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The women of steel rounded off the 2023/24 SWPL campaign with their third straight victory and eleventh consecutive unbeaten game to secure a seventh-place finish in a narrow 0-1 victory over Dundee United at Foundation Park

The women of steel travelled to the city of discovery with the understanding that victory over the Tangerines would mathematically secure a seventh-place finish ahead of nearest league rivals Aberdeen. Player of the Year Louisa Boyes netted the solitary goal moments before the half-time break, as Motherwell head into the forthcoming campaign on a high.

Head Coach Paul Brownlie made four changes from the side that cruised to their third Lanarkshire derby victory under the K-Park floodlights midweek. Emily Mutch returned in the Motherwell goal, with Kayla Jardine, Brooke Nunn and Murron Cunningham all returning to the starting XI.

Despite Dundee United requiring a victory to escape the automatic relegation-place, Motherwell started firmly on  the front foot, with goalscorer on the previous meeting Jo Addie almost netting within the opening few minutes. Latching onto the ball from a corner, Addie tried to pick out the near side of the goal, but the defender couldn’t convert from close-range.

Morgan Cross almost netted soon after after shifting the ball onto her stronger right-foot, but the forward’s audacious effort was equally-matched by an excellent reaction save.

The breakthrough came three-minutes into stoppage time, with Boyes expertly escaping her marker to find space yards from goal, and the midfielder calmly placed a low effort into the centre of the United goal.

As the second-half resumed, chances from Berry and Anderson tested the United goal, but with Aberdeen conceding twice to Spartans and Hamilton three-behind Montrose, both sides were content to play out the remaining minutes with ease.

The women of steel now head into the forthcoming campaign with confidence and momentum in the pursuit of a top-six finish, as an eleven-game unbeaten run concludes the 2023/24 SWPL campaign in style.

The city of discovery will await the women of steel this weekend, as Motherwell prepare for the final challenge in their quest to finish at the top of the split, with victory in the season finale securing a seventh-place finish in the 2023/24 SWPL table.

The visitors travel to Dundee with the understanding that a solitary point would ensure a place ahead of nearest rivals Aberdeen on goal-difference.

Chelsie Watson’s 95^th-minute winner at the Balmoral stadium last weekend opened up a two-point advantage over the Dons prior to a third successive Lanarkshire derby victory this season after two convincing four-goal victories over Hamilton across both sides of the river Clyde.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

The hosts have firmly taken the post-split fixtures in their stride, maintaining an exceptional unbeaten run of 10-successive games. Five straight home victories throughout that spell have propelled the women of steel to the top of the split.

Victory in the Granite City last weekend ensured the women of steel’s momentum in achieving a seventh-place finish remained firmly within their own hands ahead of a highly-anticipated encounter with SWPL survival hopefuls Dundee United.

Striker Morgan Cross deservedly earned a place in the Scotland U23s squad to face Denmark in a double-header of friendlies this month after impressing in recent weeks, including a brace against Hamilton on Wednesday evening.

Dundee United

The hosts sit precariously above the automatic relegation spot, one point ahead of Hamilton who travel to face Montrose on the final day of the season.

Five points from their last four SWPL encounters have noticeably aided the Tangerines survival hopes after a run of 15-straight league defeats.

Ticket information 

Cash & card payments are also available for this fixture.

• Adult – £5
• Concession – Free to enter
• Under 11s – Free to enter

How to follow the action 

Supporters can follow Sunday’s encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match. Kick-off from Foundation Park at 12PM.

Motherwell successfully rounded off their final home game of the season in emphatic style, twice overcoming early setbacks to cruise to their third Lanarkshire derby triumph of the 2023/24 SWPL campaign.

Melissa Reid broke the deadlock for the visitors shortly after kick-off, with Morgan Cross restoring the scoreline moments later. Chole Muir regained Hamilton’s advantage, with an accurate finish on the half-hour mark. Morgan Cross netted her second of the game minutes after the second-half restart to draw the women of steel level for the second time.

In the latter stages of the game, lifelong Well fan Amy Anderson fired Motherwell into the ascendency for the first-time, with Jo Addie scoring the decisive fourth in the final few minutes of the game to secure the women of steel’s third Lanarkshire derby victory this season.

Head coach Paul Brownlie made four changes to the side that overcame a late Aberdeen resurgence to secure the three points with the final kick of the ball at Balmoral Stadium last Sunday. Rebecca Camron replaced Emily Mutch in the Motherwell goal, with Bailley Collins, Brooke Nunn and Sarah Gibb all returning to the starting XI.

Motherwell almost picked up immediately from where they left off in the Granite City after starting firmly on the front foot. Anderson came close to breaking the deadlock within the opening two minutes after drilling a dangerous right-footed effort from the edge of the box off the crossbar.

Motherwell’s early momentum soon faced an early setback, as the visitors found the breakthrough. Reid escaped her marker before picking out the bottom-left corner with an accurate finish across the face of goal.

Motherwell’s’ attacking efforts persisted and the equaliser soon materialised less than 10-minutes later. Brooke Nunn’s whipped delivery sailed invitingly across the face of goal, and Morgan Cross rose the highest in the box to power home a precise headed effort.

Hamilton restored their advantage shortly before the half-time break, with Muir latching onto Justine Strain’s through ball and placing her strike into the bottom-right corner from close-range.

Four minutes into the second-half, Motherwell netted their second equaliser of the game, with Cross bulleting Katie Rice’s floated delivery into the top-right corner, with her second header of the game.

In the latter stages of the game, lifelong Well fan Amy Anderson found space in the Hamilton penalty area before dispatching a composed right-footed shot into centre of the Hamilton goal.

In the latter stages of the game, Jo Addie secured the three points after converting Kayla Jardine delivery across the face of goal.

A swift return to action awaits the women of steel following their dramatic late triumph over Aberdeen in the Granite City last weekend, with the women of steel returning to K-Park to face local rivals Hamilton in the final Lanarkshire derby of the 2023/24 SWPL campaign.

Chelsie Watson’s 95^th-minute winner at the Balmoral stadium ensured the women of steel continued their exceptional nine game unbeaten run and seventh victory throughout that time.

Paul Brownlie’s side return to East Kilbride with aspirations of securing their third Lanarkshire derby victory this season after convincing four-goal victories across both sides of the river Clyde.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

The hosts have firmly taken the post-split fixtures in their stride, maintaining an exceptional unbeaten run of nine successive games. Four straight home victories have propelled the women of steel to the top of the split.

K-Park has proved to be a formidable venue for opposing teams this season, with Motherwell coasting to comfortable victories over Aberdeen, Montrose, Spartans whilst also overcoming Dundee United at Fir Park.

Victory in the Granite City last weekend ensured the women of steel’s momentum in achieving a seventh-place finish remained firmly within their own hands ahead of the final two games against Hamilton and Dundee United.

Hamilton

Lanarkshire rivals Hamilton sit precariously above the automatic relegation spot, level on points with Dundee United, but only one ahead on goal difference.

Three defeats in their last four haven’t aided Hamilton’s survival hopes, with the side from ML3’s solitary point in the last two months coming in a closely-fought 3-3 draw with Aberdeen at Pittodrie stadium.

Ticket information 

Cash & card payments are also available for this fixture.

• Adult – £8
• Concession – £3
• Under 11s – Free to enter.

*Concession tickets apply to those over 65, and to 12–17-year-olds, with full-time students also eligible with a valid matriculation card.

Additional information – no pets allowed within K-Park.

How to follow the action 

Supporters can follow Sunday’s encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match. Kick-off at K-Park from 8PM.

Motherwell defied a late Aberdeen comeback in emphatic style, netting a decisive goal with the final kick of the game to continue their nine game unbeaten run whilst surpassing the Dons in the SWPL league table.

Motherwell comfortably cruised to a two-goal advantage in the first-half, with Kayla Jardine’s whipped delivery diverted goal-bound by the foot of an Aberdeen defender before striker Laura berry continued her remarkable goalscoring form with an exceptional solo-run and finish shortly before half-time.

The hosts were soon reduced to 10-players moments later leaving the women of steel firmly in the ascendency heading into the second-half. Despite controlling the first-half, the visitors lost their momentum, with Aberdeen responding with two quick-fire goals against the run of play.

As both sides looked certain to share a closely-fought point, defender Chelsie Watson powered home a header with the last kick of the game to secure the three points and ninth unbeaten game.

Head coach Paul Brownlie made two changes from the side that drew with Montrose at K-Park last weekend, with Bailley Collins and Rebecca Cameron settling for a place on the bench whilst Murron Cunningham and Emily Mutch both returning to the starting XI.

Knowing a victory would propel the women of steel to the top of the split, Motherwell started firmly on the front foot and soon netted the opener within the first two-minutes. Kayla Jardine’s whipped delivery from the left flank coasted across the face of goal and a mistimed Aberdeen interception forced the ball into their own net.

Murron Cunningham was next to test the Aberdeen goal, latching onto Amy Anderson’s precise through ball that sliced through the Aberdeen backline, but the experienced defender lost her footing on the artificial turf, reducing the momentum in her strike.

Morgan Cross carved the next opportunity, racing through a series of Aberdeen jerseys before curling a hopeful right-footed effort from the edge of the penalty area, but the strikers attempt was equally matched by an exceptional reaction save.

Motherwell continued to threaten the Aberdeen half, with the second following shortly before the half-time break. Striker Laura Berry regained possession with a clever interception on the halfway line before running directly through the centre of the Aberdeen half. The youngster skilfully switched the ball onto her left-foot before dispatching a calm and composed finish into the bottom-right corner.

Motherwell looked firm favourites to coast to their seventh victory throughout their impeccable unbeaten run when Aberdeen were reduced to 10-players following a verbal discussion with the match officials.

However, the women of steel suddenly lost their rhythm and momentum in the game, with Aberdeen netting twice in a prolific spell.

However, the women of steel’s never say die attitude prevailed. In the final minute of the game, Katie Rice’s whipped corner kick sailed invitingly to defender Chelsie Watson, who steadied herself before guiding a precise headed effort into the top-left corner to seal a dramatic victory on the road in the Granite City.

Eight games unbeaten on the domestic calendar, Motherwell make the trip north to the Granite city, with their sights firmly set on reaching the top of the split, as nearest league rivals Aberdeen only three points ahead.

Four straight victories at K-Park preceded a two-goals stalemate with Montrose last weekend, as the women of steel continued to narrow the ga to Aberdeen who were held to successive draws by Montrose and Hamilton.

Paul Brownlie’s side cruised past the Dons on their previous meeting in East Kilbride, with Morgan Cross breaking the deadlock before a quickfire double across both halves from Laura Berry sealed a comfortable three-goal victory on that day.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

Six victories and two draws since March ensured the women of steel maintained the momentum in closing down Aberdeen, with the women of steel’s goalscoring woes a distant memory.

22-goals have been crafted out across the Motherwell squad, conceding only eight within the time, with forwards Laura Berry and Morgan Cross forging a formidable partnership in the final third. Berry’s efforts were rewarded with the SWPL player of the month award for April.

Victory over Aberdeen would level both sides points tally, with the women of steel retaining a mathematically greater goal-difference.

Aberdeen

The hosts head into this afternoon’s contest after back-to-back draws with Montrose and Hamilton. Despite this, the Dons are unbeaten in their last five games, with four straight victories at Balmoral Stadium.

Aberdeen overcame the women of steel on the opening day of the season in the Granite City, with a Bailley Hutchinson double added by a strike from Hannah Stewart in a narrow 3-2 victory.

Ticket information

Cash & card payments are also available for this fixture.

• Adult – £5
• Under 16s – Free to enter.

How to follow the action

Supporters can follow Sunday’s encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match. Kick-off from Balmoral Stadium at 2PM.

The women of steel successfully preserved their SWPL status for a fifth consecutive season in emphatic style, retaining a formidable eight-game unbeaten run, with victories over Spartans, Hamilton, Dundee united and Montrose.

With only three games remaining, Motherwell are still within reach of nearest league rivals Aberdeen in the pursuit of concluding the season at the top of the split. Experienced defender Murron Cunningham understands that establishing our SWPL status for the forthcoming season has been pivotal to building momentum.

“Retaining our place in the league with over a month till the end of the season has been a real driving factor,” Cunningham explained.

“It’s hugely important to the players and the club. The risk of fighting to stay in this league could’ve hindered our vision to head in the right direction towards the top of the split.

“As a team, we value ourselves highly and know we can compete with the teams in the top-six. Securing a place in the SWPL next season was crucial and will continue to play a role in retaining the momentum for the remainder of the season.

“The atmosphere is good, as a team we have really demanded a standard from one another in training and games to compete at the best level we can. We have picked up good points recently and shown we are capable of competing with those teams around us.”

The women of steel’s remarkable run of form has accurately coincided with a monumental resurgence in the final third, with Paul Brownlie’s side netting 22-times across their last six domestic league encounters. Cunningham emphasised the importance of SWPL survival as a motivator for the squad.

“As a squad, we have had a lot of motivation these last few months,” Cunningham noted.

“The team have played with confidence recently and that may come down to the determination of securing a spot in the league for next season.

“That and the feeling of winning have been big driving factors for us as a team and I think it’s been clear to see that we have played recently with a real intent to be on the front foot and challenge teams.

“Having a run of eight games unbeaten is something that can be hard to do in football especially when you are playing against teams of similar ability and status. However, the changing point in our season so far was playing the top-three at K Park and coming close to a historic victory after putting in a respectable performance that gave us the confidence to continue to develop a consistent style of play.”

The 2023/24 SWPL campaign marked a long-awaited return to action for the experienced defender after facing an unimaginable two-year spell on the side-lines following a long-term injury.

“Returning from a long-term injury is something that is incredibly exciting at the start of the season,” Cunningham said.

“However, getting into the thick of the season, it can be difficult to adapt as quick as your team mates who have been playing consistently the season before. I would say it was a slow start for me and it definitely took time to find my feet, however I now feel I can contribute to the same standard as my team mates and I’m always ready for selection on game day when the opportunity comes.

“The unity in the squad really helped me through this process. When you have a unity within a team, you all have common goals you want to achieve. We have set high targets for the post-split fixtures and when everyone is together and working toward a shared target, we can all equally contribute to achieve the same goals.”

As the team approach the latter stages of the league campaign and have the top of the split firmly within their sights, Cunningham re-emphasised the importance of the Motherwell fans support in achieving this objective.

“The support means a lot to us all,” Cunningham emphasised.

“We have made K park our home and we appreciate everyone coming out every week to show their support to us as a team. We will do our best for the last few fixtures, and it would be a pleasure to have you all with us. Thanks for turning up this season to support us.”

Motherwell consolidated their narrow deficit to nearest league rivals Aberdeen, as the women of steel were forced to settle for a point in a frustrating afternoon at Links Park on Sunday.

The hosts broke the deadlock against the run of play following a succession of opportunities directed towards the Montrose goal, but almost instantly, Chelsie Watson netted the equaliser through a small dose of fortune, as the defenders looping headed effort ricocheted through a series of jerseys before eventually nestling into the bottom-right corner.

Motherwell continued to terrorise the hosts 18-yard box throughout the latter stages of the first-half and across the second 45-minutes, but a decisive second failed to materialise, as the Montrose backline stood resolute and held out for a solitary point.

Looking to replicate the exceptional midweek display over Spartans at K-Park, the visitors started firmly on the front foot, with the first goalscoring opportunity of the game falling to the feet of Laura Berry.

The Rangers-loanee skilfully worked her way to the edge of the Montrose penalty area, cutting across from the left-flank before curling a hopeful effort towards goal, but the young forward couldn’t trouble the Montrose stopper on this occasion.

Moments later, the hosts broke the deadlock with a swift counter-attack carving open the Motherwell backline. A hopeful long-ball left Brown racing through the centre of the Motherwell half before drilling a wayward effort that accurately changed direction at the last possible moment to land beyond the reach of the out-stretched Rebecca Cameron in the Motherwell goal.

Motherwell rallied in search of an immediate equaliser, and their efforts were soon rewarded from a well-worked set-piece. Katie Rice’s whipped corner-kick fell invitingly towards Cheslie Watson at the back-post, and the towering defenders headed effort across the face of goal bundled through numerous players before eventually picking out bottom-right corner.

The visitors resumed the second half on a similar note, with Morgan Cross forcing an exceptional save from a close-range header. Laura Berry, Jo Addie, Kayla Jardine and Brooke Nunn all had opportunities parried clear of the Montrose goal, but ultimately the women of steel couldn’t force through the decisive second goal and were left to settle for a point.

Fresh from a comprehensive midweek victory over Spartans in East Kilbride, the women of steel travel to the North-East, with their sights firmly set on achieving their eighth consecutive unbeaten game when they face Montrose at Links Park on Sunday.

An assured performance under the K-Park floodlights ensured Motherwell cruised to their fourth consecutive home victory, narrowing the gap to nearest league rivals Aberdeen to three points.

Paul Brownlie’s side head to Montrose after defeating the Gable Endies over a fortnight ago, with Kayla Jardine and Morgan Cross both finding the target in a comfortable performance on the K-Park turf.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

Motherwell continued their remarkable run of form over Spartans on Wednesday evening, extending their run to seven consecutive unbeaten games, with Laura Berry netting a brace from the penalty spot. Contributions from Louisa Boyes and Kayla Jardine completed a composed evening from the women of steel, as they overcame the Edinburgh side with a two-goal cushion.

Since mathematically securing their SWPL status for the forthcoming season, Motherwell have continued to close the points difference to nearest rivals Aberdeen, with victory over Montrose teeing up a highly-anticipated meeting with the Dons at the Balmoral Stadium next weekend.

Motherwell have continued their remarkable goalscoring form, scoring 21-times across the unbeaten run, with striker Laura Berry netting seven within that congested run of fixtures.

Montrose

The hosts head into this weekend’s meeting following three successive winless games against both Aberdeen and Motherwell, but Montrose have picked up six points from their last nine at Links Park, with the hosts establishing a positive run of form at home.

Montrose have almost mathematically secured their SWPL status for the forthcoming season, with the hosts establishing a 10-point advantage over both Hamilton and Dundee United at the foot of the Premier League table.

Ticket information

Cash & card payments are also available for this fixture.

• Adult – £7
• Concession – £5
• Under 12s – Free to enter.

*Concession tickets apply to those over 65, and to 12–17-year-olds, with full-time students also eligible with a valid matriculation card.

How to follow the action

Supporters can follow Sunday’s encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match. The match will also be televised live on the BBC Sport Scotland website. Kick-off is from 2PM.

Motherwell continued their emphatic run of form under the K-Park floodlights, extending their unbeaten record to seven-consecutive games, with an assured performance over Spartans on Wednesday evening.

Laura Berry coolly dispatched the opener from the penalty spot after the Spartans backline impeded Morgan Cross’ driving run into the box. The hosts continued to maintain their foothold in the game, but less than three minutes after breaking the deadlock, Motherwell were caught on the ball deep into their own third of the pitch, and the visitors capitalised with an equaliser against the run of play.

The women of steel stood resolute and restored their advantage less than 10-minutes later, as Louisa Boyes continued to update her goalscoring pedigree with an astute finish. A second converted Laura Berry penalty kick followed shortly before the half-time break, with Motherwell remaining firmly within the ascendency with a two-goal cushion.

Spartans again found another goal against the run of play, but Motherwell ensured that the three points remained in Lanarkshire, with Kayla Jardine bulleting a header into the bottom-right corner.

Head coach Paul Brownlie made three changes from the side that maintained their unbeaten run over Montrose at K-Park last weekend. Amy Anderson, Chelsie Watson and Bailley Collins all returned to the starting XI, with Watson captaining the squad.

Victory for the hosts would maintain the momentum in closing down nearest league rivals Aberdeen, narrowing the gap to three points ahead of an important trip to Links Park to face Montrose this weekend.

The women of steel looked poised to continue their exceptional run of form within the opening phases of play, maintaining a high attacking line, forcing the visitors into trading possession deep into their own half. Striker Morgan Cross capitalised on this passage of play, shifting the ball through the centre of the Spartans penalty area before being hauled down under a late forceful challenge.

Strike-partner Laura Berry stepped up and calmly placed a low effort into the bottom-right corner.

Despite their early signs of momentum, the women of steel gifted the visitors an unexpected equaliser, as defender Jo Addie lost her footing on the damp K-Park surface, and Hannah Jordan raced through on goal before capitalising with a composed finish.

Paul Brownlie’s side rallied despite the setback, and soon restored their advantage moments later. An excellent interchange of play across the Spartans penalty area eventually reached the feet of Louisa Boyes, who steadied herself before curling an audacious effort into the top-left corner.

As the half-time whistle approached, Berry netted her second of the game. Fellow Rangers loanee Kayla Jardine skilfully worked her way through the Spartans defence before being tripped directly on the 18-yard-line. Berry stepped up and drilled a precise effort into the top-left corner.

The visitors pulled a second goal back against the run of play, but the women of steel stood resolute and continued their attacking display. A well-worked team move fell kindly to the feet of Collins, who skipped by her opponent with ease before teeing up Jardine, who bulleted an exceptional headed effort into the top-right corner.

The women of steel extend their unbeaten run to seven games, with four back-to-back home victories at K-Park, ahead of this weekend’s trip to face Montrose at Links Park.