MATCH REPORT | MOTHERWELL WOMEN 2-1 DUNDEE UNITED FC WOMEN

A much improved second half performance wasn’t enough to stop Dundee United losing out by the odd goal in three away to Motherwell on Sunday. 

Katie Rice and Louisa Boyes had the hosts ahead at the break with Rachel Todd pulling a goal back in the second half at a sunny K-Park. 
  
Graeme Hart made two changes to the side that lost in midweek; Jo Fraser and Nyla Murphy dropping out for Cassie Cowper and Tammy Harkin. 
  
Motherwell took the lead after just six minutes under controversial circumstances when Jade McLaren was down inside the box with a head knock. The referee allowed play to continue and Katie Rice sent a strike into the top corner. 
  
After a delay to treat McLaren, play restarted with Danni McGinley hitting the sidenetting in the 11th minute. 
  
McLaren’s day wasn’t to last much longer as she was forced off due to the head knock and was replaced by Georgie Robb. 
  
Eve Donald fired past the post for United following a McGinley throw while Carla Boyce headed wide at the other end. 
  
The lead was doubled in the 23rd minute; Lucy Ronald played an inch perfect cross for Louisa Boyes to head past McNicoll. 
  
The half was quiet following this with the number of chances on the lower end of the scale as Robb volleyed wide before Well captain Gillian Inglis couldn’t find the target. 

HALF-TIME MOTHERWELL WOMEN 2 DUNDEE UNITED WOMEN 0

The hosts had the first opportunity of the second half as Tiree Burchill forced McNicoll into a save but it was United who started to up the pressure. 
  
Danni McGinley tried her luck with a dipping strike that flew wide of the goal just after the hour mark, however they didn’t have to wait much longer to pull a goal back. 
  
A clever pass out wide to substitute Rachel Todd in the 66th minute gave her space as she advanced inside the box and she made no mistake with a rifled drive from a tight angle finding its way past the keeper. 
  
With 20 minutes remaining United felt they should have had a penalty when Cassie Cowper was bundled over inside the box. The referee waved away claims but the ball fell to Robb outside the box with her effort flying inches over the bar. 

FULL-TIME MOTHERWELL WOMEN 2 DUNDEE UNITED WOMEN 1
  
McGinley and Rebecca Foote came close for United last on but it wasn’t to be as Motherwell’s first half lead was a step too far. The side sit ninth in the SWPL with their final game before the split this coming Sunday at home to Partick Thistle. 

McNicoll, Donald, Dobbins, Young, McLaren (Robb 16), McGinley, Guthrie, Foote, Bruce (Todd 53), Cowper, Harkin (Murphy 80) 
  
Subs not used: Christie, Fraser, Sidey 
  
Scorer: Todd 66’ 
  
Booked: Cowper, Young 

Highlights from the game can be viewed on DUTV