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Making the Scottish cup semi final, Motherwell made history, becoming the first team to take to the Hampden turf in a domestic women’s fixture.

Although the task proved a step too far, everyone can hold their heads high for what they achieved.

An evening of mixed emotions for Motherwell, as a resolute performance went unrewarded, with the women of steel bowing out of the Scottish Cup Semi-Finals following a 2-0 defeat to Rangers at Hampden.

Hannah Davison broke the deadlock early into the first half before a late Chelsea Cornet strike sealed her sides place in the Scottish Cup final.

Manager, Paul Brownlie reiterated his pride for the squads admirable display:

“We said pre-match, make sure you leave everything on the pitch, and I thought they did that. Its been a good journey so far and there is a lot more to come from these players.

“We never came to make up the numbers, we tried to have a go and we were very unlucky. It was a tough task for us, but the players relished that task.

“It’s been a great achievement to get here, we are disappointed to lose the game, but it is important we think back and remember these moments.”

Rangers looked to quickly establish themselves in the game, with Motherwell soaking up much of the early pressure.

Emily Mutch reacted well to deny Kirsty Howat’s close-range effort after six minutes, with the stoppers outstretching leg deflecting the ball around the post.

A flurry of chances for both sides followed, but it would be Rangers who’d find the eventual breakthrough.

Sam Kerr’s floated delivery from the edge of the penalty area drifted into the path of Davison, who rose the highest to bullet her header beyond the reach of Mutch.

The Motherwell shot-stopper continued to keep the scoreline intact, parrying Tessel Middag’s effort wide of the target before denying Howat yet again with another strong reaction save.

With the game narrowly separated by the solitary opening goal, Tiree Burchill almost punished Rangers late on.

The striker skilfully pickpocketed her marker on the left before driving towards goal, but the Celtic loanee couldn’t apply the finishing touches as her strike arrowed past the far post.

However, in the final few minutes, Rangers netted a decisive second.

Middag’s perfectly weighted corner kick was accurately met by Cornet in the air, who powered a precise header into the ground before nestling into the bottom right corner.

Motherwell can leave the national stadium with their heads held high after a stellar defensive display in what was a historic day for the team.

“Nobody has came away with a point from here all season.

“This result should give us another level of belief going into the last five games.”

Motherwell became the first side to take a point from Celtic Park with a well-deserved 1-1 draw in Glasgow.

Callum McGregor put the home side ahead before a fine solo effort from Kevin van Veen levelled the game

Motherwell had a positive start to the match and Calum Butcher saw his shot fly well over the bar, after Van Veen did well to win a corner.

Liam Kelly didn’t have too much to do but was called into action midway through the first half, pulling off a fine save to deny Maeda’s header.

Celtic then took the lead after 25 minutes.

Callum McGregor collected the ball 30 yards from goal and his shot was deflected past Kelly and into the net.

Ten minutes into the second half the Steelmen were back level.

A long ball found Van Veen and he showed fine skill and composure to beat his man and fire past Hart for his 24th goal of the season.

From then there weren’t many chances for either side and Motherwell survived the seven minutes of added time and took an excellent point which may prove vital.

Blair Spittal praised Celtic’s performances this season and says his teammates will need to be at their very best to get a surprise result at the home of the champions. 

The midfielder, who joined in the summer, has enjoyed the resurgence under Stuart Kettlewell and the freedom that the manager has allowed him on the pitch.

Ahead of the trip to Glasgow, Spittal was keen to emphasise that Motherwell are not just going to make up the numbers and that they truly have a belief they can take something from the game.

Stuart Kettlewell is well aware of the talent, squad depth and quality that Celtic have within their ranks but says his team have got to have the belief that they can achieve a result at Parkhead on Saturday against cinch Premiership champions Celtic. 

The Motherwell boss believes his side are in a better position to face the old firm, compared to when he first took the reigns but knows it will take something special from his players to pull off a result.

Kettlewell gave a squad update ahead of the match as well as discussing Graeme Shinnie’s four match ban following his red card against Ross County.

Paul Brownlie look ahead to a historic day for Motherwell when they take on Rangers in the semi final of the Scottish Cup at Hampden.

Motherwell make the historic trip to the national stadium when they take on Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi final. 

Kick off is 12.30pm.

How to follow the game

You can buy tickets online or supporters can visit the ticket office at Fir Park.

Adult tickets cost £10.

Concession tickets, which are over 65s or under 16s, are £5.

Accessible tickets are £5 with Accessible concession going for £3.

Please note, there is no option for online tickets for this match.

All tickets must be physical, so if you are buying online, you must get them posted to your home address or alternatively, you can pick up from the Fir Park ticket office.

Story of the match

Both teams will make history on Saturday, with this being the first time ever that a women’s Scottish Cup semi final match has been played at Hampden Park.

Motherwell are seven games unbeaten in all competitions.

The women of steel beat Glasgow Women 4-0 on Tuesday night at Fir Park, with Jemma Hughes scoring two and Niamh Noble and Chelsie Watson also getting on the scoresheet.

Rangers scored a last minute winner when they were in SWPL action on Tuesday night, as they beat Glasgow City to close the gap at the top of the table.

The Gers beat Hibernian 6-0 in the quarter finals to advance to the semi final stage.

Our last match before the split is away to Celtic on Saturday 22 April.

Kick-off is 3pm.

Tickets

Supporters are able to buy tickets online here or visit the ticket office at Fir Park.

The ticket office at Fir Park will be open on Saturday between 10am and 12pm.

Ticket Prices

– Concessions Tickets would be ages 65  and over and under 16s.
– Carer’s for wheelchair users are free of charge.

How to follow game online

If you are outside the UK, you can watch the game via Motherwell TV.

Should you be in the UK, it will be live commentary only.

The Story of the Match

The Steelmen have been in good form under Stuart Kettlewell but still have work to do to ensure Premiership status for next season, in what is the final fixture before the split.

Saturday’s defeat to Dundee United leaves ‘Well eight points above eleventh but tests don’t come much tougher than Celtic Park.

The hosts haven’t lost at home in the league since January 2021, as they chase down another Scottish Premiership title.

Motherwell have lost twice against Celtic in the league, on both occasions by a single goal.

Match Officials

• Referee: John Beaton
• AR1: Alan Mulvanny
• AR2: Colin Drummond
• Fourth Official: Graham Grainger
• VAR: Mike Roncone
• AVAR: John McCrossan

With a hectic schedule at Reserve and Under 18 level to close out the 2022/23 season, first-team players were called upon to turn out for the development team against Kilmarnock.

Going one down early on, Joe Efford continued his road back to first-team football with a nice finish minutes after going behind.

The match ended in a draw, and although players got the minutes they needed, lead development coach Alan Archibald still wants the team to produce the result also.