Latest News

Motherwell put in another strong performance but were left empty-handed in defeat at Spartans.

Nicole Pullar cancelled out Sarah Clelland’s early opener at Ainslie Park, only for Becky Galbraith and Michaela McAlonie to seal a 3-1 win for the hosts.

The visitors had the bulk of the goal scoring chances in an evenly-contested first half, but found themselves behind at the interval.

Spartans opened the scoring in the 10th minute, after a ball down the channel was then cut back to find Sarah Clelland, whose left footed shot flew by McGregor in goal.

Motherwell then drew level after a well-worked move found Abby Callaghan, whose effort was then turned home by Pullar from six yards out.

Then, despite having another two good opportunities on goal, it was Spartans who took the lead again. A mistake was pounced on by Galbraith, who toe poked home her first of the game.

The second half was dominated by Motherwell, who saw plenty good play in the final third come to nothing.

Spartans increased their lead after a through ball was played to what looked like to be an offside McAlonie, who then lobbed the onrushing McGregor.

Again, the final 20 minutes was dominated by Motherwell, who kept Spartans back but couldn’t find another goal.

“I’m proud of how we came back.

“We got ourselves in a hole but we showed courage.

“We just couldn’t get it over the line.”

Graham Alexander laments Motherwell’s exit from the Scottish Cup at the quarter-final stage to Hibernian.

Motherwell staged a brilliant, stirring comeback but went out on penalties to Hibernian at the quarter-final stage of the Scottish Cup.

Doidge and an offside Irvine put Hibernian on easy street before brilliant replies from Lamie and Watt took it all the way to spot kicks.

O’Hara and Lawless missed in the shootout however, securing a heartbreaking exit.

Graham Alexander stuck with the same starting team which got the job done against Hamilton in midweek. Watt was the only inclusion in the 20, with Dean Cornelius giving up his seat on the bench.

A place at Hampden Park lay in wait but it was the hosts who started the brightest, sending a succession of dangerous balls into the area without success.

The visitors took their time to grow into the match but arguably had the best chances of the half, despite seeing less of the possession.

First, Cole saw a fizzing cross across the face of the goal have no takers, before Campbell’s shot from the edge of the box was parried away by the home goalkeeper.

Lamie also saw a chance go begging when a corner from the left saw him get on the blindside of his marker, but steer his right-footed, diving shot well wide.

‘Well needed to come out brighter in the second but fell behind with eight minutes gone.

McGinn had time to pick his spot with a cross from deep on the right and Doidge rose highest, heading into the right of the net from 12 yards, leaving Kelly with no chance.

Again, ‘Well would have chances. Long saw a shot from the right of the box go across and past the left post, as the introduction of Watt got them higher and higher up the park.

Then, with 11 minutes left, the game would embark on a remarkable series of events.

First, Hibernian made it 2-0. Pinball in the box saw ‘Well fail to clear the lines and when the ball eventually fell to Irvine, who was clearly in an offside position, he steered home and was awarded the goal.

Motherwell refused to give up. Two minutes later, a corner from the right fell to Ricki Lamie, who cushioned his shot into the top-left corner of the net.

Then, with two minutes left, the equaliser arrived.

O’Donnell’s perfectly weighted cross from the right met substitute Watt in the air, who headed brilliantly into the net to take it to extra time.

Neither side could make the breakthrough in the additional 30 and it went all the way to spot kicks, with Hibernian prevailing.

“Past results won’t win us the tie.

“It’s a difficult task and we have to do all the right things to win the game.”

Motherwell head to Spartans in the latest round of SWPL1 fixtures on Sunday afternoon.

Kick off at Ainslie Park in Edinburgh is at 2pm.

The game is closed to supporters but a live stream will be available on the day. A link will be published on the day.

Tale of the tape

The two sides have faced four times since Motherwell’s promotion to the top flight in 2019.

Spartans have won two, with two draws sandwiched in between the two defeats for the women of steel.

Sunday’s opponents sit fourth in the table with 15 points from 11 fixtures, nine points better off than second-bottom ‘Well.

Form guide

Motherwell picked up their first win since the restart with a 2-1 home win against Hearts on Wednesday night.

Prior to that, a heavy defeat to Glasgow City came off the back of consecutive 3-2 losses at the hands of Forfar Farmington and Hibernian.

Spartans have won two and lost two since the April restart.

A 2-0 home win over Hibernian was followed by losses to Celtic and Rangers, before a 2-1 away victory over Forfar Farmington in midweek.

The ‘Well Shop will reopen to the public on Monday 26 April.

Having been closed since Christmas, we’re ready to welcome supporters back to the store.

To mark the return, fans will be able to take advantage of a half-price sale on all 2020/21 replica kit and trainingwear.

The shop will resume normal opening hours from Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm, and Saturday from 9.30am to 1pm.

Click & Collect will be available during all opening hours.

Please note that there will be a two-week window for any Christmas returns and exchanges.

Customers should return any pre-Christmas purchases before Tuesday 10 May with proof of purchase.

Provisions to protect staff and supporters remain in place. Face coverings must be worn at all times in the shop, while floor marked distancing guides will also be in place.

Those further afield can still get their hands on ‘Well merch by shopping online here.

Jordan Roberts’ time at Motherwell is at a premature end due to injury.

A knee injury suffered in the recent victory over St Mirren has seen the forward return to Hearts early, having made an impact after his January loan arrival in January.

“It isn’t a major injury, but he’s unfortunately going to miss the rest of the season,” manager Graham Alexander confirmed on Friday.

“We’re gutted for the lad. He’s a brilliant man who did an exceptional job for us in his short period here. We are going to miss him.”

Roberts featured eight times in claret and amber, netting three goals and forming part of a front three finding form in the second half of the season.

“I’m gutted the remainder of my season is done due to injury,” said the player. “I throughly enjoyed my time at Motherwell.

“Thank you for the love and support. I wish the boys and club the best for the remainder of the season.”

Everyone at Motherwell wishes Jordan well for his recovery.

Motherwell go in search of a place in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup at Hibernian on Saturday.

Here are the key topics going into the match.

Hampden place at stake

The winners of Saturday’s last eight fixture will earn a place at Hampden in the semi-final of the 2020/21 Scottish Cup.

For ‘Well, it would mark the first visit to the national stadium since the 2017/18 Scottish Cup final, where the Steelmen would lose their second cup final of the season to Celtic.

Hibs were at Hampden in October in the delayed 2019/20 Scottish Cup, losing to Hearts in the semi-final.

Happy hunting ground

Motherwell have saved some of their best performances for trips to Easter Road this season.

A 0-0 draw at the start of the campaign arguably should have resulted in three points, only for Jordan White’s winner to be controversially disallowed for offside.

Then in February, goals from Jordan Roberts and Devante Cole sealed a 2-0 victory in a controlled, attacking showing.

Our Scottish Cup quarter final is live to watch wherever you are in the world.

In the UK and Republic of Ireland, the game is being broadcast live on Premier Sports.

Fans based outside the UK/Ireland can watch via their usual subscriptions at live.motherwellfc.co.uk.

How to watch

Sky customers signing up at premiersports.com can watch Motherwell this Saturday on Premier Sports 2 on channel 429.

New customers can subscribe from just £12.99 per month (one month minimum term) with no connection fee.

Premier Sports customers on Sky will also receive free access to the Premier Player by registering here.

Online (Web, iOS App, Android App): Premier Player from just £12.99 per month (one month minimum term) with no connection fee. If using app, please set up account first on web browser before downloading the app.

Virgin customers: Premier Sports channel 552. You can subscribe for £12.99 per month via the provider with no connection fee or minimum contract. Call 0845 840 7777 or set up viewing via box. (Press Home > Apps and Games > All Apps > TV Upgrades.)

Premier Sports offer paid subscription services. Payments for subscriptions to Premier Sports via Sky or the Premier Player streaming service will automatically recur monthly or annually dependent on your chosen package unless notice is given to cancel.

The auto-recurring price will be at the standard rate. Cancellations must be made by phone or email and must include a minimum five days’ notice prior to next bill.

No cancellations accepted within 48 hours of subscribing. Minimum subscription period is dependant (and matches) your chosen package. Terms and Conditions apply. For full terms and conditions visit premiersports.com. Full Terms and Conditions available at premiersports.com.

Motherwell take on Hibernian in the last eight of the 2020/21 Scottish Cup on Saturday.

Kick-off at Easter Road is at 5pm.

Watch live

If you’re in the UK or Republic of Ireland, you can watch live on Premier Sports.

International-based supporters can watch via their usual subscription at live.motherwellfc.co.uk.

Tale of the tape

Motherwell are unbeaten from their two trips to Easter Road this campaign.

A 0-0 draw at the start of the season was followed by an emphatic 2-0 victory in February.

Form guide

Motherwell have won six of their last eight matches, drawing one and losing just once.

Hibernian have won four in the same time period, drawing once and losing to Motherwell, St Johnstone and Rangers.