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    Hibs defeat in pictures

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    Motherwell 2-3 Hibernian

  • Archive

    Strike duo eye Fir Park success

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    Casagolda and Blackman sign on

  • Archive

    Sutton previews Hibs game

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    Blackburn striker joins on loan

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    Casagolda signs for Motherwell

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    Odense away tickets

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    Steelmen agree new sponsorship deal

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    Odense ticket information

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    Hibs defeat in pictures

    Pictures from the 3-2 defeat to Hibs in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Fir Park. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

    [svgallery name=”hibs150810″]

  • Archive

    Motherwell 2-3 Hibernian

    [tab:Match report]

    Motherwell suffered an agonising defeat in their opening league game of the season as Hibs came from behind to win at Fir Park.

    The Steelmen took the lead through John Sutton on 13 minutes and looked set for victory after a dominant first-half performance.

    But Anthony Stokes equalised on the stroke of half-time for Hibs and Paul Hanlon controversially put them in front midway through the second-half.

    Liam Miller then made it 3-1 before Jamie Murphy pulled one back from the spot in what was another entertaining clash between the two sides.

    Craig Brown kept faith with the same team that overcame Aalesund in the Europa League ten days earlier.

    That meant new-boys Nick Blackman and Esteban Casagolda had to be content with a place on the bench.

    It had been twelve years since Motherwell’s last opening day win at Fir Park and the initial signs didn’t look good as Hibs threatened early on.

    Stokes got the better of Mark Reynolds inside the box and fired a low shot at goal but Darren Randolph was equal to it and diverted the ball behind.

    The Steelmen recovered from the early scare and Murphy tried his luck with a low shot from 25 yards.

    They then took the lead on 13 minutes when Sutton diverted a Tom Hateley cross past Graham Stack from close range.

    And only a good save from the Hibs keeper prevented Sutton from doubling his and Motherwell’s advantage with a low shot from 12 yards.

    Stack was called into action again 25 minutes when the lively Murphy let fly with another shot from the edge of the area. Murphy then turned provider for Sutton who saw his effort blocked in front of goal by Sol Bamba.

    It was a terrific spell of pressure from the home side and they continued to unlock the Hibs defence as the half wore on.

    Steven Saunders threatened to make it 2-0 from a Chris Humphrey corner but his towering header went just over the bar. Hateley then created space for himself on the edge of the area although his curling shot was easily held by Stack.

    Hibs had offered very little going forward at this stage but they almost drew level when Kevin McBride combined with Derek Riordan.

    The midfielder looked certain to score from 15 yards but Randolph stood tall and parried the ball behind.

    However, the Motherwell keeper was beaten on the stroke of half-time when Stokes tapped home from close range after Riordan’s free-kick caused havoc inside the box.

    It was cruel blow for the Steelmen, who were much the better team in the opening 45 minutes.

    They hit-back after the break and Keith Lasley found Murphy with a superb cross-field ball but the striker’s shot was easily gathered by Stack.

    Moments later Reynolds sent a 20-yard shot just wide of the keeper’s right-hand post as the second-half got off to a bright start.

    At the other end and Stokes unleashed a curling effort which brought out the best in Randolph.

    Play continued to flow from end to end and Humphrey went agonisingly close to restoring Motherwell’s lead when his looping cross struck the inside of the post.

    Hibs failed to clear their lines and Humphrey sent the ball back into the danger area where Sutton headed just wide.

    The Steelmen looked likelier to score but it was in fact Hibs who went in front on 64 minutes when Hanlon bundled a Riordan cross into the net from close range. Replays later showed the defender used his hand to help the ball over the line.

    Motherwell were undone again on the counter-attack nine minutes later as the visitors extended their advantage. Riordan found Miller in the left-channel and he drilled the ball past Randolph and into the net.

    But just like they did in the 6-6 draw at the end of last season, the Steelmen came fighting back.

    Brown introduced Blackman for his debut and the substitute made an immediate impact – winning a penalty after having his shirt pulled by Nish.

    Referee Craig Thomson, who earlier denied Sutton a penalty, pointed straight to the spot. Murphy stepped and sent Stack the wrong way to give his side hope.

    But despite a late period of pressure, including a blocked shot from Lasley and header from Blackman, Hibs held on to claim all three points.

    [tab:As it happened]

    90+3′ FULL-TIME The referee signals the end of the game.

    90+3′ Keith Lasley takes a shot. Blocked by David Stephens.

    90+2′ Corner from left by-line taken short right-footed by Derek Riordan (Hibernian). Corner from left by-line taken short right-footed by Kevin McBride (Hibernian).

    90+1′ Anthony Stokes takes a shot. Save by Darren Randolph.

    89′ Derek Riordan produces a right-footed shot from deep inside the penalty box which goes wide of the left-hand post.

    86′ Foul by Nick Blackman (Motherwell) on Michael Hart (Hibernian). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Graham Stack (Hibernian) from own half.

    86′ Foul by Anthony Stokes (Hibernian) on Stephen Craigan (Motherwell). Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Stephen Craigan (Motherwell) from own half, passed.

    86′ Cross by Steven Saunders (Motherwell), header by Nick Blackman (Motherwell) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long by Graham Stack (Hibernian).

    83′ SUB Chris Humphrey (Motherwell) leaves the field to be replaced by Esteban Casagolda.

    84′ BOOKING Sol Bamba is cautioned by the ref for unsporting behaviour.

    80′ Sol Bamba concedes a free kick for a foul on Nick Blackman. Stevie Hammell takes the direct free kick.

    79′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on David Stephens by Mark Reynolds. Graham Stack takes the free kick.

    79′ Shot by Derek Riordan (Hibernian) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).

    79′ SUB David Stephens (Hibernian) comes on for Colin Nish.

    75′ Foul by Chris Hogg (Hibernian) on John Sutton (Motherwell). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Jamie Murphy (Motherwell) from left channel, passed.

    75′ Anthony Stokes challenges Stephen Craigan unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

    75′  GOAL Jamie Murphy (Motherwell) scores from the penalty spot with a right-footed shot into the bottom-right corner of the goal.

    74′ Kevin McBride challenges Nick Blackman unfairly and gives away a penalty.

    74′  BOOKING Liam Miller is shown a yellow card.

    74′ SUB Nick Blackman (Motherwell) replaces Tom Hateley. 

    73′ GOAL Liam Miller (Hibernian) scores with a right-footed shot into the bottom-left of the goal from left-side of the penalty area (12 yards).

    70′ Foul by Paul Hanlon (Hibernian) on Chris Humphrey (Motherwell). Free kick crossed right-footed by Tom Hateley (Motherwell) from right wing, clearance by Kevin McBride (Hibernian).

    70′ Paul Hanlon challenges Chris Humphrey unfairly and gives away a free kick.

    68′ Effort on goal by Anthony Stokes from 20 yards. Darren Randolph makes a save. 

    65′ SUB Edwin De Graaf (Hibernian) is replaced by David Wotherspoon.

    64′ GOAL Paul Hanlon (Hibernian) scores from the right side of six-yard box (4 yards). Assist by Derek Riordan.

    64′ Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Derek Riordan (Hibernian) to near post, clearance by Steven Saunders (Motherwell).

    63′ Shot by Derek Riordan (Hibernian) volleyed left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), save (parried) by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).

    62′ Cross/shot by Chris Humphrey (Motherwell) hits the post. The ball is sent back over by Chris Humphrey, headed effort from inside the area by John Sutton (Motherwell) misses to the left of the target.

    60′ Sol Bamba concedes a free kick for a foul on John Sutton. A cross is delivered by Stevie Hammell, Steven Saunders takes a shot. Graham Stack makes a save.

    60′ Colin Nish concedes a free kick for a foul on Stephen Craigan. Darren Randolph takes the indirect free kick.

    57′ Sol Bamba challenges John Sutton unfairly and gives away a free kick. Stevie Hammell restarts play with the free kick.

    57′ Shot by Liam Miller (Hibernian) from 20 yards. Stephen Craigan gets a block in.

    55′ Foul by Steve Jennings (Motherwell) on Anthony Stokes (Hibernian). Free kick crossed right-footed by Derek Riordan (Hibernian) from right wing, resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Darren Randolph.

    53′ Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Chris Humphrey (Motherwell) to near post, save (caught) by Graham Stack (Hibernian).

    52′ Foul by Colin Nish (Hibernian) on Tom Hateley (Motherwell). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell) from own half, resulting in open play.

    50′ Shot by Anthony Stokes (Hibernian) from 20 yards. Save made by Darren Randolph. Derek Riordan takes a outswinging corner from the right by-line to the near post, Paul Hanlon has a headed effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the left of the target.

    50′ Shot by Mark Reynolds (Motherwell) drilled right-footed from left channel (30 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long by Graham Stack (Hibernian).

    48′ The referee blows for offside. Darren Randolph takes the indirect free kick. Foul by Souleymane Bamba on Jamie Murphy, free kick awarded. The free kick is delivered right-footed by Tom Hateley from right channel, Colin Nish makes a clearance.

    48′ Shot by Jamie Murphy (Motherwell) drilled right-footed from centre of penalty area (20 yards), save (caught) by Graham Stack (Hibernian).

    47′ Steven Saunders (Motherwell) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Graham Stack (Hibernian) from own half, resulting in open play.

    46′ Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Tom Hateley (Motherwell) to far post, clearance by Chris Hogg (Hibernian).

    46′ KICK-OFF The second half begins.

    45+2′ HALF-TIME The first half comes to an end.

    45+1′ GOAL Anthony Stokes (Hibernian) grabs a goal from close range to the bottom-left corner of the goal. Assist by Sol Bamba.

    45+1′ Foul by Keith Lasley (Motherwell) on Anthony Stokes (Hibernian). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Derek Riordan (Hibernian) from left channel,

    45+1 John Sutton (Motherwell) is caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Graham Stack (Hibernian) from own half, resulting in open play.

    43′ Colin Nish concedes a free kick for a foul on Stephen Craigan. Darren Randolph takes the free kick.

    41′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Mark Reynolds on Anthony Stokes. Paul Hanlon sends in a cross, Chris Hogg produces a header from inside the area that goes over the bar.

    40′ Tom Hateley takes a shot. Save by Graham Stack.

    38′ Shot by Kevin McBride (Hibernian). Save by Darren Randolph. Corner taken right-footed by Derek Riordan from the right by-line, Stevie Hammell manages to make a clearance.

    35′ The offside flag is raised against Colin Nish (Hibernian). Free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

    35′ Tom Hateley (Motherwell) takes a shot. Save made by Graham Stack.

    29′ Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Chris Humphrey (Motherwell) to far post, header by Steven Saunders (Motherwell) from centre of penalty area (6 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Graham Stack (Hibernian).

    25′ Shot by Jamie Murphy (Motherwell) volleyed right-footed from left channel (20 yards), save (caught) by Graham Stack (Hibernian).

    24′ Goal kick taken long by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).

    24′ Stevie Hammell gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Anthony Stokes. Chris Hogg takes the direct free kick.

    18′ Anthony Stokes fouled by Keith Lasley, the ref awards a free kick. Shot comes in from Derek Riordan from the free kick.

    18′ Effort on goal from 12 yards by John Sutton (Motherwell). Graham Stack makes a save.

    17′ Foul by Sol Bamba (Hibernian) on Keith Lasley (Motherwell). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Stephen Craigan (Motherwell) from right wing, resulting in open play.

    13′ GOAL John Sutton scores from inside the six-yard box to the bottom-right corner of the goal. Assist by Tom Hateley.

    12′ The referee blows for offside against Hibernian. Free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

    12′ Goal kick taken short by Graham Stack (Hibernian).

    11′ Handball by Kevin McBride (Hibernian). Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell) from own half, resulting in open play.

    10′ John Sutton (Motherwell) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Graham Stack (Hibernian) from own half, resulting in open play.

    9′ Jamie Murphy (Motherwell) has an effort at goal from 35 yards. Save made by Graham Stack.

    7′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Keith Lasley on Sol Bamba. Paul Hanlon takes the indirect free kick.

    5′ Derek Riordan takes the outswinging corner, clearance made by Stephen Craigan.

    5′ Anthony Stokes (Hibernian) takes a shot from 12 yards. Save by Darren Randolph.

    2′ Chris Humphrey takes a outswinging corner to the near post, clearance by Michael Hart.

    1′ KICK-OFF The game gets underway

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell boss Craig Brown:

    “I think the penalty we got was the least obvious of three good penalty claims. But I think Craig Thomson is a good referee so I don’t want to criticise him. We have to fault ourselves for not finishing the job.

    “We had the chances in the first-half to be in an unassailable lead, if in a Motherwell-Hibs game any lead is unassailable.

    “We fault ourselves for not taking those chances and give credit to Hibs, they battled their way back.

    “The game should have been out of sight and then we didn’t get a break in terms of decisions. We got one penalty but there was one after it and one before it.

    “I said to my colleague Archie (Knox) ‘Aberdeen got three in the one game’. But, as a rule, you don’t get three penalties.”

    Hibs boss John Hughes:

    “In the first half, it was all Motherwell. Then we got a foothold in the game and started playing some football.

    “We’ve got goals in our team and these guys are spirited and want to score goals. Their keeper has produced two or three great saves and I’m delighted we’ve picked up three points.

    “I’ve seen us play better football but it was a case of doing what we had to do to win the football match.”

    Motherwell midfielder Keith Lasley:

    “We didn’t get the breaks. At the second goal I couldn’t tell what had happened, but Stevie (Hammell) claimed for a handball and so did a couple of the other boys. Perhaps the linesman didn’t have a great view of it.

    “It’s another aspect of the game that we will look at and think it is another bit of luck which has gone against us.

    “The bottom line is we have lost the game, that’s it. The outcome is we have gained no points and it’s already in the past – we now have to take it on with the chin and get on with preparing for the next match.”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”5″]

  • Archive

    Strike duo eye Fir Park success

    New-boys Esteban Casagolda and Nick Blackman share the aim of making an impact for Motherwell ahead of the new SPL season.

    Spaniard Casagolda joined on Thursday, quickly followed by Blackman on loan from Blackburn Rovers, just 24 hours later.

    And speaking exclusively to motherwellfc.co.uk, both aim to leave their mark in the up-coming campaign.

    “This is a great move for me and I really hope to do well,” said Blackman.

    “The SPL is a respected league – I can’t wait to get started. I can look at how well Lukas Jutkiewicz did last season and how that helped his career, and take inspiration. I’m certainly not here for a holiday, I am here to work hard.

    “My contract at Blackburn is up at the end of the season so this is a big opportunity, either to put myself in the shop window or work myself back into the plans at Ewood Park.

    “But, for the time I am at Motherwell, I want to show what I can do, starting tomorrow against Hibs.”

    Casagolda is less well-known than his English counterpart but harbours similar hopes and aspirations.

    His signing has prompted a great deal of excitement amongst the fans following developments online and he hopes to meet their expectations by putting in performances and scoring goals.

    “I am pleased the fans are happy to have me. I am really happy to be here and playing for a club with a great history,” said the 23-year-old.

    “It will take time for me to get used to the Scottish game and the culture, but things are going great so far. My job, as a striker, is to score goals not just for myself, but for the club and the supporters.

    “Tomorrow’s game with Hibernian is big for the club and if I get a chance, I want to make an early impact.”

  • Archive

    Casagolda and Blackman sign on

    New-boys Esteban Casagolda and Nick Blackman were unveiled at Fir Park today after joining the club ahead of the new season. As always, our friends at SNS were there to capture all the action.

    [svgallery name=”signings140810″]

  • Archive

    Sutton previews Hibs game

    John Sutton is predicting another entertaining game when Motherwell host Hibs in the SPL opener on Sunday.

    The two teams shared twelve goals in an incredible 6-6 draw at Fir Park towards the end of last season.

    And although a similar barrage of goals is unlikely this time round, Sutton believes it will be another exciting game for the fans.

    “The 6-6 draw was a terrific game to be a part of,” said the striker.

    “Hopefully from a defensive point of view we won’t be conceding six goals but if we could score six again that would be great.

    “After such an open game you would think both managers will think the game has to go more the other way, and try to concentrate on keeping a clean sheet.

    “But if you look at the attacking talent Hibs have got, they are always liable to score, and likewise, we have some players that are always a goal threat.”

    This weekend may be a curtain raiser for most teams in the SPL but Craig Brown’s men have already played four competitive matches in the Europa League.

    Sutton, who netted in the 3-0 victory over Aalesund last week, expects Motherwell will have a big advantage in the early stages of the season.

    “We already have a level of intensity because of the competitive matches we have played, he said.

    “But it is only a benefit if you get good results, which we have done in Europe. So it has been handy to have those games.

    “We do feel like any other team in the SPL in the sense that a new season is a fresh start. We have to get off to a good start because we feel that it is going to be a tight league and to get points on the board early will be important.”

    The Steelmen will have two new faces in the squad for the visit of Hibs following the signings of Esteban Casagolda and Nick Blackman.

    And Sutton believes there is sufficient quality at the club to deliver success again this term.

    “Regardless of the size of the squad we have got some really good players here and there is no reason why we cannot do well again this season,” added the striker.

  • Archive

    Blackburn striker joins on loan

    Motherwell have agreed a six-month loan deal with Blackburn Rovers for striker Nick Blackman.

    The 20-year-old has yet to feature for Rovers’ first team but has had loan spells at Blackpool and Oldham.

    And manager Craig Brown believes he will be a useful addition to the squad.

    “Blackman is tall and he’s good in the air,” said the Motherwell boss. “He’s got pace to burn, a good left foot.

    “He has really blossomed in pre-season. My friend who is the first-team coach at Blackburn, Steve Kean, said he would definitely score goals in the SPL.

    “He is a very exciting young striker. He is quick and lively and his movement is good.

    “We had a good lift from Lukas Jutkiewicz last season and we consider Blackman is as good a player and is going to be as productive for us as Jutkiewicz was and, if that’s the case, we’ll be well pleased.”

    Blackman is the second new face in 24 hours following the capture of Spanish striker Esteban Casagolda and Brown is hopeful of adding one more.

    “We might try to fiddle with the team a little and see if we can have some movement before the end of the transfer window,” added the former Scotland boss.

    “We’re still on the lookout to freshen up the squad and supplement it.

    “If the deal is right and the chairman is prepared to co-operate, as he has done brilliantly to allow us to get these strikers in, we might manager to get someone else.”

  • Archive

    Casagolda signs for Motherwell

    The club can today confirm the signing of Spanish striker Esteban Casagolda on a one-year contract.

    The 23-year-old, previously of FC Brussels, Diegem and RC Malines, has been on trial for several weeks at Fir Park, impressing boss Craig Brown enough to be win a contract.

    And he will go straight into the squad for the SPL opener against Hibernian on Sunday.

    “Esteban is a bit of a rough diamond but he’s got talent,” said Brown. “I’ve seen enough from him in the last couple of weeks to know he can offer us something.

    “He has a terrific scoring record at youth level in Belgium and we are hoping he can realise that potential here at Motherwell.

    “He’s tall, quick and mobile and when he gets his fitness up, he’ll give us another option,” added the Motherwell boss.

  • Archive

    Odense away tickets

    Tickets for the First Leg of the Europa League Play-Off with Odense are currently on sale from the Fir Park Ticket Office.

    The club have been given a total allocation of 1,550 tickets, priced at £17 each, for the match on Thursday 19th August.

    Please note that tickets can only be bought in person (no phone or internet sales are available), and your passport information is required when purchasing.

    Fans travelling on the official club charter need not buy tickets as they will be supplied on the plane itself.

    For further information please contact the club on 01698 333 333.

  • Archive

    Steelmen agree new sponsorship deal

    The club are delighted to announce a new shirt-sponsorship deal with Scotland’s largest independent Voice and Data communications company, Commsworld.

    Founded in 1994, Commsworld are a Scottish owned company with offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

    The company provides three main functions, including Telephone System solutions (Call recording, Call centre applications, VOIP, Hosted services); Network Services (Internet connectivity, Wide Area Data Networks, ISDN & Analogue lines, SIP lines and Mobile phone solutions) and Engineering Services (365/24/7 maintenance, project management).

    With a diverse customer-base ranging from SMEs and charities through to FTSE 250 organisations in sectors such as retail, law, oil and gas and leisure, Commsworld client lists boasts established names such as Kwik Fit, Capital Solutions, Parks of Hamilton and Glenmorangie.

    The six-figure, one-year deal, is a massive boost to the club and Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said, “We are absolutely delighted to announce this deal today and look forward to what will hopefully be a long and fruitful relationship with a strong Scottish company.”

    Richard Nicol, CEO of Commsword, added, “Commsworld have ambitious growth plans and are certain that the extensive media coverage that the SPL enjoys will substantially increase awareness of the brand.”

    Motherwell manager Craig Brown commented, “We’re delighted that the club have secured such a lucrative deal with a well-known, established organisation.

    “Even through the priority for Archie Knox and I is very much football matters, we understand and acknowledge the importance of a strong brand on the front of our kits.”

  • Archive

    Odense ticket information

    The club can today confirm ticket information for the Second Leg of the Europa League tie against Odense, scheduled for August 26th at Fir Park.

    After getting past Icelanders Breidablik and Norwegians Aalesund, Craig Brown’s men face yet another difficult tie against the Danes.

    The First Leg is in Odense so it is essential Fir Park is full, noisy and colourful for the return leg. As such, the club have announced the following ticket prices:

    • Adults £20 (all stands)
    • Juveniles £10 (all stands) *
    • Families £30 (Cooper stand) **

    Tickets will go on general sale on Wednesday 11th August at 1pm and fans are reminded that they, in line with UEFA guidelines, will be required to supply a 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. Ticket information for the second leg has still to be confirmed.

    *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.