Motherwell’s league Cup woes persisted in South Lanarkshire, as title-chasers Celtic comprehensively overpowered the women of steel in an afternoon to forget at New Douglas Park.
Celtic comfortably swept the women of steel aside to seal a commanding 7-1 victory in Ml3, with former Motherwell talisman Morgan Cross netting twice alongside teammate Saoirse Noonan who completed a brace. Emma Lawton, Kelly Clark and Maria McAneny added to the tally to compound Motherwell’s recent frustrations.
Head Coach Paul Brownlie made a few changes from the side from the side that were knocked out of the Sky Sports League Cup last weekend. Rebecca Cameron maintained her place in goal, while experienced defender Shannon Leishman returned to the starting line-up alongside Amy Bulloch and Lucy Ronald who partnered in the midfield. Academy graduate Hannah Cairns made her first league start whilst fellow youth prospects Teoni Steele, Lia Young and Lily McAvoy were named on the bench.
Celtic’s high-intensity press immediately put the Motherwell defence under pressure in the early stages. Cameron was called into action twice in the opening 15 minutes, making a series of key saves to maintain Motherwell’s foothold in the game. Motherwell tried to find their rhythm, but Celtic’s intensity persisted.
The opener came in the 26th minute, as Cross capitalised on the high defensive line, sneaking through into the Motherwell final third before rounding the goalkeeper, and slotting home from close-range. Cameron pulled off another strong save to maintain the scorelinee, but Celtic soon doubled their advantage through Saoirse Noonan. A whipped corner across the face of goal was pounced on by Lawton, whose glancing header ricocheted off the crossbar before falling to the feet of Noonan, who drilled home the second.
Just before half-time, Emma Lawton added a third in almost identical circumstances, ensuring an assured 3–0 lead at the break.
Motherwell came out after the restart looking for a response, and got a glimmer of hope just after the hour mark. A low ball into the box was inadvertently turned into her own net by Claire Walsh, citing Motherwell a potential lifeline.
Motherwell’s optimism proved to be short-lived, as Celtic kept their foot on the gas and added four more goals before the final whistle, rounding off a clinical performance.
Despite the scoreline, there were certainly positives to take for Motherwell, who will have to dust themselves down, and reflect on a disappointing afternoon in Hamilton.
Motherwell must focus on regrouping ahead of next weekend, as the challenges don’t come any easier, as they face defending champions Hibernian in front of the home crowd at K-Park.
