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Motherwell will take on Hibernian in the final of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup after a fantastic 3-1 victory over Spartans at Forthbank.

130-times capped midfielder Megan Burns headed the women of steel ahead after 15 minutes before Spartans’ Tegan Reynolds blasted home from close range to level the scores.

The influential Kerry Montgomery restored Motherwell’s lead early in the second half, before Caitlin Russell came off the bench to notch the final goal of the game.

‘Well headed into the game as underdogs against their SWPL1 opponents, but the early stages demonstrated a much closer encounter was on the cards than some may have anticipated.

There were little chances of note before the opening goal arrived after 15 minutes, Burns rising to meet Kirsty McLaughlin’s corner and her header struck Dion McMahon before spinning over the head of Rachel Harrison and into the net.

After falling behind, Spartans responded well, and Reynolds passed up a good opportunity before getting on the scoresheet, coolly converting Elena Santoyo-Brown’s cross beyond Kendall Welsh.

Having lost their lead, Motherwell managed to regain a foothold on the game and there were chances for Sammy Hare and Hayley Cunningham as the first half ended.

At the other end, the creative spark of Santoyo-Brown was causing problems for the Motherwell backline and Reynolds was showing a desire to add to her tally.

The second half began perfectly poised and Donald Jennow’s side were facing the biggest 45 minutes of their season.

They made the perfect start when McLaughlin’s corner found Montgomery, who after seeing her first header blocked, reacted quickest to steer the ball home and put ‘Well in front.

Suzanne Mulvey shot wide of the target before Spartans almost levelled for a second time when Stephanie Briggs’ header beat Welsh but not the crossbar.

Russell replaced Montgomery and debutant Katey Turner came on for Hare as Jennow looked to add some fresh legs into his hard-working side and it proved to be a masterstroke by the ‘Well boss.

Turner did brilliantly to cross for Russell and the winger made no mistake in heading home from close range.

Russell’s delight was clear for all to see and she was mobbed by her teammates after scoring the goal that all but secured a place in the final.

Spartans continued to battle to find a way back into the game, but the solid Motherwell backline, including Emma Black, Lesley Condie, Maxine Welsh and Ashley Nicolson, refused to be breached and the final whistle sparked more scenes of celebration among the players, staff and supporters.

Having already lifted the SWPL2 championship, the team will now set their sights on securing a quite incredible double when they face Hibs at Firhill on Sunday, November 4.

Images: Ben Kearney

Maxine Welsh can’t wait for the opportunity to play on the big stage when the women of steel take on Spartans in the semi-final of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup.

The 20-year-old has battled back from almost two years on the sidelines through injury, to play an important role in Donald Jennow’s side capturing the SWPL2 title.

On Sunday, ‘Well will aim to continue their success by reaching the final of the Scottish Cup, following in the footsteps of their male counterparts, who contested two national finals last season.

“I’ve spent quite a lot of my time as a senior player injured, so have never played in a cup final at this level,” Welsh said. “Everyone is really looking forward to Sunday, it’s a big occasion and an exciting one to be involved in.

“Most of our more experienced players have played in high profile games and know how to handle the pressure that comes with it.

“We’ve been working hard in training and I think with the mix of youth and experience within the team, we’ll fancy our chances.”

Many of the Motherwell squad have sampled great success in the Scottish game and Sunday’s big game at Forthbank Stadium won’t be a step into the unknown.

Welsh believes the more experienced figures within the team have been vital in providing guidance to the younger players in the build up to what will be for some, the biggest game of the careers so far.

“The more experienced players can also help the younger players deal with the pressure, they’ve done this for years and the information they pass on is invaluable,” she added. “Playing and training alongside such experience and hard workers pushes you.

“I’ve also been putting in extra work in the gym and it seems to have paid off for me.

“We were written off a bit at the start of the season as we had a lot of older players, some of which hadn’t played in a while.

“There’s a great unity within the team as well as determination and motivation to prove the doubters wrong.”

Former Glasgow City youngster Welsh, has had to recover from ACL surgery to restart her career at Motherwell.

She was reunited with Eddie Wolecki Black when the former ‘Well boss brought her to the club in May and she believes she has made good progress following a difficult start to life at the club.

“When Eddie asked me to come in, I hadn’t played in a while and was pretty nervous,” she admitted. “I arrived after not playing for two years, from there I had to build my fitness up and bide my time a bit.

“The girls and the coaches gave me a chance though and I feel like I’ve developed a lot in a short space of time.

“When I got my chance, it wasn’t in my natural position, but I was more than happy to take the role as it’s not for me, it’s for the team.”

By the time Motherwell take to the field on Sunday, it will have been a fortnight since they were last in competitive action.

There has been no let up in training though and Welsh believes Jennow’s dedicated approach to the team will ensure they are well prepared for what is their biggest game of the season.

And the youngster, who has adapted superbly to her role at centre back, hopes the Motherwell fans can get along to back those in claret and amber.

“Donald won’t settle for anything other than what he knows we’re capable of,” Welsh said. “He pushes us in every training session and prepares everything for us to ensure the standards won’t slip.

“He does all his work and we want to repay him for all his efforts.

“We saw a few more fans along at the Hearts game and it’s nice to have people taking an interest and supporting the team.

“It gives you that big game experience and it would mean a lot to have a good support on Sunday.”

Motherwell captain Suzanne Mulvey believes that the winning mentality within the squad can be a key factor in their SSE Scottish Women’s Cup semi-final against Spartans.

The women of steel take on the SWPL1 side at Forthbank next Sunday, with a place in the final of the showpiece fixture in Scottish women’s football up for grabs.

It would cap off a phenomenal season for Donald Jennow’s team, who have already stormed to the SWPL2 title with six games to spare and are on the brink of setting a record points total.

“There’s a winning mentality through the amount of experience that is in the squad,” Mulvey said. “We want to win not just every game, but every tackle, every header and every 50/50.”

“We know we’ll need to be at our best against Spartans, we’ll continue to work hard in every training session, take all the information we can on board from the coaches and make sure we are as prepared as we possibly can be for the game.

“It’s very exciting, we take one game at a time and all our focus is on the Spartans game. But if at the start of the season you had said we would have won the league with a number of games to spare and be in the Scottish Cup semi final we’d have jumped at that.

“This is the type of game I’ve loved playing in throughout my career, it’s going to be a battle and I can’t wait.”

The mixture of youth and experience has proven to be a winning formula for ‘Well so far this season.

In recent weeks Cara Lovatt and Natasha Roberts have been handed first team opportunities, while the likes of Kaitlyn Canavan, Lauryn Reside, Caitlin Russell and Kendall Welsh have all played a big part over the course of the season.

A cup semi-final will be unchartered territory for many of the youngsters, but Mulvey believes the older players will step up to help them adapt to the big occasion.

“Many of the squad have experienced this type of game before, so it won’t be a new or scary experience,” she added. “For the younger players, we’re building it up as an exciting experience, a great opportunity to get themselves noticed and show that there are a number of good players at Motherwell.

“It’s a very competitive environment, there are a number of younger players who have come in and made a big impression.

“To have different options in different positions is fantastic and I think it’s our mixture of youth and experience that has been key to our success this season.”

While the debate rumbles on over the scheduling of the Betfred League Cup semi finals, there are no such issues when it comes to the women’s game.

Both last four fixtures will take place at the home of Stirling Albion on the same day and for £5 you can see Glasgow City take on Hibernian before Motherwell face Spartans.

Mulvey is hopes a few new faces can get along to back the team on what is set to be their most important game of the season so far.

“We appreciate all the support we’ve had so far this season and to see a few new faces along at the semi final would be fantastic,” added the striker. “This isn’t the finale, this is just the beginning of the journey, even though we are moving towards the end of the season, it feels like there is plenty more to come

“The success we’ve had this season is a great reflection on all the hard work that everyone has put in, we have a great group of staff and players.”

Motherwell’s SSE Scottish Cup semi-final with Spartans on Sunday, 14 October has been put back by an hour.

The women of steel will now kick off their last four tie at Forthbank Stadium at 4pm.

The time has been moved to give the teams more time to prepare, with the other semi-final tie between Glasgow City and Hibernian taking place at 12pm.

Motherwell were unable to mark being presented with the SWPL 2 title with a victory, after being held to a 1-1 draw against Hearts.

Kerry Montgomery opened the scoring after 10 minutes, before former ‘Well played Pamela Liddell levelled early in the second half.

It was the first time this season Donald Jennow’s side have dropped points at home this season and the first time they have failed to win after opening the scoring.

The hosts started brightly, and Suzanne Mulvey came close in the first minute before Sammy Hare headed just over the bar five minutes later.

‘Well were rewarded for their early attacking threat when Montgomery swept the ball home from close range after Mulvey had struck the post.

Kendall Welsh in the Motherwell goal was forced into a brilliant stop on 20 minutes to deny Liddell a leveller, but it was the home team who continued to enjoy the better of the chances.

Sammy Hare rattled the post and then the bar within the space of a frantic few minutes. Normally so clinical in front of goal, the striker was clearly frustrated she had failed to find the net when particularly on the first occasion it almost looked easier to score than miss.

Hayley Cunningham and Lauryn Reside both passed up chances before Hare again was unable to convert a good scoring opportunity, firing high over the bar on the stroke of half time.

The driving wind in the second half made playing any sort of football difficult and Motherwell struggled to maintain their attacking threat of the first 45.

The equaliser arrived on 55 minutes when Liddell latched on to a through ball and finished with great composure.

Following the Hearts goal the game was thrown wide open as a contest, but chances were at a premium.

Hayley Cunningham’s low drive drifted just past the post and, at the other end, Liddell couldn’t find the target after bursting through the ‘Well defence.

The last big chance of the match came when Mulvey managed to breach the Hearts backline. But her final touch was heavy, allowing Jambos keeper to bravely intercept and ensure the score remained level.

It wasn’t the result that the women of steel hoped for, but it didn’t hamper their post-match celebrations in which they finally got their hands on the title.

Motherwell return to action in two weeks, when they face Spartans at Forthbank with a place in the final of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup up for grabs.

Pictures: Craig Murray

Kaitlyn Canavan is gutted to be missing out on the celebrations as Motherwell lift the SWPL2 title on Sunday.

The 17-year-old will join up with Northern Ireland’s Under 19 side on Saturday, ahead of their triple header against Estonia, Kosovo and Germany.

While she’ll have to wait to pick her up her league winners medal, Canavan is determined to make an impact on the international stage in what is set to be a busy week for the ‘Well forward.

“It would have been nice to have been a part of the title celebrations, but it’s a huge honour to be part of the Northern Ireland squad,” Canavan said. “We have three games in six days and I really want to make the most of the opportunity.

“Sunday will be a great day for everyone involved with Motherwell, everyone has worked so hard and deserves to get their hands on the trophy.”

After a tireless shift in the women of steel’s 1-0 SSE Scottish Cup win over St Johnstone, Canavan played the full 90 minutes in last weekend’s 4-0 success at Aberdeen.

At times patience has been key for the youngster, but she has now set her sights on an extended run in the team.

“I feel for me this has been my best season playing football, the coaches and players who have come in have taught me so much,” she added. “Personally, I feel as player I’ve progressed and as a team it’s been great to have achieved as much as we have.”

“My season has really kicked on in the last few weeks, that gives me confidence – I’m improving and learning every time I play.

“Donald [Jennow] and Eddie [former boss, Wolecki Black] have played a massive part in my development, their experience has been vital and that’s shown in our results on the park too.”

Motherwell host Hearts at Braidhurst on Sunday prior to the trophy presentation.

It’s sure to be a special day for all involved with the team and also represents a final competitive fixture for Donald Jennow’s side ahead of their Scottish Cup semi final clash with Spartans on 14 October.

With fierce competition for places throughout the squad and the team chasing a record SWPL2 points tally, Canavan is certain there will be no dip in standards.

“If we keep the standards high then I see no reason why we can’t keep our winning streak going,” she said.

“It won’t be an easy game against Hearts and we’ll need to fight for the three points, but everyone is determined to lift the title on a high.

“We know preparation is the main thing going into a semi final against a top league team. If we play the way we know we can, then I see no reason why we can’t challenge Spartans.

“It will be another big day for the team and we really hope the fans can get along to Stirling and get behind us.

“We’re all in this together and the more support we can get along the better.”

Motherwell are closing in on a record SWPL 2 points total after defeating Aberdeen 4-0 at the Aberdeen Sports Village.

The women of steel have racked up 49 points so far this season on their way to clinching the league title.

With three league games remaining, Donald Jennow’s side are moving ever closer to Forfar Farmington’s league record tally of 52.

The visitors broke the deadlock after eight minutes when top scorer Suzanne Mulvey turned provider for Lesley Condie, sending over a delightful cross that the defender nodded home from close range.

Following the opening goal, the Dons responded positively, and it took a wonderful stop by Claire Johnstone in the Motherwell goal to deny Amy Phillips an equaliser.

It looked as if ‘Well would take a slender lead into half time, but they would double their advantage in the final seconds, with the goal coming in bizarre fashion.

Hayley Cunningham’s whipped corner evaded all inside the box and nestled inside the roof of the net.

After the restart, Motherwell began to stamp their authority on the game and the third goal arrived after 57 minutes.

Megan Burns capitalised on Anna Blanchard’s short goal kick, heading the ball through to Mulvey who made no mistake with her finish.

The ‘Well captain added to her tally with 19 minutes remaining, seizing on a defensive mix-up to head the ball beyond the keeper and into the net.

Jennow used the remainder of the game to give some game time to a number of his fringe players, as well as Kerry Montgomery, who missed last Sunday’s Scottish Cup clash with St Johnstone due to injury.

Montgomery almost made an instant impact when she closed down Blachard’s clearance, but the ball spun inches past the post.

In the final minute Sophie Jamieson breached the ‘Well backline to go clear on goal, but with just Kendall Welsh to beat, she pulled her shot wide of the target.

Motherwell have now racked up three successive clean sheets and remain 16 points ahead of FC Kilmarnock at the top of the table.

Next up is a home meeting with Hearts at Braidhurst, after which the team will be presented with the SWPL 2 championship.

Picture: Maureen Lyall

Lesley Condie says Motherwell won’t let up in their pursuit of perfection this campaign.

The women of steel travel to Aberdeen on Sunday for their penultimate away league fixture of the season, with a SSE Scottish Cup semi-final also on the horizon.

Following a points deduction, the Dons require four wins from their last four games and a massive swing in their goal difference to avoid relegation.

Despite their opponents’ struggles, Condie insists there will be no easing up from Motherwell when the two sides meet at the Aberdeen Sports Village.

“Although we have already won the league, we are all still motivated to do as well as we can and continue on our successful run,” she added. “I think we would be disappointed in ourselves if we let our standards slip.

“Everyone wants to be on the pitch playing, especially when the spotlight turns to the semi-final so it is keeping the tempo and standards high at training.

“We had a tough game last week and we didn’t play as well as we could have, so the game against Aberdeen is a chance to put things right again and play the way we have the majority of the season.”

The defender ended a four-year absence from the game when she joined the women of steel at the beginning of the season.

Over the course of the campaign Condie has played a major role in ‘Well clinching the SWPL 2 title and in their progression to the last four of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup.

Motherwell have conceded just 16 goals across 21 games in all competitions this season.

“It’s been fantastic, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this season,” Condie said. “I had been out of the game for four years, so I was feeling a bit apprehensive about coming back. But it has been the best thing I have done.

“We have a great group of girls, many of whom I used to play with and of course it’s nice for the defence to get a bit of credit for that success.”

Having defeated St Johnstone in last Sunday, Motherwell will face Spartans in the semi final, looking to top off an incredible season in style.

As the only remaining SWPL 2 side in the competition, Condie believes Motherwell will be considered underdogs, but says she and her team-mates are relishing the opportunity to test themselves on the big stage.

“It’s massive for us, especially being a SWPL 2 team and then other three being top league sides,” she said.

“We are looking at it as an amazing opportunity to see how well we can do on the big stage.

“We know we are underdogs but that’s the beauty of the cup and we will certainly put everything we have into it. It will be a very exciting day for everyone associated with the team.”

Motherwell boss Donald Jennow has issued a rallying call to fans to turn out to support the women’s team in their forthcoming SSE Scottish Women’s Cup semi-final.

After securing the SWPL 2 title, the women of steel booked the place in the last four with a battling 1-0 victory over St Johnstone on Sunday.

Jennow is delighted that the players are reaping the rewards of all their efforts and believes they deserve all the attention that will come with a Scottish Cup semi final, which will take place on 14 October at Forthbank Stadium against Spartans.

“From our perspective we went into the draw against a big three,” he said. “They are all SWPL 1 sides and all of them therefore would go into a tie against us as favourites.

“The excitement comes in it being a Scottish Cup semi-final, it was well earned courtesy of a very hard fought quarter-final.

“The more Motherwell fans we can get along there the better it will be for us. I know the reserves play a number of their games at Forthbank, so it’ll be a familiar ground for a number of ‘Well supporters.

“My big thing is it’s the same badge on that shirt, it’s your club and we’re a part of it and trying to do the club proud.

“If you can come along and give us a wee bit extra support then it would be more than appreciated.”

Having wrapped up the title early and standing just one game away from a prestigious final, the head coach has rightly heaped praise on the achievements of his squad over the course of a magnificent season so far.

“It’s a platform that the players deserve,” he said. “There’s a whole number of off-field issues that individuals have had to deal with this season

“Football can be a different world at times, but there is a life away from the game and there are a number who haven’t had their troubles to seek.

“I’m incredibly proud of the team of how they’ve handled and managed that, together with their dedication and commitment to playing for Motherwell.

“Those two things together make them deserving of a place in the semi-final and the attention that comes with that.”

Since taking over from Eddie Wolecki Black, Jennow has overseen two victories, a 9-0 win over Central Girls in the league, followed by the cup victory over St Johnstone.

Currently 16 points ahead in the table, the team now have their sights set on finishing their league campaign on a high.

Sunday will see the third visit to Aberdeen in as many months, the Dons will be reeling for a points deduction that almost certainly will see them relegated, but the ‘Well boss insists his team won’t drop their standards.

“The first league game was so important,” he added. “We spoke about momentum and how easy it can be to lose that despite having worked so hard over the course of the season, so to win so well against Central was very pleasing.

“We’re very keen to show the league the respect it deserves, we don’t want to end the season on a whimper and reduce the gap that we’ve worked incredibly hard to create.

“I was also told the other day that there’s potentially some records there to be broken, so as competitors that obviously holds motivation for us too.

“The plaudits always go to the players at the end of the day, they are the ones who win the games, score the goals and keep the clean sheets.

“Wounded animals can often be the most dangerous and we know we’ll have to be at our best to win at Aberdeen.”

Motherwell will face Spartans in the semi-final of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup.

The women of steel will travel to face the Edinburgh club in the last four at Forthbank Stadium on Sunday, 14 October.

Donald Jennow’s SWPL2 champions defeated St Johnstone on Sunday to book their place.

Hibernian will host Glasgow City in the other semi-final tie.