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As the dust finally settles on the scintillating finale to the 2025/26 Scottish Women’s Premier League season, the women of steel are already preparing to kickstart their forthcoming Sky Sports Cup campaign.

Drawn in the reformatted and maiden league stage of the competition, Motherwell’s original Round One tie will be replaced by a competitive group stage format, with Iain Robinson’s side set to face an array of Premier League and Premier League 2 opposition.

Motherwell will face fellow top-flight side, Montrose before additional tests against SPWPL2 sides, Livingston, Gartcairn and Kilmarnock. Reflecting on the previous campaign, we gain an insight into our forthcoming opponents.

Montrose

Finishing level on points with the women of steel last campaign, the Gable Endies faced a tumultuous finale to their domestic campaign.

The Links Park side missed out on their maiden top-six finish on the final day of the regular season, as Partick Thistle netted a dramatic 94^th-minute winner to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat – firmly ending Montrose’s hopes of an historic season.

Despite heading into the post-split campaign, with a firm points advantage over the trailing three sides, Montrose finished their campaign in eighth, with Motherwell leading on goal-difference.

Aside from the league campaign, Montrose have had mixed success in the two cup competitions. A 7-0 thrashing from eventual SWPL champions Hearts promptly ended their Sky Sports Cup hopes before they could begin.

However, an excellent Scottish Cup run saw the side reach the Semi-Final stage after defeating both Aberdeen, Dundee United. A 2-0 defeat to Rangers at the National Stadium brought their campaign to a close.

Livingston

Scottish Power Women’s Premier League 2 side, Livingston maintained a largely uneventful 2025/26 campaign, with the club firmly out of the promotion playoff picture, but comfortably clear of the dreaded relegation playoffs.

Securing nine victories from 24-matches, the Lions finished seventh in the second-tier. The squad sealed a magnificent finale to the league campaign, thrashing St. Johnstone five-nil before hitting Stirling University for six in an exceptional 6-1 win.

Gartcairn

A fellow Scottish Power Women’s Premier League 2 side, Gartcairn’s domestic campaign mirrored the Lions in many respects. Despite securing a top-six place, the side were ultimately forced to compete in a league of their own, with the North Lanarkshire outfit finishing 24-points shy of the promotion playoffs.

Sealing eight victories across the season, Gartcairn scored 40, and conceded 51, with former Motherwell midfielders, Tara McGonigle and Georgie Robb both featuring for the team.

Kilmarnock

Despite a magnificent start that yielded much optimism of title success, the 2025/26 campaign ended in disaster for the Ayrshire side. Unbeaten across the campaign, securing 16 victories from 17, with one stalemate by matchday-17 – Kilmarnock built what seemed an irreversible 15-point advantage over title-rivals Spartans.

However, Spartans went unbeaten for the remainder of the season whilst Killie could only muster four-wins from the remaining 11 fixtures – sending the SPWPL2 trophy to Edinburgh, as Spartans snatched the title on the final day by two-points.

Despite the heart-breaking conclusion to their campaign, several players shone through, with forwards Abby Robinson and Cara Gray both being named amongst the top goal scorers in the division. The pair collectively netted 30-goals, and both finished three-goals shy of the league top-goalscorer.

Gill Inglis –

One final curtain call. Captain, Gill Inglis brought the curtain down on a remarkable tenure in the women’ game – retiring from football following seven successive years in ML1. The experienced skipper adorned the claret and amber shirt for the final time in a 2-2 stalemate with Aberdeen after announcing her retirement the previous week.

After almost two decades in the Scottish top-flight, seven consecutive campaigns captaining Motherwell, the highest league position in the history of the club, and two Scottish Cup Semi-Final appearances – Inglis’ departs ML1 after being at the forefront of an historical chapter of women’s football at the club.

A tough decision for the 35-year-old that took a lot of consideration, but ultimately felt fitting to coincide with the 140^thanniversary of Motherwell Football Club, and exciting changes to her personal life following the birth of her son, baby Louie.

We thank Gill for her numerous years of service at Motherwell FC, and wish her the absolute best for the future.

Amy Bulloch –

The first addition of the 2025/26 SWPL campaign, lifelong Motherwell supporter and Partick Thistle’s Player of the Year, Amy Bulloch returned to Motherwell after previously featuring for the club in 2019.

Joining then Paul Brownlie’s side, Bulloch became a mainstay under the former Motherwell Head Coach – featuring 16-times for the women of steel before departing for Scottish Power Women’s Premier League 2 title-chasers, Kilmarnock for the remainder of the season.

We thank Amy for her efforts at Motherwell, and wish her well for the next chapter in her career.

Milly Boughton –

Seeking regular competitive action, Australian youth international, Milly Boughton departed the defending champions, and joined Iain Robinson’s side during the winter transfer window.

The young Matilda firmly hit form in claret and amber after joining the club prior to a crucial post-split campaign. Milly played a vital role, as the women of steel staved off the threat of relegation to finish at the top of the split.

The former Arsenal and Spurs academy graduate scored six-times during her spell in North Lanarkshire, and cemented herself as a key figure in the Motherwell midfield.

We thank Milly for her efforts at Motherwell, and we wish her the best for the future.

Keri Halliday –

Signing alongside Milly Boughton, Northern Irish International forward Keri Halliday became a marquee addition for Iain Robinson’s side.

Arriving in Scotland with a prolific goalscoring record in her homeland, the pacey winger scored 53-goals, and assisted 26 throughout her time in South Belfast, and Halliday wasted little time in opening her Motherwell account.

Making her debut against Aberdeen, Halliday broke the deadlock at the Balmoral Stadium, as Motherwell secured a valuable three-points in a four-three victory. Halliday repeated the feat in the reverse home encounter – scoring the opener in the final matchday against Aberdeen.

The Balleymoney-born striker continued to represent her national team during her time in ML1, and it became a memorable occasion for the youngster, with Halliday scoring her first and second international goal for the senior Northern Ireland team.

Sophie Townsley –

Adding excitement and firepower to the final third, striker Sophie Townsley completed a loan deal from Rangers until the end of the season.

An SWPL2 Player of the year nominee, Townsley made her mark on the division last term, with her consistent goalscoring form guiding local rivals Hamilton to SWPL2 title success and promotion to the first-tier.

Despite Hamilton sitting at the foot of the SWPL table, Townsley had been a shining light in the squad, netting 23-goals in her time in ML3.

Townsley became a mainstay in Iain Robinson’s side – featuring 21-times in claret and amber, and supported Motherwell to a dominant and unbeaten spell in the post-split.

We thank Sophie for her efforts at Motherwell and wish her well for the future.

Mia McArthur –

Midfielder Mia McArthur joined her fellow Rangers teammate Sophie Townsley in the switch to Lanarkshire – teaming up with her former youth academy coach in ML1.

Despite her youthful age, the then 18-year-old arrived in Motherwell with wealth of senior experience, regularly featuring for SWPL 2 side, Gartcairn across the opening to the 2025/26 campaign.

McArthur featured six-times for the women of steel, and her performances on the domestic footballing scene have continued to catch the eye internationally, with McArthur regularly selected to represent the Scotland under-19 squad.

We thank Mia for her efforts at Motherwell and wish her well for the future. 

Sarah Petherick –

A graduate of the Motherwell FC youth academy, midfielder Sarah Petherick made her senior competitive debut under Paul Brownlie before gaining additional senior experience on-loan at Ayr United before joining Rossvale last season.

Petherick impressed in Scotland’s third-tier, becoming a standout player across the entirety of the league, being named in the SWF Championship Team of the Year, and the top Goalscorer for the club.

We thank Sarah for her efforts at Motherwell and wish her well for the future.

Now that our 2025/26 ScottishPower Women’s Premier League season has reached its conclusion, we can provide an update on our playing squad. 

Players under contract

• Rebecca Cameron
• Tegan Browning
• Chelsie Watson
• Shannon Leishman
• Jenna Penman
• Amy Denholm
• Leah Paterson
• Lucy Ronald
• Mason Clark
• Mia Gillespie
• Lia Young
• Kodie Hay
• Bailley Collins
• Hannah Cairns
• Carla Boyce

Loan player returning to parent club

• Mia McArthur (Rangers)
• Sophie Townsley (Rangers)
• Milly Boughton (Hibernian)
• Keri Halliday (Heart of Midlothian)

Players departing

• Gill Inglis
• Amy Bulloch
• Sarah Petherick 

We thank our departing players for their efforts at Motherwell, and we wish them well for the future.

The Motherwell FC Girls Academy are hosting a Pre-Academy Trial Day next month.

This event is open to players born 2016 & 2017.

• Sunday 7th June
• The Ross Commercial Finance Stadium at K-Park, Calderglen Country Park, East Kilbride, Glasgow G75 0QZ.
• 3.00-5.00pm.

Register your interest HERE

The final matchday of the 2025/26 SWPL campaign is upon us, and the women of steel will welcome Aberdeen this weekend, as they contest the season finale at the Ross Commercial Finance Stadium at K-Park on Sunday.

Securing victory over closest-rivals, Montrose last weekend, Iain Robinson’s side had almost mathematically secured their place at the top of the split, one-point shy of the three-point lead necessary to make a seventh-place finish a mathematical certainty.

A quickfire Tegan Browning, and Carla Boyce double sealed a narrow 2-1 victory on the North-East coast, as Motherwell earned their fifth consecutive victory.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

Languishing closely toward the relegation-playoff place prior to the opening post-split fixture, Motherwell were potentially one result from falling towards the bottom-two, but have since showcased an exceptional resurgence, rising to the top of the split, twice defeating Montrose, Hamilton, and once against the Dons.

Scoring 18-goals across the post-split campaign, whilst conceding only five, Motherwell have become a formidable adversary in the split, and will be focused on achieving a perfect post-split record this weekend.

This weekend’s contest will mark an historic moment for Motherwell captain, Gill Inglis, who will hang up her boots after a remarkable career in the women’s game – captaining Motherwell for seven consecutive seasons, whilst leading the team out onto the Hampden park turf on two occasions.

A historical top-six campaign last season marked Gill in the history books of the club, captaining Motherwell to their highest-ever league finish in the Scottish game.

Aberdeen

An assured victory over Motherwell in the final matchday before the split had the Dons heading into the post-split campaign, with confidence of achieving top-flight survival, but their momentum has since subsided.

Scott Booth’s side have since suffered three defeats, defeating only already relegated Hamilton Accies both in Lanarkshire and the Granite City.

They will contest the relegation playoff’s this campaign, with the squad currently seven-points adrift of Montrose.

Ticket Information 

Tickets can be purchased through the matchday turnstiles at the Ross Commercial Finance Stadium 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 The Ross Commercial Finance Stadium at K-Park.

Matchday Travel 

• Sunday 17^th May 20276, 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.

One final curtain call. The last dance before bringing the curtain down on a remarkable tenure in the women’ game. Captain Gill Inglis will adorn the claret and amber shirt for the final time this weekend after announcing her retirement following a decorated career with the women of steel.

After almost two decades in the Scottish top-flight, seven consecutive campaigns captaining Motherwell, the highest league position in the history of the club, and two Scottish Cup Semi-Final appearances – the skipper will depart ML1 after being at the forefront of an historical progression of women’s football at the club.

A tough decision for the 35-year-old that took a lot of consideration, but ultimately felt fitting to coincide with the 140th anniversary of Motherwell Football Club, and exciting changes to her personal life following the birth of her son, baby Louie.

“It’s probably a strange mix of emotions all hitting at once,” Inglis said.

“On one hand, I’m looking forward finishing because I’ve always known this would be my final season, but at the same time, it’s quite surreal to think that something I’ve done every day for decades is suddenly about to end forever.

“It definitely wasn’t an easy decision as my love for the game is as strong as ever.

“I think when you’ve been involved in the game as long as I have, there comes a point where you just know in yourself that the time is right. Football has given me so much and I’ve loved every minute, but physically and mentally, I feel this is the right moment to step away.

“I’ve always said, I wanted to leave the game on my own terms, rather than letting the game make the decisions for me and I’m delighted I’ve been able to do that.

“Now it’s about spending more time with family, looking forward to the next chapter and leaving with gratitude for everyone who’s supported me on this journey.”

Gill Inglis had led the women of steel to several historical moments in the club’s history. A long-awaited top-six finish in the Scottish Power Women’s Premier League cemented the highest recorded league position in the history of the club.

Leading the team onto the Hampden Park turf for the first domestic women’s match at the National Stadium before securing yet another appearance in the Scottish Cup Semi-Final last season.

“Being involved in some of the club’s biggest moments is something I’ll always cherish forever,” Inglis added.

“They’ve given me memories that will stay with me for life. What makes it even more special is being able to do it with an incredible group of teammates and staff.

“I feel grateful to have been part of these moments and for my former Head Coach Paul Brownlie to put his trust in me to captain the team at these times has made it even more special.”

“It’s difficult to pick just one memory, but probably my proudest moment was leading the team out at Hampden Park in the Scottish Cup Semi Final. It was the first time the women’s Semi-Final had been played at the National Stadium, and to have so many friends and family in the stand watching was really special.
“My 92-year old Gran even made it along to watch me. It’s somewhere I didn’t ever think I’d get the chance to play at, but I’m incredibly grateful and proud that I did.”

As one chapter closes, another exciting one opens, with Inglis trading football for Motherhood, as she welcomes the birth of her son, Louie. After already inspiring countless young footballers throughout her career, Inglis is excited to add another important addition to that list.

“I think becoming a Mum to Louie has definitely helped put things into perspective and probably made the decision easier in some ways,” Inglis explained.

“Football has always been such a huge part of my life for so long, but having a family has changed my priorities. I feel ready for the next chapter in my life, and I’m excited to spend more time as a family and be present for things that football has made difficult in the past.

“I’m really looking forward to it! If Louie ends up liking football, I’ll be so proud to watch him enjoy himself and grow in confidence. It will definitely feel strange swapping the pitch for the sidelines after so many years but I’m looking forward to it.

Being part of the transformational development of women’s football in Scotland, Inglis has witnessed a seismic change in the professionalism of the game.

“I’m incredibly proud [of being part of that development],” Inglis noted.

“When I first started playing, the women’s game in Scotland was in a very different place to where it is now. The opportunities, visibility and support around the game has grown massively and it’s been amazing to witness that progression first-hand.

“The league is more competitive and the professionalism of the game has grown. Young girls coming through now have opportunities that I could only have dreamed of when I was younger.”

With Gill set to take to the pitch for the final time this weekend, as Motherwell welcome Aberdeen to the Ross Commercial Finance Stadium at K-Park, the skipper will leave this message for the players, staff and supporters, who have played a part in her incredible career.

“I’d like to thank my family,” Inglis said.

“They’ve been there through everything. My Dad took me to training when I was younger and coached my team. He played a huge part in me being so passionate about the game.

“Looking back now, I realise just how much time, effort and sacrifice that takes. Without their support and belief in me, I wouldn’t have gone on to play the game for so long.

“I’d also like to thank every teammate, coach and member of staff that I’ve had the pleasure of working with throughout my career. They’ve had a huge impact on me and helped shape me as a player and a person. I’ve been so lucky to work with some incredible people.”

“Thank you for everything, Football.”

Captain Gill Inglis will retire from football at the end of the 2025/26 Scottish Power Women’s Premier League campaign.

After almost two decades in the Scottish top-flight, seven consecutive campaigns captaining Motherwell, the highest league position in the history of the club, and two Scottish Cup Semi-Final appearances – the skipper will depart ML1 after being at the forefront of an historical progression of women’s football at the club.

A tough decision for the 35-year-old that took a lot of consideration, but ultimately felt fitting to coincide with the 140^thanniversary of Motherwell Football Club, and exciting changes to her personal life following the birth of her son, baby Louie.

“It’s probably a strange mix of emotions all hitting at once,” Inglis said.

“On one hand, I’m looking forward finishing because I’ve always known this would be my final season, but at the same time, it’s quite surreal to think that something I’ve done every day for decades is suddenly about to end forever.

“It definitely wasn’t an easy decision as my love for the game is as strong as ever.

“I think when you’ve been involved in the game as long as I have, there comes a point where you just know in yourself that the time is right. Football has given me so much and I’ve loved every minute, but physically and mentally, I feel this is the right moment to step away.

“I’d also like to thank every teammate, coach and member of staff that I’ve had the pleasure of working with throughout my career. They’ve had a huge impact on me and helped shape me as a player and a person. I’ve been so lucky to work with some incredible people.”

“Thank you for everything, Football.”

Head Coach, Iain Robinson thanked Gill for her efforts at Motherwell, and for being a key figure in the development of women’s football at the club.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Gill,” Robinson added.

“She has been such an important character for both David and myself coming to the football club. Gill is an experienced professional, who has supported countless young players early development, and shaped their first steps in the women’s game.

“Coming to the club with our ideas for football, Gill has been such an important part in supporting our style of play, and getting our message across to the group.

“She will be sorely missed by everyone at the club, but we wish her nothing but the best in her retirement with her family, and latest new addition, Louie.”

Motherwell fought to acquire three-points in the final matchday on the road, as the women of steel sought off Montrose to earn three-points on the North-East coast.

 Tegan Browning powered Motherwell into the ascendency, dispatching an expertly placed header moments before half-time, with Carla Boyce rifling home a quickfire second shortly after, leaving Motherwell with a comfortable advantage at the break.

Former Motherwell striker, Kaela McDonald-Nguah halved the deficit in the early stages of the second-half, beating Rebecca Cameron with a strike from distance.

Montrose continued to threaten, but the game would ultimately be decided shortly after the hour mark, with defender Jade McLaren seeing red after a violent kick-out on Jenna Penman, who already laid on the surface after the preceding challenge between the pair.

Despite not utilising the one-player advantage in the second-half, Motherwell’s resolute defensive display held firm, as they sealed three-points at Links Park on Sunday.

Head Coach, Iain Robinson named two changes to their starting XI, with Tegan Browning and Mia McArthur replacing skipper Gill Inglis and Keri Halliday.

Despite the hectic nature of the game, and both sides threatening the opposition goal, neither carved out a dangerous opportunity until Cameron brilliantly parried McDonald-Nguah’s long-range strike onto the Motherwell crossbar.

Motherwell responded in the final minutes of the first-half. A whipped delivery across the face of goal sailed invitingly into the path of Tegan Browning, who re-directed her headed effort across the face of goal before nestling comfortably into the bottom-left corner.

Almost immediately from kick-off, Motherwell had a second. Player of the Year, Carla Boyce escaped her marker in the Montrose final third before coolly slotting her strike past the goalkeeper to ensure a two-goal cushion at the break.

Montrose responded well in the second-half, with McDonald-Nguah continuing to threaten. The striker shifted the ball onto her stringer right-foot, and drilled a powerful effort past Cameron, despite the keeper getting a touch before it found the bottom-corner.

Montrose were soon reduced to 10, as the red mist of Jade McLaren boiled over, when the experienced defender lashed out at Penman, who lay on the Links Park surface.

Unfortunately for McLaren, her kick-out remained in full view of the match referee, and linesman, who swiftly brandished the red card to McLaren – who appeared surprised before storming down the tunnel.

Despite intense pressure in the final third, Motherwell were able to hold out for the three points.

Matchday 23 and the final weekend on the road of the 2025/26 Scottish Power Women’s Premier League campaign awaits the women of steel this weekend, as they travel North to face Montrose at Links Park on Sunday.

With top-flight safety secured for the forthcoming season, and aspirations of finishing at the top of the split still firmly within reach, Motherwell head to Montrose knowing a victory could put them within touching distance of finishing above the Gable Endies.

Four successive victories have put Motherwell one-point shy of this weekend’s opposition.

The Tale of the Tape 

Motherwell 

Back-to-back victories in the Lanarkshire derby strengthened Motherwell’s grip on derby day, with the women of steel extending their record to seven straight victories over Hamilton Accies.

Motherwell have propelled themselves back into contention for finishing best of the rest, as they aim to finish at the top of the split. Player of the Year, Carla Boyce will be available for her first game since lifting the accolade at the Motherwell FC Player of the Year night this month.

Goalkeeper Emma Thomson will miss out after being recalled by parent club Hearts.

Montrose

Despite scoring fewer, and conceding more than the women of steel this season, Montrose have maintained a one-point advantage over Iain Robinson’s side, with two-games left to play.

Aside from last weekend’s narrow Scottish Cup Semi-Final defeat to Rangers, Montrose have won their last two SPWPL fixtures – defeating Aberdeen twice.

Sunday’s opposition will be focused on mounting a response, after suffering a five-one defeat when the sides last met in March.

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) – £7.

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

Goalkeeper Emma Thomson has returned to Heart of Midlothian after her parent club exercised a recall option. 

A highly-rated youth talent, Thomson signed on a season-long loan deal last month to bolster the competition for the no.1 jersey at K-Park.

However, injuries within the Hearts squad forced the Edinburgh side to recall Thomson early from her loan agreement.

Thomson returned to her initial loan agreement with the club months later, but injuries within the Hearts squad have forced Thomson to return for a second time.

“We’re really disappointed to lose Emma again,” Head Coach Iain Robinson said.

“Emma had really developed this season, and has been a crucial part of the team, but we understand the situation with her parent club.

“We hope to see Emma back in a Motherwell shirt this season, but in the meantime, Emma leaves with the best wishes of everyone at Motherwell.” 

We thank Emma for her efforts at Motherwell and wish her well for the future.