Latest News

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.

• 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 14^th December 2025, kick off 4PM. 
• 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 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.”

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.

• 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 19th September 2025, kick off 4PM.
• 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 women of steel sealed a commanding fifth consecutive victory over Hamilton in the second Lanarkshire derby of the campaign, with a resilient second-half resurgence at New Douglas Park on Sunday.

Despite a dominant first-half display, Motherwell’s assurance failed to translate to the scoresheet, with the hosts holding firmly to a goalless stalemate at the break.

Striker Carla Boyce, who assisted twice in the previous meeting, dispatched two clinical finishes to secure the women of steel’s first victory on the road this season.

Head Coach Paul Brownlie made one change from the side that were held by Montrose to a point a fortnight ago. Defender Chelsie Watson replacing Jo Addie in the Motherwell backline, with the experienced centre-half partnering Scotland under-19 international Lily Boyce.

With the knowledge that victory would propel the women of steel back into the top-six, Motherwell started firmly on the front foot, carefully playing their way through to the final third.

Bailley Collins noted the first opportunity on goal, cutting favourably onto her right-foot before drilling a low delivery across the face of goal, but goalkeeper Erin Halliday reacted sharply to deny Boyce in the penalty area.

Motherwell continued to threaten, with efforts from Lucy Ronald and Katie Rice troubling the hosts, but Brownlie’s side couldn’t find the breakthrough before the break.

As the second-half resumed, Motherwell’s dominance in possession became more reflective, with several opportunities on goal. Seven-minutes after the restart, Motherwell finally broke the deadlock.

A well-worked counter-attack left Collins to advance down the right-flank before whipping a threatening delivery across the face of goal, and Boyce narrowly overcame Halliday in a race to the ball, clipping a delicate finish over the young shot-stopper.

10-minutes later, Boyce had her second. Amy Bulloch’s floated set-piece delivery sailed invitingly into the patch of Boyce, who towered over her marker before bulleting a low header past Halliday.

Motherwell comfortably held out their two-goal advantage to secure their first three-points on the road this season. A result that moves Paul Brownlie’s side back into the top-six, one-point clear of Montrose.

Matchday 11 of the 2025/26 SWPL campaign awaits the women of steel this weekend, as they return to South Lanarkshire to face Hamilton Accies in the second Lanarkshire derby of the season on Sunday.

Refreshed during their fortnight break from competitive action, the women of steel return this weekend, with derby day in their sights when they travel across the River Clyde to face Hamilton.

Motherwell will be keen to replicate their emphatic display of their home meeting against Hamilton earlier this season, with Paul Brownlie’s side emerging with a comfortable 4-1 victory.

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 Lanarkshire derby. The experienced coach will depart the club later next month after three successive years at the helm.

The women of steel return to action for the first-time since their closely-fought 1-1 stalemate with Montrose at Links Park. The women of steel broke the deadlock in the latter stages of the first-half through Bailley Collins, but couldn’t sustain their advantage, as Montrose netted a second-half equaliser.

Full focus will be on kickstarting Motherwell’s away form, as the women of steel have yet to secure their first victory on the road. Victory would propel the women of steel back into the top-six if results elsewhere remain favourable.

Hamilton

The SWPL2 champions have struggled to adapt to the Scottish top-flight, yet to receive their first point after their opening 10-league games. The Accies have scored twice across that spell whilst conceding 40-goals.

Ticket Information 

Tickets can be purchased through the matchday turnstiles at New Douglas Park. Both cash and card payments are accepted. Enter via gate 4.

• Adult – £10
• Concession – £6
• Under-16 – £3.

Kick-off from New Douglas Park at 2PM.

Matchday one. The culmination of months of preparation encapsulated in 90-minues.

An opportunity to showcase the connections built within the squad, the tactics drilled on the training pitch, and the ambitions of the team for the season ahead. However, for defender Jenna Penman, matchday one in Springburn presented an unpredictable challenge.

A stalwart of the Motherwell defence, Penman instantly established herself at the core of the Motherwell backline last campaign – featuring in every match.

Penman continued where she left off, with an impressive individual first-half display against Glasgow City. However, whilst making a last-ditch challenge, an awkward landing soon ruled the centre-back out of action.

Working hard behind the scenes, Penman is determined to get back onto the pitch.

“The injury came at the worst possible time,” Penman acknowledged.

“It’s extremely frustrating having worked all summer, heading into the season feeling mentally and physically strong, but having that almost instantly sidelined.

“I was really looking forward to building on the positive season that I had last year. I worked really hard during our time away from the squad in the summer, but injuries are inevitable in sport and unfortunately for me that became a reality just half a game into the season.

“Two-minutes into the second half against Glasgow City, I was caught shielding the ball back to Becky [Cameron], and I jumped over her and just felt myself go flying.

“I landed directly on my shoulder and knew that something wasn’t right straight away. I tore my AC joint, which is the group of ligaments that hold your collar bone down. I tore three with a partial tear in one, resulting in my collar bone moving out of place.

Despite the disappointing start to the 2025/26 SWPL campaign, the 22-year-old is continuing her recovery towards a return to competitive action.

“I received my surgery really quick,” Penman noted.

“I started my recovery only two-weeks after the incident, but was told that it would keep me out for between 3-6 months.

“Recovery has been really positive so far. I was in a sling for the first four weeks, but I have been making progress each day, gaining more movement and less restriction in my day-to-day activities.

“I’ve been spending more time in the gym continuing my rehab and strength work, but I’ll still have awhile to wait before I can start running and prepare for joining in with training.”

The disappointment of Motherwell’s Sky Sports league Cup exit to Hibernian persisted in East Kilbride, with the defending champions overpowering a spirited Motherwell display to seal a third consecutive defeat for the women of steel.

Consistency has been the prevailing factor in Motherwell’s recent struggles, with the women of steel sitting eighth in the Premier League table.

“Our squad is more than capable of competing amongst the best in the Premier League, but we have definitely lacked consistency at times,” Penman added.

“For the most part, we have performed well against the teams around us. We know that the ambition is to get back into the top-six, so we need to be stronger against those teams above us.

“We have shown on occasion that we are capable of competing amongst the full-time sides in the league. The 2-1 defeat to Rangers on another day may have swung in our favour, so it’s definitely frustrating being stuck on the sidelines unable to help the team through.

“The squad have gelled well, and you can see that at times on the pitch. We have some huge games coming up after the international break, and we are confident that we can perform and get the desired results.”

The challenges don’t come any easier for the women of steel, as they travel across the M90 to the North-East coast, as they face Montrose at Links Park. Despite not being able to feature in the matchday squad, Penman is focused and determined on getting back as quickly as possible.

“The thought of getting back onto the pitch is what’s driving me right now,” Penman emphasised.

“My rehab at the moment is very tedious and boring, but every little step I can take to be fit and ready for selection is worth it.

“Watching the girls struggle at points this season has been hard, especially after playing every game last year, but I’m just trying get myself into the best possible position for when I am ready to play again.

“I can’t wait to play again, and I think about it every day.”

Paul Brownlie will vacate his role as Head of Girls and Women’s at the club to take up a new position elsewhere. 

Arriving in the summer of 2021, Brownlie has built up a strong foundation within the women’s setup at Motherwell. Building our first-ever Girls Academy that has allowed numerous young players to make their debuts in the Scottish top-flight, he has also steered our first-team side to a string of various successes over the last four years.

“This has been a really difficult decision,” Paul Brownlie stated.

“It’s hard to close this chapter of my life, as I’ve loved my time here and met some great people along the way, and we have had some proud moments. When I reflect on what we’ve achieved here in the last four years, I feel a sense of pride.

Establishing the Academy and producing and developing young players has always been a huge part of my coaching philosophy.

“The girls in the first-team have been a joy to work with. Not just those in the team currently, but all the players and coaches who have moved on during my spell at the club. I thank each and every one of them for their dedication and enthusiasm. So many people behind-the-scenes volunteer so much of their time to make things possible; I would have been lost without them.

“We have managed to put in place a strong structure that will continue to flourish. The women’s game continues to grow here in Scotland, and I look forward and hope this team continues to have success.”

Motherwell became the first women’s side to play at Hampden Park in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup against Rangers in 2023, before guiding the women of steel back to Hampden for the second occasion last season.

In the league, Brownlie and his side secured a maiden top-six finish in the SWPL last campaign, an unprecedented achievement for the team.

“It has been a pleasure to work alongside Paul since I arrived at the club,” Chief Executive Brian Caldwell said.

“He has dedicated so much time to improving the structure and success of our women’s team and girls’ academy. I am extremely grateful for his efforts, which have seen the team enjoy so many moments of success over the past four years.

“Everyone at Motherwell wishes Paul the very best in this next chapter of his career and we thank him sincerely for all his hard work here at Motherwell.”

Brownlie will remain at the club in his role until December. The club will now begin the recruitment process to replace Paul and will update in due course.