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The women of steel return to action after another fortnight break to the domestic calendar, with Motherwell determined to replicate the performance that coasted past nearest league rivals Aberdeen when they host Dundee United at Fir Park this afternoon.

Paul Brownlie’s side headed into the break in fine form, firing 11-goals past Spartans, Hamilton and Aberdeen in three back-to-back victories, conceding only once in that time.

Motherwell’s prolific spell in East Kilbride and on the road firmly placed the women of steel in the ascendency to preserve their SWPL status this season, with the hosts now 15-points clear of Dundee United and Hamilton in the relegation playoff position.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

Motherwell return to ML1 for the first time since facing Glasgow Women in the latter stages of the 2022/23 SWPL campaign, placing four-past the visitors in an assured performance under the Fir Park lights.

The women of steel remain unbeaten in the post-split, with victory over Spartans in the last day of the regular season prompting an impressive run of form, with a confident performance over Spartans in the Capital preceding an assured Lanarkshire Derby victory in ML3.

Louisa Boyes continued her recent goalscoring pedigree, netting a second-half brace over Spartans before breaking the deadlock in the local derby with Hamilton. Morgan Cross, Amy Anderson, Bailley Collins and Jo Addie have also found the target throughout that spell.

Dundee United

The Tangerines have struggled to overcome a frustrating run of form, picking up no points since November in a spell of 14-straight defeats in all competitions.

Dundee United came close to ending their winless run of form in the City of Discovery against Spartans over a fortnight ago, but a late second-half response saw the Edinburgh side coasting to a 4-2 victory.

Ticket Information

This afternoon’s encounter will have FREE entry to all supporters. Fans will be situated in the John Hunter stand.

How to follow the action

Supporters can follow Sunday’s encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match. Kick-off from Fir Park at 4PM.

Motherwell’s heroic push for a late top six place came up short at the final hurdle.

Myziane Maolida’s second half penalty looked to be the decisive moment, as Hibs appeared to be firmly in the ascendency, with victory continuing their top-six fight if results favoured elsewhere.

However, ‘Well’s never say die attitude saw them strike late on for the second consecutive game.

Irishman Shane Blaney demonstrated his attacking capabilities, connecting beautifully on the half-volley, bulleting a magnificent right-footed strike into the top-left corner. Roared on by the Motherwell support, the hosts almost clinched another late victory from the jaws of defeat, but striker Oli Shaw couldn’t find a clean connection from Moses Ebiye’s low drilled delivery.

Motherwell bravely chased their dream of a top six finish to the final whistle, but this afternoon’s result confirms the Steelmen’s place for the remainder of the SPFL campaign.

Stephen O’Donnell and Lennon Miller who both came off the bench to spark the remarkable fightback at Dundee last week, kept their places in the starting line-up for this critical confrontation for the top-six.

Torrential rain and overcast skies pre-match gave way to the Lanarkshire sunshine ahead of kick-off and on a perfect pitch it looked ideal for such a critical game as both teams aimed to grab the last top six place.

However, the swirling wind made it difficult for both sets of players to maintain possession in what turned out to be a frustrating first half.

Things looked promising for the home side inside the opening 10 minutes. Firstly, Dan Casey nodded O’Donnell’s cross wide of goal before Jack Vale burst into the box and although his cut-back found Blair Spittal 15 yards from goal, his snap shot was blocked by Rocky Bushiri.

The response from Hibs was brief and after a quick exchange along the home penalty box, Elie Youan failed to test the keeper, curling his effort off target.

Midway through the half, Kelly produced the first save of the game. Martin Boyle set up former Fir Park full back Chris Cadden and his angle drive was tipped over the bar by the ‘Well number 1.

Facing the Davie Cooper stand and a bit more protection from the wind, the hosts made a positive start.

The Edinburgh side, in need of at least a point from the game, upped their urgency, with successive saves from Kelly denying them the lead.

The hosts earned a spot kick midway through the second-half after Blaney’s foot caught Will Fish at the edge of the box. Maolida calmy stepped up and rolled the ball into the right hand corner in front of 2,800 Hibs fans.

With 20 minutes remaining, and ‘Well needing all three points, Stuart Kettlewell made a triple substitution, bringing on Andy Halliday, Sam Nicholson and Ebiye Moses.

Eight minutes from time his cross found its way across the box to Cadden and only a brilliant block from Kelly kept his side’s hopes for another late fightback alive.

And with the game three minutes into additional time Motherwell produced an equaliser to stun the visitors.

With the ball bouncing about a packed box, Blaney unleashed a shot on the volley which thundered past Marshall.

There was just enough time for ‘Well to grab all three points when Moses crossed into the six yard box giving Oli Shaw a glimpse of glory but he scooped the ball beyond the post to leave the home side with only a solitary point.

Stuart Kettlewell reacts to the 1-1 draw with Hibernian.

• Late top-six push
• Coming up just short
• A new target set

Dylan Wells has agreed a two-year contract extension, which will see him remain at Fir Park until the summer of 2026. 

The young attacking midfielder made his first-team debut against Alloa Athletic in the Scottish Cup, before making his first league appearance as a second half substitute against Aberdeen.

“It’s great to see Dylan commit his future to the club,” manager Stuart Kettlewell said.

“We have had to fend off some interest from some big clubs here but I think Dylan understands the path and the journey the first-team here at Motherwell.

“He’s had a taste of that first-team action and when you see the likes of Lennon Miller, Mark Ferrie and Luca Ross all involved this season and making progress, it gives that extra incentive for a young player to try and kick on.”

“I’m really pleased to sign this deal,” Wells added.

“I’ve came through the ranks here and getting a taste of first-team experience here this season, only makes me hungrier to get more time on the pitch.

“Getting the deal complete was the first stage, now I need to knuckle down and show everyone what I can do.”

Voting has now opened for this season’s player of the year. 

The six nominees are:

• Lennon Miller
• Paul McGinn
• Stephen O’Donnell
• Blair Spittal
• Georgie Gent
• Theo Bair

To have your say, vote online now.

Our end-of-season awards dinner will take place on Saturday 4 May at Dalziel Park Hotel.

A number of awards will be up for grabs on the night recognising top performers across the first team, women’s team and the academy.

Hosted by Tam Cowan, the night will consist of live entertainment, 3-course meal and will kick-off at 7pm with first-team players and coaching staff in attendance.

Individual places are available at £72 per person with tables available in multiples of 10 or 12.

To book, please call the events team on 01698 338 011 or online.

Dan Casey says he’s glad the team have some decent form at the right time in the season, as his team still have a chance of reaching the top-six. 

Despite Dundee’s match against Rangers being postponed, thus meaning a win still won’t confirm a top-six spot, Casey is adamant that it doesn’t change anything for the players and they will just remain focused on winning.

Celebrate the start of the school summer holidays with our School’s Out event at Fir Park.

Our ‘T in the Fir Park’ themed party returns for a second year and will feature live music from local singer/songwriter Tommy McGuire.

Date: 26th June 2024
Location: Centenary Suite, Fir Park Stadium
Time: Doors open at 13.30
Cost: £20pp includes burger and chips

To book: please phone 01698 338012 or email Amanda McKindless at amanda.mckindless@motherwellfc.co.uk

Following the news that Dundee would play their final pre-split fixture next week, Stuart Kettlewell remains fully focused on the task of Saturday and Hibernian, with his stance and preparation not changing despite this news.

Kettlewell provides an update on the playing squad ahead of Saturday’s match, as well as discussing the arrival of a potential American investor.

Motherwell face Hibernian at Fir Park on Saturday 13 April, in what is the deciding match to see who will finish in the top-six. 

Kick off is 3pm.

How to follow the game

– 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

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

Ticket Office open from 9am – the ticket office is open until kick-off with no pay gate facility.

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

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

Kit Watch

We will be wearing our home kit for this match.

Injury Update

Callum Slattery, Harry Paton, Barry Maguire and Jon Obika will all be absent for this match.

Adam Devine is a doubt for Saturday and will be assessed this week.

Motherwell Fortunes

Motherwell have the fourth best run of form in the last six games in the league, prior to any midweek games.

It’s been 10 points gained out of a possible 18, with only Kilmarnock (11 points) and the old firm (both on 13) better off.

It was another chapter of the late, late show for the Steelmen on Saturday, when Moses Ebiye completed a sensational comeback from two goals down in the last 13 minutes of the game. Georgie Gent scored his first league goal before Theo Bair made it 13 for the season.

The result means that Motherwell remain in touching distance of a spot in the top six. But Hibernian do also.

Motherwell are two points behind Nick Montgomery’s side however, have put in two impressive showing against the Hibees this season. On the second day of the season, Conor Wilkinson and Mika Biereth goal saw Motherwell come away with a 2-1 win, before a 2-2 draw at Easter Road in January.

Opposition Report

Hibernian are also in the running for a top-six spot however, those hopes were dented on Saturday after a 2-1 defeat to St Johnstone at Easter Road. That means it’s been back-to-back defeats for the Hibees.

It’s been two wins, a draw and two defeats in the last five.

Adam Le Fondre is back leading the line for Hibs. The experienced forward has five goals this season. Martin Boyle and Élie Youan continue to be a threat in the wide areas, with Boyle contributing nine goals and four assists. Youan has 10 goals with 10 assists.

Top-Six Permutations

Dundee, Hibernian and Motherwell can all finish in that sixth position as things stand.

Dundee play on Wednesday night against Rangers, which is their game in hand. Should Dundee pick up a draw or a win, Motherwell would not longer be able to finish in the sixth.

If Rangers beat Dundee, it will come down to Saturday.

In the event of a Rangers win on Wednesday night, Dundee would be on 39 points, Hibernian on 38 and Motherwell 36. It’s worth noting, that prior to Wednesday night, Motherwell have a better goal difference of five goals over Dundee.

• Aberdeen v Dundee 
• Motherwell v Hibernian

If Dundee win or draw, Motherwell cannot finish in the top-six regardless of the result at Fir Park.

If Dundee lose, Motherwell must win to finish sixth. Any win would move them into the top-six.

Motherwell knew they had to pick up a win against Dundee should they stand any chance of reaching the top-six. However, in the lead up to the game, doubt was cast upon the match due to the pitch in Dundee. 

Two inspections were called on the day of the game and despite Motherwell’s concern over player safety, the match went ahead as planned.

After 70 minutes but, Motherwell were probably wishing that wasn’t the case. They found themselves 2-0 down and seemingly any chance of a top-six spot had evaporated.

However, with the introduction of Lennon Miller and debutant Moses Ebiye, everything would change.

In the most remarkable last 15 minutes of the game, the Steelmen got themselves back on level terms before Ebiye found the back of the net to complete a two goal comeback in the 93rd minute, sparking wild celebrations and taking the race for top-six down to the wire.