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The women of steel are within touching distance of a long-awaited top-six finish in the SWPL table but must get over the line this weekend. 

Momentum has remained with the North Lanarkshire side since the start of 2025, earning four-straight victories, including two comprehensive wins on the road against both Dundee United and Montrose. The hosts remain in control of their own destiny, knowing victory will be enough to ensure Motherwell achieve a top-six SWPL finish for the first-time in their history.

Midfielder Laura McCartney is relishing the opportunity in East Kilbride.

“It’s a massive chance to confirm top-six this weekend,” McCartney said.

“Having been in the position we’ve wanted to be in for much of the season, we’ve always had our eye set on the first opportunity to finally get over the line.

“We were incredibly frustrated to fall short in the previous two campaigns, but on reflection, our consistency across the season wasn’t at the standard we knew it needed to be. Thistle are an excellent team, who have continued to battle us closely this season, so we knew we had to be resolute in our performances.

“We’ve worked tirelessly since the end of last season to strengthen and put ourselves in the ascendency, so the visit of Aberdeen this weekend is our opportunity to cement our status as a top-six team in the SWPL.”

Motherwell will be looking to replicate their previous displays over the Dons, after remaining unbeaten in three consecutive victories. Paul Brownlie’s side coasted to a six-nil victory last November, with Louisa Boyes completing her hat-trick under the floodlights of Balmoral Stadium. Despite the unbeaten run, McCartney isn’t expecting an easy afternoon.

“Aberdeen are a strong side,” McCartney explained.

“They have a squad that’s capable of causing problems on the counter if you’re not performing at the right level, so we have to make sure that we are preparing in the correct manner.

“There is a really positive feeling amongst the squad at the moment. We’ve had a really positive week on the training pitch, the atmosphere is high and we are all motivated to continue our positive run.

“We know there will be a sense of the occasion with a chance to finally earn top-six, but we are putting that to the back of our minds and focusing on getting the three-points and the rest will take care of itself.”

Sunday’s encounter will feature free transport to East Kilbride, with the Well Society overseeing a pre-match event in the Fir Park centenary suite before that match. Buses will depart Fir park at 3PM ahead of a 4PM kick-off at K-Park. Tickets for the coach can be claimed here:

“We are excited by the prospect of a larger crowd at K-Park,” McCartney added.

“The support throughout the season has been incredible, but to hopefully claim top-six with an increased support at K-Park would be a brilliant experience.

“We are looking forward to seeing you all in East Kilbride this weekend, and hopefully put in a strong performance that is reflective of your support so far this season.”

Andy Halliday says the players have been fully focused on achieving three points this weekend against Ross County and haven’t let the manager search, that is currently ongoing, distract them. 

Halliday is delighted to have teammate Lennon Miller back in contention this weekend, with the midfielder citing the role he plays in the team.

Interim manager Stevie Frail says clarity has been key for the players and the staff going into this weekend’s William Hill Premiership match against Ross County. Frail had a full understanding that he would be taking the team well in advance for the fixture, which has helped everyone prepare sufficiently for the game. 

Frail was also boosted by Lennon Miller’s return to full training earlier in the week, saying he has played a pivotal role in the team success to this point.

The women of steel are within touching distance of achieving their long-awaited aspiration of a top-six finish in the SWPL table. 

Motherwell have all but confirmed their top-six status after defeating Spartans by four-goals to one in East Kilbride last Sunday – maintaining a six-point and 11-goal advantage over closest rivals Partick Thistle with two-games left to play.

After a closely-fought league campaign, Paul Brownlie’s side could finally cement their top-six status with a victory over Aberdeen this weekend.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell 

Momentum has remained with the North Lanarkshire side since the start of 2025, earning four-straight victories, including two comprehensive victories on the road against Dundee United and Montrose. The hosts are in control of their own destiny, knowing victory will be enough to ensure Motherwell achieve a top-six SWPL finish for the first-time in their history.

Striker Amy Sharkey has firmly picked up from where she left off after signing a permanent deal from defending-champions Celtic. The 17-year-old completed a hat-trick against SWF league One side Bonnyrigg Rose to secure a place in the Quarter-Final of the Scottish Cup before adding to her tally against Spartans last weekend.

Sunday’s encounter will feature free transport to East Kilbride, with the Well Society overseeing a pre-match event in the Fir Park centenary suite before that match. Buses will depart Fir park at 3PM ahead of a 4PM kick-off at K-Park. Tickets for the coach can be claimed here:

Aberdeen 

The Dons return to action wounded from a heavy defeat to title-chasers Rangers. Scott Booth’s side conceded 10-goals for the second time to Rangers, with victory at Broadwood following an opening day defeat prior to his tenure at Balmoral Stadium. Aberdeen will be looking to cement their top-flight status for the following season, with the visitors seven-points clear of the relegation places.

Ticket Information

Adult – £8.

Concession – £3.

Under 11s – FREE TO ENTER.

Motherwell make their return to William Hill Premiership action on Saturday 15 February against Ross County at Fir Park. 

Kick off is 3pm.

How to follow the game

• Young Adults tickets would ages 14-17.
• Juveniles would be 13 and under
• Ticket Office open from 11am – the ticket office is open until kick-off with no pay gate facility.

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.

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.

What else is happening?

There will be a bucket collection for Uddingston Strathclyde Pipe Band.

Kit Watch

We will be wearing our home kit for this match.

Injury Update

Lennon Miller and Jair Tavares are back in full training.

Jack Vale has returned to his parent club to undergo surgery on an achilles injury. Vale will be missing for a period of time.

Archie Mair has also had surgery, with the goalkeeper sustaining a fracture of the hand.

Marvin Kaleta came off against Celtic with a knee issue. The club will monitor his condition.

Motherwell’s Fortunes

It’s been a turbulent few weeks at Motherwell following the departure of Stuart Kettlewell. Assistant Manager Stephen Frail took the reins against Celtic, where the Champions won 3-1.

Luke Armstrong got off the mark in claret and amber, with the forward looking to continue what he started.

The Steelmen dropped to sixth in the table but are six off Dundee United in third. Motherwell have yet to get the better of County this season. A 0-0 draw on the opening day of the season was followed up with a 2-1 loss in the Highlands in November.

Opposition Report

Ross County finished 2024 and started 2025 in fine form. From Boxing Day until 5 January, they won three and drew one. Since their last win against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park in early January, they have faced a tricky run of games.

The Staggies were knocked out of the Scottish Cup at home to Livingston in the fourth round and have been defeated by Celtic and Rangers also. They picked up a late point against Hibernian thanks to a Ronan Hale penalty in the 87th minute.

County’s goals have come largely from two of their forwards. Summer signing Ronan Hale and former Motherwell man Jordan White have ten goals apiece in all competitions this season.

Midfielder Mason Clark has been selected to represent Scotland Under-19 squad in a double-header of friendlies against Iceland later this month.

The 19-player squad will face two matches at Broadwood Stadium, with the first talking place on Thursday 20th and the second on Sunday 23rd February.

“I’m delighted to be in the squad,” Clark said.

“It’s always a real honour and a privilege to represent your national team, and I’m really looking forward to the games ahead.”

Midfielder Emma McMurdo has completed a permanent move to Motherwell, as women of steel attract free agent to Lanarkshire. 

The 22-year-old central-midfielder spent nine years in Australia at the National Training Centre before experiencing two years in the National Premier League One – the second division of Australian women’s football.

McMurdo spent one season at fellow SWPL side Dundee United before a short stint in Glasgow for Queens Park.

“I’m really pleased to be at Motherwell,” McMurdo said.

“I’ve really experienced and understood the club culture within the squad whilst training behind the scenes, and I knew that I wanted to earn the right to play for the club.

“I want to be competing for regular match action at this level, and the opportunity to join Kilmarnock on-loan should prepare me perfectly for starting a fresh next season. ”

The Scotland under-17 international has already established herself within the youth ranks of the International stage, tallying seven appearances within the U17-squad and five amongst the U16 age category.

The young creative midfielder has trained alongside the women of steel for several months, and will be loaned to SWPL2 side Kilmarnock from the women of steel for the remainder of the 2024/25 SWPL campaign.

“We’re looking forward to having Emma sign permanently with the club,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie added.

“We were very impressed with her attitude and dedication towards our training sessions, with Emma instantly showcasing her flair and attacking ability.

“We felt Emma would benefit from a short-term loan deal to regain her match sharpness, and we are looking forward to seeing her development at Rugby Park this season.”

Calum Ward is the latest signing for Motherwell, subject to international clearance. 

The 24-year-old arrives on a deal until the end of the season.

The goalkeeper came through at Bournemouth and had a number of loan spells with Totton & Eling, Bashley, Thatcham Town, Weymouth and Finish side HIFK.

He then made a permanent switch to HIFK in 2021 before joining fellow Finnish outfit AC Oulu later that year.

Ward has played over 150 games in his career to date and will enhance competition for the number one spot between the sticks.

“It’s great to get this over the line,” Calum Ward said.

“I feel I can add serious competition, which I think is a good thing for everyone here. I’ve already met the players and they have all been very welcoming and friendly, I feel integrated already.

“From what I have been told, this is a great football club and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Lennon Miller and Jair Tavares are back in full training ahead of our match against Ross County at Fir Park on Saturday 15 February. 

Apostolos Stamatelopoulos is progressing through the rehabilitation process from his calf injury.

Jack Vale has returned to his parent club to undergo surgery on an achilles injury. Vale will be missing for a period of time.

Archie Mair has also had surgery, with the goalkeeper sustaining a fracture of the hand.

Marvin Kaleta came off against Celtic with a knee issue. The club are monitoring his condition.

After a difficult week at the football club, the Motherwell players were facing one of the toughest challenges of the league season, coming up against Champions Celtic.

With interim manager Stephen Frail saying the players owed it to themselves and the fans to put in a battling performance, all game plans went out the window after just 49 seconds, when Daizen Maeda opened the scoring for the visitors.

After the worst possible start, the Steelmen regrouped and battled their way back into the game. Luke Armstrong, having been handed his first start, found the back of the net for the first time in claret and amber just after 20 minutes.

Celtic went back ahead moments later through Adam Idah, and although Motherwell stayed in the game right until stoppage time, the Champions eventually applied the icing on the cake with the last kick of the ball to make it 3-1.

With a fortnight between this game and the next, a reset, recovery, and the small task of finding a new manager will all occur prior to Ross County’s arrival on the 15 February.