Paul Brownlie: "Last weekend was a reality check for the squad. We have to consistently perform at our best to compete in the top-six."

03/26/2025 10:00 AM

Motherwell faced an unfortunate reality check in their maiden matchday in the top-six of the Scottish Women’s Premier League, after being overcome by the attacking pressure of title-chasers Rangers, and forced to concede defeat at K-Park. 

“Last weekend was a reality check for the full squad,” Head Coach Paul Brownlie said.

"We understood the magnitude of the task ahead of us when we achieved our place in the top-six. Facing full-time sides on a weekly basis requires a strong mentality, especially when the other five-sides are all battling for the league title.

"We have demonstrated the capabilities within the squad against the strongest sides in the league, but the opening game against Rangers clearly fell below the standards we set collectively as a group.

"We couldn't establish our rhythm in the game, and in those moments; teams like Rangers can pick you apart with the attacking quality at their disposal. We have to learn from it, we can't just sit and reflect on the result, we are working hard on the training pitch to prepare for the fixtures ahead."

After comfortably securing their top-six place and status as the best part-time team in the country, the squad have sought to surpass their initial end of season objectives, by setting additional goals.

"We've set additional target for the squad to achieve," Brownlie added.

"We'll keep these internally, but after reaching our season-long objectives of a place in the top-six and the Scottish Cup Semi-Final, we wanted to continue to build upon that motivation from the squad, and continually push their limits.

"We have a really honest and committed group of players. Immediately after full-time against Rangers, they wanted to get straight back onto the training pitch to put things right.

"We have another nine-league games remaining, and we are treating each one as a final. That has to be the mentality and approach within the squad, especially as we build up to another competitive fixture against Hibs this weekend."

Sunday’s visitors will be keen to swiftly rebuild their confidence after a rampant Rangers side drilled five past the Edinburgh-outfit in the Sky Sports League Cup Final at Fir Park last weekend. The league leaders will head to East Kilbride looking to maintain their two-point lead in the SWPL table, but Brownlie insists that the squad are capable of a momentous result.

"Hibs will be an incredibly tough test, but one we are ready for," Brownlie explained.

"They are top of the league for a reason, and will be heading to K-Park with a point to prove after the defeat in the Sky Sports League Cup Final.

"We performed well in our previous meeting in Edinburgh. We looked sharper and unfortunate not to capitalise on spells of dominance in the game. Hibs were clinical when the chances fell their way, and ultimately that's why they are top of the league.

"If we start on the front-foot and are clinical in the final-third, we can achieve a momentous result. We hope to see you all there supporting the team on."

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