Women held away at Aberdeen.
Report & Image: Motherwell FC
Motherwell Ladies missed the opportunity to record their 10th successive SWPL2 victory after being held to a 1-1 draw at struggling Aberdeen.
The women of steel ended the game with nine players, after Kerry Montgomery and Kirsty McLaughlin both saw red in a fiery second half.
It was a hugely contrasting second period to the first, where chances and incidents of note were at a premium.
Hayley Cunningham twice went close for the visitors, while Susan Murray and Chloe Fitzpatrick both passed up opportunities for Aberdeen.
It had been a below-par showing from Eddie Wolecki Black’s side, but they responded by making a bright start to the second half.
On 49 minutes it took an excellent stop from Emily Mutch to deny Suzanne Mulvey from breaking the deadlock.
The frantic five minute spell that followed saw the game burst into life.
It began with Montgomery being dismissed for a second yellow card and just 30 seconds later they found themselves behind. Lynne Robertson powered a header beyond Johnstone to put the Dons in front.
Motherwell have shown themselves to be resilient on numerous occasions so far this season and they replied in the best fashion possible just one minute later.
McLaughlin broke free under pressure from three Aberdeen defenders and unleashed a low shot that found the net over the far post to level the score.
After finding the perfect reply, Motherwell continued to press for the goal that would put them ahead, while their opponents with an extra player advantage continued to post a threat too.
With 14 minutes remaining, Motherwell were reduced to nine when McLaughlin received a second booking. It was a decision that appeared to be harsh on the midfielder and put huge pressure on the league leaders going into the final stages of the match.
A mixture of brave defending and determination helped ‘Well through a spell of Dons pressure. They could have quite easily have gone on to take a remarkable three points, with Megan Burns and Cunningham both missing good chances.
The controversy continued after the final whistle, when Niamh Johnston became the third player in claret and amber to see red.
Results elsewhere mean that Motherwell retain their eight-point advantage at the top of the table with 10 games remaining.
There are no fixtures next weekend due to the international break, meaning the next match for the ladies comes on 17 June when they host Cumbernauld Colts in the second round of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup.
