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Motherwell skipper Stephen Craigan admits he can’t wait to lead the team out against Aalesund on Thursday night.

The Northern Ireland international has experienced a lot for both club and country in his 15-year playing career.

But he reckons European night’s are still the most special occasions.

“When I don’t get excited about playing games or get nervous I know it’s time to give up.” said the 33-year-old.

“It still gives me a buzz and it’s great to also see so many young players in the squad getting to experience these matches.

“It’s great to go to other stadiums and see how other clubs are run and see how fans react to their team abroad.

“That’s all exciting and I’m always looking to pick up little tips about how other teams do things and it’s exciting to be involved in.”

Motherwell go into the second-leg at Fir Park with the advantage after a 1-1 draw in Norway last week.

And Craigan is confident the Steelmen can build on that result and seal a place in the next round.

“The main aim was to go over to Norway and bring the game back to Fir Park with it all to play for,” he said.

“We didn’t necessarily play the way we’d hoped in the first-half but that can sometimes happen against good opposition, if you don’t know a lot about the team.

“This time we can be a little more forward thinking and try and be a lot more positive.”

It will be a young Motherwell team which takes to the field against Aalesund but they already have plenty of European experience.

This is the third season in a row in which the Steelmen have competed in Europe and Craigan believes it is great for the youngsters at the club.

“In the SPL you know every team, you know how they are going to play and you know their qualities,” he said.

“It can be much easier to set up a game plan – but it’s a challenge to play in European football against different players and different styles and different formations.”

“This level of competition is great for the younger players. Sometimes you have to adapt during a game and change the style and shape of your play.

“Because we have been involved in European football for the past three seasons the players become accustomed to it, but it doesn’t mean it will happen every single season and the players know they need to keep working hard.”

One of those young players who have undoubtedly progressed over the past few years is 21-year-old Jamie Murphy, whose goal in Norway took him ahead of cup winning hero Stevie Kirk.

Craigan has praised the prodigious young striker as he attempts to fill the void left by the departure of Lukas Jutkiewicz over the summer.

“Strikers are judged on their goals and their performance in the final third. If you judge Jamie on that in the first three matches then he has done very well. He knows himself that he is looking for consistency.

“He has been forced to grow and learn, even though he is only 21. This is because of the strikers that have left and the small pool of strikers that we have at the club. His work rate has improved, he is fitter than ever and his effort is brilliant.”

Motherwell boss Craig Brown says his team will take the game to Aalesund in the second-leg of the Europa League tie.

The Steelmen have the upper hand in the Third Qualifying Round after a 1-1 draw in Norway last week.

And Brown wants to make the most of the home advantage at Fir Park to seal a place in the play-offs.

“We’ll try to win the game,” he said. “It is only fair to our fans. “They want to see us play and to see us attack.

“That is the way we will look to play but we have to bear in mind that the formula to success in two-legged European football, with away goals counting double, is to score away from home and not concede in your home game.

“A 1-1 draw in the first-leg was a good result against a team which, I think, is comparable to our own. To get an away goal was excellent and for us not to lose the game was good too.

“Now we want to entertain and win at home but we will not take unnecessary chances at the back either.”

Aalesund come into the match with it all to do after the draw in Norway and Brown believes he knows how they will line-up on Thursday night.

“I expect the Norwegians to play the exact same way they have every time I have seen them,” said the former Scotland boss, who first encountered Kjetil Rekdal while he was coach of the national team at France ’98.

“I saw them play the match before the first-leg on DVD and I saw their game on Sunday on DVD as well as the match against us. They will almost certainly play a 4-3-3, with Tor Hogne Aarøy up front and two spritely wingers either side.

“Their main danger will certainly come from the front three, but overall they are a similar standard to us.”

Jamie Murphy became Motherwell’s all-time leading European scorer last week when he slotted home the all-important away goal in Aalesund, and as Murphy steps up to the plate this season following the departure of Lukas Jutkiewicz, his boss was full of praise for the Scotland U21 star.

Brown said: “Jamie Murphy has done very well ever since we came here. He has proven himself to be a very accomplished striker and I think the whole SPL understands that, as does Billy Stark, because he has made Jamie a key part of his Scotland U21 squad.

“We know his capabilities and we are looking to provide him with chances, and if we do that I’m sure he will score goals.”

If Murphy and co can do the business on Thursday night it may provide the manager with an elusive budget to bring in re-enforcements.

Brown has been forthright about the financial constraints at the club this season and sees the Europa League run as the best chance to raise the cash which he needs to supplement what he describes as a “threadbare” squad.

“There is no budget at the moment to augment the squad,” he said. “We are resigned to the fact that the only way we will be able to supplement the squad is to have a good run in the competition. That may allow us to bring someone in.

“It would be great if we could at least get through this round and in to the play-off round and our result in the first-leg has at least given us a chance.

“That would be a massive achievement for Motherwell and it could be very financially lucrative if we can get through these preliminary rounds.”

Fans can watch the Europa League Third Qualifying Round clash with Aalesund in style from as little as £59.

After a 1-1 draw in the first-leg, there’s everything to play for when the two teams meet again this Thursday at Fir Park.

And for only £59 you can enjoy a delicious three course meal, served with our house wine, in the comfort of the recently renovated Centenary Suite. 

Our new hospitality partners En Croute Catering made their debut in the clash with Breidablik and this is another an ideal opportunity for you to come along and sample the new and improved menu. 

Former striker Stevie Kirk will entertain you with stories from past adventures as well as give you the team news before anyone else in the ground.

And fellow legend Dougie Arnott will pour you a pint and enjoy a chat with you at the bar.

As well as access to our exclusive pay bar facility both pre and post match, you’ll get treated to some excellent half-time food and a complimentary matchday programme and teamsheet. 

For more information or to book your table, contact Diane or Wilma on 01698 338008 or email commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Motherwell claimed the inaugural Paul McGrillen Memorial Trophy with a 4-2 win over Bathgathe Thistle.

Gary Smith (2), Marc Fiztpatrick and Bob McHugh were on target for the Steelmen at Creamery Park.

Fitzpatrick and Jamie Pollock were both thwarted by some excellent goalkeeping in the opening stages as Motherwell dominated.

They eventually took the lead midway through the first-half when Smith latched on to a Peter Innes pass before rounding the goalkeeper and firing into the empty net.

And the visitors doubled their advantage shortly afterwards when Chris Humphrey’s ball from the right was met by a combination of McHugh and Smith, with the latter later credited with the goal.

Bathgate hit back straight away to reduce the deficit but the two goal parity was restored minutes before the interval when Fitzpatrick met a Jamie Pollock corner with a firm header at the near post.

A free-kick allowed the home side to pull another goal back after the break but Motherwell sealed the vicxtory with 20 minutes remaining when McHugh got on the end of a Pollock cut-back to claim his customary goal.

Head of Youth Development Gordon Young said: “It was a pleasure to come and play the game today, particularly under the auspices of the Paul McGrillen Memorial Trophy.

“We have exceptionally good links with Bathgate and we are proud to play our Reserve and U19 games at the Creamery Park. The pitch is in such a good condition, you would struggle to find a better surface anywhere in Scotland.

“Aside from competing for such a worthwhile trophy, games like this are also important to keep the guys who aren’t starting fit.

“We’ve had great success with the games and, if required, all the guys out there today would be more than capable of stepping up to first-team duty.”

Motherwell: Hollis, Humphrey, Quinn (McKinnon 70), Hutchinson, Page, Innes (Meechan 65), Trialist, Pollock (Erwin 80), Fitzpatrick, McHugh, Smith. Subs not used: Bradley.

The club can confirm that it has reached an agreement with Mark Archdeacon and the striker will leave the club with immediate effect.

Archdeacon, 20, burst onto the scene three years ago, scoring eleven goals in his first seven games for the U19s.

He was soon promoted to the first-team squad and signed a three-year contract but he has not made a sufficient impact.

Indeed, his one and only appearance came as a substitute in the 3-0 victory over Llanelli in the Europa League First Qualifying Round last season.

The striker has had two loan spells away from the club, at Albion Rovers and more recently, Brechin City.

However, he does not feature in Craig Brown’s plans and so he has been allowed to move on in search of regular first-team football.

Also leaving the club are former youth team players Shaun Thomson and Greg Pollock.

The club would like to thank all three for their effort whilst at Fir Park and wish them every success in their future careers.

Jamie Murphy hopes the Motherwell fans turn out in their numbers for the second-leg of the Europa League clash with Aalesund.

The Steelmen have the upper hand in the tie following a 1-1 draw in Norway last night and they have a great chance of reaching the play-off round.

And Murphy, who overtook Stevie Kirk as the club’s all-time leading scorer in Europe, knows the importance of a big crowd.

“The boys have worked so hard last night and we now face a massive tie at Fir Park next Thursday,” he said.

“We need as many fans there, making noise, supporting the team, and shouting the boys on to what will hopefully be a famous win.

“Aalesund were very difficult opponents and will be again next week. We need the Motherwell fans to help push us on.”

Ticket prices are as follows:

• Adults £15 (all stands)
• Juveniles £5 (all stands) *
• Families £20 (Cooper stand) **

Tickets are now on sale and and fans are reminded that they, in line with UEFA guidelines, will be required to supply name and address details for each ticket holder.

Please also note that there will be no purchasing restrictions on home tickets at any time. Fans should also be aware that season tickets are not valid for the game.

*Juveniles are listed as Under 16’s.
**Family Tickets are listed as 1x Adult and up to x3 Juveniles and can only be purchased at the Ticket Office or over the phone.

Jamie Murphy has been included in the Scotland U21 squad for the upcoming challenge match against Sweden.

The in-form striker, who marked his 100th game for Motherwell lasn night with his sixth European goal – a new club record – will look to continue his scoring streak when the teams meet on August 11th at St Mirren Park.

Murphy is part of a 23-man squad and boss Billy Stark hopes his latest goals will boost the youngster’s confidence.

“Footballers are human beings and they all have different personalities and characteristics,” he said. “Jamie is a quiet boy and is very unassuming.

“I think he knows he can play but I still think he has to find himself at first-team level playing consistently.

“Last season he was in and out, which is understandable at his age. But once you get playing regularly at first-team level then in those type of boys that confidence comes.

“He’ll take confidence from what he has done in the under-21 internationals, no doubt about that.”

Stark is looking for Murphy to take his form into the international game, with second-placed Scotland facing their final two UEFA qualifiers against main rivals Belarus and Austria in September.

“It’s great to see him doing well with his club,” Stark said. “He has started every game so far and to get that status as Motherwell’s all-time leading scorer means Jamie is confident.

“We’re going to Belarus for the first championship game in September, and he came on and scored the vital goal for us against Belarus at home. It augurs well.”

Motherwell boss Craig Brown was pleased with the 1-1 draw against Aalesund despite seeing his side concede a late equaliser in Norway.

The Steelmen were set to bring back a one goal lead back to Fir Park after Jamie Murphy put them ahead in the first-leg.

But Alexander Mathisen drew the home side level from the penalty spot in the 93rd minute following a foul on Demar Phillips inside the box.

It was a cruel end to the match but Brown was still happy with the performance and believes his side defended well throughout.

“I think it’s a solid result,” said the Motherwell boss afterwards.

“We’re not getting carried away. It’s only half-time so we are not going to get complacent.

“We played very, very assured football and defended competently. I thought they weren’t going to manage to score.
 
“They didn’t look like scoring in the last 20 minutes. They don’t usually score in the last 20 minutes, I don’t know why, whether it’s through fitness or whatever.

“The players knew that if they got to the hour mark and they hadn’t scored then we had a solid base to build on.

“It looked like they would only score from a set-piece and they got a penalty, which was very softly-conceded.”

Brown was also full of praise for Murphy, who became the club’s all-time leading scorer in Europe thanks to his 48th minute strike.

The Scotland U21 international surpassed Stevie Kirk’s long-standing record of five goals at the Color Line stadium.

“It was a terrific goal he scored tonight,” said Brown.

“He deserves it because he’s a conscientious boy. He works hard and you never hear him boasting. He puts a shift in for the team.”

Pictures from the 1-1 draw with Aalesund in the Europa League Third Qualifying Round first-leg. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

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[tab:Match report]

An injury-time penalty from Alexander Mathisen denied Motherwell victory in the first-leg of the Europa League clash with Aalesund.

The Steelmen looked set for an away win after Jamie Murphy broke the deadlock early in the second-half to become the club’s all-time leading scorer in Europe.

But Aalesund hit-back and substitute Mathiesen equalised with the last kick of the game following a foul on Demar Phillips inside the box.

It was hard on Craig Brown’s men, who were only seconds away from a terrific win in Norway.

They started the game well at the Color Line stadium and Tom Hateley threatened with a 35-yard strike on 12 minutes which home keeper Anders Lindegaard had to tip over.

At the other end, Phillips also went close to an early goal for Aalesund when his powerful effort hit the angle of post and bar.

It prompted a period of intense pressure from the home side, who threw cross after cross into the box.

But it was Motherwell who created the better openings and Stevie Hammell came within inches of his first goal in years when he combined with John Sutton only to see his shot turned behind by Lindegaard.

From the resulting corner, another chance went begging as Mark Reynolds found Murphy in space but he headed just wide of the target.

Both teams continued to attack each other on the slick artificial surface. Peter Larsen fired a long-range shot over the bar and Tor Hogne Aaroy saw a header easily gathered by Darren Randolph as Aalesund pressed.

Murphy almost picked out Hateley at the other end but Phillips made a crucial interception before the midfielder could get his shot away.

With the game finely poised, Brown made a double change at the break, introducing Chris Humphrey and Robert McHugh in place of Sutton and Forbes.

And the substitutions paid off as Motherwell took control. Firstly, Humphrey flashed a dangerous ball across the face of goal and less than a minute later, fellow sub McHugh had a shot deflected over the bar.

It led to the opening goal as from the resulting corner, Hateley picked out Humphrey, who in turn fed Murphy to blast home his sixth European goal in claret and amber from close range.

Aalesund were far from deflated and hit-back immediately in search of an equaliser. Johan Arneng was first to threaten but Randolph did well to hold on to his low drive from the edge of the box. 

Then on 55 minutes, Magnus Olsen shot over when Steven Saunders fell woefully short in his attempt to chest the ball back Randolph.

It was a let-off for Motherwell and they survived another scare midway through the half when Stephen Craigan sliced a cross just over his own bar.

Aalesund continued to attack and Phillips flashed a free-kick narrowly over the bar. Aaroy then combined with substitute Fredrik Carlsen on the edge of the area but he was denied by the legs of Randolph.

Just as it looked as though Motherwell would hold to the final whistle, Saunders fouled Phillips inside the box, and Mathisen sent Randolph the wrong way to make it 1-1.

But with an away goal in Norway, the Steelmen have the upper hand going into the second-leg at Fir Park next week.

[tab:As it happened]

90+3′ FULL-TIME The referee blows the full-time whistle

90+3′ GOAL Mathisen (Aalesund) scores from the penalty spot.

90+2′ Saunders (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Phillips (Aalesund).

90+1′ Aarøy (Aalesund) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Craigan (Motherwell).

90′ Randolph (Motherwell) makes a save.

90′ Aarøy (Aalesund) has an effort on goal.

88′ BOOKING Carlsen (Aalesund) is shown a yellow card.

88′ Carlsen (Aalesund) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Saunders (Motherwell).

84′ McHugh (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Fredriksen (Aalesund).

83′ Fredriksen (Aalesund) misses the target.

82′ Humphrey (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Parr (Aalesund).

80′ Fredriksen (Aalesund) misses the target.

80′ Randolph (Motherwell) makes a save.

80′ Aarøy (Aalesund) has an effort on goal.

79′ Lasley (Motherwell) misses the target.

77′ McHugh (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Jääger (Aalesund).

75′ Carlsen (Aalesund) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on McHugh (Motherwell).

74′ Phillips (Aalesund) misses the target.

74′ Phillips (Aalesund) takes the free-kick.

73′ Reynolds (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Aarøy (Aalesund).

73′ McHugh (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Carlsen (Aalesund).

73′ Jalasto (Aalesund) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Hateley (Motherwell).

72′ Arneng (Aalesund) delivers the corner.

72′ Phillips (Aalesund) takes the free-kick.

72′ Hammell (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Mathisen (Aalesund).

70′ Carlsen (in) – Sylling Olsen (out) (Aalesund)

68′ Arneng (Aalesund) delivers the corner.

67′ Hateley (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Parr (Aalesund).

66′ Hateley (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Parr (Aalesund).

64′ McHugh (Motherwell) is adjudged to be in an offside position.

62′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the free-kick.

62′ Arnefjord (Aalesund) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on McHugh (Motherwell).

61′ Jennings (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Arneng (Aalesund).

60′ Aarøy (Aalesund) commits a foul after challenging Randolph (Motherwell).

60′ Phillips (Aalesund) takes the corner.

57′ SUB Mathisen (in) – Herrera (out) (Aalesund)

56′ SUB Fredriksen (in) – Orry Larsen (out) (Aalesund)

56′ McHugh (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Orry Larsen (Aalesund).

55′ Sylling Olsen (Aalesund) misses the target.

55′ McHugh (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Jalasto (Aalesund).

54′ Arnefjord (Aalesund) commits a foul after challenging Murphy (Motherwell).

53′ Randolph (Motherwell) makes a save.

53′ Arneng (Aalesund) has an effort on goal.

51′ Saunders (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Sylling Olsen (Aalesund).

48′ GOAL Murphy (Motherwell) scores with a low shot from inside the box.

46′ SUB Humphrey (in) – Forbes (out) (Motherwell)

46′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the free-kick.

46′ Jalasto (Aalesund) commits a foul after challenging Humphrey (Motherwell).

46′ SUB McHugh (in) – Sutton (out) (Motherwell)

46′ KICK-OFF The second half begins.

45+2′ HALF-TIME The referee blows for half-time.

45+2′ Aarøy (Aalesund) misses the target.

45+1′ Sutton (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Orry Larsen (Aalesund).

45′ Forbes (Motherwell) misses the target.

45′ Hateley (Motherwell) delivers the corner.

44′ Forbes (Motherwell) delivers the corner.

42′ Orry Larsen (Aalesund) misses the target.

37′ Orry Larsen (Aalesund) fouls.

36′ Phillips (Aalesund) misses the target.

36′ Phillips (Aalesund) takes the free-kick.

35′ Forbes (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Arneng (Aalesund).

34′ Phillips (Aalesund) takes the corner.

32′ Jennings (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Aarøy (Aalesund).

32′ Sylling Olsen (Aalesund) commits a foul after challenging Lasley (Motherwell).

30′ Hateley (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Parr (Aalesund).

29′ Murphy (Motherwell) misses the target.

28′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the corner.

28′ Lindegaard (Aalesund) makes a save.

28′ Hammell (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

27′ Herrera (Aalesund) is flagged for offside.

24′ Saunders (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Sylling Olsen (Aalesund).

22′ Forbes (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Jääger (Aalesund).

21′ Phillips (Aalesund) fouls.

16′ Murphy (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Parr (Aalesund).

16′ Phillips (Aalesund) has an effort on goal.In the post.

13′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the corner.

13′ Hateley (Motherwell) misses the target.

12′ Sylling Olsen (Aalesund) commits a foul after challenging Saunders (Motherwell).

11′ Forbes (Motherwell) misses the target.

8′ Murphy (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Jalasto (Aalesund).

7′ Aarøy (Aalesund) commits a foul after challenging Randolph (Motherwell).

6′ Phillips (Aalesund) takes the corner.

5′ Herrera (Aalesund) takes the corner.

1′ KICK-OFF The match is under way.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell boss Craig Brown:

“It was a cruel blow because it looked as though we were going to get a very good away victory.

“We played very, very assured football and defended competently. I thought they weren’t going to manage to score.
 
“They didn’t look like scoring in the last 20 minutes. They don’t usually score in the last 20 minutes, I don’t know why, whether it’s through fitness or whatever.

“The players knew that if they got to the hour mark and they hadn’t scored then we had a solid base to build on.

“It looked like they would only score from a set-piece and they got a penalty, which was very softly-conceded.”

Motherwell goalscorer Jamie Murphy:

“It’s always disappointing to lose a goal in the last minute. But if you’d offered us a 1-1 draw before the game we would have took it.

“So we have to look at the positives from the game. We have the advantage now and the second-leg is at Fir Park.

“The plan was to get an away goal and we have managed to do that.

“We can’t really complain too much. We played really well at times and not so good at other times. I think it was a fair result as they had chances too.”

Motherwell goalkeeper Darren Randolph:

“I had a good view of the incident and I saw it coming before it actually happened. Everything seemed to be in slow motion and I knew straight away it was going to be a penalty.

“We had a free-kick just before the penalty and when I asked the referee how long was left, he said there were two minutes. I knew if I got the ball and kicked it out, it would be all over.

“Steven was left pretty distraught in the dressing room and we told him to forget about it. What is done is done.

“We didn’t lose and we are still in a good position.  We are very disappointed because it was the last kick of the ball but it is still a very good result.

“The boys gave everything they had for the 90 minutes. For that to happen when it did, it takes a bit off the performance. But we are still in the tie.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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