Glasgow City survive scare to beat Motherwell and stay on top of SWPL 1

Glasgow City beat Motherwell 4-2 in a six-goal thriller in Airdrie to remain four points clear at the top of the SWPL 1.

Scott Booth’s side are unbeaten in 2021 and are now three wins away from securing a 14th consecutive title.

But Motherwell continued their improvement under interim boss Stewart Hall as the rocked the champions at the Penny Cars Stadium.

Leanne Ross early opener was cancelled out by Motherwell’s Rosie Slater, but City led 3-1 at half-time through a Mairead Fulton and a goal on the stroke of half-time from Aoife Colvill.

Kodie Hay reduced the arrears to 3-2, but South African captain Janine van Wyke secured the three points.

In miserable conditions, City broke the deadlock in nine minutes through Ross’ free-kick.

Motherwell equalised with half an hour gone when a cross-come-shot from Slater caught Erin Clachers off guard and found its way into the back of the net.

But within a minute City were back in front after Colvill won a penalty. Fulton stepped up to fire the ball straight down the middle.

The league leaders certainly weren't at their best with star striker Priscilla Chinchilla given the night off, but they doubled their lead right on the stroke of half time through Colvill after a sensational passing move between the Australian and Clare Shine.

It was the perfect start to the second half for Motherwell. Captain Jill Inglis went on a run down the left hand side and beat a couple of City players, before firing the ball across goal. The cross wasn’t fully cleared and Hay was there to fire the rebound high into the net.

City bounced back again from conceding as Van Wyke made it 4-2 with a low driven effort from the edge of the box that gave Pollard no chance after a well worked corner routine.

Fulton had a number of chances to put the game to bed while Shine and substitute Ode Fulutidulu was an instant handful and went inches away from scoring with one of her first touches.

Pollard made a superb save to deny Jenna Clark who directed a Fulton corner powerfully towards goal. Foley looked to get herself on the scoresheet with a couple of chances, while Lori Gardner had an audacious effort at the other end.

The Well stopper then denied both Nicole Robertson and Van Wyke as the South African international looked to double her tally for the evening as the game minutes before the game was drawn to a close.

Anyone’s Game player of the Match

The Anyone’s Game player of the match was Mairead Fulton who not only dispatched away a penalty for her side but she was lively throughout the match. Showing a willingness to run at defenders, take shots on goal, create chances for team mates but also put a challenge in a win back possession when needed.

Truly Pollard could’ve easily been chosen with her contribution in making a number of crucial saves for Motherwell.