Aberdeen 2 Motherwell 1 Balmoral Stadium SWPL 1 Sunday 25 January 2026
Eighth faced off against ninth in the SWPL 1 as Motherwell visited Balmoral Stadium taking on Aberdeen Women. The visitors sat FOUR points ahead of the Dons going into Sunday’s affair, giving the Aberdeen a real opportunity to gain some ground on today’s opponents.
Aberdeen claimed an important win in the SWPL 1 as Stewart’s first half opener was cancelled out by Boyce’s early 2nd half goal. An audacious late strike from Mya Christie sealed the three points in a cagey and competitive contest.
Scott Booth was suspended for the clash and watched on from the stand.
Report:
Aberdeen kicked things off, but it was the visitors who created the first opportunity of the afternoon. Sophie Townsley shuffled past Maddie Finnie and drove in a cross which forced Cox off her line. Boyce did manage to get her shot away, but Finnegan was at hand to make the block.
Minutes later, Motherwell won a free kick on the edge of the box. Bailley Collins stepped up but blazed over The Dons’ goal.
With 20’ played, the match needed something that would burst it into life. It was a cagey affair with neither side creating anything of note.
Aberdeen kept to their philosophy, as they were adamant to play out from the back. They did get caught in possession on occasion; however, they didn’t abandon their ways, playing their way out of trouble at times too.
Finally, in the 27th minute, the deadlock was broken. Tobin found space on the left wing and whipped in a teasing ball which Stewart was quickest to. The captain connected first time with her effort looping over Thomson and hitting the crossbar. The ball rebounded back to Stewart for an easy header into an empty net.
A half chance would come the way of the Dons straight after the goal as Collins was caught in possession by Stewart. Stewart and Miller broke away in a 2 on 2 scenario, but Stewart’s pass was just short breaking down the opportunity.
The goal gave Aberdeen confidence as they grew into the game. The final 10 saw them play farther up field and cause problems to the ‘Well backline. Eva Thomson was especially impressive, continuously winning possession and driving her side towards goal.
In the final minute of the half, Miller escaped from Tegan Browning and raced down the wing freely. Miller had the pick of options as her teammates Galloway, Black, and Stewart were queuing up on the edge of the box. The latter was found and struck low and hard to Thomsons right forcing her into a save.
Half Time Aberdeen 1–0 Motherwell
Motherwell started the 2nd half with point to prove and scored right after kicking off. Collins opened up in the right half space and clipped a ball into the box which Boyce athletically connected with first time beating Cox and levelling the score.
Much like the first half, apart from the goal, the occasion lacked chances not helped by the stop start nature of proceedings.
Motherwell made a double change early in the half before Browning collided with Miller, leaving the striker on the deck for a prolonged spell. The challenge earned Browning a booking.
Moments later, Black pulled up with what appeared to be cramp. She attempted to continue for a few minutes but was eventually forced off, with Kerry Beattie introduced in an attacking switch that showed Aberdeen’s intent.
Miller looked to test her luck in the 70th minute, twisting away from Orla Burn before unleashing an effort from 25 yards that was kept on target.
As Aberdeen pushed for a winner, they were forced into further changes. Ogilvie was the next to go down, bringing her afternoon to an end through injury, with Daniel coming on in her place. Bridget Galloway also made way for Mya Christie with 15 minutes remaining.
Just as the contest appeared to be drifting towards a stalemate, Mya Christie produced a moment of magic. In the 85th minute, the substitute’s cross/shot caught Thomson off her line and sailed into the top corner, sending Balmoral into jubilation.
Motherwell responded with urgency in search of an equaliser, but in doing so left gaps at the back. Holly Daniel sensed the opportunity and carried a loose ball from box to box before delivering a cross for Kerry Beattie in the 90th minute. The striker managed to get a touch, though Thomson was quick to smother.
Carla Boyce was later forced off with a head injury, resulting in a lengthy amount of added time and leaving Aberdeen with some resolute defending to do. The Dons dug deep and saw out a nervy finale to secure a crucial three points.
Full Time Aberdeen 2-1 Motherwell
STATS:
Aberdeen: Cox (GK), Black (Beattie 68’), Finnegan, Galloway (Christie 75’), Stewart (C), Ogilvie (Danel 75’), Finnie, Ilijoski, Thomson, Tobin (Broadrick 83’), Miller
Subs: Prawer (GK), Noble, Broadrick, Daniel, McEvoy, Clarke, Christie, Beattie, Selbie
Goals: Stewart 27’, Christie 85’
Motherwell: Thomson (GK), Watson, Ronald, Collins, Boyce (Leishman 94’), Inglis (C) (Cairns 73’), Burn, Clarke (McArthur 58’), Hay (Bullock 58’), Townsley (Penman 73’), Browning
Subs: Cameron (GK), Leishman, Penman, Bulloch, Denholm, Cairns, McArthur
Goals: Boyce 47’
Bookings: Browning 56’
