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Motherwell recorded their second SWPL1 victory in the space of a week as they defeated Forfar Farmington 2-0 at Ravenscraig.

Katie Rice headed home the opener after 19 minutes and Chelsea McEachran secured the three points when she calmly slotted home with nine left on the clock.

Right from the start Motherwell threatened the Forfar goal.

The ball was worked out to Lori Gardner by Chelsea McEachran who took a first time shot in an attempt to lob the keeper. The shot looked like it would dip just under the bar, but it smashed off the woodwork and subsequent post to deny ‘Well the perfect start.

The women of steel enjoyed most of the early possession, with further attempts Beth McLeod and Sarah Crilly continuing to test Fiona McNicoll in the Forfar goal.

Forfar were repressed to trying to play the ball in behind the ‘Well defence to try and get a sniff of goal but Georgie Rafferty was up to the task of dealing with each attack.

The deadlock was broken on 19 minutes when Rice powered home a header from a corner. The initial ball into the box wasn’t dealt with by the Forfar defence and the midfielder was there to nod it into the left-hand side of the net.

Danni McGinley had Forfar’s best chance of the match with 39 minutes on the clock. The forward picked up the ball on the edge of the box, turned and got her shot away heading towards the bottom left corner but Anna Vincenti got down well to make the save.

Nicola Davidson came inches wide from getting a late equaliser for Forfar, she picked up the bobbling loose ball and opted for the half volley from range, she struck it sweetly, but it landed inches away from the bottom left corner.

Motherwell were able to withstand the late push from Forfar to see out the half and to go into the break leading 1-0.

McLeod came close to extending ‘Well’s lead with 60 minutes played. The winger latched onto Claire Adams through ball before taking on the shot from just inside the box, her effort however was straight at the keeper.

Cassie Cowper and Robyn Smith tested Vincenti with two well hit shots back-to-back between them both. Cowper came agonisingly close with a half volley and Smith was denied by a diving save to protect Motherwell’s slim lead.

McEachran doubled Motherwell’s lead with 81 minutes played as she picked up the over the top through ball, running in on goal she was able to compose herself to pick her place and slot the ball past the onrushing keeper.

Spurred on by the goal, Motherwell continued to keep their foot on the gas by continuing to search for another. Finding success by playing down the wings, Steph Knox was the supplier for numerous balls into the box but to no avail.

The scoreline would remain unchanged as the women of steel would see out the remainder of the match and get an important three points making it two wins on the bounce.

After picking up a highly significant victory at Stirling University last Sunday, Motherwell could take another big step away from the foot of the SWPL1 table when they face Forfar Farmington at Ravenscraig on Sunday.

Taking all three points at Ochilview lifted the women of steel seven points ahead of Stirling, who currently occupy bottom spot.

Three points on Sunday would take Donald Jennow’s sides advantage on Farmington in second bottom to the same tally.

‘Well will be boosted by the return of skipper Kerry Montgomery from suspension and the midfielder will be determined to lead the side to their first victory of the season at Ravenscraig.

Kick-off is at 2:30pm.

THE OPPOSITION

Forfar Farmington will visit North Lanarkshire on Sunday afternoon determined to record their second victory of the season over Motherwell.

It’s been a difficult campaign so far for Stevie Baxter’s side, with the 3-2 success over ‘Well back in February their only win from their opening eight league fixtures.

They currently sit second bottom in SWPL1, three points above Stirling University.

Their currently situation represents drastically contrasting campaign to the one they enjoyed last season – in which they narrowly missed out on a top four finish by just three points.

Despite their current struggles, Forfar are a team that carry a threat and their performance in last week’s narrow 4-3 defeat to Celtic serves as a timely reminder of their abilities.

POSITION

Motherwell: SWPL1 – sixth – eight points
Forfar Farmington: SWPL1 – seventh – four points

WHAT THEY SAID

Motherwell head coach Donald Jennow hopes his side can build on a big three points when Forfar Farmington visit Ravenscraig.

A dramatic encounter earlier in the season finished 3-2 for the hosts at Station Park and Jennow is anticipating similar excitement when the two sides meet again on Sunday.

“Personally I’d settle for a drab game with a better result than our last fixture with Forfar,” he said.

“Though with both teams scoring goals right now I think that’s unlikely. 

“Forfar have a knack for keeping themselves in games because they carry a goal threat and put teams under pressure.

“We will have to defend well and make sure we do the basics consistently.”

Claire Adams is targeting victory on Sunday to put to an end Mothwrwell’s wait for a win at Ravenscraig.

The women of steel have drawn one and lost two of their three fixtures so far at the indoor venue this season.

“It’s disappointing not to have picked up a win at Ravenscraig so far this season,” Adams said.

“Forfar will be a very competitive game on Sunday so it is important for us to play the best we can to try pick up that first home win.”

Watch the best of the action as Motherwell are held at home to St Mirren in a 1-1 draw.

Chris Cadden, Richard Tait and Mark Gillespie speak as Motherwell draw at home with St Mirren.

“We got punished for our decision making. We dominated the game in large part but needed to create more chances.”

Stephen Robinson reacts as Motherwell go from three points to one in the last minute against St Mirren.

After claiming a late winner last week, David Turnbull was denied another winning goal for ‘Well when St Mirren grabbed an equaliser late into injury time.

As Motherwell were ready to celebrate an incredible seventh home win from eight games, Saints pushed everyone forward in the final attack of the game.

When the ball came to Kyle Magennis, he lashed the ball through a packed box and high beyond Gillespie to give Saints a valuable point in their bid to avoid relegation.

Keen to claim seventh place and the extra cash it would earn, ‘Well made one change from last week’s win over Dundee. Carl McHugh returned at the expense of the suspended Alex Gorrin to produce a commanding role.

It was almost the perfect start for the Fir Park men when, inside the opening three minutes, Allan Campbell watched his shot blocked by the ‘keeper. From 12 yards Gboly Ariyibi drilled the loose ball towards a begging goal, only to see Mateo Musek race back and clear the ball off the line.

A few minutes later, Mark Gillespie made his first save of the afternoon getting down to smother a low curling free kick from Kyle McAllister.

At the other end Vaclav Hladky was equally lively diving to his right to push James Scott’s 20 yard drive round his post.

A sweeping move towards the Saints’ goal midway through the half looked to have ended when came out to Liam Grimshaw but from 35 yards and few options the full back let fly with a shot which screamed narrowly past.

The ‘Well players were content to keep possession and probe for an opening in the visitor’s packed defence. That being the case though, Hladky or Gillespie for that matter, were rarely involved in a stalemate of a first half.

After a rather pedestrian paced first 45, the Paisley side started the second a bit more adventurous and subsequently play became a bit more open if a little untidy with both sides guilty of careless passing.

Fittingly the first action after 56 minutes was a result of a scramble at the edge of the box, which gave Danny Mullen sight of goal but his low shot was comfortably held by Gillespie.

A couple of minutes later uncertainty at the other end gave Scott possession with the Saint’s ‘keeper outside his box, but Hladky recovered the situation to concede a corner. David Turnbull then found some space and from 25 yards sent a drive narrowly over the bar.

With 62 minutes on the clock and in a bid to get in behind the Buddies stuffy defence Stephen Robinson made a positive change bringing on Elliot Frear for Grimshaw.

While Elliot was deployed on the right the next chance came from the opposite side when Turnbull’s free kick picked out Scott who four yards from goal could only steer his header over the cross bar.

Another free kick from Turnbull followed by a low cross from Chris Cadden eventually put pressure on Hladky as the Saints’ was stretched.

The change in ‘Well’s play was rewarded after 73 minutes. Cadden’s high ball into box was nodded down by Scott and Turnbull needed no encouragement to smash a left foot shot low past the ‘keeper for his 13th goal of the season.

That took the sting out of the travelling fans behind Gillespie’s goal. Although they were on their feet in the 79th minute when McAllister tried to catch out ‘Well with another low free kick but Gillespie got down to block before the loose ball was booted clear.

Turnbull then tried something similar at the other end with the Hladky easily holding the midfielder’s curling free kick.

The Motherwell goal hero then made way for Jamie Semple allowing the 17 year old another 10 minutes first team action. When Adam Livingston came on a few minutes later it left Motherwell with five academy graduates on the pitch.

As three minutes added time was announced, ‘Well had a great chance on the break to make certain of the points when Tom Aldred sent Elliot clear. However, with the Saints’ defence trailing and three team mates in support the ‘Well sub tamely side footed the ball to Hladky.

That was to prove a costly miss when Saints grabbed the equaliser.

A long throw into the box forced the ball as far the edge of the box where Magennis struck it sweetly high into the net and send 1,600 Buddies behind that goal crazy as they celebrated taking a precious point in their bid to avoid the drop.

“Young players will be involved again and I might have one or two more on the bench.”

Stephen Robinson says he’ll find the balance again between putting on a performance – and blooding young talent – against St Mirren.

Saturday’s match between Motherwell and St Mirren is available to watch online.

If you live outside of the UK/Ireland, you can watch a live stream of the game direct from Fir 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 end of the season 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.

It was a big performance at a crucial time.

Motherwell’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Stirling University in SWPL1 last Sunday could prove to be a turning point in their season.

It was three points that lifted the women of steel seven points clear of bottom spot in the league and four clear of Sunday opponents Forfar Farmington.

Claire Adams played a starring role in last Sunday’s success, netting a brace – her first goals since joining the club from Celtic earlier this year.

Now, after tasting victory in the league for the first time since the opening day, Adams is determined to claim a further three points when Forfar visit Ravenscraig.

“The Stirling game was a very important win for us,” she said.

“We came off the back of a heavy defeat against Glasgow City, but to bounce back and take the three points was massive.

“It also give us a huge confidence boost going into the Forfar game.

“I don’t normally score a lot of goals over the course of a season, so to score two in the one game was a nice bonus.

“I’m just happy that it helped the team get an important win.”

With just three league games before the league breaks up for the summer, Donald Jennow’s side face an important few weeks.

The next games will have a huge bearing on whether they will fight it out for a place higher up the table – or face a battle against the drop.

‘Well have a four points advantage over Farmington and they will be well aware of their opportunity to stretch their lead on Sunday afternoon.

If they are going to achieve that however, they will have to record their first victory of the season at Ravenscraig.

The indoor venue hasn’t been a happy hunting ground so far, with two defeats and a draw from their three outings.

“It’s disappointing not to have picked up a win at Ravenscraig so far this season,” Adams added.

“Forfar will be a very competitive game on Sunday so it is important for us to play the best we can to try pick up that first home win.

“They sit four points behind us just now, so we obviously need a good performance to try and move us further ahead.

“We will take each game as it comes.

“As a newly promoted team the main aim is to maintain our spot in the league and if we can pick up another win today then that will keep us moving in the right direction.

“We know we can compete in the league having picked up points against Celtic and Rangers so this is something we can then begin to look at more.”

The last meeting between Forfar and Motherwell received heightened attention, as a controversial refereeing decision denied the visitors a share of the spoils at Station Park.

Kerry Montgomery appeared to have drawn ‘Well level, but they were denied by the full time whistle a fraction of a second before the ball hit the net.

Claire admits it was a tough one to take at the time, but insists that won’t be in anyone’s thoughts when the referee signals the start of the game today.

“There was a controversial decision that didn’t help us, but we won’t speak too much about that,” the youngster added.

“We just need to focus on what we can improve on to better our last result against them.”

Adams was one of the many new faces who arrived at Motherwell ahead of their first season in SWPL1.

The 20-year-old has adjusted to life quickly at Fir Park.

“I‘m thoroughly enjoying my time here,” the former Scotland Under 19 international said.

“When I first joined there was a lot of new faces but we bonded really quickly and this has helped us on the pitch and off.”

“I believe it will continue to get better as the season progresses too and look forward to seeing what we can achieve.”

Kick off indoors at Ravenscraig on Sunday is at 2.30pm. Entry is free.

Motherwell host St Mirren in the Ladbrokes Premiership on Saturday.

Here’s the game previewed.

What’s at stake

Motherwell are in the race for seventh spot against St Johnstone and Livingston. The Saints sit a point ahead of the Steelmen, with Livingston four points further back.

St Mirren know a win can ensure they can’t finish bottom of the league. They are also chasing down Hamilton as they want to get away from the play-off spot, with Accies currently two points ahead of them.

The form guide

Motherwell have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five matches. Wins over Dundee and St Johnstone at home have come with an away draw at Hamilton, and defeats to Aberdeen and Rangers.

St Mirren have the marginally better record – winning two, drawing two and losing one of their last five.

Team news

Trevor Carson, Craig Tanner, Ross McCormack and Christian Mbulu remain sidelined. Liam Donnelly is a doubt due to illness. Alex Rodriguez Gorrín is suspended.

Get your tickets in advance

Tickets are available online now or from the Fir Park ticket office. You can also pay at the gate.

Our ticket office at Fir Park will be open on Saturday from 11am until kick off at 3pm.

A family ticket for one adult and two children aged 15 and under is available for £28, or £24 in the John Hunter Stand.

The cheaper price on all tickets is for our John Hunter Stand for home supporters.

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

Away fans will be housed in the South Stand and can pay at the gate.

Sitting in the John Hunter stand?

We’re trialling extra entrances to get into our busy John Hunter stand.

If the queue looks too big at the five turnstiles in operation, we’re also got turnstiles seven and eight in the Cooper Stand. You’ll then be able to enter the East Stand through our walkway as directed by steward.

Watch it live

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

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.