Hamilton Accies Women boss on 'stark' difference during Motherwell derby defeat

Hamilton Accies Women boss Robert Watson admits Motherwell’s experience told in their derby defeat on Sunday.

The Women of Steel ran out comfortable 4-0 winners at K-Park in East Kilbride, with Carla Boyce hitting a 48-minute hat-trick to floor Accies before a Kaitlyn Canavan penalty in stoppage time put some gloss on the result for the hosts.

It leaves Watson’s side joint-bottom of SWPL1 with fellow pointless side Montrose Ladies, although they are both just a point adrift of Spartans and Dundee United, who Accies host this Sunday, kick-off 4pm.

Watson said: “What was quite stark on Sunday was the difference in experience between the two teams.

“When you looked at Motherwell’s line-up there were maybe two changes from the team they had last season.

“Despite starting the better in the game, once we lost the first goal we lost our way a bit. Losing a goal right after half-time, when we’d made a change to try and force the issue, killed us off.

“It was a disappointing afternoon but, ultimately, we can’t dwell on it. We need to move on and know the players are gaining vital experience all the time. It is down to all of us to learn from it and improve for Dundee United.”

United have lost to Partick, Hearts and Celtic but picked up a surprise draw with Hibs.

On their forthcoming clash with The Terrors, Watson said: “Dundee United have had a similar start to us so it will be an interesting match up.

“There was very little between the sides last season. Both of us have had a big turnover of players so it will be an interesting game.

“We always knew it would be a tough start. We have played three top six teams and a Motherwell team who finished pretty strongly last season, but we are just behind Dundee United and Spartans so