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With the first league win of the season in the bag last week, Motherwell travelled to the home of the Scottish champions, Celtic.

Many were intrigued to see if the Steelmen could implement their style of play against Celtic, but Jens Berthel Askou’s men did just that and put in a terrific display.

After going one down to a penalty, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos drew his side level with a powerful header before the half time mark. Ten years on since their last victory at Celtic Park, Stamatelopoulos put Motherwell on track to end that drought, with the Aussie netting from the spot to put Motherwell ahead.

Motherwell’s brave approach on the ball was commended and impressive largely during the 90 minutes, but Celtic capitalised on poor decision-making to net a leveller and give Celtic hope of turning the game around.

After steadying the game and looking likely to get a point, Motherwell’s hearts would be broken in stoppage time when Daizen Maeda scored to spark wild celebrations amongst the home support, a compliment in itself for the effort and performance Motherwell displayed on the day.

A harsh and cruel ending wouldn’t dampen the Motherwell spirits, as focus turns to the return to action following the international break against Falkirk.

Elijah Just will not travel for international duty with New Zealand this month. 

Just was called up by his country for their two friendly matches against Poland and Norway but will remain in Scotland as he nears a return to action following a spell on the sidelines, and aims to be back in full training early next week.

Just last featured against Dundee at the start of September, but manager Jens Berthel Askou confirmed prior to the match against Celtic that the forward was close to a return.

Motherwell tasted defeat for the first time this season, and for the first time in 14 matches, losing 3-2 to Celtic in Glasgow.

A double from Apostolos Stamatelopoulos had the visitors in the lead, but a cruel injury-time winner from Daizen Maeda consigned the Steelmen to defeat for the first time.

Following a 14-game unbeaten run, the club’s best unbeaten run since 1952, Jens Berthel Askou and the squad travelled to the east end of Glasgow to face a Celtic side that was yet to taste defeat in domestic action this season.

Paul McGinn returned to the starting 11 for the first time since the end of August, with the Motherwell skipper making his 100th appearance for the club in the process. Johnny Koutroumbis also came into the 11 following his first Motherwell goal last weekend, with Stephen O’Donnell dropping to the bench.

The Steelmen have adopted a brave possession-based style of play and didn’t deviate from that throughout the opening exchanges, although Celtic almost took advantage as Callum McGregor took advantage of a loose pass, but Calum Ward was on hand to make a fine save.

Motherwell had their fair share of the ball but couldn’t carve out a chance to test Kasper Schmeichel in the Celtic goal.

A cross from the right was headed clear as far as McGregor, whose volley into the ground skidded up and appeared to hit the hand of Regan Charles-Cook. Referee Calum Scott pointed to the spot, and Kalechi Iheanacho slotted home from the spot.

Well continued to look dangerous and got a reward for their play shortly before half-time.

Tawanda Maswanhise delivered a low cross from the right, which Stamatelopoulos stooped low and headed in. After a long VAR check, despite clearly being onside, the goal eventually stood to send the sold-out Motherwell contingent wild.

The second half continued in the same vein – Motherwell being confident and composed on the ball and trying to take command of the game.

Next, a huge moment in the game as Maswanhise edged his way into the box and went down under a challenge. The referee didn’t seem interested, but VAR stepped in, and upon reflection, there was clear contact on the Zimbabwean’s foot.

Stamatelopoulos stepped up and notched his third goal in two games, blasting past Schmeichel.

The lead didn’t last too long, however.

Well tried to pass out from the back, but Benjamin Nygren was on hand to intercept and slot home for the equaliser. It seemed cruel on the Motherwell side, who had played superbly, but a further sting in the tail came along.

In added time, the third minute of seven added, Celtic worked the ball down the left, and the ball was eventually crossed to Daizen Maeda to nod home.

Motherwell Team: Ward, Koutroumbis, McGinn, Gordon, Longelo, Fadinger, Watt, Said, Charles-Cook, Maswanhise, Stamatelopoulos.

Motherwell Subs: Oxborough, O’Donnell, Balmer, Halliday, Priestman, McAllister, Ross, McColm, Osong. 

The manager gives his thoughts on a 3-2 defeat to Celtic, the first loss of the season.

The Steelmen took an early second-half lead but were left sickened by an injury time winner for the home side.

Regan Charles-Cook will join up with the Grenada national side following an international call-up.

After missing out on Grenada’s fixtures in September to focus on getting match fit, Charles-Cook is back in the squad for their upcoming matches.

Grenada have two friendlies lined up for October. They take on the British Virgin Islands on Wednesday 8 October in their home country, before facing Cuba on Sunday 12 October.

• Grenada v British Virgin Islands
• Wednesday 8 October
• 11pm Kick Off
• Kirani James Athletics Stadium, Grenada

• Grenada v Cuba 
• Sunday 12 October
• 12:30am Kick Off 
• Kirani James Athletics Stadium, Grenada

Johnny Koutroumbis reflects on scoring his first Motherwell goal last weekend against Aberdeen, and speaks of the importance about getting over the line. 

The Australian discusses what it has been like behind the scenes during the transition of style being implemented by the manager, and also talks about the confidence and bravery amongst the players going into any matches.

Manager Jens Berthel Askou believes Motherwell will be coming up against a much sharper Celtic side on Sunday in the William Hill Premiership, but says his side aren’t going to just make up the numbers and thinks it’s a good opportunity be brave against a top-level opposition. 

The Motherwell boss wants his team to put on a good performance, but is always aiming for consistency across the season after a strong start to the campaign.

Jens Berthel Askou gave an update on team news ahead of Motherwell’s visit to Celtic Park on Sunday. 

When asked about any players being back for this weekend’s match, the manager provided some clarity.

“Paul McGinn is back,” the Motherwell manager said.

“I think I mentioned earlier that Stephen Welsh can’t play. That’s news. We have had Elijah Just, Tom Sparrow, Callum Hendry and Callum Slattery out on the pitch this week, and we are hopeful that maybe one could play, but that will be a late, late call.”

Elijah Just was called up to the New Zealand squad earlier this week, having not played since the 1-1 draw against Dundee in early September.

“When you’re called up, it’s in good time,” Jens Berthel Askou added.

“Everyone is hopeful that he’ll be ready for that. And if he’s ready for the game on Sunday, then he might go. And if he’s not, then it’s very unlikely that he’ll go with the national team.”

A starlet of the Motherwell FC academy, midfielder Hannah Cairns has quietly gone about her business after breaking through into the women of steel last season. 

Despite an accomplished record at youth level, Cairns has remained a somewhat hidden gem within the Motherwell academy, with the 18-year-old remaining uncapped at youth international level despite impressive displays in her maiden year in senior women’s football.

After admirable performances in the Motherwell development squad, Head Coach Paul Brownlie rewarded her dedication with her Scottish Women’s Premier league debut against Queens Park before appearances against both Rangers and Celtic.

After permanently making the transition to the Motherwell first-team squad this season, Cairns has already doubled her minutes on the pitch within one month, whilst scoring her first professional goal in a 4-1 Lanarkshire derby victory over Hamilton Accies.

After impressing under the radar, Cairns is determined to establish herself on both the club and international stage.

“I’ve really enjoyed the move from the academy to the first team,” Cairns said. 

“Everyone has made me feel very welcome and a part of the team from the very start, it’s such a good group of players and coaches. 

“It was an incredibly proud moment when I made my first-team debut last season, and it gave me that initial taste of senior football, and the feeling that I wanted to be amongst the squad next season.

“I spoke with Paul and his staff over the summer, and they outlined their plans for me this season. They spoke about their desire to have me permanently amongst the first-team, and I’m extremely thankful that they have placed their trust in me.”

Motherwell’s pathway to first-team football has propelled countless aspiring talents on the international stage, with loanees Lily Boyce and Orla Burn both joining fellow Motherwell academy talent Julia Gorska in representing the Scotland under-17 squad in a double-header of friendlies against Finland earlier this month. Ready to earn her first squad selection at international level, Cairns is eager to impress in claret and amber this season. 

“My ambition is to play at as high a level as I can,” Cairns outlined. 

“I want to perform consistently for Paul and the club, and continue my development in the SWPL, but representing Scotland would be a huge honour. 

“Having the opportunity to play on the international stage would be an incredibly proud moment for myself and my family, and I’m determined to showcase what I’m capable of this season, and hopefully I could earn a place for the National team. 

“I would love to be involved in the international environment and represent Scotland, that’s my ambition, but I know I have to focus solely on my football for Motherwell, support the team as we try to get back into the top-six this season, and a chance at international football could take care of itself. 

The women of steel have faced a tough start to the 2025/26 SWPL campaign, picking up victories in the Lanarkshire derby and against Aberdeen last weekend, despite also leading Partick Thistle until the latter stages a fortnight ago, with the Jags striking a late equaliser. Despite their frustrations on the pitch, Cairns has been encouraged by the women of steel’s response in the recent weeks.

“Its been a really frustrating, but encouraging start to the Premier League season,” Cairns explained.

“We’ve had strong performances against Hamilton and Partick Thistle, but we haven’t been able to find that consistency across the season so far. Conceding so late on last weekend was a disappointment for the squad, but we know we have the opportunity to respond against Aberdeen this Sunday.

“We’ve had several new additions in the squad, and a few of us making the step up from the academy, so it will inevitably take time for the squad to integrate together, but we have a really good group of experienced players, who have made that transition very easy for us, and we are taking positives from every game this season.

Cairns waited little time in opening her Motherwell account, striking against local rivals Hamilton in the first Lanarkshire derby of the 2025/26 SWPL campaign, as the women of steel coasted to an assured 4-1 victory.

“I was delighted to score my first senior goal,” Cairns added.

“It felt great to contribute to a positive performance and a win especially in a derby game. Hopefully, there will be many more to come.”

Sky Sports League Cup action is on the horizon for the women of steel this weekend, as they travel to the Scottish capital to face defending SWPL champions Hibernian at Meadowbank. 

The women of steel will have their eyes set on a return to the National Stadium Hampden Park, but many challenges lay ahead, with the prospect of last season’s defeated finalists awaits.

Motherwell will be keen to replicate their successes from the Scottish Cup, as a promising league cup run has eluded them in recent seasons.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

Motherwell have relished a positive run to the National Stadium in recent years. The women of steel have twice been denied a place in the Scottish Cup final, as defeated Semi-Finalists to Rangers in 2023, and Glasgow City in 2025, but have maintained a positive record in the domestic cup competitions.

Motherwell faced Sunday’s opponents in the Scottish Cup final in 2018, but were defeated by the full-time side.

Paul Brownlie’s side head to the Scottish capital, with almost a fully fit squad. Katie Rice is doubtful to face her former side after sustaining an injury in last weekend’s victory over Aberdeen.

Hibernian

The hosts have responded well from their Edinburgh derby defeat to Hearts last month, placing five past both Montrose and Hamilton, whilst holding both Celtic and Glasgow City to one-all draws. Grant Scott’s side will be determined to redeem themselves after experiencing a five-nil defeat to Rangers in the final at Fir Park last season.

Ticket Information 

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time HERE or through the matchday turnstiles at Meadowbank. Both cash and card payments are accepted.

• Adult – £8.
• Concession (Over-65s and Under-13s) – £4.