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The women of steel face a swift return to competitive action, looking to capitalise on their confident six-goal victory over Aberdeen in the Granite city on Wednesday evening, when they return to South Lanarkshire to face Rangers in the Quarter-Final of the Sky Sports League Cup.

Motherwell coasted past the Dons under the floodlights at Balmoral Stadium in a performance which propelled the women of steel firmly back into the final top-six place, one-point ahead of nearest rivals Partick Thistle. Louisa Boyes’ netted a sensational second-half hat-trick, with Laura Berry also dispatching a strike from the penalty spot. Sienna McGoldrick and Sophie Black both got off the mark in claret and amber, netting their first goals for the club.

Paul Brownlie’s side turn their attention to the Sky Sports Cup after previously defeating local rivals Hamilton in the previous round. Laura Berry netted a magnificent right-footed volley in the final moments of the game to force the tie into extra-time. With neither side able to find the decisive winner, goalkeeper Rebecca Cameron proved to be the hero of the previous round, saving two spot-kicks to send the women of steel into the last-eight.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

Paul Brownlie’s side head into Saturday evening’s contest in fine form, picking up four wins from their last six games in all competitions, only suffering defeat to title-chasers Rangers and defending champions Celtic. The women of steel have netted 17-times throughout that formidable run, with striker Laura Berry netting eight-times and midfielder Louisa Boyes’ complimenting with an additional four.

The hosts have started to build momentum in East Kilbride this season, picking up two wins from their last three, overcoming Hamilton in the previous round before placing four past Dundee United in a convincing display in the SWPL.

The women of steel will face a squad alteration this weekend, as Rangers loanees Sophie Black, Laura Berry and Mason Clark will all be unavailable to face against their parent club.

Rangers

Saturday evening may prove to be a difficult test for Motherwell, as Rangers seek to maintain their unbeaten start to the domestic campaign. The Gers remain unbeaten in 13-games, returning 10-victories since the opening of the 2024/25 campaign, conceding points to only Celtic, Glasgow City and Hibernian in three stalemates. The visitors head into this weekend’s encounter following a commanding 10-2 victory over Montrose at Broadwood last week.

Ticket information

Supporters can purchase tickets on matchday, with the clubs turnstile in operation. Tickets can also be purchased in advance through the Aberdeen FC ticketing website.

• Adult – £8.
• Concession – £3.
• Under-11s – Free to enter.

How to follow the action 

Supporters can follow Wednesday’s encounter on X formerly Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match. Kick-off from K-Park at 7.45PM.

Following the departure of long-serving Assistant Coach Leanne Crichton, Head Coach Paul Brownlie moved swiftly to reshape his background staff, appointing First-team coach Colin Crichton to the vacant assistant position of Motherwell Football Club.

The experienced Scottish coach has worked within the coaching ranks at the women of steel for over two years, specialising as a set-piece coach, but will now permanently oversee duties as No.2 in the Motherwell dugout.

A former semi-professional footballer, Crichton maintained an impressive and dedicated 11-season stint at Shettleston Juniors, whilst also showcasing his ability throughout a stint at Newlandsfield Park for Pollok FC.

“It can sound cliche, but working within football has always been my passion and ambition,” Crichton explained.

“Like most working within the game, my motivation to pursue a career in football came from a young age, but unlike most; becoming a coach was always my intention.

“I loved my time as a player, it has always driven my love for the game, but coaching is where I’ve truly found my passion.”

Crichton started his coaching career working across youth and community football before taking his talents across the pond to the United States. Crichton spent several years working stateside operating across both male and female programmes before returning to Scotland, as Head of Football at Glasgow United Football Club.

He soon caught the attention of Head Coach Paul Brownlie, who appointed Crichton as a first-team coach in 2022, with a clear focus of becoming a set-piece specialist for the women of steel. An impressive contribution from the sidelines saw Motherwell pick up valuable points, most notably in the Granite city, as Chelsie Watson bulleted home a header from a corner in the final seconds of the game to overcome Aberdeen at Balmoral Stadium.

“I was absolutely delighted to join the coaching staff at the club,” Crichton added.

“Paul discussed his short-term and long-term vision for the club. There was a clear aspiration to push the club towards becoming an established top-six side in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, and I just knew I wanted to be a part of that journey.

“It felt like the perfect next step in my own development as a coach. The opportunity to work alongside such an experienced team has not only been valuable for my own progression, but the playing squad have really benefitted and developed from the talented collective team of coaching staff around them.”

The departure of long-serving assistant coach, Leanne Crichton left an important vacancy at the core of the Motherwell coaching staff, and Brownlie moved swiftly to promote Crichton alongside him in the Motherwell dugout.

“I was absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity,” Crichton said.

“It was an easy decision to make. Working directly alongside an experienced head, with coaching experience across a variety of levels, within both club and international environments was an opportunity I simply couldn’t turn down.

“This is a club with a really strong relationship within the dressing room and a club culture that everybody collectively buys into. We all want to progress the club forward, and I can’t wait to get started in trying to make that a reality and hopefully forging a successful time at Motherwell.”

The women of steel currently sit sixth in the SWPL table, one-point ahead of nearest rivals Partick thistle after defeating Aberdeen by six-goals in the re-arranged league encounter on Wednesday evening at Balmoral Stadium. Motherwell overcame Queens Park, Dundee United and local rivals Hamilton to pick up four victories from their last six matches, only suffering defeat to title-chasers Rangers and defending champions Celtic. Motherwell face an important run of fixtures, hosting Rangers in the Quarter-Final of the Sky Sports Cup before a crucial away test against Partick Thistle in the coming weeks.

“The next few weeks will be crucial to our season, as we begin to head into the new year,” Crichton outlined.

“Our Quarter-Final test with Rangers is one we are all looking forward to. Facing a full-time professional team is always a challenge, but we fought valiantly in our recent league game, and were unfortunate to leave Broadwood empty-handed.

“Likewise, we are all motivated to right the wrongs of our defeat to Thistle earlier in the season. The manner we were defeated at Fir Park is something the squad are all keen to reverse when we travel to Springburn in a fortnights time. We have to take each game as it comes, but we are all motivated to head into the new year on a high.

First-team coach Colin Crichton has been promoted to fill the vacant Assistant Coach position.

The experienced Scottish coach has worked within the coaching ranks at the women of steel for over two years, specialising as a set-piece coach. Following the departure of Leanne Crichton, Colin will now permanently oversee duties as No.2 in the Motherwell dugout.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” Crichton emphasised.

“I’ve been working at the club for a couple years now, and felt that this was the next step in my coaching career.

“It’s an honour to take on this position at the club, and I can’t wait to get started.”

“I’m delighted to have Colin alongside me in the dugout,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie added.

“His insight has been valuable over the past two seasons and his attention to detail has really supported our progression on the pitch.

“This is an excellent appointment for the club.”

Motherwell leapfrogged Partick Thistle into the final top-six place in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League table with a commanding 6-0 victory over Aberdeen at Balmoral Stadium. 

Sophie Black broke the deadlock minutes into the second-half with her first Motherwell goal, before a composed Laura Berry penalty kick doubled the women of steel’s advantage seconds later. A quickfire Louisa Boyes double had the visitors firmly in the ascendancy, as the full-time whistle approached, whilst Boyes completed her hat-trick in the final moments alongside a late Sienna McGoldrick strike.

Head Coach Paul Brownlie made three changes to the side that lost to defending champions Celtic last weekend. Rachel Todd, Sophie Black, and Mason Clark all returned to the starting XI, whilst Chelsie Watson, Katie Rice, and Sarah Gibb settled for a place on the bench.

The first-half certainly proved to be an uninspiring occasion for the neutral, with neither side settling into the game, and a lack of goalscoring opportunities hindering both sides throughout.

The earliest opportunity fell to Bailley Collins shortly before the half-time break, with the versatile defender threatening the Dons goal with a drilled effort from distance, but Collins failed to trouble Aberdeen stopper Megan Sidey. Refreshed and rejuvenated following the half-time break, Motherwell came out of the traps flying, and soon took full control of the game.

Striker Laura Berry coasted through the Aberdeen backline across the right-flank before driving into the box and teeing up fellow Rangers-loanne Sophie Black, who coolly dispatched a side-footed finish into the bottom-right corner.

Less than two-minutes later, Motherwell had their second. Skipper Gill Inglis worked her way into the Dons penalty area before being hauled down under a late challenge, leaving the referee no alternative, but to award a Motherwell spot-kick. Berry stepped up and drilled a low-strike into the bottom-left corner.

Boyes’ added a third shortly after the hour-mark, latching onto the ball at the edge of the penalty area before shifting the ball onto her stronger right-foot, and the midfielder curled a magnificent finish into the top-right corner. Boyes’ second and Motherwell’s fourth followed soon after, with the 2023/24 player of the year converting Black’s floated delivery across the face of goal.

The midfielder soon turned provider, teeing up Celtic loanee Sienna McGoldrick, who fired a low-finish through the legs of Sidey to put the women of steel five ahead.

Boyes’ secured her hat-trick in the final few minutes of the game, as Katie Rice skilfully outmuscled her opponent before firing a low delivery across the face of goal, and Boyes’ reacted quickest to prod home from close-range to round off a perfect evening in Aberdeen.

Paul Brownlie’s side comfortably swept aside hosts Aberdeen in a convincing display at Balmoral Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The women of steel leapfrogged Partick Thistle into the final top-six place in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League table after racking up six second-half goals to complete a commanding performance in the Granite City.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the second-half response from the players,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie said.

“First-half, we struggled to implement our gameplan and set the standards we know we are capable of. We addressed the performance at half-time, with the players taking accountability for the disappointing first-half display, but their response was absolutely magnificent.

“We looked sharper, more direct going forward, and almost immediately had us firmly in the ascendency.”

Sophie Black marked her first competitive start for the club with a composed finish to earn her first goal in claret and amber. Laura Berry drilled home a second from the penalty spot moments later, with a Louisa boyes hat-trick and a late strike from Sienna McGoldrick completing an exceptional second-half display.

“I’m absolutely delighted for both Sophie and Sienna after getting off the mark at the club tonight” Brownlie added.

“They’ve both worked tirelessly since joining the club, and the strikes tonight epitomised the effort and dedication they have both shown behind the scenes.

“We have worked closely with Louisa throughout the campaign about getting herself into attacking areas, as she possesses the quality in the final-third to not only create, but convert goalscoring opportunities when they fall to her. Tonight’s performance and hat-trick is the perfect reward, and the perfect reflection of what Louisa is capable of producing.”

The women of steel confidently move back into the top-six, picking up their third victory from their last five SWPL encounters. Brownlie’s side have netted 16-times throughout that time, suffering only two defeats to both Celtic and Rangers.

“We are on an excellent run, but we have to continue to maintain our standards,” Brownlie said.

“We head into a tough Sky Sports cup Quarter-Final match with Rangers before a crucial test with Partick Thistle the following weekend in the league. If we can perform at the levels we showed tonight, then we are capable of achieving some excellent results to continue our run of form.

“Tonight’s result is hopefully a sign of things to come.”

The women of steel travel North this weekend for the second-time, looking to capitalise on their previously postponed fixture, when they head to the Granite City to face Aberdeen.

Motherwell faced an unfortunate change to the fixture schedule, as Storm Ashley brought intense wind throughout Balmoral stadium, forcing the women of steel to make the midweek journey on Wednesday night.

Motherwell comprehensively overcame the Tangerines in their last victory of the season, sending four past visitors Dundee United in an assured performance at K-Park. Laura Berry continued her remarkable goalscoring form since returning to Motherwell on her second consecutive loan spell from league leaders Rangers, netting twice alongside strikes from Louisa Boyes and Chelsie Watson.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

The hosts return to Balmoral Stadium for the first-time since securing three points with the final kick of the game last season. Motherwell cruised to a formidable two-goal cushion before Francesca Ogilivie received a straight red card, keeping the women of steel firmly in the ascendency.

The Dons bounced back with two quickfire goals, but in the final seconds of the game, Chelsie Watson bulleted home the decisive header to gift Motherwell all three points.

Paul Brownlie’s side retain a positive record against Sunday’s opposition, returning three wins from their last five meetings. The women of steel have netted 18-times against the Dons since 2023 and will be looking to add to their tally this weekend.

Aberdeen

Sunday’s hosts have had a mixed start to their 2024/25 SWPL campaign, picking up victories against Montrose and Queens Park whilst also enduring substantial defeats to Rangers and Hibernian. Aberdeen sit ninth in the SWPL table, four points adrift of Motherwell.

Ticket information

Supporters can purchase tickets on matchday, with the clubs turnstile in operation. Tickets can also be purchased in advance through the Aberdeen FC ticketing website.

• Adult – £5.
• Under-12s – Free to enter.

How to follow the action 

Supporters can follow Wednesday’s encounter on X formerly Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match. Kick-off from Balmoral Stadium at 8PM.

Assistant manager Leanne Crichton has departed the club to pursue a coaching role with league leaders Glasgow City. 

The experienced Scottish international joined the women of steel in the summer of 2021, balancing a player coaching role until the 37-year-old’s official retirement the following season. Crichton continued with the women of steel, assisting Head Coach Paul Brownlie to two successive seventh-place finishes and a Scottish Cup Semi-Final appearance.

“We can’t thank Leanne enough for her effort and commitment at the club,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie said.

“Leanne has worked tirelessly to support the development of the players at the club and that shows through the performances on the pitch.

“Myself, the entire coaching staff and the players wish her all the best for the future.”

We thank Leanne for her efforts at Motherwell and wish her well for the future.

The women of steel return to action this weekend following a three-week hiatus to the domestic calendar, with Motherwell poised to retain their positive run of form prior to the international break.

Motherwell faced over a fortnight without matchday action, as Storm Ashley forced a postponement to the women of steel’s encounter with Aberdeen in the Granite City ahead of a two-week international break.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

The hosts return to K-Park keen to replicate their previous performance in East Kilbride, where they cruised go a comfortable 4-1 victory over Dundee United. Laura Berry netted twice, with Louisa Boyes and a Megan Burns own goal sealing the three points.

Several players have maintained their match sharpness over the international break, with Laura Berry, Mason Blyth-Clark, Lucy Barclay and Sophie Black all representing the Scotland U-19 squad at the Slovenia Nations Cup, whilst defender Jenna Penman represented the Scotland U23 squad after being selected prior to their final matchday.

Paul Brownlie’s side have secured victories in three of their opening six home encounters across the 2024/25 SWPL campaign and Sky Sports League Cup, defeating Montrose, Hamilton, and Dundee United at K-Park.

Celtic

Defending champions Celtic have struggled to replicate their performances of the previous campaign, with the visitors languishing in fifth-place behind Rangers, hearts, Hibernian, whilst remaining five points behind league leaders Glasgow City.

Ticket information

Supporters can purchase tickets on matchday, with the clubs turnstile in operation.

• Adult – £8.
• Concession – £3.
• Under-11s – Free to Enter.

How to follow the action 

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

Sunday’s meeting with Celtic will also be free to view on the BBC Sports Scotland website.

Kick-off from K-Park at 4.10PM.