Latest News

Maxine Welsh says Motherwell are relishing the chance to prove the doubters wrong again.

The 21-year-old played a big part in the latter stages of ‘Well’s charge to the SWPL2 title last season, securing promotion to the top flight.

A record-breaking campaign ended with the stinging disappointment of 8-0 thrashing in the Scottish Cup final against Hibs, but Welsh insists the experience will ensure the women of steel will return stronger and more determined.

“I think there is a bit of unfinished business following the final,” she said.

“I don’t we did ourselves justice and while there’s a lot of new faces, those of us who have stayed are determined to make up for the disappointment and hopefully the rest will have the same desire.

“I think I’ve said it before but I think we were really underestimated last season. We won the league last season and now want to show we can handle it in SWPL1.

“It’s a good calibre of players, we’re gelling well and quickly as a team – so I think we’ll do well this season.

“We know that it’s important we are fitter than we were last season as we are up against better teams, the hard work is required.”

Motherwell make the trip south on Sunday for a pre-season encounter with FA Women’s National League North side Newcastle United.

It’ll be the first of three warm up matches ahead of the start of the SWPL1 campaign on 10 February, and one the former Glasgow City youngster says the full squad are looking forward to.

“It’s quite exciting and the trip away will give the team a good chance to bond too,” she said. “I’m looking forward to playing in the top league much more with Motherwell than I was City.

“Personally I’m hoping to cement my position, last season I was obviously just filling in at centre half, I want to find my position, make it permanent, make sure I’m in the team every week and enjoy my football after a long time out with injury.”

Watch back the action as Motherwell exit the William Hill Scottish Cup.

Captain Peter Hartley, Mark Gillespie and Danny Johnson speak as Motherwell exit the William Hill Scottish Cup.

Stephen Robinson reflected on a disappointing Scottish Cup defeat against Ross County at Fir Park. 

The ‘Well boss admitted his side let themselves down as the Staggies won 2-1 in the forst fixture of 2019.

“I’m disappointed. There’s no excuses, we deserved to lose the game,” he said.

Motherwell suffered defeat in the William Hill Scottish Cup at the hands of Championship side Ross County.

Brian Graham’s double early in the second half was the difference between the two sides in a scrappy affair at Fir Park, despite a late, late goal from Jake Hasie that briefly gave hope.

Stephen Robinson handed debuts to Ross McCormack and Gboly Ariyibi, with Carl McHugh, Charles Dunne and David Turnbull all being restored to the starting team.

But it was County who started the stronger, with the second tier side having early chances through McManus, who stung the palms of Gillespie, and Spence, who shot over.

New boy Ariyibi showed first half flashes, setting up Frear for a shot at goal and seeing a low cross from the left blocked.

McCormack made way for Main at the interval but it was the visitors who made the breakthrough early on.

Graham’s header with seven minutes gone gave the Staggies the lead, but worse was to follow.

With Aribiyi seemingly taken out, referee Steven McLean let play go on and a cross from the right found Graham unmarked at the back post to double the lead on the hour mark.

Motherwell struggled to carve out scoring chances, save for a late Aldred header that was well gathered by Fox, but they were given late, late hope when Hastie headed in Frear’s cross from close range in stoppage time.

But it wasn’t to be, as they bowed out at the fourth round stage.

Stephen Robinson says Motherwell are essentially facing a Premiership side in Ross County, as the Steelmen prepare to host the second-tier outfit in the William Hill Scottish Cup on Saturday.

The William Hill Scottish Cup kicks off again for Motherwell on Saturday, as Championship high-flyers Ross County visit Fir Park.

Here’s what you need to know ahead of the match.

Secure your seat early

Season ticket holders can guarantee their seat if they buy in advance. Your seat is being held for you until 9am on the day of the game. Tickets will automatically be loaded onto your season card when purchased.

All fans can buy their tickets in advance online right now.

A cash gate will also be in operation. Kick off is at 3pm.

Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Andy Sim on 07428 225254 or email tickets@mfcdsa.com.

Pre-match hospitality

Both our Cooper Bar and Centenary Suites are open before the game for pre-match food and drink for both sets of fans.

The Cooper Bar, open from 11am, runs a £5 burger and beer deal. Our Centenary Suite, situated in our Phil O’Donnell main stand, will serve main meals and drinks from 12pm.

Team news

Trevor Carson, Chris Cadden and Craig Tanner remain out long term. Aaron Taylor-Sinclair and Christian Mbulu are doubts through injury.

Elliott Frear says he’s determined to build on his performance, as well as the result, gained against Hamilton last month.

Motherwell return to action against Ross County on Saturday, and you can watch the game live online.

Subscribers to our streaming service who live outside of the UK and Ireland can see the William Hill Scottish Cup match direct from Fir Park on Saturday, 19 January. Kick off is at 3pm GMT.

To sign up for our service, just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk and choose your package. Subscriptions to see live games start at just £12 a month.

If you’re in the UK or Ireland but can’t make the game, there’s also live audio commentary available on our service. Our domestic subscriptions cost £6 a month and also get you full game replays.

Saturday’s cup clash is the first of three live games available across January, with our Ladbrokes Premiership matches with Hibernian and Dundee also on air outside of the UK and Ireland.

Domestic football is back after the winter break, and the Steelmen get started for the new year with a Scottish Cup clash at Fir Park.

Championship side Ross County are the opponents for Stephen Robinson’s side, who have been boosted by an encouraging January transfer window so far.

Here, we take a look at the game in numbers.

35

No side has scored more goals in the Championship than Ross County, and it is no surprise that the Staggies sit top of the table as a result.

The club have failed to score in their last two games though, and have lost both.

They’ll be hungry to turn their fortunes around in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup this weekend.

44

Motherwell fans will be excited at the chance of seeing January signing Ross McCormack in action.

But with the striker still working his way towards full match sharpness, this weekend’s clash may arrive just too soon.

It won’t stop the Fir Park faithful getting excited about the club’s number 44 making his return though.

63

Despite the fact Ross County were relegated last season, it has only been 63 days since they were last at Fir Park.

But that was for a clash against Motherwell Colts in the Irn-Bru Cup, where the Northern outfit left 2-1 victors.