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Motherwell concluded their final domestic fixture of 2024, holding high-flying Hearts to a goalless stalemate at K-Park on Sunday.

It proved not to be a contest for the footballing purist, as both sides evenly matched each other in a defensively resolute performance that conceded very few opportunistic chances on goal.

Head Coach Paul Brownlie named two changes from the side that were defeated in the Scottish capital by Hibernian last weekend. Defender Rachel Todd and and midfielder Lucy Ronald both returned to the starting XI, with Ronald making her first competitive start since an injury setback against Spartans last season ruled the 22-year-old out of action for over a year. Chelsie Watson and Sienna McGoldrick both settled for a place amongst the substitutes.

Few chances of note troubled both Emily Mutch and Rachael Johnstone across either half, with Bailley Collins coming closest after curling a hopeful left-footed effort across the face of goal, but the versatile defenders attempt fell narrowly beyond the far post.

Collins again came close to breaking the deadlock in the second-half after looking to capitalise on Johnstone’s high starting position, clipping an audacious finish from distance, but the shot strayed wide of the target. Katie Rice’s bending free-kick from the edge of the Hearts’ penalty area had Johnstone scrambling in the Hearts goal, but the experienced defender couldn’t find the top-left corner.

Motherwell head into the winter break two-points clear of closest-rivals Partick Thistle in the SWPL table, with the women of steel set to return to action in January.

Flair, versatility and a keen eye on goal are simply few of the traits within the repertoire of talents that the K-park faithful have become accustomed to whilst watching Laura Berry leading the line. 

The striker burst into the Scottish Women’s Premier League, netting 8-goals in 12-appearances after joining the club on an initial season-long loan deal from Glasgow-outfit Rangers. A Champions League debut for the Gers followed, facing European titans Atletico de Madrid and Arsenal, but the youngster sought to continue her development elsewhere – returning to the club for her second consecutive loan deal.

Berry has quickly rediscovered her form this campaign, scoring seven-goals in eight-appearances, including four against newly-promoted SWPL2 champions Queens Park in only her second game. The international ranks haven’t fazed the forward, with Berry completing a first-half hat-trick against the Netherlands before scoring a double against Hungary the following week.

“I’ve loved my time at the club,” Berry noted.

“I really wanted to continue the progression of my own game, and my first stint at the club last season allowed me to make significant strides on the pitch. The coaching staff at the club work tirelessly to ensure progression on the pitch collectively as a squad, but they also are focused on developing yourself individually as a player.

“The squad are incredibly supportive, and have created a really positive environment fir young players to thrive. We have a really perfect balance of experienced and young players in the squad that has been fundamental to our performances on the pitch this season. I’ve been able to take what I’ve learned at the club to the Scotland youth squads and develop my standards on the international stage.”

Her impression on the Scottish footballing scene hasn’t gone unnoticed, with the 17-year-old forward receiving the Scottish Women’s Football Young Player of the Year award. The striker was nominated alongside Rossvale’s Sophie Ambrosini, Hearts’ Jessica Husband and Ross County’s Keira Syrjanen, but after initially being shortlisted by a supporters vote, Berry was awarded the ‘Young player of the year’ by a selected judging panel.

“It has been a dream come true,” Berry emphasised.

“It was an absolute honour and a privilege to be nominated in my first season of professional football, especially alongside so many talented players. Being recognised as the Young Player of the Year is a really proud milestone for myself and something that I haven’t taken for granted.

“It has been a whirlwind experience. I still feel relatively new to the league and fairly inexperienced at this level, but having my first full season under my belt and trying to replicate those performances this season as an established first-team player has been important to my development.

“Ultimately, my main focus is to support the team to success on the pitch, but individually as a player, I’m always looking to improve and add to my game, so to receive the recognition from the SWF is a real motivator for me to continue with the hard work both on and off the pitch.”

The women of steel remain firmly in the ascendency, as they chase their long-awaited and evaded ambition of a top-six finish in the Scottish Women’s Premier League table. Motherwell have maintained an advantage over their closest rivals Partick Thistle for much of the 2024/25 SWPL campaign, after a 1-1 stalemate in the last meeting between the sides.

Paul Brownlie’s side confidently secured their place in Round Four of the Scottish Cup, defeating SWPL2 side Rossvale with an assured seven-goal victory before closely-battling league leaders Rangers at a sub-zero K-Park. Despite not finding the target, Berry showcased her creativity, teeing up her teammates on three-occasions.

“The SWPL is a difficult league,” Berry explained.

“Part-time squads are facing opposition who are well-rested, training full-time, and solely focused on football. The challenges can be unpredictable, but as a squad, we’ve approached each game in a professional manner – training regularly with great attention to detail and always with an ambition to compete at the top-end of the table. We’ve proven how efficient and competitive we can be – losing by one-goal margins against both Rangers and Glasgow City demonstrated our standards, as we were capable and deserving of taking points in both of these matches.

“We’ve made it no secret that a top-six finish is our ambition this season, but we don’t focus too much on the league table. It can often sound like a cliche in football, but we are simply taking each game at a time, and the league table will take care of itself.”

The women of steel will cross the Edinburgh divide this weekend, with Motherwell set to take on Hearts after facing fierce rivals Hibernian the previous week, as Motherwell prepare to close-out their final fixture of 2024 at K-Park on Sunday. 

Motherwell will look to rectify their performance after a frustrating display in the Scottish capital last weekend, as the women of steel were dealt a bitter blow in the second-half, with Hibs coasting to an unmatched four-goal advantage despite a competitive first-half performance at Meadowbank.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

Paul Brownlie’s side will conclude their final SWPL fixture of the calendar year, as they return to South Lanarkshire to face Hearts this weekend. The women of steel’s last victory over the Jambos came in 2022, with Motherwell looking to get back to winning ways against the visitors on Sunday, with Paul Brownlie’s side defeated in their last three meetings between the sides.

The women of steel can secure their place in the top-six until the new year with a victory this weekend, as their women of steel attempt to maintain their current one-point advantage over closest-rivals Partick Thistle in the SWPL table.

Motherwell have sought to strengthen their home advantage, with the K-Park side picking up three-wins from three in East Kilbride – defeated only by title-chasers Rangers and Celtic.

Hearts

The Gorgie-side are unbeaten in their last three, defeating Aberdeen and Spartans, whilst being held to a goalless stalemate against league leaders Glasgow City. Eva Olid’s side have impressed on the road, recording six-consecutive victories – scoring on 22-occasions whilst defensively maintaining an impeccable clean sheet.n

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. Kick-off from K-Park at 1PM.

Motherwell couldn’t replicate their competitive display from midweek, as hosts Hibernian overcame early attacking pressure to coast to a commanding four-goal advantage, as Motherwell were swept aside at Meadowbank on Sunday. 

The visitors had a productive opening start to the game, with Laura Berry and Louisa Boyes all having attempts parried clear by the Hibernian stopper, Noa Schumacher. Despite their positive passages of play, Eilidh Adams opened the scoring against the run of play, moments before the half-hour mark. Striker Rosie Livingstone doubled Hibs’ advantage seconds into the second-half, with Kathleen McGovern making it three with eight-minutes left to play. Siobhan Hunter sealed the three points with a fourth in the final stages of the game to compound a disappointing visit to the Scottish capital.

Head Coach Paul Brownlie named two changes from the side that were narrowly defeated by title-chasers Rangers on Wednesday evening. Defender Bailley Collins returned to the starting XI alongside striker Laura Berry, with Rachel Todd and Amy Sharkey both settling for a place on the bench.

The hosts broke the deadlock midway through the first-half, with Adams capitalising on the visitors hesitation at the set-piece, coasting into the box before dispatching a precise finish off the side of the post. Motherwell rallied for the remainder of the first-half and looked competitive, as both sides headed into the half-time break. However, within the opening exchanges of the second-half, Hibs’ had their second. Motherwell failed to clear their lines, with the ball ricocheting through numerous jerseys before falling kindly to the feet of Livingstone, who powered home from close-range.

Motherwell struggled to regain their early signs of momentum, with the first goal against the run of play and second shortly after the half-time break both altering the visitors mindset and gameplan. The hosts capitalised, with McGovern picking out the corner with a delicate finish off the post.

The fourth came minutes later, as Hunter latched onto Ciara Grant’s floated corner kick before forcing the ball home from a few yards out.

Motherwell will regroup ahead of the final matchday of 2024, with Hearts the visitors at K-Park next weekend.

The women of steel swiftly return to action this weekend after an action-packed week of football, with Motherwell defeating SWPL2 outfit Rossvale last Sunday before facing league leaders Rangers in the league on Wednesday evening. 

Motherwell, who were the defeated finalists to Hibernian in 2018, placed seven-goals past Rossvale in an assured performance that secured their place in the Quarter-Final stage, where they will meet another SWPL2 side in Bonnyrigg Rose after being drawn together on Monday evening. After turning their attention back to the league campaign on Wednesday, Motherwell battled league leaders Rangers to the final whistle and will be encouraged with their competitive display despite leaving K-park empty-handed after being unable to overturn the visitors one-goal advantage.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

Paul Brownlie’s side will continue to complete the remainder of SWPL fixtures in 2024 this weekend, as they travel to the Scottish capital to face Edinburgh-side Hibernian. The women of steel’s last victory over the Hibees came in 2022, with Jo Addie, Lori Gardner and an Amy Anderson penalty kick securing a 3-2 victory over the hosts. Motherwell will look to get back to winning ways against the hosts on Sunday, with the visitors defeated in their last four meetings between the sides.

Despite the challenges with facing a full-time side, Motherwell will be encouraged and motivated to replicate their midweek display over league leaders rangers, as the women of steel closely-fought the Gers to the final whistle and were unfortunate not to receive any points for their efforts despite a limit on squad selection. Rangers loanees Laura Berry, Mason Clark and Sophie Black will all return to the matchday squad this weekend after being ineligible to face their parent club on Wednesday.

Motherwell have had a range of goalscorers on the scoresheet in recent weeks, with Sophie Black netting her second Motherwell goal against Rossvale last weekend. Bailley Collins also netted in the first-half to provide the women of steel with a two-goal cushion at the break. Louisa Boyes continued her remarkable goalscoring form, converting a third shortly after the restart, with Jenna Penman lashing one into the top-right corner from distance soon after. Second-half substitutes Lucy Barclay, Sienna McGoldrick and Mason Clark all found the target, as Motherwell coasted to a productive seven-goal advantage.

Hibernian

Hibs have maintained their push to narrow the gap to the top-four, sitting two-points behind defending champions Celtic in the SWPL table. Hibs unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end last weekend, as they exited the Scottish Cup in the third round after being defeated by a single-goal against st the fierce local rivals Hearts. Aside from that, Hibs were unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competitions, picking up three points in six, whilst drawing against Rangers and Partick Thistle last month.

Ticket information

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

• Adult – £8.
• Concession – £4.
• Student – £5.

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. Kick-off from Meadowbank Stadium at 1PM.

Moving swiftly to acquire the signature of highly-rated youth prodigy Georgie Robb, Motherwell fought off competition north of the border to attract the 19-year-old to Lanarkshire; unveiling the Scottish youth international in claret and amber in August.

Robb, who departed Dundee United following the conclusion of the 2023/24 SWPL campaign, racked up 54-top-flight appearances in the City of Discovery before trading Dundee for North Lanarkshire, as the youngster sought to aid the women of steel’s ambitions of a top-six finish this season.

However, injuries have curtailed Robb’s long-awaited start at K-Park, with the creative attacking midfielder featuring twice against Hearts and Partick Thistle after making her debut against Celtic in September.

“It hasn’t been the start that I had envisaged,” Robb explained.

“A contact-injury after the first month caused a problem that we weren’t aware of initially, but it continued to cause a problem whilst I was training. Once we realised that the injury was slightly worse than we initially anticipated, I had to stay on the sidelines.

“It’s frustrating, as when you move to a new club, you want to immediately make an impact and earn your place in the matchday squad. The injury has meant that I’ve not had that opportunity to showcase what I’m capable of. The squad have been performing really well, sitting two-points clear in the top-six, and I want to get back as soon as I can to support the squad.”

Despite only featuring three-times in the 2024/25 SWPL campaign, Robb has taken to life in Lanarkshire, settling into the club culture at the club.

“I’ve absolutely loved my time at the club so far,” Robb emphasised.

“There were a lot of new faces, myself included in the summer transfer window, but everyone in the squad whether new or from the season before have really welcomed me into the squad. It’s a great environment for any player to develop, the coaching staff work hard behind the scenes to bring the best out of you on a matchday collectively, whilst simultaneously looking to develop yourself individually as a player.

“The club have brought through and developed several young players in recent years, by giving them a platform to express themselves and earn minutes in a competitive first-team environment. When you look at the current squad, you have several talented young players to follow in the footsteps of. Lucy Ronald picking up the player of the year award at 21, Laura Berry receiving numerous accolades in her first couple seasons, Louisa Boyes scoring two hat-tricks last month alone, Mason Clark scoring her first goal for the club and so many more.”

“I really want to follow in their footsteps. Despite not being able to get that time on the pitch so far, I’ve really enjoyed my time at the club, and am focused on getting through this stint on the sidelines by working towards regular matchday action.”

“I’m really looking forward to the games ahead,” Robb added.

“The time on the sidelines is hopefully coming to a close, and I’m working hard behind the scenes to get myself mentally and physically prepared for what will be a difficult run of fixtures until the new year. There’s still so many important games left in the season, but we are taking each game at a time and I’m looking forward to playing my part.

“The support we have received from the supporters in the past few weeks have been valuable. We work hard to maintain our standards on the pitch and reward the encouragement we receive from the stands.”

The women of steel will return to league action this evening after embarking on their route to the historic Women’s Scottish Cup at the weekend, with Motherwell comfortably defeating SWPL2 outfit Rossvale at the Kirkintilloch Community Sports Complex on Sunday. 

Motherwell, who were the defeated finalists to Hibernian in 2018, placed seven-goals past the hosts in an assured performance that secured their place in the Quarter-Final stage, where they will meet another SWPL2 side in Bonnyrigg Rose after being drawn together on Monday evening.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

Paul Brownlie’s side return to league action this weekend, looking to replicate their impressive attacking display against title-chasers Rangers. There were seven different goalscorers on the scoresheet, as Sophie Black netted her second Motherwell goal, with Bailley Collins also netting in the first-half to provide the women of steel with a two-goal cushion at the break.

Louisa Boyes continued her remarkable goalscoring form, converting a third shortly after the restart, with Jenna Penman lashing one into the top-right corner from distance soon after. Second-half substitutes Lucy Barclay, Sienna McGoldrick and Mason Clark all found the target, as Motherwell coasted to a productive seven-goal advantage.

The women of steel will look to continue from where they left off when they face title-chasers Rangers this evening, and will be keen to redeem themselves after a frustrating performance against the Glasgow-side knocked Motherwell out of the Sky Sports Cup last month. Motherwell will be without striker Laura Berry, midfielders Mason Clark and Sophie Black, who are all ineligible to face their parent club.

Rangers

Like Motherwell, Rangers also secured their place in the Quarter-Final of the Scottish Cup, dispatching 24-goals past lower-league side West Dyke FC in a clinical display. They travel to K-Park this evening, seeking their sixth successive competitive victory after hitting Dundee United for six in their last league meeting in November.

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. Kick-off from K-Park at 8PM.

The women of steel coasted to the next round of the Scottish Cup, dispatching seven-goals past SWPL2 outfit Rossvale, in an assured performance at the Kirkintilloch Community Sports Complex on Sunday. 

Motherwell’s attacking prowess shone through, as seven different goalscorers earned their place on the scoresheet, with Rangers loanee Sophie Black curling home a magnificent opener, before Bailley Collins equally matched her teammates strike through an unstoppable half-volley.

Louisa Boyes continued her exceptional goalscoring run, placing a third from the edge of the box to extend the visitors advantage in the second-half, with defender Jenna Penman rifling home an incredible fourth to firmly place the women of steel into the ascendency.

Substitute Lucy Barclay skilfully evaded her marker to convert from close-range for Motherwell’s fifth, with fellow second-half addition Sienna McGoldrick bulleting a strike from distance into the top-right corner for the sixth of the afternoon.

McGoldrick soon turned provider, teeing up Scotland international teammate Mason Clark, who rounded off a successful afternoon by finding the target.

Motherwell will await their opponents in the next round of the Scottish Cup on Monday evening, with the draw set to commence at 7PM. The women of steel will be back in action on Wednesday evening, when they face title-chasers Rangers at K-Park.

The women of steel will embark on their route to the historic Women’s Scottish Cup this weekend, as SWPL2 outfit Rossvale welcome the visitors to the Kirkintilloch Community Sports Complex on Sunday. 

Motherwell, who were the defeated finalists to Hibernian in 2018, will participate in the 54th inauguration of the competition after reaching the Semi-Final in 2023 – contesting the first domestic women’s match to be played at the National stadium, Hampden Park.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

Motherwell return to domestic action this weekend after a fortnight break to the footballing calendar, as the international break comes to a close. Striker Laura Berry and midfielder Mason Clark both played their part, as Scotland confirmed their place in the second round of qualification matches for the UEFA under-19 European Championships. Berry started on three occasions, netting five goals, with Clark also starting twice.

The women of steel will look to continue from where they left off, after finding the target on six-occasions in their last encounter against Queens park, replicating their previous six-nil victory over Aberdeen at Balmoral Stadium less than a fortnight prior.

Midfielder Louisa Boyes scored two hat-tricks in November, placing three past Aberdeen and Queens Park in a prolific spell for the 23-year-old. Berry returns in claret and amber for her first matchday since picking up the SWF young player of the year award on Saturday evening.

Rossvale

Opponents Rossvale have endured an inconsistent run of form, picking up one-win from their last five games, defeating promotion-chasers Livingston by five-goals to two whilst encountering defeats to Gartcairn, Boroughmuir Thistle, Kilmarnock and a stalemate with St. Johnstone.

Ticket information

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

• Adult – £6.
• Concession – £3.
• Under-16s – 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. Kick-off from the Kirkintilloch Community Sports Complex at 3PM.

Striker Laura Berry is the SWF SportScotland Young Player of the Year.

The 17-year-old forward was nominated alongside Rossvale’s Sophie Ambrosini, Hearts’ Jessica Husband and Ross County’s Keira Syrjanen. After being initially shortlisted by a supporters vote, Berry was awarded the ‘Young player of the year’ by a selected judging panel.

The striker burst onto the Scottish footballing scene, netting 8-goals in 12-appearances after joining the club on an initial season-long loan deal from Glasgow-outfit Rangers.

“I’m absolutely delighted to receive this award,” Berry emphasised.

“It’s an absolute honour and a privilege to be nominated alongside so many talented players, and I’m very proud to have been awarded the ‘Young Player of the Year.’

“I just want to continue the form that I showed last season in this campaign, and really support Motherwell to a positive position in the SWPL.

Berry has quickly rediscovered her form this campaign after re-joining the club on a second-consecutive loan deal, scoring seven-goals in six-appearances, including four against newly-promoted SWPL2 champions Queens Park in only her second game.

“I’m really proud of Laura,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie added.

“Laura works tirelessly both on and off the pitch to improve her game, and to be recognised alongside so many talented players is great to see.

“We’ve worked hard at the club to have a proven track record of developing young players, and to have Laura awarded the SWF Young Player of the Year, is an absolute privilege for the club and a reward for all the talented coaching staff who work behind the scenes.”