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Survival. The fundamental motivation and mentality of the women of steel, who stare down a daunting fight to preserve their top-flight status.

Motherwell sit precariously above the relegation-playoff position in the Scottish Power Women’s Premier League table, with Aberdeen trailing the women of steel on goal-difference.

The road to survival will start in the Granite City next month, as Motherwell will face the Dons in the opening post-split tie at Balmoral Stadium, and midfielder Sophie Townsley recognises that every game will be a battle for survival.

“Every game will be a battle,” Townsley said.

“Each point could be the difference between survival and relegation, and it will be vital to get off to the right start in the split.

“It will allow us to build that confidence early, and create an advantage over the other clubs, which will hopefully separate ourselves come the end of the season.

“Recent results have been incredibly tough to take as a squad. We feel we have put a lot into our performances, and have been really unfortunate to have left empty-handed. We have to keep working hard and sticking together as a team, as having that strong team bond will really make us stronger on the pitch.”

Motherwell will hope to reverse their recent misfortunes in the Granite City, as an 85^th minute strike from Mya Christie ended a five-game unbeaten run in the North-East. Townsley insists that the squad are relishing the opportunity.

“We are ready to right the wrongs from that day,” Townsley emphasised.

“Our performance wasn’t at the tempo and pace we’d expected until the second-half, and we ultimately didn’t capitalise on and impose our control in the game.

“Credit to Aberdeen, they took their chance when it came, and that’s the small margins in this league. Every game in the split will be as important as each other, but to face one of the teams closest to us on the opening day means that we have to be at our best from the start.

Motherwell’s frustrations persisted last weekend, as invincible league leaders, Glasgow City struck four-times in East Kilbride to compound the hosts seventh-consecutive league defeat. Despite the scoreline, Townsley and her teammates had several positives to take against the full-time side.

“It was obviously going to be an incredibly tough game,” Townsley reiterated.

“City are unbeaten domestically this season for a reason. They are a very strong team, but I felt as a group, we stuck together and showed a real fight. We have to keep working hard and sticking together as a team. We have to keep supporting each other, and build on the togetherness we showed in those recent games, and we have to take that fight and togetherness into the split.

“We have to replicate what we do in training every week. The team is full of talented players, who have shown what they are capable of achieving, so we have to take that belief into each game, and hopefully keep building.”

The women of steel maintain a healthy amalgamation of experience and youth, with Skipper Gill Inglis and Vice-Captain, Chelsie Watson supporting the emergence of exciting young talents from within and outwith the Motherwell academy.

Despite her youthful age of 19, Townsley is experiencing a valuable lesson in top-flight football, with the battle to resist the threat of relegation, but the youngster insists that the balance within the squad could benefit the team for the remainder of the season.

“It’s really good for us to have a variety within the squad,” Townsley added.

“The experienced players, who know and understand the game so well have so much knowledge and experience, and us younger players are just eager to learn from them as much as we can.

“Even though it is a really difficult situation for the club, it is a great experience for myself playing in this league. It’s still my first season in the top-flight, and the team have been great in helping my development.”

As the women of steel prepare for the monumental task of preserving their SPWPL status, Townsley reiterated the importance of support in the stands.

“It’s so important, and means so much for us as a team,” Townsley said.

“People say the fans are the 12^th player, giving encouragement from the stands, and that just pushes us on as players to fight for that extra yard on the pitch.”

The women of steel couldn’t conclude their recent winless run, as league leaders Glasgow City coasted to an assured four-nil victory at K-Park.

Motherwell named several changes amongst the matchday squad, with Lucy Ronald, Amy Bulloch, Gill Inglis, Jo Addie and Katie Rice all unavailable. Academy graduates Mia Gillespie, Darcie Greig and Skye Neillie all named amongst the substitutes. Emma Thomson maintained her place in goal, with a back four of Shannon Leishman, Chelsie Watson, Tegan Browning and Jenna Penman occupying the space ahead.

A midfield three of Sophie Townsley, Mia McArthur and Mason Clark supported an attacking trio of Bailley Collins, Kodie Hay and Carla Boyce.

Nicole Kozlova and former Motherwell midfielder Amy Anderson had the visitors firmly in the ascendency by the 36^th-minute, with Linda Motlhalo striking home her first league goal of the campaign before Abi Harrison wrapped up the three-points with a fourth.

Keen to maintain their invincible status at the top of the SPWPL table, Glasgow City dominated possession from the outset, forcing Motherwell to defend deep in the early stages.

An early corner routine on four minutes had the hosts scrambling to clear their lines, as heavy rain and strong winds continued to impact the contest.

The breakthrough finally came on the 19-minute mark when Glasgow City found the opener after sustained pressure in the Motherwell final third. An enticing delivery from Chloe Muir fell to Kozlova, who drilled home from close-range.

They continued to threaten, doubling their advantage on 36-minutes, with Anderson forcing the ball home from close-range before City added a third just before the break, with Motlhalo completing a well-worked team move.

City had the opportunity to make it four from the penalty spot, but Emma Thomson produced an excellent save to deny Lisa Forrest from the spot.

Motherwell went into the interval trailing 3-0 at K Park.

As the second half began the hosts immediately resumed control, continuing to dominate possession, netting a fourth soon after.

Motherwell made a triple substitution on 86 minutes, introducing fresh legs as they looked to see out the closing stages. It marked a special moment for both Greig and Neillie, who made their first-team debuts for the club.

There was late drama in the closing stages when Kodie Hay was shown a red card in the 89th minute for a second-bookable offence, reducing Motherwell to ten players for the remainder of the match.

Despite Motherwell’s efforts City comfortably earned three-points in East Kilbride, with the women of steel heading into the bottom-half of the split.

Head Coach – Leanne Ross

The league leaders have propelled themselves back into the ascendency of the Scottish Power Women’s Premier League table, with Leanne Ross’ side yet to be defeated domestically, as their current invincible campaign continues.

City were last defeated by three-goals to one after extra-time by European powerhouse, Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese capital to end their UEFA Europa Cup campaign at the Round of 16 stage.

The Springburn outfit have since earned their place at the National Stadium, Hampden Park after defeating Stenhousemuir 2-0 in the Quarter-Final of the Scottish Cup, teeing up a last-four tie with Celtic.

Team line-up  

Goalkeeper Erin Clachers became a City centurion last weekend, captaining the side for her 100^th appearance with the club, replacing international stalwart, Lee Gibson in the City goal. Gibson will likely return to action this weekend, being named the preferred option between the sticks throughout the majority of City’s SPWPL campaign.

First-team regulars, Haley lauder, Emily Whelan, and Nicole Kozlova may all return to the starting line-up after being rested in the Scottish Cup last weekend.

Former Motherwell midfielder and 2024/25 Women’s Player of the Year, Louisa Boyes could also challenge for a place in the visitors starting XI.

League position

The 16-time champions are currently in pole-position to restore the SPWPL crown from current holders, Hibernian. City have maintained a 12-point advantage over the current champions, and lead closest-rivals, Hearts by three-points.

City also hold the best defensive record in the division, conceding only six-goals across the entirety of the season, whilst preserving an intact record of zero-goals conceded against teams in the bottom-half of the split.

Matchday 18 of the 2025/26 SPWPL campaign awaits the women of steel this weekend, as they contest their final pre-split fixture against league leaders Glasgow City at The Ross Commercial Finance Stadium at K-Park.

Redemption will be the ambition of the women of steel this weekend, who seek to conclude a frustrating run of six consecutive defeats.

Narrow defeats have been the hosts achilles heel throughout the season, with their last four being one or two goal deficits, including two defeats against both Hibernian and Celtic. Striker Carla Boyce remains adamant that the squad are ready for the challenge.

“We recognise that the game at the weekend isn’t going to be easy,” Boyce said.

“We need to have confidence in ourselves and try and get something out the game. To compete with a team like Glasgow City, you have to show bravery both in and out of possession, and we need to show that mentality to help us progress in the spilt.”

The women of steel have had a fortnight break from competitive action, building towards the weekend with additional time on the training pitch. Boyce discussed the positivity amongst the squad.

“Preparations have been good,” Boyce noted.

“Despite being out of the Scottish cup, we have continued to train and have played a friendly match to maintain our fitness, and keep us all ticking over.”

The women of steel sit precariously in eighth in the SPWPL table, level on points with closest-rivals, Aberdeen who are battling to evade the relegation-playoff position below.

“We are really disappointed in our league position,” Boyce added.

“We all know we should have done a lot better in the tighter games. We need to move on and now focus on taking one game at a time to help us finish the highest we can in the league.”

The third addition of the summer transfer window, defender Tegan Browning has since cemented her place as a consistent presence in the heart of the Motherwell backline.

Despite her youthful age, the highly-rated young Scottish centre-back arrived in ML1 with a strong pedigree after receiving a wealth of professional experience in her short footballing career.

The 22-year-old spent a season stateside, crossing the pond to San Antonio, Texas where she received a scholarship to play college football before returning to the Scottish capital, spending two-seasons with Edinburgh-side Spartans.

Browning’s ambitions of restoring Motherwell’s top-six status would unfortunately be extinguished last weekend, after the women of steel were narrowly defeated two-nil by defending champions Hibernian.

“We are gutted to be missing out on the top-six,” Browning said.

“It was a frustrating game as I think throughout large spells, we defended resolutely and created chances, but the finer details at both ends of the pitch ultimately cost us. Full credit where its due to Hibs, who showed that as current SWPL champions, they capitalised when it mattered, and that was the difference.

“We have a very strong team and whilst we are disappointed to be in the bottom-half of the split, our focus has to quickly shift onto confirming that 7^th-placed spot.”

The challenges won’t come any easier for the women of steel, who must face league leaders Glasgow City in the final pre-split fixture before several crucial encounters to confirm their Scottish Power Women’s Premier League status next season. Despite the pressurised environment awaiting the women of steel, Browning insisted the togetherness of the group will be vital in the split.

“We have a real togetherness as a group,” Browning added.

“Togetherness is key to our success. We’ve had a tough run and whilst it’s been hard, throughout we have supported each other, which will only make us stronger and as a group; hungrier for the results we feel we deserve.

“Despite the loss [to Hibernian], we have to take what positives we can from the performance. The coaches message to the players after the game was about instilling the belief that they have in us as a group, and recognising the talent in the dressing room.

“[Glasgow City] are undoubtedly the toughest of tasks, as they are still unbeaten domestically this season, so it’ll be a tough game, especially with them strengthening further in the January window.

“However, we have a belief in the squad that we can take points in these games by being defensively solid and clinical at the top end of the pitch, so I’m looking forward to making K-Park a tough place for them to come.

The women of steel sit eighth in the SPWPL table, ahead of Aberdeen in the relegation playoff spot on goal-difference. Motherwell will face Hamilton, Aberdeen, and either Partick Thistle or Montrose both home and away, with every point potentially making the difference between retaining their top-flight status.

“The league has been more competitive than ever,” Browning explained.

“With three teams being relegated last year, and the league changing from having twelve teams to ten, it has made every game and point so influential.

“We have had some great performances this season, but one too many times we’ve been punished by a last-minute winner or equaliser. At times, when we have been dominating matches we haven’t managed to put the game to bed.

“We’ve discussed this as a squad, and that is definitely a key aspect which we are working hard to change. We have a very talented squad, and I’m sure this will shine through during the split.

After exiting both the Sky Sports League Cup, and Scottish Cup this season to both Hibernian and Glasgow City respectively, Motherwell will have a fortnight break from competitive action, with the additional time on the training pitch ahead of their final pre-split fixture in East Kilbride.

“Having a fortnight to prepare is definitely beneficial,” Browning noted.

“When you face the full-time sides, who have more time to rest and recover, and have that additional time on the training pitch, it can be difficult at times to prepare.

“Having that additional time on the training pitch to fully understand our roles will be key to success and the fortnight allows us plenty of time to prepare.

“I’m really looking forward to the game, and we will give it everything to achieve a monumental result.”

Matchday 18 of the 2025/26 SWPL campaign awaits the women of steel this weekend, as they contest their final pre-split fixture against league leaders Glasgow City at The Ross Commercial Finance Stadium at K-Park.

Refreshed and rejuvenated following a fortnight-long hiatus from competitive action, Motherwell will be motivated to separate themselves from the relegation-playoff position below after last weekend’s narrow defeat to defending champions Hibernian mathematically denied the women of steel their second consecutive top-six finish.

Head Coach, Iain Robinson will have his sights set on earning his first point since taking charge in ML1, but the challenges won’t come any easier with the visit of the league leaders.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

Head Coach Iain Robinson will be keen to break their recent winless run, with Motherwell without victory in their last six competitive encounters.

The women of steel remain eighth in the Scottish Power Women’s Premier League table, level on points with the Dons, who occupy the relegation playoff position below.

Victory could be a vital result for the women of steel, who seek to close the narrow four-point deficit to Montrose ahead.

Glasgow City

The visitors have remained unbeaten in a remarkable invincible campaign thus far, with City securing 13-victories in their 17 competitive fixtures this season. The Glasgow-side have scored 45-goals across the campaign, whilst conceding only six.

Their last victory came against Partick Thistle, with Leanne Ross’ side defeating the Jags by three-goals to nil.

Ticket Information 

Tickets can be purchased through the matchday turnstiles at K-Park. Both cash and card payments are accepted.

• Adult – £10.
• Concession (Over-65s and Under-17s) – £5.
• Under-11 – FREE TO ENTER.

Additional Information – no pets allowed within K-Park.

Matchday Travel 

• Sunday 22^nd February 2025, kick off 2PM.
• The Ross Commercial Finance Stadium at K-Park, Calderglen Country Park, East Kilbride, G75 0QZ.
• First Glasgow service No.21 stops at Jura Slip Road, a 10 minute walk from the stadium. East Kilbride railway station is approx. 20 mins away on foot.
• Free on-site parking is available, with overflow parking signposted at the park entrance. Please follow the one-way system upon your exit.
• Selection of hot food, baking, confectionary and both hot and cold drinks available at the kiosk before and during the match.

Follow our live matchday coverage on the Motherwell Women X (formerly Twitter) account.

The dark clouds that hovered over Meadowbank accurately reflected the women of steel’s frustrations on the pitch, as defending champions Hibernian sealed victory in the Scottish capital.

Motherwell couldn’t bring their recent winless run to a conclusion, as Kirsty Morrison and Kathleen McGovern struck home in both halves in an assured two-nil victory in Edinburgh.

Head Coach, Iain Robinson made four changes from the side that were defeated by Aberdeen in the Granite City a fortnight ago. Skipper Gill Inglis made way for decorated Hibee, Shannon Leishman, with Jenna Penman, Amy Bulloch and Mia McArthur also starting.

The visitors started the brighter of the pair, breaking through the Hibernian backline with ease within the opening phase of the game. Despite the early momentum, Motherwell couldn’t craft an opportunity of note, and the hosts soon regained their composure.

A perfectly-weighted through ball coasted effortlessly through the heart of the Motherwell backline, and fortunately into the path of Morrison, who wrong-footed Emma Thomson before slotting home from close-range.

Motherwell sought to respond in the remainder of the first-half, with midfielder Lucy Ronald coming closest, thwarted by Amy Schumacher who parried confidently over the crossbar.

As the second-half resumed, Joelle Murray’s side put the contest beyond doubt, with Motherwell the architects of their own downfall. Attempting to play through the Hibernian press, Motherwell gifted possession deep into their own third, and McGovern expertly dispatched her strike beyond Thomson.

The women of steel will complete their final pre-split game against league leaders Glasgow City in a fortnight’s time, with this afternoon’s result conforming our place in the bottom-half of the split.

After departing Scottish Premier League 2 side, Gartcairn, McArthur sought to challenge herself at the pinnacle of the Scottish game. The intensity of training, the tactical alterations, and the unfamiliarity of the dressing room presented a real step into the unknown for the youngster.

“I wanted to challenge myself in the Premier League,” McArthur said.

“My time at Gartcairn was really valuable to gain that experience away from academy football, and learn how to cope in a competitive environment. I felt I developed well both personally and professionally as a player, and I felt ready to step into the top-flight.

“When Iain spoke to me about his ambitions for the club, and how I could make an impact, I knew that I wanted to be involved.

“Knowing Iain from his time at Rangers, and his experience of bringing through younger players, I felt really confident that I could be given an opportunity to play and breakthrough at that level.

“It was really a day of mixed emotions when I made my debut. Despite the disappointment and frustration of the full-time result, I was ecstatic to make my debut in Aberdeen.”

The women of steel’s frustrations continued to mount in the Granite City, with the Dons striking home a late winner to level their place with Motherwell in the SWPL table.

McArthur alongside fellow January addition Sophie Townsley both made their competitive debuts, with the former replacing Kodie Hay as a second-half substitute.

“Receiving my SWPL debut was a special feeling,” McArthur explained.

“It has been something I’ve worked really hard towards, so to finally reach that milestone, and break into the top-flight was incredibly rewarding, and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity.

“The game was really frustrating for us as a squad. We dominated in possession, had opportunities to take advantage, but allowed Aberdeen to remain in the game. After equalising, we felt we’d given ourselves the platform to go and take all three points, but ultimately, we get caught on the counter-attack, and they get a bit of fortune for the goal.

“We’ve discussed it as a squad, and we’re frustrated that we’ve made our chances of reaching the final top-six place more difficult, but whilst we’re still within touching distance with two games to go, we’re going to give it everything.”

Motherwell face an arduous task if they are to reclaim their top-six status in the SWPL table. The women of steel sit four-points adrift of Montrose with two pre-split games remaining against defending Champions Hibernian and league leaders Glasgow City.

Motherwell must earn three-points in both, and hope both Montrose and Aberdeen concede points at the final hurdle. McArthur insists the squad are relishing the challenge.

“It’ll be incredibly tough,” McArthur noted.

“Facing the defending champions and the team fighting for the league title this season is as difficult as could be, but when the opportunity to achieve our target remains, we have give everything to put ourselves in a position to achieve it.

“Montrose, Aberdeen, Partick Thistle and ourselves all have the opportunity to reach the top-six, and are all still conscious of earning three-points to separate ourselves from the playoff position below, so we are working hard behind the scenes to secure our place in the league next season.”

Despite the tough run of form, McArthur discussed her first month settling in to the squad, and learning the tactical style of Head Coach, Iain Robinson.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far,” McArthur added.

“I obviously knew Sophie [Townsley] from Rangers before joining, so it has been good to have a familiar face in the dressing room, but the entire squad have been really welcoming, and have made the process of joining a new club and league really seamless.

“Despite the tough run of games, we’ve felt we’ve played really well at times, and haven’t left with the points we feel we’ve deserved. As a squad, we’ve been able to adapt to Iain [Robinson] and David [Brownlie] style of play, and are developing well as a team.”

Matchday 17 of the 2025/26 SWPL campaign awaits the women of steel this weekend, as they head to the Scottish capital to face defending champions Hibernian at Meadowbank.

Motherwell will have their sights set on redemption after an incredibly frustrating defeat to Aberdeen at Balmoral Stadium a fortnight ago. The Dons capitalised in the closing minutes of the game to deny Head Coach, Iain Robinson his first point since taking charge in ML1.

Robinson discussed his expectations for the weekend ahead.

“We’re expecting a difficult test,” Head Coach Iain Robinson said.

“Facing the current champions will always be a difficult test. While results against Hibs this season haven’t gone our way, we feel confident going into the game.

“Since myself and David [Brownlie] came in midway through December, all games have been close and we’ve had unfortunate moments that have gone against us, or we’ve lacked composure in the final action to convert chances.

“We’re hoping that on Sunday we can capitalise, and ensure we get more key moments in our favour that’ll lead to a positive result.

“Preparation for the game has been excellent. Following the break last weekend, we’ve had seven sessions following our last game against Aberdeen. We’re seeing improvements in understanding, confidence and in quality with every session on pitch.

“We’re looking forward to the game this weekend, and can’t wait to see you all there.

Head Coach – Joelle Murray

The defending champions have endured a turbulent run of results following the departure of Head Coach, Grant Scott to Celtic.

A five-nil victory over Hamilton being the exception, ending a run of five straight league fixtures without a win. A Scottish Cup defeat to Celtic and a Sky Sports Cup defeat to Glasgow City have also heightened their demand for a response this weekend.

Nicole Kozlova broke the deadlock for City last weekend, with Chloe Warrington doubling the visitors advantage in the Scottish capital. Joelle Murray’s side responded in the second-half, with Kirsten Reilly curling home a free-kick from the edge of the penalty area, but couldn’t find the decisive leveller.

Team line-up

American shot-stopper, Noa Schumacher is the preferred option in the Hibernian goal, with the 26-year-old keeping her seventh clean sheet of the season in the five-nil victory over Hamilton a fortnight ago.

Former Motherwell defender, Lauren Doran-Barr has maintained her place in recent weeks, starting alongside Scarlett heron, Ellis Notley, and Rachael Boyle in the backline. Goalscorer Kirsten Reilley returned to action last weekend after serving her one-match league suspension against Hamilton Accies.

Rosie Livingstone also returned to the side last weekend, replacing Hannah Jordan, who made her first start of the season against Hamilton following a lengthy spell on the sidelines with injury.

Strikers Eilidh Adams, Tegan Bowie, and the experienced Kathleen McGovern are likely to maintain their place in the squad.

League position  

The defending champions are looking increasingly unlikely outsiders of restoring their ScottishPower Women’s Premier League crown this campaign. Hibs sit fifth in the SPWPL table, 14-points shy of leaders Glasgow City, and nine-behind city rivals Hearts in second.

Hibs final two pre-split fixtures this campaign will be against current bottom-six opposition, with Motherwell the visitors this weekend, and Aberdeen on the 22^nd February.