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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.

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.

The women of steel will be determined to rectify their recent run of form, after suffering five successive defeats.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

Head Coach Iain Robinson will be keen to break their recent winless run, whilst simultaneously earning Motherwell’s first victory over the hosts since an exceptional 2-3 victory at Meadowbank in 2022.

Rangers loanee Mia McArthur could make her first start in the Scottish Women’s Premier League after making her debut as a second-half substitute against Aberdeen.

Victory could be a vital result for the women of steel, who seek to close the narrow four-point deficit to Montrose, who occupy the final top-six place, with four sides keen to avoid being caught in a relegation dogfight.

Hibernian

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.

Ticket Information 

Tickets can be purchased through the matchday turnstiles at Meadowbank or through Hibernian’s ticketing platform HERE. Both cash and card payments are accepted.

• Adult – £8.
• Student – £5
• Concession (Over-65s and Under-18s) – £4.

Defender Orla Burn will return to the Scottish capital after being recalled by her parent club.

The Scotland youth international arrived in ML1 last summer, and became consistent first-team regular.

We thank Orla for her efforts at Motherwell and wish her all the best for the future.

Frustrations mounted in the Granite City, as Aberdeen denied Motherwell their first point of 2026, capitalising in the final stages to narrowly secure three-points at Balmoral Stadium.

Striker Carla Boyce levelled the scoreline after experienced Aberdeen captain Hannah Stewart broke the deadlock shortly before the half-hour mark.

Motherwell grew into the contest, and controlled the majority of the second-half, but failed to find their clinical edge, as Mya Christie scored a late decisive winner to earn all three-points.

Head Coach Iain Robinson welcomed Rangers loanee Sophie Townsley to the starting XI for her first competitive start for the women of steel, with matchday addition, Mia McArthur securing a place on the bench.

The hosts netted the breakthrough midway through the first-half, with an enticing delivery across the face of goal evading Tegan browning and Lucy Ronald at the back post, before falling kindly to Stewart, who fired home the rebound after her initial attempt rattled the crossbar.

Boyce pulled Motherwell level in the opening minutes of the second-half, with a composed and perfectly-weighted finish to lift over the Aberdeen stopper.

Despite Motherwell’s control in the game, Christie netted the decisive winner in the final stages of the game, with the midfielders mis-hit delivery from the right-flank, sailing unorthodoxly back towards goal, beating goalkeeper Emma Thomson.