Follow ‘Dibsy’ on Twitter
Ladies team
Last weekend saw Motherwell Ladies take on Hamilton Caledonian at Hamilton Palace sports ground on a day that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the Costa Del Sol!
A positive attacking start from the ‘Well saw plenty of chances created. However a lack of composure in front of goal allowed Hamilton to counter effectively and create chances of their own. Indeed, it was the hosts who took a one-nil lead with a shot in from their right winger.
‘Well responded quickly with an equaliser. At 1-1, Motherwell were beginning to take more control of the game, but Hamilton were still creating chances and putting the opposition back line under pressure and got their noses in front again from the penalty spot. Motherwell again responded quickly to equalise though and take the game to a stale mate at half-time.
As the second half kicked off, Motherwell came out looking menacing, whatever was said at half time must have done the trick!
With more chances being created with slick interlinking play between defence and midfield and midfield and attack saw Motherwell push on scoring goals number 3, 4, 5, and 6 before Hamilton could come up with a response.
It wasn’t to be Hamilton’s day though, as Motherwell clearly weren’t finished making their point. Some tactical substitutions from the visitors proved the quality right through the squad with substitutes coming on to play their part in the next 2 goals. A fine second half display gave the Well fans something to really smile about, Hamilton Caledonian 3 – Motherwell Ladies – 8.
Coach Graeme McArthur was delighted to get back to winning ways and said: “We showed good fight despite being behind twice in the game and to kick on and take control of the game whilst experimenting with a new shape made today an even greater victory. We now have a weekend off before going into our next fixture on October 5th with Bishopton, which will allow us to work further on the new shape.”
Under 15s
The Under 15s were in action last weekend, playing a tough league fixture against Rangers. The closely fought match ended up finishing 5-4 in Rangers’ favour, but Coach Adam Shaw was certainly not disheartened by the young ‘Well performance.
He said: “Although we lost the game, there were many positives to take from the way we played. It was a very high tempo game right from the off and both teams were creating plenty of chances; it was end to end stuff. To use that old cliché, it was definitely a game of two halves.
“I felt we dominated the first half and Rangers were in control during the second. The girls worked so hard and kept up with the pace, right into the closing stages of the game, Rangers scored their winner with only minutes remaining. We may have walked away with a loss, but I was so impressed with the attitude and performance from the girls. Spirits are still high in training this week and we believe as a squad that we can become even better in the next few months of the season.”
Under 9s
The Under 9s and under 11s travelled to a festival in Kilwinning last weekend. The girls produced outstanding form winning most of their games. Coach Laura Daley was exceptionally pleased at the team’s ability to work so well together and to demonstrate a high level of experience, holding shape and tracking back when out of possession.
Laura added: “Brooke Wilson, one of our youngest players at the entire club at only six years old, scored 2 goals. We are so proud of her work rate and confidence in front of goal.”
The Under 9s are back at K Park in East Kilbride on Sunday, 12noon – 1.30pm
Under 11s
The Under 11s team fought hard in their tournament, winning one game and unfortunately losing 4, as their first encounter with grass parks was tough on the legs and the style of football they are used to playing. The girls worked really hard but learned some tough lessons. They have however been straight back into training this week and have been working hard, ready for their upcoming fixture this weekend away to Gartcairn Girls.
Good luck to everyone at Motherwell competing this weekend.
So far you have heard all about the exciting things going on at Motherwell FC, but I thought it would be interesting to let get to know some of the people behind the scenes a little bit closer.
This week’s Player focus sees Linda Gibson talk about her time at Motherwell so far and lets us into a few wee secrets about the woman between the sticks.
Full name: Linda Gibson
Nickname: Gibby/Gibson
Age: I’m afraid this not up for discussion, its top secret, has been for many years. (Aye good one Gibby! We all suspect a 40th party invite soon)
Position: Goalkeeper
Trademark phrase: “Failing to prepare, is preparing to fail.”
Favourite football team: Well, obviously its Motherwell! If I had to pick another, I’d pick the Scotland’s Ladies National Team.
Best sporting memory: Winning the league title (3rd Division at the time) with Hamilton Accies reserves, a team with hearts of lions. It was the last game of the season 1st vs. 2nd for the title and we emerged with a 3-2 victory! A day I will never forget.
Sporting idol: Abby Wambach
Your role at Motherwell FC: I’m girl’s Performance Centre manger here at Motherwell; the job you only dream of and I love every second of it.
I heard you are a coach, tell me about that: I also do coaching at the club at times too. I help coach the Under 9s, Under 11s and I am also a goalkeeping coach, helping out with our Under 15s goalkeepers. I love being involved in the coaching side too. It’s such a buzz. I love to see the girls improve on a weekly basis and watch them turn into wee superstars, knowing I helped somewhere along the line. I also learn a few new things myself from the kids which I try to replicate at training and in games.
What have you enjoyed the most since being in your new role: I enjoy everything in my job. It’s a great feeling to part of something so special here and watching these kids have an opportunity that I never had growing up. They get the best of facilities and treatment here as it’s an elite professional set up. I enjoy seeing them have so much fun while getting educated too. I enjoying watching the kids grow in ability and confidence as the weeks go on. I know one day I will be watching some of them play for their country…I can’t wait.
What is your vision for the development centre and where do you see it being in 5 years time: In 3 weeks, our numbers have doubled in size at Under 9s and Under 11s, so we are doing incredibly well so far. In 5 years time the influx of participants should be so huge that we will have to move facilities again to accommodate our highly talented players. In 5 years time, I definitely see our first team competing in the Scottish Women’s Premier League. With the quality of players we have and hope to attract, there is no question about that. We will have players from our elite girl’s performance centre progressing through our fully functioning player pathway and playing at the top level and hopefully into the national set up. We are all very proud here at Motherwell of one of our own who has already achieved this accolade, Alise Stewart you are a star.
You are out just now with a long term injury, what happened: I was at training and I had a collision with one of our former players. it’s the hardest thing because I miss playing so much for the team I love, but I still attend every training session and every game to support the ‘Well girls and cheer them on from the side lines.
When do you hope to be back between the sticks: I am so excited to say I am able to start back training in the next two weeks. So it will be a challenging pre-season for me and one I very much look forward to.
How do you find watching instead of playing: It’s very difficult because I’m a very “vocal” goalkeeper (I’m sure some of my team mates will agree) and not being about to have the same input from the back as I do from the side is difficult. When I watch the match, I sometimes find myself wondering on the pitch or jumping up and down on the sidelines. I’m sure the girls still hear me from the sidelines anyway. (Yes Gibby, we do…we definitely do!)
Which opponent do you look forward to playing the most and why: Claremont because my sister plays for this team and growing up she was my role model. We played together for years and now we play against each other, so it’s a bit of rivalry. Although we won 9-1, 3-1, 3-3 in the last 3 games, she still loves me the same, which is a bonus.
What’s your most embarrassing moment on the footy field: Hmmm, I do have a few, admittedly. There was one time I was shouting (politely) at the ref and called him babe! Or the time I went to kick the ball and a dog ran on the park and stole it. I also went to shout ‘Man on!’ to a team mate but instead shouted “Mum on!”…I think my mum thought she was getting some game time.
When was the last time you scored a goal in a game: Eh, I save them not score them, Dibsy!
Tell me a secret no one knows about one other person in the ladies teams: Big Dougs (Captain Ainsley Douglas), for the size of her, is afraid of heights…
Who’s the funniest person in the team: Apart from me, I would say Natalie Stewart. She’s “the perfect neighbour” and always makes people laugh.
If Motherwell Ladies went on big brother, which teammate would be voted off First and who would win: Voted off first would be difficult because they would all make good viewing and the public would be very entertained, I know that. (Especially if our changing room banter is anything to go by!). To win would have to be Toni Mason. She’s one of the most genuine, entertaining characters I have ever met and I’m sure the public would vote her as the winner.
Give me one sentence to describe your hopes for next season: To win this league, which I’m very confident we shall both with the calibre of players we have at the moment and are looking to attract in the coming months.
Thanks for the interview Gibby, Good luck with the rehab and we look forward to seeing you in between the sticks sometime very soon.
Firhill Stadium
