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Motherwell’s women’s team marked their return to action following the summer break with a 2-1 victory over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.

Megan Burns lashed home the winning goal after 62 minutes to clinch a crucial three points and steer the women of steel closer to the SWPL2 title.

‘Well started the game brightly and, having passed up a handful of good scoring opportunities, opened the scoring after 12 minutes. Sammy Hare found space in the box, before firing the ball high beyond Corrie McIlravey-Davidson in the Saints goal.

It was just reward for Motherwell’s bright opening to the game and there would be further chances for Suzanne Mulvey and Hare, before the hosts levelled against the run of play. A fluent counter attack ended with Rebecca McGowan’s superb shot into the top corner.

The second half began at a much slower pace, with chances at at a premium. But it would be Eddie Wolecki Black’s side who would restore their advantage.

Mulvey laid the ball to Burns, who demonstrated excellent close control before blasting a trademark effort into the roof of the net.

Kirsty McLaughlin struck the crossbar as Motherwell tried to add to their lead, but the final stages would be somewhat nervy as Saints pushed to get back on terms for the second time in the match.

It appeared that both teams were tiring, with the effects of the summer break clearly taking its toll, but the visitors’ defence held firm to secure the victory.

Attentions after the match turned to the action at Rugby Park, where Kilmarnock secured a late win against Edinburgh University Hutchison Vale, meaning the gap at the top remains 13 points with seven games remaining.

The two sides meet at Rugby Park on Sunday 19 August – an encounter where a Motherwell victory would move them within two points of securing the league title.

Next up for the ladies is a meeting with Aberdeen in the last 16 of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup on Sunday, 12 August. Kick off at the Aberdeen Sports Village is 3pm.

Motherwell Ladies captain Suzanne Mulvey believes that capturing the SWPL2 title with the club would be right up there with her greatest achievements in the game.

The striker has bagged 18 goals this season as the women of steel close in on promotion to the top flight of Scottish women’s football.

‘Well return to action after the summer break with a visit to McDiarmid Park on Sunday to face St Johnstone. Having built up a 13-point advantage at the top of the SWPL2 table, and with just eight games of the league season remaining, the title and promotion to the top division could be secured by the end of August.

“I’ve won pretty much everything there is to win in the Scottish game, but this would be right up there with my proudest moments,” Mulvey said.

“We’ve come so far and it’s a great reflection on Motherwell as a club and as a community. It’s a great time to be a Motherwell player and going forward it’s only going to get better.

“I feel fitter, we’ve been worked very hard, because we had that two weeks break we’ve just been worked by Donald and Eddie even harder on our return. I feel that will show.

“We’ve got a 13-point lead and the way we are training shows that we want to get the title wrapped up as soon as possible. It’s not over and done with yet, but if we can continue playing to the level we were before the summer break then I think there’s a good possibility we can win the league very soon.”

News that boss Eddie Wolecki Black will be moving on to take up the position of head coach at Celtic in the coming weeks came as a disappointment to all involved with the ladies setup at Fir Park.

Mulvey admits the team were sad to see their well-respected boss depart but is keen to stress Motherwell’s journey is far from complete.

“It’s a fantastic appointment for Celtic,” she said. “They’ve got a fantastic manager and person in Eddie. I’ve worked with him a few times and have so much respect for him both as a coach and as a person.

“For us though, Eddie has started the journey by putting together the players and the coaching staff. Although he is leaving, we have a lot of experience in both the coaching and playing staff.

“We’ve shown already this season we are capable of dealing with a lot of things. We have the right people to keep things moving in the right direction.

“We still want to carry on the journey, we want to win the league, to have a good run in the cup and from there carry on and continue to develop both as a team and as individuals.”

Despite having racked up several emphatic victories during their opening 13 games of the league season, Mulvey maintains there are still plenty of challenging tasks ahead for the team.

“Before we even kicked a ball this season, we were regarded as the top team and the team that everyone else wanted to beat,” she added.

“There have been comments from opposition players basically ribbing our players about how many international caps we have – it’s the only time I’ve been slagged off for having Scotland caps.

“I feel a lot of the teams have good young players, but perhaps lack that bit of experience. Going back to [the 1-1 draw with] Aberdeen, their best player was Susan Murray who had retired a few seasons ago, Aberdeen asked her to come back and help a bit and she made a big difference for them.

“I’m more than happy with what I’ve contributed so far this season and I’d love to continue to score goals too. For me though, the main target is to win the league as soon as possible and hopefully give Eddie a good send off.

“From there it’s not over. There is still the cup, as well as trying to remain unbeaten in the remaining games.”

Over the course of the break, Sophie Gallacher departed the club, moving on due to work commitments.

The ‘Well captain was keen to pay tribute to the striker’s contributions during her time at Fir Park and insisted she should be a part of the celebrations should the team secure the title.

“Sophie is a fantastic talent. We didn’t get to see what she was capable of this season due to injuries.

“It’s a real shame to see her go, but everyone who has kicked a ball, has been part of the coaching staff, contributed behind the scenes should all be part of the celebrations when we secure the title.”

Eddie Wolecki Black, manager of the Motherwell women’s team, is to leave in mid-August to become the new head coach at Celtic’s women’s team.

The 53-year-old was appointed at Fir Park in late 2017 and has led the team to a 13-point lead to the second tier of the Scottish Women’s Premier League.

Recruiting a wealth of new players in the summer, Motherwell have thrived under his stewardship and currently have a +47 goal difference on their push to reach the top flight.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Motherwell,” he said. “I had a very difficult decision to make and I leave with a heavy heart, but this is a big opportunity.

“I’m staying with the team with a view to staying with them until the title is won. They are in a very good position and I want to see it through.

“We did a lot of recruitment in the summer and there’s so much talent in the squad. They’ve played their way into title contention through hard work and ability, and they are a fantastic group.

“I want to thank everyone involved at Motherwell. They’ve been so supportive and I’ve really enjoyed my time.”

Alan Burrows, chief executive at Motherwell FC, added: “We are sorry to see Eddie go. He has transformed our women’s team since joining late last year and has put them on course for promotion to the top flight.

“He has put foundations in place now for his successor to build on and we are grateful for the work he has put in. We wish him well in his new position when the time comes.”

Everyone at Motherwell wishes Eddie well for his new position and are looking forward to continuing to work with him until the SWPL2 title is decided.

Motherwell go into the summer break on top of the SWPL2 table after running out 7-0 winners over Glasgow Girls at a sun-basked Braidhurst on Sunday.

Suzanne Mulvey and Caitlin Russell bagged a double each, while Kerry Montgomery, Kirsty McLaughlin and Megan Burns were also amongst the scorers in an emphatic win.

Straight from the off, both sides went toe-to-toe in search for an early goal to make their stamp on the game.

Mulvey had a huge chance to put the ‘Well ahead in the first minute. Russell got the better of her marker and crossed the ball to Mulvey, who was unmarked in the centre of the box. She couldn’t make the most of it though as she sliced her shot wide.

Motherwell continued their early attacking pressure and they were rewarded for their efforts in the sixth minute ,when Montgomery put the women of steel in front. Mulvey pounced on a defensive error and unselfishly played the ball to her team mate, who picked her spot from close range. Montgomery’s right footed shot beat the keeper at her near post and nestled itself into the bottom right corner.

What would follow would be a series of half chances for the girls in claret and amber. With Montgomery and Burns pulling the strings from midfield, they tried to make the most of the space in behind the defence by distributing high balls for the wingers to run on to. The idea was good but the execution wasn’t there, as time after time the linesman had his flag up for offside.

The missed opportunities were nearly punished as Lauren Evans nearly snuck a goal back to level the game. A mix up between Nicholson and Johnston at the back enabled Evans to get the extra half yard over the defence. But her shot was a tame effort and the ‘Well defence escaped unharmed.

Chances would continue to fall the Steelwomen’s way. In the 30th minute, Mulvey got her second of the match to extend the Motherwell lead. A great delivery into the box by Russell wasn’t dealt with by the Glasgow defence and Mulvey was on hand to deliver a poacher’s finish to smash the ball home.

The ladies continued where they left off at the start of the second half and managed to grab another early goal. Mulvey was on hand yet again to finish off a good counter attacking move. Montgomery broke through the Glasgow defence and unselfishly passed to Mulvey to get her second of the match in the 49th minute.

Straight from kick off, Motherwell had a superb chance to go 4-0 up. A low driven cross by Cunningham was met at the back post by an unmarked Lauryn Reside, but the defender managed to put in a superb block to deny the winger.

With just over an hour played and the weather beginning to take its toll on the players, Russell bagged a double in the space of five minutes. Her first came in the 63rd minute, bursting through the Glasgow defence before calmly slotting home her finish under the onrushing keeper.

Russell’s second goal came in the 68th minute in confusing circumstances. A great delivery by Cunningham into the box looked to have been put in at the back post by Russell. But the Glasgow players protested saying it went through the side net, through a hole in the netting. In what would’ve been resolved by going to the VAR, unfortunately such facility was not on hand, so the referee had to consult his linesman to get the final verdict. However they both agreed that the goal should stand and Motherwell moved into a 4-0 lead.

Refusing to take their foot off the gas, Motherwell continued to extend their lead and in the 77th minute two goals came just minutes apart for the ‘Well. The first from McLaughlin who got a well deserved goal after some great interchanging passes between Montgomery. A one-two into the box enabled her to produce a tidy finish into the bottom right corner.

The goals continued to come thick and fast for Motherwell as they grabbed their seventh of the game on the 80th minute. Megan Burns added her name to the scoresheet with one of her trademark long distance shots. The midfielder rifled one into the top right corner from range to all but rap up the victory.

The win means that Motherwell go into the summer break 13 points clear at the top of the table. And with only eight games remaining, they only need four more wins to secure promotion to the top flight.

Motherwell Ladies missed the opportunity to record their 10th successive SWPL2 victory after being held to a 1-1 draw at struggling Aberdeen. ‬

‪The women of steel ended the game with nine players, after Kerry Montgomery and Kirsty McLaughlin both saw red in a fiery second half. ‬

‪It was a hugely contrasting second period to the first, where chances and incidents of note were at a premium.‬

‪Hayley Cunningham twice went close for the visitors, while Susan Murray and Chloe Fitzpatrick both passed up opportunities for Aberdeen.‬

‪It had been a below-par showing from Eddie Wolecki Black’s side, but they responded by making a bright start to the second half. ‬

‪On 49 minutes it took an excellent stop from Emily Mutch to deny Suzanne Mulvey from breaking the deadlock.‬

‪The frantic five minute spell that followed saw the game burst into life.

It began with Montgomery being dismissed for a second yellow card and just 30 seconds later they found themselves behind. Lynne Robertson powered a header beyond Johnstone to put the Dons in front.‬

‪Motherwell have shown themselves to be resilient on numerous occasions so far this season and they replied in the best fashion possible just one minute later.

McLaughlin broke free under pressure from three Aberdeen defenders and unleashed a low shot that found the net over the far post to level the score.

‪After finding the perfect reply, Motherwell continued to press for the goal that would put them ahead, while their opponents with an extra player advantage continued to post a threat too.‬

‪With 14 minutes remaining, Motherwell were reduced to nine when McLaughlin received a second booking. It was a decision that appeared to be harsh on the midfielder and put huge pressure on the league leaders going into the final stages of the match.‬

‪A mixture of brave defending and determination helped ‘Well through a spell of Dons pressure. They could have quite easily have gone on to take a remarkable three points, with Megan Burns and Cunningham both missing good chances.‬

‪The controversy continued after the final whistle, when Niamh Johnston became the third player in claret and amber to see red.

‪Results elsewhere mean that Motherwell retain their eight-point advantage at the top of the table with 10 games remaining.

There are no fixtures next weekend due to the international break, meaning the next match for the ladies comes on 17 June when they host Cumbernauld Colts in the second round of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup.‬

Motherwell Ladies tightened their grip on top spot of the SWPL2 table with an excellent 7-2 victory over Central Girls at Alloa’s Indodrill Stadium.

It is the ninth successive league win for the women of steel, who have now netted 46 times in their opening 10 league fixtures.

They had to do things the hard way however, after falling behind inside the opening minute when Kim McAlpine struck a superb dipping effort into the roof of Clare Johnstone’s net.

Eddie Wolecki Black’s side responded brightly with Suzanne Mulvey, Sammy Hare and Lauryn Reside all coming close, before Hare levelled just after the 20 minute mark – glancing home Hayley Cunningham’s pinpoint free kick.

Two minutes later, Motherwell completed the turnaround. Mulvey linked with Kirsty McLaughlin, who did brilliantly to release Reside. She angled a shot beyond the keeper that found the net off the inside of the post for her first goal of the season.

With four minutes remaining of the first half, ‘Well went 3-1 ahead. Cunningham’s cross was nodded on by Caitlin Russell and then Niamh Johnston, before a mix-up in the Central defence ended with Shaney McCabe heading into her own net.

It was harsh on the hosts who had more than held their own in a fiercely contested first half, but it wasn’t to be the end of the action. A minute before half time, Abbie Callaghan’s free kick wasn’t cleared by the Motherwell defence and Kimberley-Anne McAlpine lashed the ball into the net from the edge of the box.

After conceding early and late in the first 45 minutes, it was imperative Motherwell were quick out of the traps as the second half began. They managed to do exactly that, scoring within the first 90 seconds.

Russell did well to cut back for Hare, who was denied by an excellent stop. But ‘Well were quick to react and McLaughlin laid the ball back to Cunningham to guide a low effort beyond the keeper.

‘Well were playing with great intensity, so it came as little surprise on 55 minutes when the persistence of Reside in closing down what seemed like a lost cause was rewarded by a poor error in the Central defence. Hare was alert to pounce on the loose ball before blasting into the empty net to stretch the lead to 5-2.

Having played a big role in Motherwell’s attacking threat, Russell got into scoring act with 20 remaining – firing home after the home defence failed to deal with Cunningham’s dangerous corner. The provider of the sixth would then close the scoring on 76 minutes when she converted Mulvey’s cross.

The visitors continued to threaten and Megan Burns would rattle the crossbar in the closing stages and although there were no further goals, little could take the shine off what was a superb second half display from Motherwell.

Motherwell now maintain their eight-point advantage at the top of the table and – not for the first time – demonstrated their ability to fightback from a goal behind.

Next up is a trip north to face Aberdeen next Sunday.

The women of steel hit six goals for the fifth time this season as well as another clean sheet as they defeated Edinburgh University Hutchinson Vale 6-0 at Fir Park on Wednesday night.

The league leaders won convincingly in their debut match at Fir Park to extend their stay at the top of SWPL 2.

The Steelwomen nearly got off to a perfect start as Sammy Hare got on the end of a Megan Burns cross, but her shot was just inches wide of the post.

The ladies seemed to make full use of the width of the Fir Park pitch with Caitlin Russell and Emma Black causing havoc down the wings.

As the game entered the 20th minute, Motherwell battered the EUHV defence and was rewarded with the first goal of the match. Russell put the hosts in front with 22 minutes played. The defence didn’t deal with the ball and it fell to Russell who poked it into the net.

It didn’t take long for the ladies to double their advantage; they did so in the 33rd minute with Russell grabbing her second of the match. A brilliant cross into the box by Black was met by the head of Russell who powered home her header to put the ‘Well 2-0 up.

EUHV had their chances to get back into the game, Anna Hume with the best chance of the game so far for the Edinburgh side, she was played in one on one against the keeper as the Motherwell defence was split open by a through ball. Her initial shot was blocked but then hit the deck seeking a penalty, the referee waved play on and she had another shot on goal as the defence struggled to clear their lines but it was well saved by Johnstone.

EUHV came close again with Hume being involved once more as Katherine Smart intercepted a slack ball and proceeded to start the counter attack; picking out Hume with a lovely through ball but to Motherwell’s relief, the linesman flagged the pass as offside to stop a certain one on one.

The first half would come to a close with Motherwell creating the better chances, Sammy Hare came close but could only find the side netting and despite plenty Motherwell shirts in the box, Megan Burns and Hayley Cunningham’s crosses were dealt with by the Vale defence.

Motherwell went in at the interval with a two goal advantage as the rain continued to bombard with Fir Park turf.

The Steelwomen started the second half picking up from where they left off in being the more attacking force in the game; however EUHV came out with a point to prove and started strongly as well.

The first real chance of the half fell to Cunningham who crashed one off the bar. Spotting Lessells in the Vale goal off her line, she tried her luck from range, the ball floated over the head of Lessells but clipped the bar and back into play.

Continued chances followed for the women of steel and they got their reward with two quick-fire goals in a matter of seconds in the 54^th minute. The first goal was courtesy of Sammy Hare who headed home from a Black cross, to put the hosts three nil up with a glancing header.

The second came as Captain Suzanne Mulvey added her name to the scoresheet, the former Scotland international picked the ball up from outside the box and hit a low driven shot into the bottom right corner, a finish that Lessells could do little about.

As the half progressed it was still Motherwell who were the dominant team as they looked in full control of the game, constantly attacking the EUHV goal and looking to win every ball as if their lives depended on it.

Motherwell scored the fifth goal with ten minutes to play, Sammy Hare grabbed herself another, getting on the end of deep cross into the box in which she controlled and brought down with her right foot before smashing her shot into the roof of the net.

The second half rout concluded in the 87^th minute as new permanent signing Megan Burns produced a rocket which flew into the top left corner, a right footed shot from a long way out and a shot that the keeper could do very little about as it was sweetly struck by her right foot.

The game would conclude under the Fir Park lights with Motherwell continuing to be the dominant side in possession as the referee blew his final whistle.

The Fir Parkers had hit six goals yet again in a dominant performance as well as making it an incredible 420 minutes since they last conceded a goal. As well as yet another clean sheet, it was a fantastic win all round for the ladies who continue their push for promotion to the top flight.

Next up is Hearts at Braidhurst High School on Sunday, 13 May.

The manager of Motherwell’s women’s side talks about his stroke treatment in the USA, his recovery and his review of how the team are performing so far.

Motherwell defeated Kilmarnock 2-0 in a top of the table clash to go five points clear at the top of the SWPL2 table.

The win at Braidhurst marked the third consecutive clean sheet for Eddie Wolecki Black’s side, as they continue to fight for promotion to the top flight of the women’s game.

However, it was the visitors that started the game more brightly, Clare Docherty was causing the ‘Well defence problems as she passed up two great opportunities to put Killie in front. Both were from one on ones, with Clare Johnstone in the Motherwell goal keeping them out.

As the game progressed, the women of steel eventually settled into the game and it became a well contested encounter with little separating the sides.

But at the tail end of the half, the Steelwomen flexed their attacking muscles and began to create the better chances of the half.

With 37 minutes played, Caitlin Russell was causing problems for the Killie defence on the left wing. She managed to fend off two defenders before working the ball to a shooting position, cutting in from the wing, with her driven shot flashing just wide of the post.

Just two minutes later it would be Russell who would break the deadlock for Motherwell. From a Hayley Cunningham corner, Russell towered above the Killie defence and powered her header home past the helpless keeper.

With the goal coming late on in the half, Motherwell would go into the interval ahead, despite Kilmarnock’s attempts to nick an equaliser just before the break.

The Fir Parkers came out for the second half looking the better side. Their early attacking pressure paid off when Cunningham slotted home Motherwell’s second of the match.

The former Scotland striker rounded off the perfect start to the second half for the ‘Well by finishing off a superbly worked goal after just two minutes played.

Captain Suzanne Mulvey done well to hold up the ball in the Kilmarnock box, fending off the defence before passing the ball back to the oncoming Cunningham to place in to the bottom right corner of the goal.

Straight from the kick off, Motherwell could’ve extended their lead with Lauryn Reside being played through for a one on one. Beating the offside line, she held up the Killie defence before letting fly her shot which unfortunately sailed just wide of the post.

What followed would be end to end attacking football for both sides, with the Motherwell defence withstanding the best Kilmarnock could throw at them.

On 63 minutes, Mulvey had the chance to put the game to bed. From a corner, she attempted a half volley from just inside the box, but she couldn’t keep the shot down as it flew over the bar and out for a goal kick.

The Steelwomen came close again from a free kick. Whipped in by Cunningham, Ashley Nicolson tried her best to flick the ball goalward, but the shot cannoned off the defender and Kilmarnock subsequently cleared.

As the game approached the final 15 minutes, Kilmarnock increased the tempo of the game by stepping up a gear to get back into the match. But despite their possession in the Motherwell half, they couldn’t find a way through to score.

With ten minutes to play, the ever dangerous Mulvey had another excellent opportunity to add to the Motherwell tally. Russell done brilliantly down the wing as she took it past two defenders to get her cross away at the byline and the cross would reach the feet of Mulvey, who couldn’t find the net.

Despite trailing, Kilmarnock had another excellent opportunity to get a goal back with nine minutes to play. The ‘Well defence was split open by a through ball in which Lauren Sloan got on the end of to find herself in on goal with another player in support. Despite this she opted to shoot and her shot was well saved by Johnstone.

It was yet another clean sheet for the resilient Motherwell defence, meaning its now 330 minutes since they last conceded a goal. Twinned with the clinical attacking prowess of the side, the ‘Well claimed what could be a vital three points.

Next up is Edinburgh University Hutchison Vale at Fir Park on Wednesday, 9 May.

Motherwell blitzed Aberdeen for six to retain their place at the summit of the SWPL2 table.

It is the third consecutive game Eddie Wolecki Black’s side have notched a sextuple as they look to secure promotion to the top flight.

After a fairly even but end-to-end start, the deadlock was finally broken on the 33rd minute. The Dons were unable to deal with a testing cross and when the ball landed at the feet of Hayley Cunningham; the former Scotland striker added another to her season’s tally thanks to a smart half volley from just inside the box.

After the goal Motherwell relaxed into the match and continued to search for another to extend their lead. The Dons were playing a high line at the back and were repeatedly catching ‘Well with a disciplined offside trap.

As the half came to a close it was the hosts who were setting the tempo, Caitlin Russell looked dangerous any time she got the ball in the final third, but nothing more materialised and ‘Well would go into the break having to be satisfied with just a single goal advantage.

The Fir Parkers came out the traps strong at the start of the second half, looking to pick up from where they left off. Their initial attacking pressure was rewarded when Heather Magill doubled the Steelwomen’s lead just seconds in.

Cunningham was again involved; it was her corner that allowed Magill to guide her header into the bottom right corner to put ‘Well very much on the path to victory.

The Women of Steel continued to push and after a spell of relentless attacking, found themselves 3-0 up on the 59th minute when Niamh Johnston netted. Picking up the ball out on the wing, Johnston dribbled her way into the box only for her initial shot to be saved before turning the rebound home.

Almost straight from the restart, Motherwell were awarded a penalty when Mulvey was tugged down inside the box. Cunningham made no mistakes from the spot, firing high and down the middle her second goal of the game to put the home side 4-0 up.

Motherwell made a double substitution just after the hour and one of them, Emma Black, made an instant impact, setting up Caitlin Russell to fire home from close range. The 40-times capped former Glasgow City skipper dribbled down the wing before picking out Russell, ensuring a straightforward finish to put the ‘Well five in front.

But the women in claret and amber weren’t done yet. On the 71st minute Megan Burns added her name to the score sheet, striking a half volley into the back of the net from a corner. 6-0 ‘Well.

Prolific scorer Suzanne Mulvey was close to getting amongst the goals on the 79th minute as she was put through for a one on one; however the keeper produced a great save to keep the score at six.

Despite trailing, Aberdeen kept plugging away and had a great chance to grab a consolation goal with just four minutes left, Alexandria Vanous sent a curling effort inches wide of target.

But it was to be Motherwell who after a clinical second half performance ensured that they would extend their stay at the top of the table with yet another 6-0 victory at home, the second in a row.

Next up for the Women of Steel is a top of the table clash against Kilmarnock at Braidhurst on Sunday, 6 May.

Motherwell: Johnstone, Condie (Black – 69mins), Cunningham, Magill, Johnston, McLaughlin, Mulvey, Nicolson, Reside (Canavan – 65mins), Russell, Burns

Report: Andy Ross
Pictures: Sally Neil