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  • Women

    ‘Well progress in SWPL Cup

  • First team

    Players react to Celtic loss

  • First team

    Manager happy with performance in defeat

  • First team

    Celtic defeat a dogged Motherwell

  • Women

    ‘Well head east in SWPL Cup

  • First team

    Need to Know: The lowdown on Celtic

  • First team

    Watch a live stream of Celtic v Motherwell

  • First team

    Previewing Celtic v Motherwell

  • First team

    Manager: We need everyone at the top of their game

  • Women

    Montgomery targets another cup run

  • Women

    ‘Well progress in SWPL Cup

    ‘Well progress in SWPL Cup

    Motherwell produced a stunning goal scoring display as they cruised into the last eight of the SWPL Cup with a 13-0 victory over Hutchison Vale.

    Lori Gardner hit four goals and Mhairi Fyfe grabbed a hat-trick, along with doubles from Caitlin Russell, Katie Rice and Chelsea McEachran.

    The ‘Well got off to the best possible start, attacking from the off and Rice fired high into the net to open the scoring in the opening minute.

    After 12 minutes they would double their lead, Rice was felled inside the box and Fyfe converted the resulting penalty.

    Five minutes later Gardner got in on the scoring act and Rice would add her second of the game just before the half hour mark.

    ‘Well were flying and the goals kept coming, Fyfe netting twice more from the spot before the break.

    The 6-0 score at half time didn’t flatter the women of steel and they showed no signs of taking their foot off the gas as the second half got underway.

    Russell poked home from close range into the bottom corner in the 48th minute to make it seven and Gardner added Motherwell’s eighth and her second of the game just after the hour mark.

    Fyfe tapped home from close range to make it 9-0 and the scoreline moved into double figures, when second half substitute McEachran drove right at the heart of the defence, before picking her spot in the bottom left corner to finish off a great individual effort.

    The goals kept coming and Russell stroked home after Fyfe was denied by a good stop by Claire Whitaker in the home goal.

    McEarchran got her second with 15 minutes. A lovely ball over the top by Kirsten Rolph looked to have been dealt with by the Hutchie Vale defence, but the midfielder battled back and used her strength to force the opportunity for the shot. Despite being off balance, she managed to find the goal.

    With five minutes to play Gardner bagged her hat-trick. Intercepting the loose ball at the back, she managed to beat the keeper before finishing into an empty net to extend the lead to 13.

    The score would remain unchanged as a dominant ‘Well side blew away the Edinburgh side with an emphatic win to progress to the quarter-finals of the cup.

  • First team

    Players react to Celtic loss

    Richard Tait, Allan Campbell and goalscorer Gboly Ariyibi speak after the loss at Celtic.

  • First team

    Manager happy with performance in defeat

    Stephen Robinson says Motherwell should be happy with their performance in defeat at Celtic, having dominated large spells of the second half and showing many positive signs.

  • First team

    Celtic defeat a dogged Motherwell

    Celtic defeat a dogged Motherwell

    Motherwell put on a stellar showing at the home of the league leaders, but ultimately succumbed 4-1 to Celtic.

    A quick first-half double from Scott Sinclair and Odsonne Edouard put the league champions in the driving seat before Gboly Ariyibi pulled one back in controversial circumstances at the start of the second half.

    And although Motherwell had chances to punish Celtic as they dwelled on the perceived injustice, the home side rounded off the match with two late strikes from Edouard and Oliver Burke to end ‘Well’s impressive run of wins.

    With the Premiership’s two in form teams boasting identical runs of six consecutive wins, something had to give at Celtic Park.

    The Fir Park men aiming to emulate a 86 year old club record of seven successive league wins, kicked off with four teenagers in their line-up. In the absence of an injured Curtis Main, 18 year old James Scott was given his first start leading the visitor’s attack.

    It was a tough ask for the young ‘Well striker facing a Celtic side still to concede a domestic goal this year.

    However, Motherwell made a confident start and created a couple of half chances. After six minutes Gboly Ariyibi’s run was halted at the edge of the box but Allan Campbell latched on to the loose ball only to see his powerful strike blocked by a Celtic defender.

    Campbell then picked out the forward run of Jake Hastie and when his charge was blunted 20 yards from goal Ariyibi’s lofted his effort high over.

    For all Celtic’s possession and intricate passing there was little getting through the tightly organised ‘Well defence. That was set to change after 21 minutes when an accidental clash of heads between Tom Alded and Edouard left the Fir Park defender bleeding and led off the pitch and replaced by Carl McHugh.

    Five minutes later Mark Gillespie was finally called into action when he was required to routinely catch Edouard’s cross towards goal.

    The in the 31st minute and out of nothing the Parkhead men opened the scoring. Ryan Christie’s deep cross found Scott Sinclair at the rear of the six yard box and his cushioned volley sent the ball beyond the helpless Gillespie.

    The ‘Well ‘keeper prevented Edouard doubling the lead bravely diving at the feet of the French striker. Pushing for a second goal it duly arrived after 36 minutes. Ewan Henderson whipped in a cross from the right and nobody in claret matched Edouard’s run as he raced in to bullet a header inside the post.

    It could have been three before the interval when James Forrest drove towards the corner of the six yard box and his shot was flying into the top corner of the goal until Gillespie solidly palmed the ball over the bar.

    Six minutes into the second half Motherwell pulled a goal back in highly controversial circumstances.

    With Christie grounded Celtic played the ball out of play – expecting it to be returned to them. But when Liam Grimshaw’s throw in found Scott in space he turned and headed for the Celtic goal forcing Scot Bain to push the ball across his box.

    While the Celtic players hesitated, Ariyibi drove the ball under the Celtic ‘keeper to spark furious scenes as the home players protested to referee Kevin Clancy.

    Celtic fans were still airing their displeasure when David Turnbull struck a 25 yard drive which skipped a couple of feet wide of Bain’s right hand post.

    As the home side pressed to regain their two goal advantage Gillespie dived across his goal to push Henderson’s curling free kick beyond his post.

    After 64 minutes Stephen Robinson swapped youth for experience sending on Connor Sammon for James Scott whose every touch was booed by the home fans.

    The Parkhead crowd still reserved some of their anger for the officials and as they screamed for offside against Campbell his cross picked out Turnbull beyond the back post but his header was easily claimed by Bain.

    Motherwell were forced into another defensive substitution when McHugh landed heavily and following lengthy treatment was stretchered off, Liam Donnelly lining up along side Charles Dunne for the final 15 minutes or so.

    Two minutes later Hastie collected a terrific cross field pass from Dunne but as he stepped inside Jonny Hayes was dumped to the ground. As ‘Well appealed for a penalty all eyes fell on the referee who elected to award the free kick to Celtic.

    As the Steelmen pushed for a late equaliser. there was a degree of panic in Celtic’s play as Brendan Rodgers brought Oliver Burke off the bench.

    But is was Edouard who calmed home nerves four minutes from time with a stunning 25 yard free kick which clipped the underside of the bar on its way past Gillespie at full stretch.

    Then as the fourth official indicated nine minutes additional time Burke curled the ball past Gillespie to make it 4-1.

  • Women

    ‘Well head east in SWPL Cup

    ‘Well head east in SWPL Cup

    Motherwell will aim to progress to the quarter-finals of the SWPL Cup when they take on Hutchison Vale on Sunday.

    Donald Jennow’s side suffered a controversial defeat against Forfar Farmington in their second league fixture of the season and will be determined to bounce back against SWPL2 opposition.

    Kerry Montgomery’s last-gasp disallowed goal has garnered coverage from national media outlets, but the team must now regain their focus in order to advance in the cup.

    The women of steel can draw on their cup exploits last season, where they progressed to the final of the Scottish Cup.

    Kick off at the Saughton Enclosure in Edinburgh is at 3pm.

    THE OPPOSITION

    Hutchison Vale may be operating under a different name for the 2019 season. But the capital side represent familiar opposition for Motherwell.

    The teams met on three occasions in 2018, the latest of which saw ‘Well emerging with a 5-1 victory that clinched the SWPL2 championship.

    After their opening game of the SWPL2 season fell victim of the weather, Scott Paterson’s side suffered a thumping 9-0 defeat to Hearts, leaving them rooted to the foot of the table.

    POSITION

    Hutchison Vale: SWPL2 – 8th – no points

    Motherwell: SWPL1 – 5th– three points

    WHAT THEY SAID

    Kerry Montgomery has set her sights on enjoying another cup run with the women of steel.

    “We have a brand new team and are looking to our own journey in the cup competitions,” Montgomery said. “Despite saying that, it was a Motherwell team that made it to the final last year.

    “We have to look to try and keep that focus and belief to push to that level.”

    ‘Well assistant head coach Gregg Harrison has been impressed by the reaction of the players in the aftermath of the Forfar defeat.

    Now Harrison is hoping the players can produce a big performance against Hutchison Vale to right the wrongs of last Sunday.

    “The players showed a real hunger at training all week,” Harrison said. “We know we under performed in the match against Forfar, especially the first half.

    “The players are eager to put the right on Sunday; we are a really tight group with high standards so they know what’s required.

    “We learned a lot from the cup run last year so will look to build on that experience.

    “However, we are only looking forward now and with the squad we have we are capable of having another great season.”

    DON’T MISS OUT

    We’ll have a full match report and goal highlights here and on the club’s social media channels.

  • First team

    Need to Know: The lowdown on Celtic

    Need to Know: The lowdown on Celtic

    Celtic lie in wait for Motherwell on Sunday, as the league leaders play host in Glasgow.

    Here’s the lowdown on our weekend opponents.

    In similar form

    Both teams go into the match with six straight Ladbrokes Premiership victories under their belts.

    Celtic are undefeated domestically through all of 2019, winning six league games and two Scottish Cup games, not conceding a single goal.

    European blues

    Valencia stood between Celtic and progression in the UEFA Europa League, with the Spaniards recording a 2-0 win in Glasgow last week before the second leg at the Mestalla.

    Brendan Rodgers’ side put in a much-improved showing in Spain on Thursday, going close early on before losing Jeremy Toljan to a red card, before going on to lose 1-0 on the night and 3-0 on aggregate.

    New faces to contend with

    Celtic were busy in the January window, adding fresh recruits in the forward areas and in defence.

    Toljan has made the right back position his own since signing on from Borussia Dortmund.

    Up top, Timothy Weah and Oliver Burke were brought in on loan from PSG and West Bromwich Albion, while Vakoun Bayo moved from Slovakia.

  • First team

    Watch a live stream of Celtic v Motherwell

    Watch a live stream of Celtic v Motherwell

    Motherwell travel to Celtic on Sunday, as they look to win seven straight top flight league games for the first time in 86 years.

    If you’re based outside of the UK/Ireland, you can watch a live stream of the game direct from Celtic Park. 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.

    Every league game between now and the split will be broadcast live on our service.

    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.

  • First team

    Previewing Celtic v Motherwell

    Previewing Celtic v Motherwell

    Motherwell travel to face Celtic in the Ladbrokes Premiership, chasing a seventh straight league win for the first time in 86 years.

    Kick off at Celtic Park on Sunday is at 3pm.

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

    Tale of the tape

    Both teams go into the game with six straight league wins under their belts.

    Motherwell have defeated Hamilton, Hibernian, Dundee, Livingston, St Mirren and Hearts on their run, while the league leaders have seen off St Mirren, Hamilton, St Johnstone (twice), Hibernian and Kilmarnock.

    Team news

    Motherwell remain without Trevor Carson, Chris Cadden and Craig Tanner. Christian Mbulu and Ross McCormack are also still sidelined.

    Scott Brown is suspended for the hosts, following his red card in the match with Kilmarnock last weekend.

    Get your tickets before Saturday

    Tickets are available online now or from the Fir Park ticket office. The ticket office is from 10am until 1pm on Saturday.

    Tickets will not be available for purchase on the day of the game. You must buy in advance. Web sales will close on Friday.

    Kick off at Celtic Park is at 3pm. Ticket prices are as follows.

    Adult £28 / £25
    Over 65s and Under 16s £18 / £15
    Under 13 (accompanied by adult) £10

    Cheaper tickets are restricted view. These will go on sale once our full view ticket allocation is sold.

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

    Watch it live online

    If you’re based outside of the UK/Ireland, you can watch a live stream of the game direct from Celtic Park.

    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.

    Every league game between now and the split will be broadcast live on our service.

    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.

  • First team

    Manager: We need everyone at the top of their game

    Stephen Robinson says a confident Motherwell side must raise their game further, across every player, to stand a chance of a result against Celtic.

  • Women

    Montgomery targets another cup run

    Montgomery targets another cup run

    Kerry Montgomery hopes Motherwell can put the controversial defeat to Forfar Farmington behind them by reaching the quarter finals of the SWPL Cup.

    The Motherwell captain thought she had earned the women of steel a share of the spoils at Station Park last Sunday. However, the ball was judged to have hit the net after the referee’s final whistle.

    Donald Jennow’s side travel to face SWPL2 side Hutchison Vale on Sunday, with a place in the last eight of the first cup competition of the season up for grabs.

    Montgomery is relishing the chance to put last weekend’s disappointment firmly behind her.

    “Last week was a tough one to take, but that’s done with now,” Montgomery said. “The focus all week has been firmly on the cup game on Sunday.

    ”We have a group of girls who are hungry and want to win. The game on Sunday is a great platform for us to get back to winning ways and more importantly with a good solid team performance.”

    Last season, Montgomery played a big part as Motherwell reached the Scottish Cup final.

    Although they were unable to upset the odds in the final against Hibs, the midfielder is aiming for more success in 2019.

    ‘Well will make the trip to the capital as firm favourites, but the skipper has warned against complacency.

    “We have a brand new team and are looking to our own journey in the cup competitions,” she added. “Despite saying that, it was a Motherwell team that made it to the final last year.

    “We have to look to try and keep that focus and belief to push to that level.

    “The game is on Hutchison Vale’s patch, so we are looking at it as a tricky away fixture that we’ll need to be mentally and physically ready for.

    “They will be looking to bounce back from their difficult start to the season, so we aren’t taking anything for granted.”

    After a close season that brought wholesale changes to the ‘Well squad, Montgomery was one of the few players who remain from the side that surged to the SWPL2 title.

    The 30-year-old is enjoying life at Fir Park and has praised the spirit within the newly assembled squad.

    “The last couple months in training with the squad have been great,” said the former Celtic midfielder.

    “We’re beginning to have a good understanding of each other.

    “We all get on really well, the banter is great, but the focus is even better we have a group that want to learn, improve and push to win.

    “It’s competitive and a really good atmosphere right now.”