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STEELWOMEN SHRUG OFF FRUSTRATION TACTICS TO SEAL 9-1 WIN
The pitch was far from perfect and the game may have had more stops than the number 5 bus, but that wasn’t going to stop the ladies from taking one step closer to the ‘Perfect Season’.
Hutchie set out to upset the slick and quick style of play we have all become so used to seeing at Motherwell LFC this campaign, but frustration tactics was not going to be the way the ladies dropped their first 3 points. Even though there were a few first team players ruled out due to illness and injury, everyone had a job to do and they did it well!
It didn’t take Well ladies too long to net the first goal, despite the uneven surface and as has so often been the case this season, the goals kept coming.
‘Well ladies went into the half time break with a comfortable 4-0 lead.
Slack defending from Motherwell in the opening two minutes of the second half gifted Hutchie a free kick within shooting distance of the Motherwell goal. It was their first real chance in the game and one they were not prepared to throw away. A direct free kick sneaked in over the head of Motherwell goalkeeper.
Alas, that was the only brief sighting of goal for Hutchie and despite the ball being out of the park more often than it was in it, Motherwell did well to counteract opposition tactics and went on to score a further 5 goals. Final score Hutchison Vale Reserves 1 – Motherwell LFC 9
This Sunday’s opposition will bring a different challenge as Motherwell LFC face Celtic away in the Quarter Finals of the Scottish cup. Further details of this game will be tweeted from @MotherwellLFC Twitter account this week.
One Woman who is all too familiar with this Premier League opponent is ex Celtic Reserves defender Terri Donnelly, who I was lucky enough to catch up with:
Full name:
Terri Donnelly
Nickname(s):
Betty/Tel
D.O.B:
15/12/1988
Preferred position:
Centre half
What age did you start playing football?
Twelve, I think. I do remember it was just after I realised ballet dancing was definitely not for me!
How did you first get into the game?
I always really enjoyed watching my little brother training and playing and always wanted to join in. Then one day I saw a girl’s team training in the park across the road and I asked to join; I’ve played ever since.
Previous clubs:
Baillieston Girls up to U17s
Queen’s Park Ladies
Concord University, West Virginia (for 2 seasons)
Celtic Reserves
Hamilton Accies
International duty:
Under 19s for camps and a friendly in 2006/7
Favourite female player:
Lynsey Hogg
Favourite male player:
Henrik Larsson
You’ve been at the club now for almost a full season Terri, how have you enjoyed your spell so far at Motherwell ladies?
Yeah, it’s been good. It’s a great experience to play with some fabulous players, some of who have played at the highest level of football in the country as well as internationally. As a team, we have successfully claimed some silverware so far and with more to play for, despite dominating a lot of the games we have played, the season has been eventful!
You have played many years of top-level football in Scotland Terri and also spent two years playing Soccer in the States. What is it that still drives you to train and play?
I don’t really know, I guess it’s a bit of an addiction! I just know when I try to give it up I miss it and end up returning and playing.
What team did you play for in the States?
Concord University, West Virginia.
What was it like to play in the American leagues?
It was really good. There are some great athletes out there who are 100% committed to training and playing hard. They loved that I was fearless and was prepared to put my body through anything to come out with the ball. We were in the running for the ‘Ring’ both years I was there, but we fell short in the latter stages. It was disappointing as that was something I really wanted to achieve with the team, but that’s football. I had the best experience playing with a great bunch of gals, who I still keep in touch with!
What is the Ring? Is it hotly contested?
It’s an actual Ring for your finger that players get if they win the conference! It is very hotly contested; everyone wants to win the ring! I suppose it’s like winning a medal for winning the league. It looks a bit like a Scottish sovereign ring (pure braw!), Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a fan of gold sovereign rings, but I wouldn’t have minded getting my hands on one of them!
Wasn’t it really hot!? Can’t have been very similar to our Scottish climate at all. How easy was it to adapt and play in 35 degrees plus?
It was completely different to what we are used to in Scotland. The heat was an issue at times. I remember my first couple of weeks of pre-season; the heat was a bit of a shock and so didn’t go down too well, but you get used to it and your body learns to adapt to the conditions. The fitness work in that heat was tough…but then again, when do me and fitness ever work! Haha.
What’s your best footballing memory?
That’s tough after 16 years worth of concussions! I think for me it has to be the time I played at Baillieston when we won the league, the league cup and the Scottish cup! That’s not what makes it my best memory though. My best memory was having the privilege of playing under Stevie an Eileen McGuire at that time, both who have sadly passed away recently. I cannot thank them enough for their hard work, commitment and nurture in making me the player I am today. Rest in Peace.
The ladies have had an outstanding season so far, what do you think is the secret to the teams successes?
We have had a great season, unbeaten in preseason, the league, league cup and so far…the Scottish cup. However regardless of winning, I think our secret is always striving to do better.
With only a few months remaining of the women’s season, what are your personal aims for the coming fixtures?
I think at this stage we have two main aims. Despite already being promoted from our current league, we still have a job to do to claim top spot, which is a priority. We also have a huge game coming up against SWPL giants, Celtic. This is a real test of strength and character for us, but a good test of where we want to be. I cannot wait!
As a very experienced and once branded ‘Talismanic’ centre half, by legendary coach Vincent Bryson, what qualities do you see being important in order to be an effective player in the centre of the back line?
Well personally, I think one quality that has really helped me over the years is having no fear of putting my head and body where it hurts…having said that I have suffered numerous concussions over the years and come a Monday morning, moving can be a bit of an effort! Determination to win every ball drives me from one tackle to the next. Of course mistakes still creep in, but that’s all part of the game. Those mistakes only heighten my determination to win the next ball though.
You have recently graduated and become a fully qualified Nurse, congratulations! Managing a full time job, alongside training and games must be a difficult one to juggle?
Yeah it isn’t easy but before I was a nurse, I had another job and Uni at the same time, so I am very used to juggling things to make it work. I’m really lucky though, I’ve always managed to sweet talk my bosses into not working a Sunday. I absolutely love football, but after 5 straight 12 hour shifts, finding the motivation to get up and train is sometimes a struggle, but I do it and wouldn’t be there if I didn’t want too.
I know there are some familiar faces for you in the squad, having crossed paths at previous clubs. Do you think having played alongside many of your new team mates in the past will give you an advantage ahead of your opponents come match day?
I suppose it does yeah. It definitely makes it easier to gel with people you already know on and off the park. It also helps to have a basic understanding of how we all play together and as individuals, that definitely helps!
So you have a big Scottish Cup game in the very near future, against a team you are all too familiar with. Celtic are currently 4th in the SWPL. How does a team go about prepping for a high profile game such as this?
Firstly, it’s important to know our opponents strengths and weaknesses, which we are now well versed on, but that’s as much focus as we want to put on them. We know what we are up against and we know what we have to do. This week’s preparation is really important for us, but make no mistakes, we will be thorough in the build up to Sunday. Realistically, the pressure isn’t on us. Individually and as a team we set our own high standards and will aim to surpass that.
Terri, it’s been fantastic getting the opportunity to chat with you. Thank you for giving up your valuable time between work, training and games to let the fans know a little more about you. All the very best of luck claiming top spot in the league and with your Scottish Cup endeavour on Sunday.
For all the latest info and live match tweets follow the ladies on twitter @MotherwellLFC
Follow Terri on twitter @TerriD5
Follow me on twitter @dibsy_
