Bailey Hutchison scored the only goal of the game as Aberdeen FC Women progressed to the knockout stages of the Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup by beating Motherwell 1-0 at Balmoral Stadium.
The Dons had followed up their opening 2-1 victory in Group A against Boroughmuir Thistle with a 4-0 success at Queen’s Park but fellow SWPL 1 side Motherwell represented a tougher challenge.
Former Scotland midfielder Leanne Crichton, who joined Well as a player-coach in July, started on the bench for the visitors.
Hutchison grabbed the game’s only goal after 19 minutes as Emma Hunter’s side held out for a third win in three games.
The Dons attacker charged down Motherwell goalkeeper Khym Ramsay’s attempted clearance before applying the finishing touch.
Motherwell went close to an equaliser when Kaela McDonald-Nguah cut inside from the left wing before unleashing a curling effort which hit the crossbar.
The Dons will complete their group stage matches away to Rangers on Wednesday (7.30pm kick-off).
The Gers defeated Queen’s Park 8-0 in their opening group game before a 5-0 win at Motherwell.
Meanwhile, in the Highland and Islands League, Clachnacuddin beat Brora Rangers 10-0, Nairn St Ninians defeated Kirkwall City 5-1 and Buckie Ladies won 7-0 at home to Orkney.