you get to quarter-finals of any cup and get an easy game. Queen’s Park have had to go through numerous rounds to get to the last eight and they will come with their threats and dangers we have to deal with.”

THE LEAGUE ISN’T OVER YET

Donald Jennow was delighted with the team’s performance last time out but made clear safety has not yet been reached.

The women of steel consolidated their place in mid-table with an important 2-1 victory over Stirling University. Chelsea McEachran’s strike and a Kerry Montgomery penalty secured three points.

“It was a really crucial win, from the start of the season we knew the games against Forfar Farmington and Stirling University would be important and as the league has levelled out that has become clear.

“It was a big step, but we are not safe yet. Forfar (Farmington) on Friday will be another game we want to take three points from. We are looking up the table, rather than down.”

INJURIES AND SUSPENSIONS

Donald Jennow’s squad have a clean bill of health with no injury doubts.

WATCH THE MATCH

Dalziel Park is the venue for Sunday’s game, which kicks off at 2pm.