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Pictures from the 2-0 victory over Hearts in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Tynecastle. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

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[tab:Match report]

Motherwell maintained their excellent early season away form with a 2-0 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle.

Second-half goals from Nick Blackman and John Sutton earned the Steelmen a comfortable win in the capital.

Craig Brown’s side are now third in the SPL table having won their first three fixtures on the road without conceding a goal.

Motherwell lined up with the same starting eleven from last week’s draw against Aberdeen, with Tom Hateley continuing to deputise for Stevie Hammell at left-back.

Hearts named an attacking team as they looked to bounce back from their shock League Cup defeat to Falkirk, including David Templeton, Suso Santana, Calum Elliot and Kevin Kyle.

And it didn’t take them long to threaten, with the lively Santana setting up Templeton after a matter of seconds. However the young winger could only fire tamely into the arms of Darren Randolph from the edge of the box.

Santana then drove a dangerous cross across the face of goal which thankfully evaded everyone and went out for a goal kick.

Motherwell responded with a chance of their own on the quarter-hour mark. Chris Humphrey won a towering header in the midfield, allowing Blackman a chance to shoot from 25 yards. The on-loan hitman took the opportunity, lashing narrowly wide.

Both teams continued to trade possession as the half wore on and Templeton worked a yard of space before delivering a terrific cross for Kyle, who headed over the bar from ten yards out cleared.

The Steelmen were growing in confidence though and they had two fantastic opportunities to take the lead before the break.

Murphy hit the post in the 35th minute afterHumphrey outpaced Ryan Stevenson and found Blackman. His pass was flicked on by Keith Lasley to the striker, who saw his curling shot come back of the upright.

Murphy then tried his luck from distance, unleashing a terrific drive from 25 yards which forced Kello into a good save at his near post.

The striker continued to look the most likely to break the deadlock after the break and five minutes in he had another effort, testing the Hearts keeper from outside the box again.

At the other end, Jim Jefferies’ side almost sneaked in front from a free-kick. Templeton was tripped on the edge of the box by Stevie Saunders, who earned a yellow card for the foul. From the resulting chance, Elliot curled the ball just inches over the bar.

It clearly wasn’t enough to appease the manager and just before the hour mark Elliot and Templeton were brought off to be replaced by Stephen Elliott and Rudi Skacel.

But within seconds of the changes, Motherwell had the lead. Humphrey flew past stand-in left-back Eggert Jonsson before delivering an inch-perfect cross for Blackman. The striker had the freedom of the six yard box and expertly volleyed the ball into the top-left corner of the net.

Hearts threw men forward in search of an equaliser but this only played into Motherwell’s hands as they exposed more defensive frailties.

A Lasley drive from the edge of the box was parried by Kello and the Slovakian stopper made a stunning save from Sutton on the rebound, although referee Mike Tumilty bizarrely awarded a goal kick.

Sutton wasn’t to be denied though, and he grabbed the all-important second on 70 minutes. Humphrey was again the architect, showing pace and power to breeze past Jonsson and put the ball across the face of goal for Sutton to convert from a yard.

It was no more than Motherwell deserved and they comfortably saw out the rest of the game, much to the frustration of the home side.

Long, aimless balls to Kyle became the order of the day for Jefferies’ men late on as they desperately searched for a way back into the game.

But it was the Steelmen who went closest to scorring and they almost rubbed salt into the wounds with the last real chance of the game. Forbes picked out Blackman with a terrific near post cross but the striker could only divert the ball wide.

[tab:As it happened]

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

90+1′ The ball is swung over by Eggert Jonsson, Kevin Kyle takes a shot. Darren Randolph makes a save.

90+1′ Ian Black challenges Ross Forbes unfairly and gives away a free kick. Darren Randolph restarts play with the free kick.

90′ Eggert Jonsson challenges Alan Gow unfairly and gives away a free kick. Ross Forbes has a direct shot on goal from the free kick, save made by Marian Kello.

88′ SUB Alan Gow replaces Nick Blackman.

87′ Nick Blackman takes a shot. Save made by Marian Kello.

86′ Jamie Murphy has an effort at goal. Marian Kello makes a save.

84′ Ross Forbes takes a inswinging corner from the right by-line played to the near post. Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Ross Forbes played to the near post, clearance by Ruben Palazuelos.

84′ Kevin Kyle gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Keith Lasley. Darren Randolph takes the direct free kick.

84′ Robert McHugh produces a left-footed shot from just outside the area that goes wide left of the goal.

82′ SUB Robert McHugh replaces Chris Humphrey.

82′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Ian Black on Ross Forbes.

80′ Rudi Skacel takes the direct free kick.

80′ SUB Ross Forbes comes on for Steve Jennings.

80′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Suso Santana by Nick Blackman.

80′ The ball is swung over by Eggert Jonsson, clearance by Stephen Craigan.

76′ Corner taken by Suso Santana, clearance made by Steven Saunders.

76′ Nick Blackman fouled by Ismael Bouzid, the ref awards a free kick. Tom Hateley takes the free kick.

75′ Tom Hateley takes a shot. Save by Marian Kello.

74′ Free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

74′ SUB Ian Black comes on in place of Ryan Stevenson.

74′ Kevin Kyle is flagged offside by the assistant referee.

72′ A cross is delivered by Chris Humphrey, Jason Thomson makes a clearance.

72′ Rudi Skacel takes a shot from 35 yards and went wide left of the goal.

72′ Steven Saunders gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Rudolf Skacel. Rudolf Skacel takes the direct free kick.

70′ GOAL John Sutton scores from inside the penalty area low into the middle of the goal. Assist by Chris Humphrey.

69′ Keith Lasley takes a shot. Save made by Marian Kello. John Sutton takes a shot. Marian Kello makes a save.

69′ Foul by Ryan Stevenson on Jamie Murphy, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Jamie Murphy.

68′ Stephen Elliott is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Free kick taken by Stephen Craigan.

66′ The ball is delivered by Jason Thomson, clearance by Mark Reynolds.

65′ Free kick crossed by Stephen Craigan, clearance by Eggert Jonsson.

65′ BOOKING Jason Thomson is booked.

65′ Jason Thomson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jamie Murphy.

63′ Stephen Elliott concedes a free kick for a foul on Mark Reynolds. Free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

62′ Unfair challenge on Stephen Craigan by Kevin Kyle results in a free kick. Darren Randolph takes the free kick.

60′ The ball is sent over by Chris Humphrey, Ismael Bouzid manages to make a clearance. Foul by Steven Saunders on Rudolf Skacel, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Marian Kello.

58′ GOAL Nick Blackman gets on the score sheet with a goal from inside the penalty area to the top left corner of the goal. Assist by Chris Humphrey.

57′ SUB Rudi Skacel comes on for David Templeton.

57′ SUB Stephen Elliott replaces Calum Elliot for Hearts.

56′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Jamie Murphy on Jason Thomson. Jason Thomson restarts play with the free kick.

55′ The referee penalises Keith Lasley for handball. Marian Kello takes the free kick.

54′ Calum Elliot has a direct shot on goal from the free kick.

54′ BOOKING Steven Saunders receives a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.

53′ Steven Saunders challenges David Templeton unfairly and gives away a free kick.

52′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on John Sutton by Eggert Jonsson. Chris Humphrey crosses the ball from the free kick right-footed from right channel, Kevin Kyle manages to make a clearance.

50′ Jamie Murphy takes a shot. Marian Kello makes a save.

49′ The ball is crossed by Calum Elliot, clearance by Stephen Craigan.

48′ The ball is sent over by Eggert Jonsson, clearance made by Tom Hateley.

47′ Kevin Kyle is penalised for handball and concedes a free kick. Darren Randolph takes the free kick.

46′ The ball is delivered by Calum Elliot, Steven Saunders manages to make a clearance.

46′ KICK-OFF The referee gets the second half underway.

45+1 HALF-TIME The first half comes to an end.

45+1′ Jason Thomson sends in a cross, Stephen Craigan makes a clearance.

45+1′ The referee penalises Nick Blackman for handball. Ismael Bouzid restarts play with the free kick.

45+1′ Ismael Bouzid gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Nick Blackman. Free kick taken by John Sutton.

44′ The assistant referee signals for offside against Nick Blackman. Ismael Bouzid restarts play with the free kick.

43′ Steven Saunders delivers the ball, Ismael Bouzid makes a clearance. Steven Saunders sends in a cross, clearance by Ismael Bouzid. Outswinging corner taken by Chris Humphrey, Stephen Craigan challenges Kevin Kyle unfairly and gives away a free kick. Marian Kello takes the direct free kick.

42′ The referee blows for offside. Indirect free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

39′ Direct free kick taken by Darren Randolph. Jamie Murphy takes a shot. Save by Darren Randolph. Inswinging corner taken by Chris Humphrey, clearance made by Ryan Stevenson.

39′ BOOKING Ryan Stevenson is shown a yellow card.

39′ Foul by Ryan Stevenson on Tom Hateley, free kick awarded.

38′ The official flags John Sutton offside. Marian Kello takes the direct free kick.

38′ Tom Hateley fouled by Calum Elliot, the ref awards a free kick. Stephen Craigan takes the free kick.

37′ Keith Lasley takes a shot. Save by Marian Kello.

36′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Steven Saunders on David Templeton. Direct free kick taken by Eggert Jonsson.

35′ Effort from just inside the box by Jamie Murphy strikes the post.

33′ Corner taken by David Templeton from the left by-line, Kevin Kyle delivers the ball, Darren Randolph makes a save.

32′ David Templeton concedes a free kick for a foul on Stephen Craigan. Darren Randolph restarts play with the free kick.

30′ The ball is sent over by David Templeton, Header on goal by Kevin Kyle from inside the box goes harmlessly over the target.

29′ Outswinging corner taken by Ryan Stevenson, clearance by Steven Saunders.

26′ Kevin Kyle fouled by Steve Jennings, the ref awards a free kick. Adrian Mrowiec restarts play with the free kick.

26′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Ismael Bouzid on John Sutton. The free kick is delivered right-footed by Tom Hateley from left wing, clearance by Jason Thomson.

23′ Calum Elliot concedes a free kick for a foul on Steven Saunders. Direct free kick taken by Steven Saunders.

21′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Mark Reynolds on Kevin Kyle. The free kick is delivered right-footed by Ryan Stevenson from right channel. 21′ Foul by Ryan Stevenson on John Sutton, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Tom Hateley.

20′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Chris Humphrey by Eggert Jonsson. Free kick crossed right-footed by Tom Hateley from right wing, clearance by Jason Thomson.

17′ Suso Santana takes a short corner, Ryan Stevenson sends in a cross.

16′ Nick Blackman has shot on goal from just outside the penalty box which goes wide of the right-hand upright.

15′ Unfair challenge on David Templeton by Steven Saunders results in a free kick. Eggert Jonsson takes the free kick.

14′ Kevin Kyle is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Tom Hateley takes the free kick.

14′ The ball is delivered by Chris Humphrey, save by Marian Kello.

12′ Effort from deep inside the area by Suso Santana misses to the left of the goal.

12′ Calum Elliot gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Tom Hateley. Tom Hateley takes the direct free kick.

11′ Suso Santana is penalised for a handball. Darren Randolph restarts play with the free kick.

9′ Corner taken by Ryan Stevenson from the right by-line.

7′ The referee blows for offside against Calum Elliot. Darren Randolph takes the indirect free kick.

6′ Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Ryan Stevenson from the right by-line, clearance by Mark Reynolds.

5′ The offside flag is raised against Nick Blackman. Marian Kello takes the indirect free kick.

4′ The ball is delivered by Tom Hateley, clearance by Eggert Jonsson. Corner taken right-footed by Chris Humphrey from the right by-line, clearance made by Ryan Stevenson.

3′ Ismael Bouzid gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Tom Hateley. Free kick crossed right-footed by Tom Hateley, Jason Thomson makes a clearance.

2′ Jason Thomson crosses the ball.

1′ Effort from the edge of the area by David Templeton goes wide of the left-hand post.

1′ KICK-OFF The match gets underway.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell boss Craig Brown:

“We were disappointed at half-time with the way we had played. I said to them, ‘if you don’t take the chances that you get, you could live to regret it, so make sure you come in here with no regrets’.

“They played exceptionally well in the second half. I did feel we had the edge. Our goalkeeper had one save throughout the match.

“I think Jim Jefferies would agree that we deserved to win the game but we have to keep our feet on the ground and get busy on Monday again for next week’s home game. It’s time we won a home game.

“We’re doing very well away from home in the SPL this season but the fans are due a home victory.”

Motherwell striker Nick Blackman:

“I wasn’t aware they had problems at the back until just before kick-off when the gaffer pulled us aside and told us their team.

“He told us they had made a few changes. But I still expected a tough challenge. Chris has electric pace and he can go past anyone in this league if he really wants to.

“He put a great ball in and thankfully I was on the end of it. It was more of a reaction finish – but I’ll take any goal.

“He did brilliantly for the second as well. He got to the byeline and I was shouting on him to pull it back to me. But I didn’t realise Sutts was in a better position and he found him, so I can’t complain. It was a great win.”

Hearts manager Jim Jefferies:

“They were better than us in the second half. Their movement was far better than ours and they deserved to win.

“We said at half-time, ‘this looks like a game where the first goal is going to be crucial’. And it’s the manner in which we lose the goal that’s the problem – our deficiencies at the back.

“We had four defenders standing still. Nick Blackman’s not got a central defender round about him. That’s just nonsense, he’s the main striker, he should be marked.

“That never happened up the other end. Motherwell, to their credit, once they got the goal, made sure it was going to be tight, difficult. They closed us down and didn’t give us any room.

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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The youth team returned to winning ways this afternoon with a convincing 3-0 win over Kilmarnock at the Kilwinning Sports Club.

A first half header from Euan Murray gave the Steelmen the lead at the interval but it took a whole 45 minutes for ‘Well to secure the win thanks to late goals from Chris Connor and Keiran McGachie.

Manager Gordon Young made just one change from the side that lost to St Mirren last Friday. Grant Brown was replaced in the back four by Murray, making his first start of the new season.

It was a quiet opening half-hour, only punctured by a knock to striker Steve Howarth that forced the former Clyde man off after just eight minutes. Howarth’s replacement was Scotland U17s hitman Lee Erwin.

Indeed, the first real action of the game resulted in the opening goal for the visitors. Keiran McGachie’s persistence on the left flank was rewarded with a corner. A well-worked move between taker Josh Watt and Keiran MacDonald led to the former whipping in a lovely cross towards the six-yard box that was bulleted home by Murray.

Incredibly, it was the only effort on target in the entire half. Ryan Scanlan had a shot at goal, seconds before the half-time interval but it was deflected over the bar and eventually cleared by the Killie defence.

‘Welll started the second period in a positive fashion and substitute Erwin had two efforts in the opening few minutes. His first, a deflected shot from just inside the area, was blocked by the goalkeeper before eventually being hooked clear.

His second, just moments later, was created by MacDonald on the left after the midfielder rescued a wayward cross. He teed up the young striker, with a nice reverse ball, who danced past two challenges before curling a shot that was again saved by Chris Treacy in the home goal.

Motherwell continued to press and an excellent move down the right involving great hold-up play by McGachie, and clever link-up by Erwin, eventually presented a chance for Scanlan. The former Ross County man turned brilliantly on the edge of the box and struck a decent effort that forced Treacy to tip-over. Incredibly, neither the referee nor the assistant on the far side saw the touch and Killie escaped with a goal kick.

More shots came and went; the excellent Stuart Carswell blasted a low bouncing shot from distance that was held well by Treacy and a wonderful flowing counter attack down the right, involving McGachie, Sloan and Watt ended with another shot for Erwin but the talented 16-year-old was again denied by the Killie keeper.

After surviving a number of scares, Killie were buoyed by still being in the game and went on to enjoy a sustained period of pressure.

However, despite having a great deal of the bar, they did little to worry Tom Bradley in the visiting goal. The closest they came was a back post header by Rory McGenzie that flew just over, with captain Ross McKinnon doing just enough to put the winger off.

Killie were made to pay for not making the most of their possession as Connor made it 2-0 late on. Gavin Griffin, nephew of 91 Cup winner Jim, got to the corner flag before delivering a stunning back post cross that was met by fellow sub Connor. The winger showed great composure to steer his header into the corner of the goal.

And with the last kick of the ball, the visitors added a third to put the result beyond doubt. Erwin was again the man causing problems, and, after skipping round a few challenges, delivered an excellent ball across the face that was turned into the net by the outstretched McGachie.

Motherwell: Bradley, Sloan, McKinnon, Lynch, Murray, Carswell, Scanlan, Watt (Connor 75), MacDonald (Griffin 80), McGachie, Howarth (Erwin 8). Subs not used: Muir, Brown.

Motherwell boss Craig Brown is delighted his side have been drawn at home in the next round of the Co-operative Insurance Cup.

The Steelmen will host SPL rivals Dundee United at Fir Park on Tuesday 26th or Wednesday 27th October.

And Brown believes home advantage will play a part against Peter Houston’s men.

“My immediate reaction is favourable, purely because it is a home draw,” he said.

“We are due to face them on league business the Saturday before the tie so both teams will be well versed in one another by the time the game comes around.

“Most people say that if you avoid the Old Firm at this stage then you have a better chance of progressing and I’m sure Dundee United are saying the same thing.

“But the fact that it is at home will hopefully give us an edge as there’s a real desire amongst the players to give the fans something to really cheer for this season.”

Brown is under no illusions as to the task that awaits both him and the players when the Tangerines roll up at Fir Park next month.

United have had an excellent cup record recently, culminating in a Scottish Cup win last May when they disposed of First Division side Ross County in the final.

The Motherwell boss was typically praiseworthy of the opponents and underlined both the footballing and financial benefits of progressing.

He said, “Both teams are good footballing sides with a sound philosophy of playing football on the deck whenever possible.

“United also have an excellent recent cup record. I have been very impressed by Peter Houston and his team and the result in Dingwall was a superb one – make no bones about it, that was an exceptionally hard game.

“Both United and ourselves will be desperate to get through for both football and financial reasons. I don’t know the money split or how much it is actually worth in pounds and pence, but cup runs are always a big windfall for any club, particularly if you get the latter rounds.

“Let’s hope we get a big crowd along at Fir Park, under the floodlights, to create a proper cup tie atmosphere.”

Motherwell have been drawn against Dundee United in the quarter-finals of the Co-operative Insurance Cup.

The match will take place at Fir Park on Tuesday 26th or Wednesday 27th October, kick-off 7.45pm.

It will be the second meeting between the two teams in the space of just a few days, as United visit on SPL duty that prior weekend.

Craig Brown’s side booked their place in the quarters with a 2-0 victory over Brechin City on Tuesday.

United meanwhile, required extra-time to overcome Ross County 2-1 in Dingwall.

The full draw is as follows:

• Aberdeen v Falkirk
• Motherwell v Dundee United
• Kilmarnock v Rangers
• St Johnstone v Celtic

All ties are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 26th or Wednesday 27th October.

Craig Brown hailed Jonathan Page’s bravery after the defender netted a double in the 2-0 win at Brechin despite having stitches in a head wound.

Page headed Motherwell into an early lead from a Ross Forbes corner before a nasty clash of heads with an opposing player.

But he returned to action after treatment and doubled his tally in the 59th minute with another header to help the Steelmen through to the next round of the Co-Coperative Insurance Cup.

Brown said: “I saw him play for Stirling Albion last year on loan and I saw him do the very same. It’s not a fluke that he’s very good at set-pieces and he could have scored with a header before his first goal.

“In fact that was maybe an easier one, he was just getting his range. He had stitches in his head when he scored his second goal. No praise is high enough for Page, he has a terrific attitude.

“We’ve got some young boys who work so hard at their game and he is the perfect example.”

Motherwell were far from convincing at Glebe Park though and Brown is relieved to have edged past the plucky Second Divison side.

“It was a very tricky fixture as Dundee found in the last round and we’re happy to get through,” he said.

“The goalkeeper (Darren Randolph) was very good and the finishing from Jonathan Page was very good.”

Brechin manager Jim Weir was disappointed his side could not cope with the two set-pieces but he was happy with their overall display.

“It was an excellent second-half performance,” said Weir. “If we had taken one of those chances, it could have set up a grandstand finish.

“We have been creating a lot of chances but we need to start converting them.”

Pictures from the 2-0 victory over Brechin City in the third round of the Co-Operative Insurance Cup. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

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[tab:Match report]

Two goals from Jonathan Page helped Motherwell through to the next round of the Co-operative Insure Cup at the expense of Brechin City.

The young defender opened the scoring in the 16th minute when he rose highest to head home a Ross Forbes corner.

And he netted again in similar fashion after the break as the Steelmen advanced to the quarter-finals of the competititon.

It wasn’t all plain sailing though. Brechin struck the woodwork in the second half and forced Darren Randolph into several good saves on a nervy night at Glebe Park.

In a slow opening period, Motherwell struggled to create anything of note. Playing against a solid 4-1-4-1 formation employed by the hosts, the Steelmen were limited to half chances.

The most threatening of which came when Chris Humphrey was released down the right by Stephen Craigan but his cross was taken off the toe of Alan Gow by veteran former Hearts keeper Craig Nelson.

‘Well’s own 4-2-3-1 formation – with Lasley and Hateley in holding midfield, Forbes attacking and Blackman and Humphrey out wide – wasn’t easing the scrappy nature of the match, with the game regularly becoming entrenched within an congested midfield.

However, one area Motherwell were getting some joy from was set-pieces. A chance after 13 minutes saw Page get his head on the end of a inviting Forbes corner, only to head over from six yards.

And it was a sign of things to come as minutes later the youngster made amends for his miss. Once again the delivery came from the boot of Forbes, swinging a beautiful cross right onto Page’s forehead. The 20-year old made no mistake this time and bulleted his header into the back of the net.

The Steelmen displayed a real comfort in the immediate aftermath of the goal but were given a sharp reminder of the threat of their hosts as the game approached the half-hour.

A bit of head tennis between Craigan and Molloy culminated in McAllister being set through on goal. The former Inverness Caley man was faced with a tight angle and couldn’t squeeze it past Randolph who made a superb save.

Moments later, Brechin had another decent chance as Calum Booth laid the ball back to Neil Janczyk who drilled a shot narrowly wide from 25 yards.

Ths hosts made a half-time change as they attempted to carve a way back into the game, with David McKenna coming in for wide-man Kevin Byers.

The substitution, and whatever was said at half-time, seemed to make a massive difference – as Brechin went within inches of scoring twice in the first five minutes of the second-half.

Both came via the industry and pace of Jamie Redman out on the right. The Hedgemen’s midfield man found a yard to whip in a pacey cross which evaded everyone to find Booth at the back post. The striker steadied and fired towards goal, only to be foiled by Randolph.

Then, less than a minute later, a brilliant Redman cross wasn’t properly dealt with as it skimmed off the head of Mark Reynolds towards the back post. Rory McAllister slid in at the back stick for a tap-in, but just couldn’t grow enough to get a good connection, and prodded it wide.

A drive on the hour mark from Nick Blackman was completely against the run of play for Motherwell but did force a wonderful sprawling save from Nelson.

And from the resulting corner Motherwell made it 2-0. Once again it was Page on the end of the delivery but the service this time came from Hateley, who picked out the young defender to bullet home his brace.

It was enough to take the sting out of Brechin’s revival. A half chance from Molloy, which was well saved at the near post by Randolph was the best chance they had in the following minutes.

With time ticking down the Second Division side threw everything at ‘Well, including brining on striker Charlie King, and they had a fantastic chance to pull one back with five minutes to go.

McAllister hit the by-line and cut the ball back to McKenna but somehow, from six yards, the sub hit the post when a goal looked likely.

It was a let off for Motherwell but they saw out the remaining few minutes comfortably to seal a hard-fought victory.

[tab:As it happened]

90+2′ FULL-TIME The final whistle is blown by the referee.

89′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on John Sutton by Rory McAllister. Darren Randolph takes the direct free kick.

87′ Charlie King crosses the ball, Rory McAllister produces a header from inside the area that goes over the bar.

87′ BOOKING Stephen Craigan receives a caution for unsporting behaviour.

84′ SUB Steve Jennings replaces Keith Lasley.

83′ Rory McAllister produces a cross, David McKenna takes a shot. Darren Randolph makes a save.

82′ SUB Robert McHugh comes on for Chris Humphrey.

80′ Keith Lasley has an effort at goal from outside the penalty box missing to the wide left of the goal.

77′ Substitution David White leaves the field to be replaced by Gary Fusco.

77′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Gerard McLauchlan on Nick Blackman.

76′ Unfair challenge on Craig Molloy by John Sutton results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by James Redman.

75′ SUB John Sutton is brought on as a substitute for Alan Gow.

73′ SUB Charlie King comes on in place of Neil Janczyk for Brechin.

73′ Floated corner taken from the left by-line by Callum Booth.

71′ Inswinging corner taken by Callum Booth from the right by-line, Gerard McLauchlan has a headed effort from close range and clears the bar.

69′ Alan Gow takes a shot. Craig Nelson makes a save. Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Ross Forbes played to the near post, Craig Molloy manages to make a clearance.

68′ Callum Booth takes the inswinging corner, Jonathan Page makes a clearance.

59′ GOAL Jonathan Page scores a headed goal from close range. Assist by Tom Hateley.

58′ Nick Blackman takes a shot. Save by Craig Nelson. Corner taken by Ross Forbes from the right by-line, David White manages to make a clearance. Tom Hateley takes a inswinging corner to the near post.

52′ Tom Hateley fouled by Neil Janczyk, the ref awards a free kick. Tom Hateley produces a shot on goal direct from the free kick.

49′ James Redman delivers the ball, David McKenna produces a right-footed shot from close range which goes wide of the left-hand post.

48′ Neil Janczyk takes a outswinging corner from the left by-line played to the near post, clearance made by Jonathan Page.

46′ The ball is crossed by Steven Saunders.

46′ Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Tom Hateley from the left by-line to the near post, clearance by Ewan Moyes.

46′ SUB David McKenna joins the action for Brechin, replacing Kevin Byers.

46′ KICK-OFF The second-half begins.

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

45′ Ross Forbes takes the outswinging corner, clearance by David White.

43′ Craig Molloy is caught offside. Indirect free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

42′ Tom Hateley gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on James Redman. Free kick crossed by Neil Janczyk, Stephen Craigan makes a clearance.

42′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Alan Gow on Gerard McLauchlan. Craig Nelson restarts play with the free kick.

41′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Craig Molloy by Jonathan Page. Neil Janczyk takes the free kick.

36′ Unfair challenge on Stephen Craigan by Craig Molloy results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Stephen Craigan.

34′ Mark Reynolds gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Rory McAllister. The ball is swung over by Neil Janczyk, Header by Ewan Moyes from deep inside the penalty area misses to the left of the goal.

30′ Neil Janczyk takes a shot from long range which goes wide left of the goal.

28′ Alan Gow gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Neil Janczyk. Direct free kick taken by David White.

26′ Rory McAllister takes a shot. Save by Darren Randolph.

16′ GOAL Jonathan Page finds the back of the net with a headed goal from inside the six-yard box. Assist by Ross Forbes.

15′ Corner taken left-footed by Ross Forbes to the near post.

15′ Outswinging corner taken by Chris Humphrey from the right by-line, clearance by David White.

13′ Corner taken by Ross Forbes from the left by-line to the near post, Jonathan Page has a headed effort from close range and clears the bar.

11′ Keith Lasley takes a shot. Save by Craig Nelson.

8′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Nick Blackman on Kevin Byers. Craig Nelson takes the free kick.

7′ The ball is delivered by Chris Humphrey, save made by Craig Nelson.

1′ KICK-OFF The match gets underway.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell boss Craig Brown:

“It was a very tricky fixture as Dundee found in the last round and we’re happy to get through.

“The goalkeeper (Darren Randolph) was very good and the finishing from Jonathan Page was very good.

“It’s not a fluke that he’s very good at set-pieces and he could have scored with a header before his first goal.

“In fact that was maybe an easier one, he was just getting his range. He had stitches in his head when he scored his second goal. No praise is high enough for Page, he has a terrific attitude.

“We’ve got some young boys who work so hard at their game and he is the perfect example.”

Motherwell defender Jonathan Page:

“Tonight’s really, really pleasing for me. It’s great to score the goals.

“I think I got a few stitches from trying to defend one of their corners but that’s what you expect as a defender I guess.

“The most important thing is to win the game and get through to the next round. Maybe the game didn’t go quite as well as we were hoping for but the important thing is that we’re through.

“I know the boys are really disappointed not to have got through to the next round in Europe so certainly they’ll be concentrating on the next cup that comes forward and there’s no reason why we can’t do well.”

Brechin City manager Jim Weir:

“It was an excellent second-half performance. If we had taken one of those chances, it could have set up a grandstand finish.

“We have been creating a lot of chances but we need to start converting them.”

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John Sutton admitted Motherwell got what they deserved from their below-par performance against Aberdeen.

The Steelmen were far from their best at Fir Park and had to settle for a share of the spoils in 1-1 draw.

Aberdeen were unashamedly cautious but Sutton was keen to blame himself and the rest of the team rather than the stifling tactics of the visitors.

The 26-year old said: “If you look at the performance we can’t really feel too hard done by in only getting the one point from the match. We scored an excellent goal but barely tested Jamie Langfield apart from that.

“We had plenty of possession over the course of the game but we didn’t manage to convert that into chances or have enough creative play going forward.

“If we had played better then we would have broken them down, created more chances and ultimately, hopefully, have got all three points from the match.

“As it was we didn’t play well enough – they had lots of bodies back when we went forward and it was a tough afternoon for us.”

On his return to Fir Park, Aberdeen boss Mark McGhee named a very defensive line-up, with a back five of McArdle, Ifil, Diamond, Vujadinovic and Considine.

Sutton and Nick Blackman cut dejected figures up front as they were starved of any chances and pickings were no richer for Chris Humphrey or Jamie Murphy either. 

“Aberdeen clearly came here to set up defensively and be hard to beat but it’s up to us to break them down,” said the striker.

“When a team play with a lot of defenders like Aberdeen did on Saturday then it is obviously a lot tighter for myself and the other forwards to create chances. But we should have done a better job of that.”

When playing against a team looking to ‘Park the bus’, half the battle is getting the first goal, and despite a disappointing first half ‘Well managed to do that through Jamie Murphy’s strike ten minutes before the break.

Yet the Steelmen let the impetus slip away in the second-half as Aberdeen equalised with a rare foray forward.

“The statistics for when you go ahead in the SPL show that when you get ahead you normally have a pretty good chance of staying there, so it is disappointing not to hold on for the win.

“Even with a defensive formation we knew that a Mark McGhee side will always attack you for a period during the game and always be a threat going forward. So we are disappointed not to have coped with that threat.

“From Aberdeen’s point of view, they scored a good goal. From our point of view, we conceded a very soft goal – but my perspective is from further up the pitch and I’m more concerned by the fact we didn’t create enough.”

Motherwell bos Craig Brown was left cursing missed opportunities and a lack of guile after his side were held at home by Aberdeen.

Jamie Murphy’s 35th minute opener for the Steelmen was cancelled out by Scott Vernon’s leveller in the second-half.

And thats how it finished on a frustrating afternoon at Fir Park.

“Steve Jennings has had an excellent chance late on in the game and Jamie Murphy has gone along the bye-line and elected to shoot when there were better opportunities available,” said Brown, “So we feel frustrated that we didn’t manage to get all three points.

“Our keeper hasn’t had a save to make in the entire game. Now usually that would be a great sign and show you are defending well but we didn’t do enough in front of goal to get the points.

“There was a lack of creativity and we blame ourselves for that.”

Brown was particularly upset by the way his side allowed Aberdeen back in to the game in the 56th minute.

Chris Maguire caught the ‘Well defence napping from a throw-in before flashing an inviting ball across the face of goal for Vernon to tap home.

Brown sighed: “It was poorly defended. I said in the dugout ‘Our defender is on the wrong side.’ I said it to Archie, and sure enough the ball goes across the face of the goal and gets tapped in and it is all level.

“That was one of the only chances they had, so that is a very disappointing aspect of the game.”

Dons boss Mark McGhee went with a back five at Fir Park, leaving little space for the likes of Murphy, Humphrey and Blackman to play in the final third.

But instead of criticising his counterpart’s tactics, Brown decided to take their approach as a compliment.

“It’s a compliment to us,” the experienced ‘Well manager insisted, “That teams want to come here and shut up shop, particularly bigger teams with better resources than us and a lot of new players.

“I credit Aberdeen for the way they played, as Mark has made a game-plan to suit the players he has.

“I don’t fault Aberdeen at all for their approach. I fault ourselves for not making the most of a really good opportunity to get all three points, and overall we did not play as well as we have been doing lately.”