Eddie Wolecki Black’s Motherwell Ladies side showed their fighting spirit as they recovered from an early setback to defeat Central Girls 3-1 at the Braidhurst Campus.
The women of steel found themselves a goal behind after Niamh Johnston headed into her own net from a dangerous corner after just nine minutes. But a stirring comeback saw ‘Well battle back into the game.
A two-week break from competitive action – and disrupted training schedule due to the severe weather – was evident as Motherwell were uncharacteristically slow out of the blocks. The visitors thoroughly deserved to make the breakthrough after controlling much of the early proceedings.
The goal seemed to be the wake-up call the home side needed though and Suzanne Mulvey’s shot on the turn spun wide of the target, before the hosts were offered the perfect opportunity to restore parity. Sammy Hare was bundled over just inside the box and Hayley Cunningham made no mistake from the spot.
Seven minutes later and ‘Well were ahead in wonderful fashion. The move began with Kerry Montgomery picking up possession inside her own half and driving forward before laying the ball to Mulvey.
She superbly picked out the Northern Irish international who had continued her run, before lashing the ball beyond Sarah Alexandrina King in the Central goal.
It was a goal of real class from Motherwell who were beginning to control the game. However they suffered a major let-off before the break when Ellie Kane’s brilliant effort was tipped on to the bar by Clare Johnstone and, with the goal at her mercy, Abbie Callaghan was unable to turn home the rebound.
The second half was a much more physical affair, with neither team really creating a great deal in front of goal. But it would be the home side who would secure all three points with 10 minutes remaining.
After the Central defence failed to clear their lines, Mulvey turned home from Sophie Gallagher’s lay off.
Victory for ‘Well means they move up to second in SWPL2, with another home fixture to look forward to next Sunday when Aberdeen visit Braidhurst.