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From Springburn to the Spanish coast, January acquisition Sophia Martin has already had a unique experience to start her time in Lanarkshire, since joining the club from Glasgow City on a loan deal till the end of the season.

The 17-year-old striker joined fellow January addition Laura Berry on the plane to Murcia, as the pair travelled to the Pinatar Arena ahead of a Semi-Final encounter with Sweden, with Berry captaining and scoring in a 3-2 victory and Martin also featuring throughout. The pair have since faced a second test with England in the final of the U17 International MIMA Cup, with the squad finishing runners-up.

“Representing your country is always a dream,” Martin said.

“I’ve represented Scotland at 15’s, 16’s and 17’s and I am really excited with the opportunity of the friendlies in Spain that will prepare myself for the upcoming Euro’s.

“Laura and myself have played together at previous clubs and also at international level, its not always easy joining a new club, but having someone you know is always a positive. We link up really well, so it will be good to get in together at Motherwell.”

The Cambuslang-born forward makes the switch to K-Park, after making her debut for Glasgow City in last season’s title-deciding year, with Martin since netting three times for the Petershill Park outfit in 17-appearances.

The forward has moved to North Lanarkshire in search of regular game-time, with her goalscoring threat providing an exciting addition for the K-Park faithful.

“I first heard of the move at the start of January and for me it was a no brainer,” Martin explained.

“I’ve worked under Paul before, so I know his intentions at the club. His expectations are high and that has meant he’s been a great coach to work under.

“Glasgow City has been brilliant for me and my development, but I was one if the younger players and unfortunate to not get the game time I wanted. The loan move came at the perfect time and now it is time to get my head down, get back playing and hopefully add goals to the squad.”

A product of the Hamilton youth academy, Martin signed her first professional contract in Springburn only days after her 16th birthday, and is believed to be the youngest ever female player to do so.

Confident to feature in an array of positions and a keen eye for goal, the versatile forward will add a vital new element to the Motherwell forward line.

“I would say I am a strong powerful player,” Martin noted.

“I can play anywhere in the front three, am capable of using both feet even though I am more dominant with my left and I like to score goals and hopefully I can add that to the team”

Composure in the final third and capitalising on key goalscoring opportunities has been a frustrating component to the women of steel this season, with positive performances not accurately reflected in the scoreline or SWPL league table.

Despite the top-six no longer within reach, as the final pre-split fixtures approach, Martin is keen to finish the season on a high.

“The aim for the rest of the season is to finish top of the bottom-six,” Martin said.

“My own personal aim is to get as much game time as possible, be consistent in my performances and score goals. I had my first session on Tuesday and got to meet the team, they were very welcoming and I can’t wait to play alongside them.

“I can’t wait to get started, I am really excited to see the fans at the next game and hopefully I can show them what they want.”

A valiant display from the women of steel almost ensured an historic result in East Kilbride, but title-chasers Celtic narrowly edged to victory at a frost-covered K-Park on Wednesday evening.

Desperate to atone for their comprehensive 6-0 defeat to the Glasgow-side in October, Motherwell tactically nullified Celtic across both halves, with countless goalscoring opportunities evading the visiting goal. However, the breakthrough failed to materialise, as Celtic capitalised upon Motherwell’s attacking complacency, netting twice against the run of play, with Caitlin Hayes and Amy Gallacher both adding their name to the scoresheet.

Head Coach Paul Brownlie made three changes to the side who suffered defeat to Hibs in the capital last weekend, with Jo Addie returning to partner Chelsie Watson in the Heart of the Motherwell backline and Sarah Gibb featuring alongside Amy Anderson and Katie Rice in the midfield.

Goalkeeper Rebecca Cameron made her competitive Motherwell debut after last featuring for the women of steel ironically against Celtic in a pre-season friendly in the summer.

The shot stopper was immediately called into action, as Gallacher escaped the offside trap before drilling a close-range effort across the six-yard box, but Cameron reacted sharply to produce an exceptional late block.

Moments later, Motherwell almost found the breakthrough. Katie Rice’s whipped free-kick midway through the Celtic half accurately picked out Murron Cunningham at the back post, with the defender’s looping header teeing up Addie within the six-yard-box, but before the centre-half could react, Daugherty’s forceful challenge left the defender on the frozen surface.

Optimistic penalty pleas were soon dismissed, with Cunningham’s close-range rebounded effort also denied by the Celtic stopper.

Despite a positive opening to the game, Celtic soon broke the deadlock against the run of play. A floated corner kick from the right sailed invitingly across the Motherwell penalty area, with Hayes bulleting home a direct header.

As the second half resumed, the hosts quickly regained their rhythm, with Gill Inglis almost netting an equaliser. The Motherwell skipper and Kayla Jardine combined on the right-hand side, with the experienced defender chipping a dangerous delivery across the face of goal, but once again the women of steel were unable to capitalise on a vital moment in the game.

Motherwell continued to threaten the Celtic penalty area, with their consistent attacking patterns of play, as Morgan Cross’ chipped through ball narrowly evaded the lurking forwards in the Celtic six-yard-box.

The pacey forward soon sliced through the Celtic backline, capitalising upon the high defensive line to race through on goal, but a perfectly-timed tackle from Hayes salvaged a crucial moment in the game for the Glasgow-side.

With the women of steel continuing to flood the Celtic half in search of an equaliser, Celtic caught the hosts on the counter-attack, netting a decisive second to secure all three points in a closely-fought evening in Lanarkshire.

Paul Brownlie’s side will face a sharp return to action when they travel across the River Clyde to local rivals Hamilton, with the second Lanarkshire Derby of the season on the horizon.

Kayla Jardine, Sophia Martin and Laura Berry have been called up to Scotland’s Under 19 squad ahead of a double-header of friendlies against Wales.

Jardine, who has competed internationally for Scotland at U15, U17 and U19 level, has retained her place in the squad, with Martin and Berry both returning to international action following the U17 MIMA cup in Murcia, Spain.

Scotland will travel to Wales ahead of the opening matchday on the 21st of February, with the second following on the 23rd at Colliers Park, Wrexham.

Scotland U19 v Wales U19

• KO: 15:00PM
• Wednesday 21 February
• Colliers Park

Scotland U19 v Wales U19

• KO: 12PM
• Saturday 24 February
• Colliers Park

Following a brief break from the domestic calendar, Motherwell are back in action with title-chasers Celtic descending upon East Kilbride, in the first of a crucial double header for the women of steel.

Paul Brownlie’s side will face a midweek test from the Glasgow giants under the K-Park lights before facing local rivals Hamilton in the second Lanarkshire derby of the 2023/24 SWPL campaign on Sunday.

As the final pre-split fixtures near, Motherwell will be keen to record a positive finale to the regular season, with their bottom-six post-split position already confirmed.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

The women of steel concluded 2023 with a vital three points over Dundee United in the City of Discovery, with defender Jo Addie netting the solitary goal in a defensively resolute performance at Foundation Park, but the squad have yet to find a domestic victory since.

The women of steel will be keen to rectify their recent run of form and capitalise upon their positive displays that have ultimately been left unrewarded, with Hearts and Edinburgh rivals Hibs edging through two closely-fought encounters.

January acquisitions Laura Berry and Sophia Martin will both have to wait for their Motherwell debut after signing on loan from Rangers and Glasgow City until the end of the season. The pair are currently both involved in international action with Scotland, with Berry netting a decisive second-half goal to ensure an impressive 3-2 victory over Sweden this morning in the first match of the MIMA cup in Murcia, Spain.

Celtic

The visitors make the short trip to East Kilbride after securing their place in the Quarter-Final’s of the Scottish Cup, with a resounding 6-0 victory over Hamilton. Despite this, an Old Firm defeat to fierce rivals Rangers in the Sky Sports Cup Semi-Final and one win from their last three SWPL encounters summarises a difficult month for the Glasgow side.

Celtic talisman Amy Gallacher remains one-goal behind top-goalscorer Jorian Baucom in the SWPL, netting 18-times for Elena Sadiku’s side across the 2023/24 campaign.

Ticket information

Cash & card payments are also available for this fixture.

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

*Concession tickets apply to those over 65, and to 12–17-year-olds, with full-time students also eligible with a valid matriculation card.

Additional information – no pets allowed within K-Park.

How to follow the action

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

Defender Morgan Hay has joined Gartcairn on loan until the end of the season.

The summer acquisition traded Lanarkshire rivals Hamilton for ML1 ahead of the 2023/24 SWPL campaign, but two successive injury concerns left the 20-year-old on the sidelines for over four months.

Hay featured on three occasions across her time in claret and amber, playing a pivotal part in the women of steel’s assured 4-0 Lanarkshire derby victory over Hamilton in August.

The youngster heads out on loan to the SWPL2 side in search of regular first-team minutes, linking-up with fellow Motherwell loanee Kaela McDonald-Nguah. Gartcairn sit precariously at the foot of the SWPL2 league table, two points from safety.

Good luck, Morgan.

Striker Sophia Martin has put pen to paper on a loan agreement from defending champions Glasgow City until the end of the 2023/24 SWPL campaign.

The Cambuslang-born forward makes the switch to K-Park, after making her debut for the Glasgow side in last seasons title-deciding year. Martin has since netted three times for the Petershill Park outfit in 17-appearances.

The 17-year-old signed her first professional contract in Springburn only days after her 16th birthday, and is believed to be the youngest ever female player to do so.

A product of the Glasgow City youth academy, the Scottish youth internationalist makes the move to North Lanarkshire, after representing her country across U15, U16 and U17 age categories. Martin will join fellow January acquisition Laura Berry after being named in the 21-player squad at next month’s MIMA Cup in Spain.

“This is another excellent addition for the club,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie said.

“Sophia has already had a wealth of experience at this level and this addition will add a new element to our forward line whilst providing the perfect environment to continue her development as a player.

“I’m really excited to get the loan deal done,” Martin explained.

“It’s a really good opportunity for me and my development, it will be a valuable experience for me in the next six-months.

“I can’t wait to get in with the team and work under the coaching staff.”

Sophia Martin will wear the number 9 kit this season.

Striker Laura Berry has joined the club on a loan agreement from league leaders Rangers until the end of the 2023/24 SWPL campaign.

The Scottish youth internationalist makes the move to North Lanarkshire, after breaking through the first-team ranks at Ibrox and netting her first professional goal over Spartans on the opening day of the season.

A product of the Rangers youth academy, 16-year-old Berry signed her first professional contract in Glasgow after impressing in title-winning sides at both U16 and U18 level.

The forward has been capped for Scotland at U17-level, making her debut in a 9-0 victory over North Macedonia in March 2022, and has since been named in the 21-player squad at next month’s MIMA Cup in Spain.

“We are delighted to have Laura at the club,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie said.

“We identified Laura as an exciting young talent, who can enhance our options in the final third of the pitch. Signing a professional contract at a such a young age reflects her real potential and I feel like it’s a good fit for both club and player coming here at this stage in her career.

“We are excited with this addition and look forward to seeing her development”

“I’m really excited about joining Motherwell on loan, Berry noted.

“This is an excellent opportunity to continue my development and gain valuable match time. I think the second half of the season is going to be an exciting challenge to help the team. I am really looking forward to getting started.”

Laura Berry will wear the number 27 kit this season.

A closely-fought afternoon in the Scottish Capital failed to be accurately reflected in the scoreline, as Motherwell were left to rue their squandered opportunities, with Hibs capitalising on an unpredictable afternoon at a windswept Meadowbank Sports Centre on Sunday.

Jorian Baucom and Eilidh Adams both netted a brace over each half, with Shannon Leishman finding the back of the net in the latter stages of the game.

Head Coach Paul Brownlie made two changes from the defeat to fellow Edinburgh side Hearts over a fortnight ago. Murron Cunningham and Kayla Jardine both returned to the starting XI, with Jo Addie and Sarah Gibb settling for a place on the bench.

With the immense weather conditions persisting under the Meadowbank floodlights, Motherwell started firmly on the front foot, capitalising on the counter-attack and forcing the hosts into trading possession within their own half.

Motherwell skipper Gill Inglis’ driving run from the left infiltrated the Hibernian backline before being hauled down within the penalty area, but despite the adamant pleas of the Motherwell squad, the referee waived play on, much to the bewilderment of the visiting technical area. The visitors continued to control the majority of possession, but were unable to find the breakthrough within the opening exchanges.

Moments later, the deadlock was broken. After securing a free-kick at the edge of the Motherwell penalty area, Baucom continued her goalscoring record against the women of steel, latching onto Poppy Lawson’s floated through ball, with the striker prodding home from close range.

Less than two-minutes later, the hosts doubled their advantage. Racing through across the left-hand side, Abbie Ferguson coasted past numerous claret and amber jerseys, before teeing up Adams to convert at the near post.

After a frustrating opening to the contest, Motherwell were soon offered a route back into the game, with Morgan Cross being awarded a spot kick after Kirsty Morrison caught the forward with an overly high challenge, leaving Cross on the surface to receive treatment. Bailley Collins stepped up, but saw her spot kick and quickfire follow-up denied by a reactive Nina Wilson in the Hibernian goal.

Adams netted her second goal of the game shortly after the half-time break, with Michaela McAlonie slotting through a weighted delivery to the Hibs talisman, who picked out the roof of the Motherwell net.

With Motherwell forced to reinforce their forward line in search of a route back into the game, the hosts capitalised on the vast openings within the Motherwell defence, racking up two-late goals, with Baucom securing her second of the afternoon and Leishman adding her name to the scoresheet within the final few minutes.

Refreshed and rejuvenated following the brief hiatus from the domestic calendar, the women of steel return to action, with Hibernian the hosts at Meadowbank Stadium on Sunday.

Paul Brownlie’s side recorded a historic victory on their last visit to Leith, with strikes from Jo Addie, Lori Gardner and Amy Anderson securing Motherwell’s first-ever victory over the Edinburgh side.

The trip to the capital will be the first step in the squads route to the split, as the squad prepare to earn their first victory of 2024.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

A positive display over Dundee United in the City of Discovery ensured the women of steel concluded 2023 on a high, after securing their first domestic victory on the road this season in a closely-fought one-goal victory.

However, an early Scottish Cup exit to Partick Thistle and a competitive display in a frustrating defeat to Hearts left the women of steel to reflect upon a disappointing start to 2024.

Morgan Hay and Eve Donald will both be eligible for selection after returning from recent injury spells, with Kayla Jardine also available after extending her loan from Rangers.

Hibernian

The hosts narrowly missed out on a trip to Tynecastle in March, with Partick Thistle netting twice to cruise to the final of the Sky Sports Cup.

Nevertheless, Hibs’ league form has impressed, recording six wins from seven, whilst netting 11-times in successive clean sheets.

Ticket Information

Supporters can purchase tickets online prior to the matchday here. Cash & card payments are also available for this fixture on the day.

• Adult – £8
• Student – £5
• Concession (Over-65) – £4
• Concession (Under-18) – £4
• Family Ticket – £16

How to follow the action

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

Kayla Jardine has extended her stay at the club until the end of the season.

The 18-year-old, who re-joined the club on an initial six-month loan deal from league leaders Rangers, will remain in claret and amber until the conclusion of season 2023/24 after an extension agreement was reached with the Ibrox side.

The Scottish youth internationalist has found the target three times this season, providing competition in the Motherwell forward line.

“I am delighted to keep Kayla at the club ,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“Kayla has been an excellent addition to the squad. She is a very exciting young player who brings real creativity and goals in the final third.

“We are pleased to get this over the line and are looking forward to her progression in the remainder of the season.