fbpx
News

Latest News

  • Archive

    Brown happy with result not performance

  • Archive

    Kilmarnock win in pictures

  • Archive

    Kilmarnock 0-1 Motherwell

  • Archive

    Hibernian U19s 3-4 Motherwell U19s

  • Archive

    Odense defeat in pictures

  • Archive

    Odense 2-1 Motherwell

  • Archive

    Motherwell train in Denmark

  • Archive

    Brown looks ahead to Odense clash

  • Archive

    Paul Quinn update

  • Archive

    Team photocall

  • Archive

    Brown happy with result not performance

    Craig Brown admitted his Motherwell side were not at their best against Kilmarnock on Sunday afternoon.

    But he was more than happy to take three points from the game at Rugby Park as the Steelmen got off the mark in the SPL.

    A Nick Blackman strike settled a hard-fought contest in which both teams struggled to find any flow or incisiveness to their play

    Darren Randolph had little to do but made a crucial save late on to secure the points and a welcome boost ahead of the visit of Odense on Thursday.

    “I’m proud of the lads for getting all three points,” said Brown. “I can’t say I’m ecstatic about the way we played. I don’t think the game was of the highest quality – either in terms of entertainment or in the technical aspects.

    “Overall it was an even game and I thought it could have gone either way. Thankfully we got the goal, and both keepers making excellent saves ensured it finished 1-0.

    “We battled hard for the three points but Mixu would probably be justified in claiming his side deserved a point.”

    It was a terrific result for the visitors after their midweek exertions in Denmark and Brown conceded that the trip to Odense, as well as the second leg this Thursday, played a massive part in his team selection.

    “When you play a European game on Thursday and don’t get back until the middle of Friday and then you are asked to play at the weekend it is tough,” said the Motherwell boss.

    “We haven’t got the biggest of squads and the players aren’t massively used to playing so many games in quick succession. It is a massive undertaking for the players and I have to praise their commitment and fitness levels.

    “We had to play today with half a mind on Thursday. That is not to be disrespectful to the SPL  as we are trying to compete on two fronts the best we can. Thankfully we have done the first part of that with a win here.”

    The gaffer made four changes to the side which lost 2-1 in Odense with Jon Page, Nick Blackman, Esteban Casagolda and Marc Fitpatrick coming into the starting line-up, and at one point Motherwell had three teenagers on the field in Robert McHugh, Steven Saunders and Jon Page – with Hateley, Murphy and Blackman not much older.

    Brown paid tribute to his reshuffled, youthful eleven after grinding out Motherwell’s first SPL win of the season.

    Reflecting on the game, the gaffer said: “Both strikers were involved in the goal. Casagolda laid it out wide and then got on the end of the cross to flick on to Nick Blackman, and his finish was good. The reflex save at the end from Darren Randolph was also excellent.”

    “I thought Jon Page did very well at right-back, and it was Marc Fitzpatrick’s first start since January and for him to still be working hard at the end was a great achievement for him because he has been the most unlucky player with injuries.”

    “If we had lost today we have got Celtic next week which will be a tough task. So it was a vital win – even though I don’t think we played anywhere near as well today as we did against Hibs.”

  • Archive

    Kilmarnock win in pictures

    Pictures from the 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Rugby Park. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

    [svgallery name=”kilmarnock220810″]

  • Archive

    Kilmarnock 0-1 Motherwell

    [tab:Match report]

    Nick Blackman scored the only goal of the game as Motherwell earned their first SPL victory of the season at Kilmarnock.

    The striker converted a Chris Humphrey cross from close range on 37 minutes for his goal for the club.

    And it proved decisive as the Steelmen got the better of their hosts in a disappointing game at Rugby Park.

    Craig Brown made four changes to the side with Thursday’s Europa League clash with Odense in mind.

    New-boys Blackman and Esteban Casagolda were handed their full debuts in place of Jamie Murphy and John Sutton.

    Youngster Jonathan Page also made his first start for the club, with captain Stephen Craigan dropped to the bench.

    And forgotten man Marc Fitzpatrick came into the starting eleven at Rugby Park as well, replacing Keith Lasley in midfield.

    The changes appeared to take their toll on the team though and it was a sloppy start to the match from the Steelmen.

    Kilmarnock were first to threaten when James Dayton picked out David Da Silva inside the box and the Portuguese striker headed over.

    Da Silva then tried his luck with a shot from the edge of the area but once again he failed to hit the target.

    Motherwell eventually found their feet and Blackman went close with a dipping volley from the left-side of the box.

    But it was one of the few chances in a disappointing first-half. Killie created very little themselves and the majority of play was contested in the middle of the park.

    That all changed on 37 minutes though as Motherwell broke the deadlock. Blackman was the man to get the goal, ghosting in at the far post to tap home a Humphrey cross from the right.

    Killie responded immediately and Page made a crucial intervention to block a powerful Da Silva shot from inside the box.

    They pressed for an equaliser before half-time but continued to struggle in the final third.

    There might have been a lack of quality on show but there was certainly no lack of commitment and both teams were strong in the tackle.

    Indeed, Randolph and Fowler were booked at the interval following a spot of handbags in the tunnel.

    Motherwell started the second-half brightly and Blackman tested the Killie keeper with a low shot from the right-side of the box.

    Humphrey then created a great chance for Fitzpatrick when he cut the ball back to the on-rushing midfielder but he shot straight at Bell.

    The home side hit-back and Fowler drove a shot narrowly wide from the edge of the area.

    They introduced Connor Sammon on the hour-mark and the big striker almost picked out Danny Invincibile with a dangerous cross shortly after.

    Brown made a whole host of changes for Motherwell too and Craigan came on for Page to provide further stability in the closing stages.

    Murphy also joined the action and created a chance for Hateley, who saw his powerful 20-yard strike parried by Bell.

    It was a good save from the Killie keeper but his counterpart Randolph went one better at the other end moments later.

    Manuel Pascali looked like salvaging a draw when he rose highest to meet a James Dayton corner but Randolph showed great reactions to tip the ball over the bar and preserve the lead.

    Killie threw more bodies forward in the dying minutes but Motherwell held on to register their first three points of the new season.

    [tab:As it happened]

    90+3′ FULL-TIME The final whistle is blown by the referee.

    90+3′ Goal kick taken long by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).

    90+1′ Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by James Dayton (Kilmarnock) to centre, header by Mohamadou Sissoko (Kilmarnock) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar.

    90+1′ Foul by Steven Saunders (Motherwell) on David Silva (Kilmarnock). Free kick crossed right-footed by David Silva (Kilmarnock) from left wing, save (tipped over) by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).

    90′ Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by David Silva (Kilmarnock) to centre, header by Manuel Pascali (Kilmarnock) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).

    89′ Mohamadou Sissoko fouled by Nick Blackman, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Jamie Hamill.

    89′ Mohamadou Sissoko (Kilmarnock) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Darren Randolph (Motherwell) from own half, resulting in open play.

    89′ Foul by Robert McHugh (Motherwell) on Ben Gordon (Kilmarnock). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ben Gordon (Kilmarnock) from own half, resulting in open play.

    88′ Tom Hateley takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Save by Cameron Bell.

    86′ Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by James Dayton (Kilmarnock) to far post, header by Liam Kelly (Kilmarnock) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed left.

    85′ Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by David Silva (Kilmarnock) to centre, resulting in open play.

    83′ SUB Kilmarnock substitution: Craig Bryson replaced by Liam Kelly.

    81′ Corner taken by Tom Hateley from the left by-line, save made by Cameron Bell.

    80′ Robert McHugh gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Ben Gordon. Free kick taken by Jamie Hamill.

    78′ SUB Jamie Murphy (Motherwell) comes on for Chris Humphrey.

    78′ David Silva gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Chris Humphrey.

    76′ Free kick crossed right-footed by Jamie Hamill (Kilmarnock) from right wing, clearance by Tom Hateley (Motherwell).

    76′ BOOKING Steve Jennings (Motherwell) is booked for unsporting behaviour.

    76′ Foul by Steve Jennings (Motherwell) on James Dayton (Kilmarnock).

    76′ Cross by Steven Saunders (Motherwell), clearance by Mohamadou Sissoko (Kilmarnock).

    74′ Foul by Steven Saunders (Motherwell) on Conor Sammon (Kilmarnock). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Manuel Pascali (Kilmarnock) from own half, resulting in open play.

    72′ Foul by Conor Sammon (Kilmarnock) on Stephen Craigan (Motherwell). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Stephen Craigan (Motherwell) from own half, resulting in open play.

    71′ Conor Sammon delivers the ball, save made by Darren Randolph.

    68′ Free kick crossed left-footed by James Dayton (Kilmarnock) from left wing, clearance by Steve Jennings (Motherwell).

    67′ SUB Motherwell substitution: Jonathan Page replaced by Stephen Craigan.

    67′ BOOKING Jonathan Page (Motherwell) is booked for unsporting behaviour.

    67′ Foul by Jonathan Page (Motherwell) on David Silva (Kilmarnock).

    66′ Shot by James Dayton (Kilmarnock) drilled right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Jonathan Page (Motherwell).

    65′ Foul by Nick Blackman (Motherwell) on James Dayton (Kilmarnock). Free kick crossed right-footed by Jamie Hamill (Kilmarnock) from right wing, clearance by Steven Saunders (Motherwell).

    63′ SUB Conor Sammon (Kilmarnock) is brought on for James Fowler.

    61′ SUB Robert McHugh (Motherwell) takes the place of Esteban Casagolda.

    61′ Shot from just outside the penalty area by James Fowler misses to the left of the target.

    60′ Marc Fitzpatrick has an effort at goal. Comfortable save by Cameron Bell.

    58′ Daniele Invincibile (Kilmarnock) is caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Darren Randolph (Motherwell) from own half, resulting in open play.

    56′ Nick Blackman produces a drilled left-footed shot from 18 yards. Save by Cameron Bell.

    51′ David Silva (Kilmarnock) is caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Darren Randolph (Motherwell) from own half, resulting in open play.

    50′ Mark Reynolds challenges Daniele Invincibile unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Jamie Hamill.

    46′ KICK-OFF The second-half begins

    45+2′ HALF-TIME The referee calls an end to the first half.

    45+2 BOOKING Caution for James Fowler (Kilmarnock). 

    45+2 BOOKING Darren Randolph (Motherwell) receives a yellow card.

    44′ Direct free kick taken right-footed by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell) from own half, resulting in open play.

    44′ BOOKING James Dayton (Kilmarnock) booked for unsporting behaviour.

    44′ Foul by James Dayton (Kilmarnock) on Stevie Hammell (Motherwell).

    41′ Danny Invincibile gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Steven Saunders. Direct free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

    40′ Foul by Esteban Casagolda (Motherwell) on Frazer Wright (Kilmarnock). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Craig Bryson (Kilmarnock) from right wing, resulting in open play.

    39′ Nick Blackman gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Mohamadou Sissoko. Mohamadou Sissoko takes the free kick.

    38′ Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by James Dayton (Kilmarnock) to centre, save (caught) by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).

    38′ Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by David Silva (Kilmarnock) to near post, clearance by Jonathan Page (Motherwell).

    37′ GOAL Nick Blackman (Motherwell) scores with a left-footed volley into the bottom-left of goal from six yards. Assist by Chris Humphrey.

    35′ Inswinging corner taken by David Silva, Headed effort from deep inside the penalty area by Daniele Invincibile misses to the left of the goal.

    34′ Shot from 20 yards from David Silva. Clearance made by Steven Saunders.

    33′ Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Chris Humphrey (Motherwell) to far post, resulting in open play.

    29′ Foul by Esteban Casagolda (Motherwell) on Jamie Hamill (Kilmarnock). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Cameron Bell (Kilmarnock) from own half, resulting in open play.

    26′ Danny Invincibile (Kilmarnock) is fouled by Stevie Hammell, the ref awards a free kick. Craig Bryson takes the free kick.

    24′ David Silva is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Direct free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

    17′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Marc Fitzpatrick on Manuel Pascali. Free kick taken by Cameron Bell.

    16′ Unfair challenge on Steven Saunders by Daniele Invincibile results in a free kick. Darren Randolph restarts play with the free kick.

    15′ James Dayton fouled by Stevie Hammell, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick crossed left-footed by James Dayton from right wing, clearance by Mark Reynolds.

    11′ James Fowler challenges Tom Hateley unfairly and gives away a free kick. Steven Saunders restarts play with the free kick.

    10′ Handball by Esteban Casagolda (Motherwell). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Manuel Pascali (Kilmarnock) from own half, resulting in open play.

    10′ Foul by Danny Invincibile (Kilmarnock) on Mark Reynolds (Motherwell). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell) from left channel, passed.

    9′ A cross is delivered by David Silva, Darren Randolph manages to make a clearance.

    9′ Chris Humphrey challenges Ben Gordon unfairly and gives away a free kick. Cameron Bell takes the free kick.

    8′ Foul by Esteban Casagolda on Manuel Pascali, free kick awarded. Cameron Bell takes the direct free kick.

    7′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Stevie Hammell on James Dayton. Free kick taken by Manuel Pascali.

    6′ James Dayton fouled by Stevie Hammell, the ref awards a free kick. Manuel Pascali restarts play with the free kick.

    3′ Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by David Silva (Kilmarnock) to short, resulting in open play.

    2′ Corner taken right-footed by David Silva, Stevie Hammell manages to make a clearance.

    2′ Cross by James Dayton (Kilmarnock), clearance by Steve Jennings (Motherwell).

    1′ Tom Hateley concedes a free kick for a foul on David Silva. Direct free kick taken by David Silva.

    1′ Shot by Craig Bryson (Kilmarnock) right-footed from right channel (25 yards), blocked by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).

    1′ KICK-OFF The match gets underway.

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell boss Craig Brown:

    “I’m proud of the lads for getting all three points but I can’t say I’m ecstatic about the way we played.

    “I don’t think the game was of the highest quality – either in terms of entertainment or in the technical aspects.

    “Overall it was an even game and I thought it could have gone either way. Thankfully we got the goal, and both keepers making excellent saves ensured it finished 1-0.

    “We battled hard for the three points but Mixu would probably be justified in claiming his side deserved a point.”

    Motherwell goalscorer Nick Blackman:

    “We could have played a lot better and the boys know that, but the main thing is that we’ve got three points away from home.

    “I’m really pleased to have scored a goal on my first start. “I’m very happy and it was good that we managed to get three points.

    “I’ve come up here to get goals and that is how I will be judged as a striker so hopefully there will be a few more to come.

    “I’ve set myself targets if I get a run in the team but I’m not going to say what they are.”

    Kilmarnock manager Mixu Paatelainen:

    “I thought we played well. We passed the ball and created chances but we didn’t score. Motherwell scored one and I thought they got out of jail.

    “But that’s football. If you fall asleep for one second you will get punished against good teams and they have plenty of good players.

    “So I’m disappointed we lost the game. We created enough chances to at least get a point.”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”7″]

  • Archive

    Hibernian U19s 3-4 Motherwell U19s

    The youth team came from behind to beat Hibs 4-3 in an unbelievable opening game of the U19 season.

    Trailing 3-1 with less than 20 minutes remaining, Gordon Young’s side produced a magnificent comeback to stun the Edinburgh hosts.

    It was a terrific turnaround from the young Steelmen who had been the victims of what appeared to be some very questionable decisions from the match officials throughout the game.

    And it was doubly pleasing for the manager, given seven players were making their first ever start at this level, with the majority of the squad made up of players still eligible for the U17s.

    It was a windy afternoon at the Hibernian training centre and the home side certainly adapted better in the opening exchanges.

    However, despite all their possession and balls across the face of goal, the Motherwell defence held firm and goalkeeper Tom Bradley didn’t look in any way troubled.

    That was until the 12th minute when Hibs took the lead in controversial circumstances. Some neat build-up play on the right flank led to a neat ball over the head of Liam Sloan for Philip Addison, who appeared to be at least a yard offside.

    The assistant referee’s flag wasn’t forthcoming though and the striker kept his composure to knock it past Bradley.

    Whether it was a sense of injustice is anyone’s guess, but Young’s men went on to dominate the rest of the half and should have drawn level eleven minutes later.

    Ross McKinnon’s corner from the right was met at the back post by Josh Watt who turned it back into the middle with a neat header. It dropped kindly for defender Michael Lynch but he failed to connect properly with the shot, allowing a grateful Calum Antell to gather.

    ‘Well continued to push but were being restricted to chances from set-pieces. Ten minutes from the break it was another set-piece that almost led to an equaliser. Taking it short, McKinnon combined with Watt with a neat one-two before curling a beautiful curling effort at goal. It looked net-bound all the way but McKinnon was denied by a fantastic save from Antell who threw up a last ditch hand to turn it over the bar for another corner.

    The second-half kicked off in similar fashion to the first as Hibs burst out the traps. Inside the opening five minutes they tested Bradley’s awareness with a bouncing low shot that forced the Welshman to tip round the post.

    It was a sign of things to come as the home side doubled their lead but once again there was major controversy surrounding the goal.

    With ‘Well on the attack a neat ball into the left channel allowed the hardworking Keiran McGachie to get in behind the home defence. In a straight race with keeper Antell the striker won the ball and tipped it past the Hibs goalkeeper only to be taken out.

    Incredibly, the referee waved play on as the home side broke up the park. A long ball over the top allowed David Crawford to outpace Lynch. He eventually squared it inside for Daniel Handling who tucked it into an empty net.

    The Motherwell players surrounded the referee and Bradley was booked for his protests. It was an incredible decision and the visitors were rightly aggrieved.

    But they didn’t allow their heads to drop and within a minute were back in the game courtesy of a debut goal for McGachie. The big striker, who put in a great shift up-top, quickly latched onto a mistake in the home defence and rounded Antell before coolly tucking it home.

    Yet within five minutes, Hibs restored their two-goal advantage. The excellent Stuart Carswell was a penalised for a trip on the edge of the box. It looked more of a coming together but that does not excuse the very poor marking as the free-kick bounced across the box eventually landing at the feet of Forster, allowing him to poke home from close range.

    At that point it looked as if ‘Well were on the road to an opening day defeat but they gave themselves a lifeline with 18 minutes remaining. Good build-up play from another debutant Stephen Howarth opened space for McGachie. He managed to turn Smith before being scythed down inside the box.

    This time the referee had no option but to point to the spot. McKinnon stepped up and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, sending Antell the wrong way.

    The goal put Hibs on the back foot and they started to look nervous. Young’s men went for the jugular almost straight from the restart and eventually equalised three minutes later.

    Fantastic work down the left by McDonald and substitute Lee Erwin created space for Howarth. The youngster took a touch round his marker before lashing a low drive under Antell and into the net.

    And the comeback was completed four minutes from time when Keiran MacDonald struck an incredible winner, smashing home an unstoppable volley from the edge of the area that flew past Antell into the top left-hand corner.

    Motherwell: Bradley, Brown, Sloan, Lynch, McKinnon, Carswell, Watt (Erwin), Scanlan (Halsman), Howarth, McDonald (McLean), McGachie. Subs not used: Muir, Griffin, Connor, Murray.

  • Archive

    Odense defeat in pictures

    Pictures from the 2-1 defeat to Odense in the Europa League Play-Off Round first-leg. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

    [svgallery name=”odense190810″]

  • Archive

    Odense 2-1 Motherwell

    [tab:Match report]

    An injury-time free-kick from Tom Hateley helped Motherwell salvage something from the first-leg of the Europa League play-off with Odense.

    The Steelmen trailed to goals from Chris Sorensen and Peter Utaka before Steve Jennings was sent-off for a second-bookable offence.

    But Hateley found the net in style with the last kick of the game to keep the tie alive.

    It was no more than ‘Well deserved after a dominant performance in Denmark.

    Jamie Murphy was given the task of leading the line for Motherwell and the striker had the chance to give his side a dream start when he latched on to a loose pass back from Espen Ruud inside the first minute.

    Murphy advanced towards goal but he was unable to find the target, dragging his shot wide from just inside the box.

    It was a let off for the home side and they immediately went on the attack, with Atle Haland heading a Sorensen cross narrowly over the bar.

    But the Steelmen soon took control and Murphy saw a shot deflected behind after being played in by Chris Humphrey.

    Humphrey then embarked on a lung-busting run down the left but his cross was just too long for his team-mates.

    Motherwell continued to take the game to the hosts and John Sutton pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the area before shooting over.

    Odense responded to the early pressure with a couple of shots on goal. Sorensen was first to threaten with a powerful angled drive then Johan Absalonsen tested Darren Randolph in similar fashion.

    Play raged up the other end and Hateley went close to breaking the deadlock with a curling free-kick which drifted just inches wide of the left-post.

    But it was the Danes who took the lead from a set-piece on 31 minutes when Sorensen’s inswinging free-kick evaded everyone inside the box, including Randolph.

    The keeper appeared to be caught in two minds whether to come for the ball or not and it ended up in the back of the net.

    It was a soft goal to concede and Craig Brown’s frustration was clear for all to see.

    However, his side responded well to falling behind and they had a strong claim for penalty turned down when Christensen handled inside the box.

    Replays showed the ball clearly struck the defender’s arm but referee Zsolt Szabo waved play on.

    With Motherwell dominating possession, Odense made a change at half-time, replacing Caca with Hansen.

    And they almost doubled their lead moments after the restart when Gislason drove a shot narrowly wide from the edge of the area.

    But it wasn’t a sign of things to come and Motherwell regained control of the match, pressing for an equaliser.

    Humphrey, who switched sides for the second-half, picked out Sutton with a deep cross but his far-post header was blocked by Roy Carroll. The winger then saw a low shot of his own saved from outside the box.

    But with the Steelmen pressing for an equaliser, Odense broke on the counter attack and doubled their lead.

    Utaka outstripped Stephen Craigan on the edge of the area before rounding Randolph and firing high into the net.

    It was a devastating blow for Motherwell and things went from bad to worse when Jennings was sent off for a second-bookable offence.

    They kept plugging away though and were rewarded deep into stoppage time when Hateley grabbed an all-important away goal.

    His curling free-kick from 25 yards flew past Carroll into the top left-hand corner, breathing life into the tie ahead of the second-leg.

    [tab:As it happened]

    90+4′ FULL-TIME The referee blows the full-time whistle.

    90+4′ GOAL Hateley (Motherwell) scores with a curling free-kick from 25 yards.

    90+4′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the free-kick.

    90+3′ Andreasen (Odense) is cautioned by the referee.

    90+3′ Andreasen (Odense) commits a foul after challenging Blackman (Motherwell).

    90+1′ Humphrey (Motherwell) misses the target.

    90+1′ Hansen (Odense) commits a foul after challenging Hateley (Motherwell).

    88′ RED CARD Jennings (Motherwell) is dismissed for a second-bookable offence.

    88′ BOOKING Jennings (Motherwell) is cautioned by the referee.

    88′ Jennings (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Ruud (Odense).

    87′ Carroll (Odense) makes a save.

    87′ Forbes (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

    87′ Forbes (Motherwell) takes the free-kick.

    86′ Christensen (Odense) commits a foul after challenging Blackman (Motherwell).

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

    84′ Hammell (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Djemba-Djemba (Odense).

    82′ Hansen (Odense) misses the target.

    80′ BOOKING Saunders (Motherwell) is cautioned by the referee.

    80′ Saunders (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Absalonsen (Odense).

    78′ GOAL Utaka (Odense) scores from inside the penalty area.

    76′ Ruud (Odense) has a shot blocked.

    75′ Hansen (Odense) misses the target.

    74′ SUB Johansson (in) – Gislason (out) (Odense)

    74′ Blackman (Motherwell) misses the target.

    73′ SUB Blackman (in) – Murphy (out) (Motherwell)

    72′ SUB Forbes (in) – Lasley (out) (Motherwell)

    72′ Gislason (Odense) misses the target.

    71′ Carroll (Odense) makes a save.

    71′ Saunders (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

    70′ Gislason (Odense) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Jennings (Motherwell).

    68′ Hammell (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Andreasen (Odense).

    67′ Carroll (Odense) makes a save.

    67′ Humphrey (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

    66′ Carroll (Odense) makes a save.

    66′ Sutton (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

    65′ C. Sorensen (Odense) delivers the corner.

    63′ Humphrey (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Hansen (Odense).

    58′ Sutton (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Christensen (Odense).

    58′ Hammell (Motherwell) takes the corner.

    56′ Hateley (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Gislason (Odense).

    54′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the corner.

    52′ Djemba-Djemba (Odense) commits a foul after challenging Lasley (Motherwell).

    50′ Jennings (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Hansen (Odense).

    50′ BOOKING Jennings (Motherwell) is shown a yellow card.

    48‘ Gislason (Odense) misses the target.

    47′ Hansen (Odense) takes the corner.

    46′ Andreasen (Odense) commits a foul after challenging Hammell (Motherwell).

    46′ SUB Hansen (in) – Caca (out) (Odense)

    46′ KICK-OFF The second half begins.

    45+1′ HALF-TIME The referee blows for half-time.

    45+1′ Sutton (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Djemba-Djemba (Odense).

    45′ Haland (Odense) commits a foul after challenging Randolph (Motherwell).

    44′ Caca (Odense) takes the corner.

    42′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the corner.

    40′ Utaka (Odense) misses the target.

    37′ Jennings (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Gislason (Odense).

    34′ Hateley (Motherwell) delivers the corner.

    32′ Murphy (Motherwell) is adjudged to be in an offside position.

    31′ GOAL C. Sorensen (Odense) scores with a curling free-kick from the right-side of the box.

    31′ C. Sorensen (Odense) takes the free-kick.

    31′ Hammell (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Caca (Odense).

    30′ Gislason (Odense) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Hammell (Motherwell).

    29′ Absalonsen (Odense) misses the target.

    28′ C. Sorensen (Odense) delivers the corner.

    27′ Hateley (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Utaka (Odense).

    26′ Sutton (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Djemba-Djemba (Odense).

    26′ Utaka (Odense) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Craigan (Motherwell).

    25′ Hateley (Motherwell) misses the target.

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

    24′ Absalonsen (Odense) fouls.

    23′ Randolph (Motherwell) makes a save.

    23′ Absalonsen (Odense) has an effort on goal.

    23′ Absalonsen (Odense) has an effort on goal.

    22′ Lasley (Motherwell) fouls.

    20′ Utaka (Odense) commits a foul after challenging Reynolds (Motherwell).

    19′ Sutton (Motherwell) misses the target.

    15′ Hateley (Motherwell) misses the target.

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

    15′ Djemba-Djemba (Odense) commits a foul after challenging Murphy (Motherwell).

    14′ Saunders (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Christensen (Odense).

    13′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the corner.

    13′ Murphy (Motherwell) misses the target.

    12′ Utaka (Odense) commits a foul after challenging Lasley (Motherwell).

    12′ Humphrey (Motherwell) takes the corner.

    9′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the corner.

    8′ Murphy (Motherwell) has a shot blocked.

    6′ BOOKING Reynolds (Motherwell) is cautioned by the referee.

    6′ Reynolds (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Ruud (Odense).

    3′ Haland (Odense) misses the target.

    3′ Caca (Odense) delivers the corner.

    1′ Murphy (Motherwell) misses the target.

    1′ KICK-OFF The match is under way.

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell boss Craig Brown:

    “I don’t think we deserved to lose the game, quite honestly.

    “To go 2-0 down was very harsh and I thought the red card was very soft – two soft yellow cards and of course the Danish players made the most of it.

    “Jenno feels very aggrieved. He thought they were hardly fouls never mind yellow cards, but we’re losing him for the next game.

    “We had two very good penalty claims too, I’ve seen them on television. The handling is blatant and Murphy was pushed off the ball. It knocked him right off balance. So we could have had two penalty kicks as well.

    “We showed we are as good a team as they are and if we play properly in the home game we have a good chance.

    “It’s only half-time but that goal is invaluable because a 2-1 defeat is better than a 1-0 defeat. But they are a good side and it’s far from over.”

    Motherwell goalscorer Tom Hateley:

    “I was going to cross the ball at the end but Archie Knox said if I did and the goalkeeper caught it then it would be all over.

    “I didn’t actually hear him but the bench were shouting at me and so Hammy just told me to shoot. The goalkeeper then took a couple of steps to the left so I went for it.

    “It was a great feeling to see it go in because over the course of the 90 minutes we deserved to take something from the game.

    “We had some good chances early on and we were disappointed in the dressing room to be 1-0 down at half-time. But the tie is very much alive now and hopefully we can do the business in the second-leg.”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”6″]

  • Archive

    Motherwell train in Denmark

    The Motherwell squad trained at TRE-FOR Park in Denmark this evening ahead of the Europa League tie with Odense. As always, our friends at SNS were there to capture all the action.

    [svgallery name=”odense180810″]

  • Archive

    Brown looks ahead to Odense clash

    Craig Brown hopes that his vast experience as Scotland boss will stand his Motherwell side in good stead for the Europa league clash with Odense.

    In his eight years as the national manager, Brown qualified for two major tournaments, including France ’98.

    Along the way, he created a Scotland side which was notoriously hard to break down and grinded out some fine results.

    So it is easy to see why Thursday’s trip to Denmark holds no fear for the Motherwell boss.

    “This is what I have been used to for 16 years,” he said. “I was with the Scottish team for four qualifying campaigns and took the team to two major tournaments – and just lost out in a playoff for another.

    “That meant that we had to create a team organised enough to play in Europe and we did that successfully. Even when we failed to qualify in my last qualifying campaign we only lost one match out of ten.

    “My philosophy has always been: minimise the risk of failure. That means be well organised and know the opposition, because knowledge is power.

    “So I certainly do not intend to go over to Denmark and lose.”

    Brown hopes his side can repeat their performance from the last round against Aalesund, when the Steelmen managed to score away from home.

    This gave them the upper hand in the second-leg and they finished the job in style at Fir Park, winning 4-1 on aggregate.

    “The away goal could be vital in Denmark,” he said. “We will certainly try to score over there.

    “I believe we have players in our team like Sutton, Humphrey and Murphy who are good on the break and capable of getting an away goal.

    “We will be careful and cautious, but when we get the chance to break we will be offensive.”

    Motherwell have impressed thus far in their European campaign and after two seasons in which they missed out on the lucrative group stages their experienced boss believes the squad may now be ready to take the step up.

    “The players are revelling in the European challenge.” said Brown.

    “It’s a bonus to be playing in Europe and I think to have merely survived the first two rounds is a fairly good achievement. To survive this round would be an excellent achievement – and that is our immediate objective.

    “We would be arguably the smallest team in the Europa League group stages in terms of attendances and budget if we do get through.

    “We have worked very hard, even before the European campaign started. We were ready for the match against Breidablik, and we did very well against Aalesund. This is another challenge that we will prepare well for.”

    Despite the air of confidence which exudes from the ‘Well gaffer he is experienced and wise enough not to underestimate the threat of the team who currently sit in fifth position in the Danish Superliga.

    In a recent spying mission to the Danish capital Motherwell’s management duo of Knox and Brown took in the league leaders FC Copenhagen’s encounter against Odense – and they came back to North Lanarkshire under no illusions about how tough the task will be for the club to progress.

    “We were left in no doubt about the calibre of the opposition – they are very good! Much better than the Norwegian and Icelandic team we have already faced.

    “Myself and Archie went over to watch them against FC Copenhagen. We couldn’t have picked a better fixture to judge them because Copenhagen are Denmark’s Champions League representatives – and Copenhagen only won 3-2 with a stoppage time goal.

    “The Odense salaries are bigger than ours, as are their attendances. They have a bigger budget and good sponsorship deals. In every respect they are a bigger club than Motherwell but we play Celtic and Rangers, who are far bigger clubs than Odense – and we often compete well and get results against them.

    “We know all about the opposition. We know their players and how they are likely to play, so there are no excuses regarding preparation.”

  • Archive

    Paul Quinn update

    The club have today issued the following press release relating to the transfer of Paul Quinn to Cardiff City.

    Cardiff owe Motherwell £175,000 plus interest and costs for the transfer of Paul Quinn which took place in June 2009, almost 14 months ago.

    Fully understanding their difficulties, the board of Motherwell have pursued this claim firmly but courteously. 

    Having failed to receive a proper business like response, the club eventually had no option but to pursue the matter in Hamilton Sheriff Court.  The petition was considered on Friday yet Cardiff did not even turn up or submit a defence to our petition.

    Commenting, Motherwell Chief Executive, Leeann Dempster, said:  “It is critical that clubs work constructively with each other to ensure we can manage a very difficult financial climate for the game.  We have given Cardiff every chance to do the right thing.

    “The board now believe that Cardiff’s position is untenable given their activity in the transfer market acquiring Jason Koumas, Tom Heaton, Danny Drinkwater, Seyi Olofinjana, Martin John and today, the loan signing of Manchester City’s Craig Bellamy.

    “Given all these circumstances and with legal and moral weight behind us, Motherwell have no option but to immediately pursue all legal routes to ensure this significant sum is paid to us as quickly as possible. 

    “These may include issuing a winding up order, arresting assets or physically sending bailiffs to their ground on match day to take possession of cash.  Every option will be fully considered and implemented as soon as possible.

    “We want Cardiff fans to know that we appreciate the concerns this will give them.  We can only urge them to look to how they would feel in our position and urge them to put pressure on their own Board to ensure the excellent long-term reputation of their club is not diminished by the leadership of one board.

    “We have a job to promote and protect the interests of our own employees, fans and shareholders and we will.  We would also suggest to the Championship and the English FA that they look with great care at the conduct of Cardiff in handling this matter. 

    “Even at this very late stage, I would urge Gethin Jenkins of Cardiff to pay this money plus costs and interest by return in order to save his club acute embarrassment and the football community in general unwarranted bad publicity”.

  • Archive

    Team photocall

    The first-team squad were all gathered at Fir Park today for the annual team photocall. As always our friends at SNS were there to capture all the action.

    [svgallery name=”photocall160810″]