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The manager reflects on the first home win of the season.

• Limiting Hibernian’s chances
• Options in the forward areas
• Still striving to improve

The opening weekend optimism was soon diminished for the women of steel, as a first-half Bayley Hutchinson double was further added to by Hannah Stewart with the hosts cruising to a dominant three-goal advantage.

Motherwell salvaged two late goals, with Kaela McDonald-Nguah converting twice from the penalty spot, but their efforts went unrewarded, as Aberdeen picked up the first three points of the 2023/24 SWPL campaign.

Head coach Paul Brownlie made three changes to the side that concluded their pre-season preparations with a resounding 7-0 victory over Fleetwood Town. Kaitlyn Canavan, Tara McGonigle and Morgan Hay had to settle for a place on the bench, with Sarah Gibb, Gill Inglis and McDonald-Nguah returning to the starting XI.

The excitement and anticipation of the league campaign failed to materialise in the opening exchanges. Both sides continued to trade possession throughout the opening 20-minutes, with opportunities on goal proving to be limited across both halves.

With the half time whistle looming, the hosts netted the opener. The Motherwell defence were sliced open with a quick counter attack, and Hutchinson raced through on goal, coolly placing her effort beyond the reach of Emily Mutch.

The Dons quickly doubled their advantage with seconds remaining in the first half, as Hutchinson again found her way through the Motherwell backline before securing her second of the afternoon.

The hosts soon had three not long after the hour mark, with Stewart picking out the far corner with a composed finish.

Motherwell flooded the opposition penalty area in search of a route back into the game, with a foul in the hosts box leaving the referee no alternative but to award the spot kick. McDonald-Nguah stepped up and drilled her strike down the centre of the goal to pull the women of steel back into the game.

The visitors continued to press and were awarded their second spot kick in the dying stages of the game. McDonald-Nguah stepped up again a coolly converted her third penalty in two successive matches.

Despite a flurry of late chances, Motherwell could not overcome the hosts early three-goal advantage and were consigned to defeat in the opening weekend of the 2023/24 SWPL campaign.

Brownlie’s side will return to action next weekend, with Spartans the visitors in our first home league match at K-Park.

Motherwell ran out 2-1 winners against Hibernian on Sunday afternoon, as the Steelmen picked up their first league win of the season. 

Goals from Conor Wilkinson and debutant Mika Biereth meant Motherwell came away with a relatively comfortable three points at home.

The first half was largely uneventful although ‘Well very nearly went in with a lead at the break.

Shortly after a lengthy VAR check for a potential penalty on Callum Slattery, Motherwell were heaping pressure on the Hibernian backline. Pape Souare had the ball at feet, he faked to cross before charging to the byline and drilling a ball into the area, Dan Casey connected but his header couldn’t beat the frame of the goal. A largely uneventful first half was complete, with the score 0-0.

Hibernian made two changes at the break in the hope of sparking the game into life. However, it would be Stuart Kettlewell’s substitution who would do just that. Making his first appearance for the club, 20-year-old Mika Biereth was subbed on for Theo Bair.

It didn’t take long for the Arsenal loanee to make his mark. On 66 minutes, Slattery played a curling ball up the right hand side of the pitch. Biereth gave chase, and looking second favourite behind Louis Stevenson. However, the striker battled with the full-back, stayed on his two feet as the Hibernian defender went to the ground, Biereth composed himself before picking out Wilkinson in the box who poked home for his first goal in the cinch Premiership.

On 85 minutes, Biereth was at it again. Lennon Miller picked up the ball and played a slicing pass forward where Biereth, again, looked second best to get there first. Will Fish looked to be in control before the Danish under 21 international outmuscled the defender, chopped twice and lashed into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

However, the game wasn’t over yet. Dan Casey was penalised for a handball after a VAR check in stoppage time. Adam Le Fondre stepped up and scored what would turn out to be a consolation goal but also Hibernian’s first shot on target, robbing Liam Kelly of a deserved clean sheet.

The opening weekend of the 2023/24 SWPL campaign awaits, with the women of steel facing a trip to the Granite city to face Aberdeen at Balmoral stadium.

Paul Brownlie’s side travel to the North-East following an intense pre-season campaign, with a 7-0 victory over English outfit Fleetwood Town concluding the squads preparations ahead of the upcoming season.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

Motherwell will be looking to replicate the performance that ensured a commanding result on the Fylde coast last week. A range of players netted on that day, with Carla Boyce, Kaitlyn Canavan, Jo Addie, Kaela McDonald-Nguah, Tara McGonigle and a brace from former Aberdeen striker Bailley Collins securing a comprehensive victory.

The women of steel have maintained an impressive unbeaten record against the Dons, with Motherwell recording five successive victories. The pair last met on the final day of the 2022/23 campaign, as goals from Boyce, McDonald-Nguah & Lori Gardner sealed a comfortable 3-0 victory on that day.

Injuries have continued to hamper the squad, with Amy Anderson and Georgie Rafferty both unavailable for today’s season opener. Murron Cunningham and Laura McCartney have both returned to training in recent weeks but will not be available for a return to competitive action as of yet.

Lucy Ronald will also be unavailable, as she continues her return from a long-term injury.

Aberdeen

The hosts will be looking to improve upon their ninth-placed finish last season, which saw the side sit perilously above the playoffs, three points ahead of Hamilton in 11^th.

Aberdeen have been prolific in the summer transfer window with Laura Holden, Hannah Insch and Liverpool shot-stopper Faye Kirby joining the side. Changes have also emerged in the technical area with former Watford FC head coach Clinton Lancaster announced as the new AFC women’s manager last month.

The Dons wrapped up their pre-season preparations with a 1-1 draw with Hamilton last weekend, as Bayley Hutchinson found an equaliser in the final few minutes.

How to follow the action

Supporters can follow this afternoon encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match.

Bevis Mugabi speaks to the press prior to the match against Hibernian.

The Ugandan international picked up a long term injury last year and discussed the importance of staying fit and well this time round.

Mugabi also speaks about his hopes of an international call-up for Uganda, having recently spoken with the manager.

The manager reflects on last Saturday’s draw against Dundee and looks forward to the match against Hibernian.

Kettlewell discusses Hibernian playing in Europe and how that effects his preparations for the match.

He also touches on Joe Efford, Mika Biereth and our loan strategy this season.

Social care organisation and national charity, Blue Triangle will continue as our women’s official front of shirt sponsor until the conclusion of season 2023/24.

A social care organisation and national charity, Blue Triangle empowers people to thrive by providing trauma-informed support in shared accommodation services and in communities across Scotland. 70% of those entering Blue Triangle services move on to their own tenancy, helping to break the homelessness cycle.

“Blue Triangle is proud to continue its sponsorship of Motherwell FC Women’s team. As a social care organisation and a charity, we understand the importance of supporting and working with the local community”, acting CEO of Blue Triangle James Lloyd said.

“The Motherwell FC Women’s team is inspiring for the many young people who live in our services, and we look forward to bringing them to matches as the new season kicks off”, Lloyd added.

Breakthrough, Blue Triangle’s outreach service in North Lanarkshire, is based at Fir Park and works with those struggling with addiction, trauma, mental health and social isolation.

The Breakthrough team benefit greatly from being integrated with the community as the football club do so much for those most in need of support in North Lanarkshire and beyond. In the last year, Breakthrough have supported over 270 people in the community, with 66 of those attending SMART Recovery meetings.

The Breakthrough team’s work was recently featured in a film alongside new Motherwell signings Sarah Gibb and Laura McCartney.

Stuart Fortune of Breakthrough said: “Our professional, productive partnership with Motherwell FC & the Community Trust has been of great benefit to both us and the wider community.

“It has reduced the barriers people face in engaging with support and adds to the amazing work that the club already do within the community. Motherwell offer a variety in range of activities and additional supports for those in the community and this partnership has allowed those we support to get involved, make new connections and thrive.”

“It is important to us as a club, and a central part of this community, to support Blue Triangle and the fantastic outreach work that they carry out in North Lanarkshire.  I am delighted to be working with another local charity partner,” Commercial Director at Motherwell FC Suzanne Reid stated.

2023/24 women’s season tickets are now on sale.

A historic season awaits for the women of steel and supporters can now feel closer to the action, with season tickets available for the first-time in the club’s history.

Paul Brownlie’s side narrowly missed out on a top-six place, with the club finishing one point behind nearest rivals Partick Thistle, but a remarkable Scottish Cup run saw Motherwell overcome Gartcairn, Montrose, and Glasgow Women before facing Rangers in a momentous Semi-Final at Hampden Park.

Get your 2023/24 season ticket now

It’s easy to buy new. Head here to our online ticketing platform and then press ‘SWPL Season 2023/24’.

Supporters will have the option to purchase season tickets outright either online or at the ticket office with a solitary payment.

Season tickets will not apply to cup games and there will not be an option to select a designated seat.

Prices:

• Adult – £80
• Concession Over 65/12-17 year-olds/Students – £55
• 11 & under – £0

For those looking to purchase their season ticket ahead of the forthcoming season, concession prices apply to those aged 65 and over.

In addition, a concession ticket will also be available to full-time students with a valid matriculation card.

A Message from Paul Brownlie

With the 2022/23 campaign firmly in the past and the forthcoming season almost upon us, I am proud of the progression at the club in the past year and am excited for the challenges that lay ahead.

Although disappointed at narrowly missing out on a place in the top-six, the commitment and endeavour from the players to reach the Semi-Final of the Scottish Cup was an unprecedented achievement for the club.

The opportunity to play at the National stadium is a memory we’ll look back on fondly but we want to progress further.

The squad hit new heights last season and that achievement is shared with supporters, whose effort and dedication played a vital part in our success on the pitch.

The support and connection the players have had with supporters in the past year has allowed the club to continue to develop in the right direction.

Attendances at K-Park throughout our maiden season at the stadium has continued to grow and we are excited for the next step in that journey.

Announcing season tickets is the start of an historic chapter for women’s football at the club and an important step in our development.

We know you will continue to support us on that journey and we look forward to welcoming you back at K-Park in the near future.

Paul Brownlie

A message from the captain

I’m really proud to be captain of this team, I love the direction the club is going in.

When I first joined, it was Motherwell in name, but not a lot else. There wasn’t a huge association, there was a disconnect between the women’s team and the rest of the club. I feel really privileged to have seen how far its grown.

When I look at the standards on and off the pitch, I think it has changed and improved for the better. I think the club and we as the women’s team realised, we still have a way to go and I think to continue to improve every season is definitely our aim.

Gill Inglis

FAQ

Where can I find my customer number?

Need Help?

We will take on Hibernian in our first home match of the 2023/24 cinch Premiership campaign.

Kick-off is 3pm on Sunday 13 August.

How to follow the game

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

Ticket Office open from 11am – the ticket office is open until kick-off with no pay gate facility.

– Concessions Tickets would be ages 65 and over and FT Students with a valid matric card.
– Young Adults tickets would ages 12 to 17.
– Juveniles would be 11 and under.

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.

Luke Irons will be joined by Academy Director David Clarkson on commentary.

Kit Watch

We will be wearing our home kit for this match.

Team News

Harry Paton and Jon Obika remain doubts ahead of the match and will be closely assessed as we approach Sunday. Mika Biereth is eligible for selection.

Calum Butcher remains out.

Motherwell’s fortunes

A point was gained in difficult weather conditions against Dundee last Saturday.

Theo Bair grabbed the goal on his debut, becoming our sixth different scorer this season after five matches.

The result meant Stuart Kettlewell remains undefeated on the road for the Steelmen.

Opposition Report

Hibernian opened their league campaign against St Mirren at Easter Road. The visitors went on to win 3-2, despite a two-goal comeback from Hibernian in the second period.

The Hibees are in UEFA Europa Conference League action on Tuesday night against Luzern of Switzerland.

Having been on loan at Kilmarnock last season, Christian Doidge has returned to Hibs with a bang. The striker has scored two goals and assisted once in two games. Martin Boyle has also returned to action after long term injury.

Our under 18 side took on Rangers this afternoon at K-Park, with the game ending 5-2 to the hosts.

Mikey Booth was at the double, with Ross Nelson and Campbell Forest getting on the scoresheet for the ‘Well.

Willox had the first opening of the game after two minutes. The winger found himself on the ball 1v1 against McDermott. He went to the byline and drove his shot into the side netting.

Just a minute later, Adamson went through on goal but tried to dink the ball over Bogan, however his strike went over the bar.

Mikey Booth twas he first to force Greigh Thackray in the Rangers net into action. His first free kick of the match was saved after five minute.

On 12 minutes, we had the opener. Brannan McDermott went on a mazy run and was fouled on the edge of the box. Booth stepped up again and this time found the back of the net. 1-0.

Nine minutes later, it was two. Ross Nelson drilled the ball home into the bottom corner from the edge of the box to give the young ‘Well a two goal advantage.

Motherwell continued to put on the pressure and on 25 minutes, all eyes turned to the referee. Josh Bogan played long and Luca Ross latched onto the ball, he was pulled down by the Rangers defender, seemingly stopping a goalscoring opportunity. The referee awarded a free kick but pulled out a yellow card only.

Booth stepped up from the resulting free kick and once again found the back of the net. 3-0.

On 36 minutes, the referee was the centre point. Skipper Grant, already on a booking, fouled L.Ross again. The referee conferred with Richard Foster but maintained it was only a foul and no yellow.

On 41 minutes however, it wad 4-0. Booth again at the heart of it, drove forward, slipped the ball to L.Ross who dropped the shoulder and fired into the bottom corner.

It was a quieter start to the second half with very few openings in the stages.

The first chance was presented to Rangers forward Eadie. He tried to latch onto a through but Bogan was down first to gather.

On 65 minutes, it was 5-0. Campbell Forest continued to press a back pass to the Rangers keeper, nicked in and was able to tap into an empty net.

Two minutes later, Rangers got one back. The Gers (18) forward was played through and he finished into the far corner to make it 5-1.

77 minutes, Rangers had a second. Curtis was allowed to drive forward and cut inside. He unleashed a left footed strike that flew past Bogan to make it 5-2.

The game ended 5-2 to Motherwell, rounding off a good afternoon’s work in East Kilbride.

Motherwell team: Bogan, Garcia, McDermott, M.Ross, Bone, Williamson (75′), Nelson (82′), Forest, L.Ross, Booth (60′), Johnstone (60′).

Motherwell subs: McQuarrie (GK), Tomany (60′), Webb (75′), McAllister (60′), Simpson (82’).