| 2 | Rangers | 33 | 19 | 12 | 2 | 35 | 69 |
| 3 | Celtic | 33 | 21 | 4 | 8 | 24 | 67 |
| 4 | Motherwell | 33 | 14 | 12 | 7 | 23 | 54 |
| 5 | Hibernian | 33 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 14 | 51 |
| 6 | Falkirk | 33 | 13 | 7 | 13 | -3 | 46 |
Goalkeeper Chloe Logan will return to parent club Celtic following the conclusion of her loan deal.
The SWPL and Scottish Cup title winner joined the women of steel in October, and added competition within the goalkeeping department at the club.
We thank Chloe for her efforts at Motherwell and wish her well for the future.
Rangers loanees Sophie Black and Lily Boyce will both return to the Glasgow-side after being recalled by their parent club.
The Scotland under-19 internationals arrived in ML1 last summer, and became consistent first-team regulars, with Black returning for her second consecutive spell in Lanarkshire.
We wish them both all the best for the future.
The managerial alterations, contentious decisions, and remarkable moments on the pitch have encapsulated an emphatic 2025/26 Scottish Women’s Premier League campaign. As the dust finally settles on the halfway stage, defender Katie Rice reflects on the season so far.
The women of steel have continued their ambition of establishing themselves as a consistent top-six side after achieving their maiden finish in the top-half of the split last campaign.
Motherwell remain seventh in the SWPL table, four-points behind closest-rivals Montrose after a decisive 93rd-minute Partick Thistle strike denied Iain Robinson his first point since being appointed Head Coach earlier this month.
“It has been a really interesting season,” Rice said.
“At the start of the season, we all collectively discussed the shared ambition of earning our second consecutive top-six finish, and its pleasing to reach the halfway stage, with that goal still to play for.
“The Christmas break has come at the perfect time for the squad, as both Iain [Robinson] and David [Brownlie] have had to try and implement their ideas despite not much time on the training pitch so far.
“The break will give the full squad that time to reflect on the season so far, reset a bit, and earn that valuable time on the training pitch. That will allow us all to head into 2026, with a fresh mindset, and remain in a strong position to achieve our target of a top-six finish this season.”
Motherwell suffered a disappointing conclusion to the calendar year, with Partick Thistle punishing the visitors attacking complacency with the final kick of the ball to secure a narrow 2-1 victory in a frustrating display at Petershill Park a fortnight ago.
A squandered first-half spot-kick, and countless enticing opportunities in the Jags final-third went unanswered, as the women of steel were left to reflect on what could’ve been in a closely-fought game in Glasgow.
“We were incredibly frustrated at full-time,” Rice explained.
“First-half, both sides struggled to really settle into the game, but we had an opportunity from the penalty spot that we ultimately didn’t take.
“These things can easily happen, but its ultimately about how we respond from that. We felt that we responded really well in the second-half, with Kodie [Hay] scoring a brilliant goal, but we couldn’t capitalise on that momentum in that moment.
“We allowed Thistle to equalise, and despite having several chances on goal, we simply didn’t take our opportunity. Thistle were awarded a free-kick with the last second of the game, and scored. That’s football unfortunately.
After four years at the helm, Head of Women & Girls, Paul Brownlie took to the K-Park dugout for the final time to mark the end of an illustrious era in Lanarkshire.
The highest recorded league position in the history of the club, two Scottish Cup Semi-Final appearances, and the foundation of the Motherwell FC Girls academy are few of the many accolades achieved in the experienced Scotsman’s tenure at the club.
One of the longest-serving players under Brownlie’s tenure, Rice spoke of her own and the squad’s reaction to his recent departure.
“It definitely came as a shock,” Rice explained.
“For myself, having been at the club for many seasons, with Paul as the Head Coach throughout most of that time, it wasn’t something that I was expecting.
“We had a conversation as a group at training, and although we were really surprised, Paul made sure that we put that to one side and focused solely on our preparations for the remaining games while he was here.
‘Even though we lost to Rangers in his final game at K-Park, we put in one of our strongest performances against them, and left the game with a lot of confidence.
Step forward, Queens Park Head Coach Iain Robinson, who joined the women of steel from the SWPL2 side this month. Despite being thrusted into his first match in charge with only two prior training sessions, Rice spoke highly about Robinson’s tactical style since arriving in East Kilbride.
“It’s been interesting to learn a different style of play,” Rice added.
“The timing hasn’t been on our side, with the recent run of fixtures, so we haven’t had much of an opportunity to implement that regularly on the training pitch, but we have all really bought into what Iain, and David are bringing to the club, and are looking forward to 2026.
“The winter break will give us that opportunity to really settle as a squad into that style of play, and we are all looking to forward to seeing what we could achieve this season.”
Matchday 14 of the 2025/26 SWPL campaign awaits the women of steel this weekend, as Motherwell travel across the River Clyde to face Partick Thistle at Petershill Park on Sunday.
Motherwell will be keen to continue their recent fortunes on the road, after securing a point against Montrose before comfortably defeating local rivals Hamilton Accies in the Lanarkshire derby.
Motherwell head into Sunday’s contest, seventh in the SWPL table, three-points clear of closest rivals Partick Thistle in eighth, and will have their sights set on heading into the Christmas break with a positive advantage in the SWPL table.
The Tale of the Tape
Motherwell
Despite a three-nil defeat to title-chasers Hearts in his maiden matchday in the dugout, Head Coach Iain Robinson would’ve been encouraged by his sides display after only two prior sessions on the training pitch.
Despite an assured and convincing second-half performance, Motherwell left themselves with too much to do after conceding a two-goal first-half deficit.
The women of steel will be focused on concluding their recent winless run against the Jags, with the last result coming in 2020, with Motherwell earning a dominant 6-1 victory.
Partick Thistle
Following the departure of Head Coach David Elliot, the Jags confirmed the appointment of experienced Scotsman Gary Holt, who successfully earned the club’s first SWPL victory since August – defeating visitors Aberdeen one-nil.
They’ve since faced both halves of the Glasgow divide, conceding two to Celtic and three to Rangers in consecutive defeats.
Ticket Information
Tickets can be purchased through the matchday turnstiles at Petershill Park or ahead of time through Partick Thistle’s online ticketing platform HERE Both cash and card payments are accepted.
Matchday Travel
The women of steel were overcome in South Lanarkshire, as visitors Hearts returned to the Scottish capital with three-points after an assured victory at a rainswept K-Park on Sunday.
Georgia Timms broke the deadlock within the opening phase of the game, with a Lily Boyce own-goal soon doubling the visitors advantage. Jenna Slattery rounded off the afternoon with a composed strike in the latter stages of the game.
Recently appointed Head Coach, Iain Robinson named his first matchday squad after departing Scottish Women’s Premier League 2 side Queens Park last week.
Rebecca Cameron held her position within the Motherwell goal, with Chelsie Watson partnering Lily Boyce in the Motherwell backline. Carla Boyce led the line for the women of steel.
As the relentless rainstorm showed no signs of easing over K-Park, both sides struggled to settle in the contest, with the conditions severely impacting the flow and rhythm of play.
The visitors looked livelier in the final third, and should’ve deservedly found themselves, but for Rebecca Cameron in the Motherwell goal, who produced a series of vital saves.
Timms came closest to breaking the deadlock, rattling a forceful strike on the half-volley from close-range, but Cameron reacted well to parry over the Motherwell crossbar.
Hearts continued to pressure the Motherwell third, and calmly netted the opener minutes later.
A whipped delivery from the left-flank sailed invitingly into the box, and Timms expertly escaped her marker to prod home from close-range.
The visitors soon doubled their advantage in similar circumstances, with another inviting delivery across the Motherwell penalty area ricocheting inadvertently off the side of Lily Boyce before nestling into the bottom-right corner.
Slattery sealed the three-points for Eva Olid’s side in the final exchanges, with Motherwell failing to clear their lines, and the midfielder capitalised with a precise finish into the bottom-left corner.
The women of steel will return to action for the final time in 2025 net weekend, when they travel to Springburn to face Partick Thistle at Petershill Park.
As one chapter closes, another must open for the women of steel, with Head Coach Iain Robinson taking charge of his first matchday since replacing the departing Paul Brownlie.
The former Rangers Women Under-17s Manager, who has coached with both Morton and Partick Thistle Men’s teams respectively, joins the club from Queens Park where he held the position of Head Coach.
Robinson will depart the Spiders, with the club positioned fourth in the SWPL2 table, one-point behind Boroughmuir Thistle in second.
The Tale of the Tape
Motherwell
The women of steel exited the Scottish Cup to nine-time victors Glasgow City last weekend, despite an impressive display over the Glasgow-side. Motherwell dominated much of the goalscoring opportunities, but couldn’t capitalise, as City converted three in the second-half to seal their place in the hat for the next round.
Motherwell will be encouraged by their display at Petershill Park, and will be keen to replicate the standards they showcased when they welcome Hearts this weekend. Motherwell will be seeking to right the wrongs from the reverse fixture in the Scottish capital, with the hosts ensuring a comfortable three-nil victory.
The hosts squad depth will return to full-strength this weekend, as loanees Sophie Black, Lily Boyce and Chloe Logan will all be available for selection.
Hearts
Eva Olid’s side remain unbeaten in six-consecutive Scottish Women’s Premier League encounters, defeating Partick Thistle, Montrose, Aberdeen, Rangers, Hibernian and Hamilton.
Hearts sit comfortably in second-place, behind leaders Glasgow City by four-points. The Edinburgh-side remain
Ticket Information
Tickets can be purchased through the matchday turnstiles at K-Park. Both cash and card payments are accepted.
Additional Information – no pets allowed within K-Park.
Matchday Travel
The women of steel gave it everything, but ultimately lacked the clinical edge required to overcome Glasgow City, as the hosts capitalised on their few opportunities at Petershill Park.
Natalia Wrobel broke the deadlock early into the second-half, with a hopeful long-range strike, before Amy Anderson punished her former side with a smartly taken second. Ukrainian striker Nicole Kozlova made it three with the final kick of the ball, as Motherwell received a harsh lesson in not taking your chances.
Head Coach Paul Brownlie made two changes ahead of his final matchday in charge at the club following defeat to Rangers a fortnight ago. Skipper Gill Inglis returned to the starting XI, replacing Shannon Leishman, who settled for a place amongst the substitutes. Rebecca Cameron earned the gloves, starting ahead of Chloe Logan in the Motherwell goal.
Keen to mark Brownlie’s final matchday in the dugout, Motherwell started firmly on the front foot, creating a series of enticing, but unfulfilled opportunities on the City goal.
Katie Rice almost teed up teammate Bailley Collins after drilling an inviting delivery across the six-yard-box, but despite expertly escaping her marker at the back post, Collins couldn’t extend her outstretched leg far enough to convert.
As the second-half resumed, Motherwell continued where they left off, with Orla Burn rattling the side-netting with an encouraging attempt from the right-flank.
Kodie Hay soon forced experienced stopper Erin Clachers into action, with a swirling effort from distance, as Carla Boyce also tried her luck from long-range.
Despite Motherwell’s early second-half dominance, City relented, and started to impose themselves on the Motherwell backline. Natalia Wrobel’s hopeful strike from distance sailed past the retreating Rebecca Cameron, as Glasgow City finally broke the deadlock early into the second-half.
Anderson soon made it two, coolly dispatching a well-struck half-volley into the top-right corner, suddenly leaving Motherwell with a mountain to climb.
Kozlova sealed proceedings with the final kick of the ball. A perfectly-weighted through ball took both Motherwell centre-halves out of action, with Kozlova rounding Cameron before placing her strike calmly into the empty-net.
History books rewritten, expectations surpassed, and a lasting legacy established.
After four years at the helm, Head of Women & Girls, Paul Brownlie took to the K-Park dugout for the final time to mark the end of an illustrious era in Lanarkshire.
The highest recorded league position in the history of the club, two Scottish Cup Semi-Final appearances, and the foundation of the Motherwell FC Girls academy are few of the many accolades achieved in the experienced Scotsman’s tenure at the club.
Four years after arriving in ML1, Brownlie led the women of steel for the final time against Rangers last weekend.
“It’s been an incredible journey,” Former Head Coach Paul Brownlie emphasised.
“From the first day, we envisioned dramatically progressing women’s football at the club, both at senior and youth level, and whilst it’s extremely tough to be leaving the club; I’m really pleased to be departing having achieved what we set out to do.
“We’ve experienced a lot of highs and lows, but it felt like the time to look for the next challenge, and allow someone else to take the club in a fresh direction.”
Having taken the reigns at the start of the women of steel’s third season in the Scottish top-flight, following their SWPL2 title victory and promotion in 2018, Brownlie guided the club to their maiden top-six finish last term whilst also securing their second Scottish Cup Semi-Final appearance against Glasgow City at Hampden Park.
The predecessor coming in 2023, with both Motherwell and Rangers contesting the first-ever domestic women’s match at the National Stadium.
“Achieving our first-top six finish, and establishing ourselves as the best part-time team in the country was a special feeling.
“We’ve shared several close battles with Partick Thistle over the years, but to clinch the top-six with an eight-point advantage really reflects the character of the squad, and how much it meant to them.
“The players walking out at the National Stadium, not once but twice, with their families in the stand is a memory that will remain with them forever, and may be for some the greatest moment of their career.
“To share that with the squad, and to create a memory for the next generation of players within our girls academy is absolutely priceless, and will be moments for us to remember forever.
The Motherwell girls academy became a central component of Brownlie’s tenure at the club, with the reorganisation and foundation of a sustainable youth pathway at the club. In the past few years, several aspiring youngsters have made the daunting step up to the Scottish top-flight.
“We’re really pleased to see the progression of the academy pathway at the club,” Brownlie noted.
“We recognised the importance of developing our own talents, and we were determined to create a recognised pathway for players to receive their senior debuts.
“Even over the last few years, we’ve brought through Hannah Cairns, Teoni Steele, and Mia Gillespie to name a few, who have all received their senior debut in the SWPL. Hannah has since become an integral part of the squad this season, and scored the final goal in our first Lanarkshire derby victory this season.
“I’m really pleased to see our plans come to fruition, and I know there will be many more to come in the future.”
During his tenure at the club, Brownlie also laid the foundations for a successful pathway from part-time to full-time football for several aspiring senior players, each earning a professional contract after departing the women of steel.
Morgan Cross, Louisa Boyes, Amy Anderson, Lauren Doran-Barr, Emma Lawton and Emily Mutch to name a few have all made the step into the professional game, with Celtic, Glasgow City, Hibernian, and Bristol City respectively whilst some have also represented the Scottish National Team.
“It’s equally as rewarding as the results on the pitch,” Brownlie added.
“Motherwell have built the foundations of the club on youth development, so to replicate that with the women’s side is really satisfying. Ultimately, whilst results on a matchday are key, the main role for myself and the coaching staff are to support the development of the players at the club.
“Making the step into full-time professional football is a dream that they all share, so for the club to play even a small part in that journey is really fulfilling.
“Hopefully, we’ve continued that reputation of Motherwell giving young players an opportunity. For instance, Laura Berry and Kayla Jardine, who are starting regularly for both Rangers and Hearts, gained their first consistent top-flight experience in claret and amber.
“This year remains the same, with Lily Boyce, Sophie Black, Orla Burn, Mason Clark, and Hannah Cairns all featuring for the club. It’s pleasing to see the club play its part in each of their careers.
“Hopefully, the names mentioned that have made the journey into full-time football are just the first of many to come in the future.”
Brownlie took to the K-Park dugout for the final time last weekend against Rangers, with former Assistant Leanne Crichton leading the opposing dugout. A final memory in claret and amber.
“It was an emotional day, but we made sure to focus on the job on the pitch first,” Brownlie said.
“Leaving the club is incredibly difficult, with the exceptional group of players and staff we have built here, but I’m really looking forward to the next challenge.
“There are two players I’d like to especially thank for their immense dedication and effort throughout my time at the club. Captain Gill Inglis and Vice-Captain Chelsie Watson are the only two remaining players from the squad I met when I walked in the door in 2021.
“They have remained with the club throughout that entire time, and their commitment, experience, and support to the players and staff throughout that spell have been incredibly valuable. I can’t thank them both enough.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank the fans, who have followed us throughout all the highs and lows, and for them to know that their support has always been greatly appreciated.
“Thank you all.”
It wasn’t to be a memorable farewell for Paul Brownlie’s last act in the SWPL, as visitors Rangers clinically dispatched three under the floodlights in East Kilbride on Sunday.
Katie Wilkinson broke the deadlock nine minutes into the contest, with former Ajax striker Quinty Sabajo making it two shortly after the hour mark. Former Motherwell striker Laura Berry sealed three points with a third in the latter stages.
An emotional occasion surrounded the game for Motherwell, marking the final league encounter under Head Coach Paul Brownlie before his departure to pursue another opportunity.
Celtic-loanee Chloe Logan retained her place in goal following a series of impressive displays since making the switch to ML1. Experienced defender Shannon Leishman returned to the starting eleven, partnering Chelsie Watson, who took the captain’s armband.
From the opening whistle, Rangers expectedly dominated in possession, immediately placing Motherwell under sustained pressure. Logan was called into action almost immediately, producing two crucial saves to maintain the scoreline, as Rangers searched early for a breakthrough.
However, Motherwell’s resistance was eventually broken by Katie Wilkinson, latching onto Jodi McLeary’s expertly crafted delivery before dispatching into the bottom corner.
One behind at the break, Motherwell came out in the second-half determined to respond, but were reliant again on Logan, who once again played a crucial role in keeping the scoreline intact.
However, Rangers’ sustained pressure was eventually rewarded. Quinty Sabajo doubled the lead with a well-taken strike from point-blank range after former Motherwell winger drifted a floated delivery into the Motherwell penalty area.
Rangers tightened their grip on the match moments later. Substitute Camille Lafaix powered a shot into the roof of the net, securing a commanding 3-0 victory for Leanne Crichton’s side.
Despite the defeat, there were genuine positives for Motherwell to take from the performance – most notably the outstanding display from goalkeeper Chloe Logan.
Matchday 12 of the 2025/26 SWPL campaign awaits the women of steel this weekend, as they head across South Lanarkshire, returning home to face Rangers at K-Park on Sunday.
Motherwell kickstarted their form on the road, defeating local rivals Hamilton Accies for the fifth consecutive game to secure the second derby day victory over the 2025/26 SWPL campaign.
The women of steel will set their sights on title-chasers Rangers this weekend, with Motherwell determined to earn their first points against the Glasgow club since holding Rangers to a 3-3 stalemate in 2019.
The Tale of the Tape
Motherwell
Head Coach Paul Brownlie will be keen to sign off his time at Motherwell with victory in his final matchday at the club. The experienced coach will depart the club after three successful years at the helm.
Striker Carla Boyce will be keen to replicate her emphatic display over Hamilton Accies last weekend. The experienced forward netted twice to secure the three points in South Lanarkshire.
Last weekend’s result moved the women of steel back into the top-six of the Scottish Women’s Premier League with Motherwell remaining one-point clear of Montrose.
Rangers
The Gers have had a mixed start to the 2025/26 campaign, with former Motherwell Assistant Leanne Crichton’s side sitting fifth in the table, nine-points shy of league leaders Glasgow City.
The Glasgow-side head into the weekend’s meeting following a closely-fought 3-2 victory over bitter rivals Celtic in the Old Firm derby at Ibrox Stadium.
Ticket Information
Tickets can be purchased through the matchday turnstiles at K-Park. Both cash and card payments are accepted.
Additional Information – no pets allowed within K-Park.
Matchday Travel
