| 6 | Dundee | 31 | 10 | 9 | 12 | -10 | 39 |
| 7 | Hibernian | 32 | 9 | 11 | 12 | -7 | 38 |
| 8 | Motherwell | 32 | 8 | 12 | 12 | -5 | 36 |
| 9 | Aberdeen | 32 | 8 | 10 | 14 | -5 | 34 |
| 10 | St Johnstone | 32 | 7 | 10 | 15 | -20 | 31 |
Motherwell fans should note that no telephone orders can now be taken for this weekend’s Semi Final clash with St Johnstone.
Tickets can now only be purchased, in person, from the Fir Park Ticket Office (Opening Times below).
The drivers of all supporters’ coaches, irrespective of size and including minibuses, must adhere to the following police instructions.
There are a limited number of spaces available for those in possession of authorized SFL parking passes for Motherwell supporters coaches within the Blue car park , Hampden Park.
M8 Westbound: Exit the M8 at Junction 22 and join the M77. Leave the M77 at Junction 1, Dumbreck Road, turn left onto Dumbreck Road and continue until the junction with Titwood Road (high vehicles such as double deck buses – turn right, Haggs Road, turn left Shawmoss Road, turn right Titwood Road) continue Titwood Road.
Turn right onto Minard Road continue onto Langside Avenue to the roundabout (Monument). Continue straight through the roundabout onto Battlefield Road, continue on Battlefield Road to the first traffic light junction and bear right remaining on Battlefield Road to the ‘T’ junction with Cathcart Road.
Turn left onto Cathcart Road towards Queens Drive, where your coach will be directed to park.
A80 Southbound: Continue from the A80 onto the M80 thereafter onto the M8 Westbound and continue as above.
M74 Northbound: Continue from the M74 onto the M73 and thereafter onto the M8 Westbound and continue as above.
M8 Eastbound: Exit at Junction 24, Helen Street, turn left onto Helen Street, continue to the roundabout and turn right onto Edmiston Drive at the next roundabout turn right onto Broomloan Road, continue through the junction onto Dumbreck Road and continue as above.
A77/M77 Northbound: Exit at Junction 1, Dumbreck Road, turn right and continue as above.
Motherwell supporters using private vehicles will have limited facilities to park within the Queens Park Recreation Ground, Queens Drive, Glasgow (on payment of a small fee).
Follow the above coach routes as far as Titwood Road: Thereafter turn right onto Minard Road and onto Langside Avenue to the roundabout (monument), continue left onto Langside Road, turn right onto Queens Drive where you will be directed to park in Queens Park Recreation Ground.
Langside Road: Continue to Langside Monument and follow the above route. Continue on Langside Avenue through the junction with Pollokshaws Road onto Minard Road, continue on Minard Road onto Titwood Road and follow reverse of inward route.
Queens Drive: Turn right onto Victoria Road, turn left onto Calder Street, continue Nithsdale Drive. At the roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Nithsdale Road. Continue to the ‘T’ junction at Dumbreck Road; thereafter follow the respective road signs for the M77 or M8.
[mappress]
Jamie Murphy insists ‘Well are equipped to handle the Hampden pressure on Saturday, after proving that they can cope with the big occasions in recent weeks.
The Steelmen have secured top-six football and reached the Scottish Cup semi-final in a blistering spell which has seen them match the very best Scotland has to offer, including a spectacular 2-0 win over Celtic at Fir Park.
Stuart McCall has stated numerous times that he believes his Motherwell players are a match for anyone, and they have certainly proved they have a penchant for the biggest encounters – and they don’t come much bigger than this Saturday.
“The manager has instilled a belief in us that we can win the big games,” Murphy praised. “And we played really well in our last semi-final, albeit without getting through.
“We’ve also won against Aberdeen away, Dundee United, Celtic and got a draw against Hearts which earned us a place in the top-six. This is evidence that we can handle the big games.”
If ‘Well can continue their knack of producing the goods on the biggest stage then they will be just one match away from lifting the Scottish Cup, on the 20th anniversary of Motherwell’s 4-3 win over Dundee United.
Murphy is honest enough to admit that a place in the final is nothing more than ‘a dream’ until ‘Well overcome the substantial obstacle of a good Saints side, but he admits that the trip to Hampden – and the prospect of returning on the 21st May – is mouth-watering.
The Scotland under-21 star continued: “The aim this season has been to finish strongly and we secured top-six last weekend. We now want to push on in the league and hopefully reach a cup final.
“For the moment we need to remember that it is just a dream. We know St. Johnstone are a really good side and have been playing extremely well; they have an excellent defence and are underrated going forward, so we will need to be ready for that. It would be disrespectful to look beyond St. Johnstone and that is where all our focus is.
“But hopefully after the match the dream could be a little bit closer.”
Derek McInnes’ side must be commended for a stunning defensive record through this campaign, and you can be fairly sure that his watertight back-line will be tasked to keep the rampant Murphy quiet.
That may be easier said than done. Murphy was sensational in the quarter-final replay with Dundee United and claimed the SFA’s Player of the Round award and, along with the rest of the ‘Well squad, has been in superb form after a sticky patch during the festive period.
“I feel that my own form has been good but, more importantly, the team has played really well in the past few weeks.” Murphy said modestly.
“We had a tough spell around Christmas, but the games we lost made us stronger. It was in our minds that we didn’t want to go through a spell of defeats like that ever again. Those results have spurred us on to where we are now.
“The players in the dressing room and the manager never doubted that we would turn things around and that – along with the support of the fans – is all that matters.”
Stuart McCall has insisted that it would be ‘a dream’ for Motherwell to reach the Scottish Cup final, ahead of this weekend’s semi-final against St Johnstone.
And the ‘Well gaffer has urged his side to summon up the spirit of 1991 – and give the fans a whole new set of legends to worship!
“It would be absolutely massive to our club, especially for the supporters, who want to roll back the years to the time Motherwell won it in ’91,” McCall enthused. “It would be a real dream for us.
“Derek (McInnes) and myself will be the same: we are both desperate to be involved in a Scottish Cup final.
“I don’t think we are favourites because St Johnstone are a good side, but I just want the lads to perform to their best ability and if they do that then – I’ve said before – I believe they are a match for anyone.”
There is certainly a palpable optimism in the Motherwell camp, as they approaching the club’s biggest game of the season.
The Steelmen have been on a superb run of late, currently four matches unbeaten, and secured a top-six spot for after the split with a superb 0-0 draw at Tynecastle last weekend.
Ally that form with a squad which is rapidly approaching full strength and Stuart McCall has some big, and difficult, decisions to make ahead of the weekend.
“We’re hoping to have a fully fit squad to choose from, which is brilliant,” the FA Cup and Scottish Cup finalist said contentedly. “And we are also going in to this match on the back of some great form. There are a lot of players playing at the very top of their game and we’ll look to take that into Saturday.
“Training will be fierce this week, with everyone desperate to be involved. I’ll probably have to calm it down a bit.
“We’ll wait until the back end of the week before looking to shape up a side, but I have some big decisions to make – not just for the starting eleven, but for the sixteen in the squad. You wouldn’t have thought that would be the case a couple of weeks ago.
“At the moment, for example, I have seven fit defenders who have performed well in the last month, so a couple of players will be left disappointed. You can look higher up the park for selection dilemma too, but it’s a great problem to have.”
Aside from the obvious, and burning, desire to reach a national cup final, Motherwell may also feel like they have some unfinished business at Hampden Park this season.
‘Well were narrowly defeated earlier in the campaign, as Rangers marched to the Co-operative Cup final with an arguably ill-deserved 2-1 victory – now McCall brings his troops back to the scene of that tortuously close defeat.
The manager clearly feels the painful experience was beneficial, and is now ready to take his squad back to Mount Florida to make amends.
He praised: “I was really pleased with the performance that day. We went in as underdogs but I thought the performance was very good and we certainly would have deserved to take Rangers to extra-time.
“But our squad, particularly the younger lads, will benefit from having already been there this season. They have also played European ties in front of great crowds so all-in-all everyone is in a really positive frame of mind.
“Our squad has generally produced in the bigger games. You can talk about overall consistency, but in the big games our team has been very consistent.”
Referee for Saturday’s Scottish Cup Semi Final clash with St Johnstone at the Hampden is the familiar face of Iain Brines.
Incredibly, Iain will be taking charge of his sixth ‘Well game of the current campaign, having been the man in the middle for the games against St Johnstone in early September, St Mirren at Fir Park one month later, Rangers on Boxing Day, Dundee Utd at Tannadice in January and Inverness in the Highlands last March.
A Nick Blackman wonder strike and an own-goal from Kevin Rutkiewicz was enough to earn the Steelmen all three points in Perth and late goals from Tom Hateley and Jamie Murphy gave ‘Well a 3-1 against Danny Lennon’s men.
Managerless ‘Well were thumped by Rangers despite John Sutton’s goal early in the second half. A Kenny Miller double along with goals from Vladmir Weiss and a Steven Saunders own goal gave Rangers a comfortable 4-1 win, United were comfortable 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Johnny Russell and David Goodwillie and last time out
To his credit, Brines was excellent in all five matches with the games at McDiarmid Park and the Caledonian Stadium passing off without a single caution; a rarity in modern football.
He will be a more than familiar face to ‘Well fans over the years. Last season, he looked after the games at Easter Road in December (2-0 defeat), the 1-0 home win against Kilmarnock in February and the 2-1 defeat at Celtic Park in April.
The 43-year-old, who has been a top-flight official for a decade and amongst FIFA’s elite group for five years, has had a busy campaign with Saturday being his tenth SPL fixture of the season.
His overall record in charge of the Steelmen is a bit of a mix bag. Of the 28 games he has taken charge of, Motherwell have won nine, draw four and lost fifteen.
In those games, 98 players have seen yellow, 45 of which in claret and amber, while three have been sent for an early bath.
Iain will be assisted by Keith Sorbie and Billy Baxter with Bobby Madden on fourth official duties.
Excitement is building as Motherwell take on St Johnstone this Saturday in the Scottish Cup Semi Final.
Thanks to Carling, the official beer of the Scottish Cup, you can be at Hampden to cheer us on as Stuart McCall’s men aim to book a place in the final for the first time in twenty years.
Carling have given us a pair of Motherwell tickets to give away for the match, for your chance to win simply tell us (over 18s only):
Q: Who did Motherwell defeat in the last round of the Scottish Cup?
Email your answer, along with your name, address, telephone number and date of birth to scottstevenson@thesportsbusiness.co.uk with “Motherwell tickets” as the subject heading.
Competition closes on Wednesday 13th April 2011 at noon.
Terms and Conditions:
If you’re over the legal drinking age, Like Carling’s Facebook page for the latest Carling news, offers and giveaways! www.facebook.com/Carling
Motherwell FC are today delighted to confirm ticket information for the forthcoming Scottish Cup Semi Final with St Johnstone at Hampden.
The Steelmen progressed last night thanks to a terrific 3-0 win over Dundee United and will now face Derek McInnes’ men on Saturday April 16th (kick-off 12.45pm)
Motherwell have been allocated sections O, P, C and B (see chart below) and tickets will go on sale tomorrow (Friday 1st April) morning to season ticket holders with no restrictions on the amount that can be bought.
Tickets will then go on full general sale on Saturday, again with no restrictions on the amount that can be purchased.
Tickets are priced at the following:
| SOUTH STAND – SECTION O: | £25 |
| SOUTH STAND – SECTIONS P1 AND P2: | £22 |
| NORTH STAND – SECTIONS C4 AND C5: | £22 |
| WEST STAND – SECTIONS B4 AND B5: | £18 |
| WEST STAND – SECTIONS B6 TO B8 (FAMILY): | £15 / 5 |
Tickets will be available either in person from the Fir Park Ticket Office or over the phone – 01698 333333 (option 2).
Further information about Club-run buses will follow shortly…
(Click Stadium Plan to enlarge)
It’s only £5 per person to travel officially with the club to Hampden from Fir Park!
Excitement is already building for the Scottish Cup Semi Final, Motherwell’s first in seven years. If you want to travel from Fir Park to the National Stadium, just book your seat on the bus when you buy your ticket! It’s that simple!
The Claret & Amber Convoy will leave Fir Park for Hampden at 11.15am on the morning of the Semi Final (Saturday 16th April).
The Davie Cooper Suite will be open and licensed from 9am – more information coming soon!
For further information or to book a seat, contact us now on 01698 3333333 or email commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk.
Stuart McCall was visibly bursting with pride after watching his Motherwell side claim a top-six spot with a hard-fought draw with Hearts.
The Steelmen’s stalemate in Gorgie, allied with Kilmarnock’s draw with Inverness Caley Thistle, means that the Highlanders can now no longer catch McCall’s side in the race for the final top-half berth.
It was a result made all the more remarkable, coming a matter of days after many of ‘Well’s marquee stars appeared to be running on empty in the closing stages of the 2-1 victory over Dundee United.
“The players deserve real credit, as they have done everything we have asked of them in the last three weeks,” the manager praised. “I’m really proud of them. Hearts had most of the possession but we had some really good chances; we hit the post and the bar. In fact, for a nil-nil I thought it was a quite a decent game.
“When I came to the club people were saying it was a bad time to come and if you made the top six it would be a miracle.
“I have never been involved in this split and I could really imagine if you don’t make the top six after being there for a long part of the season your season could peter out.
“You want to be involved in live games and be involved in the games which will decide the title and then finish as high as we can. Also our budget will be slightly better and I can’t throw that carrot to the players.”
The result also has the added bonus of ensuring Motherwell can enjoy a stress-free week in the build up to their vital Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone – with no danger of having to look over their shoulders to see how Inverness are doing.
And with the likes of Carswell, Jones and Forbes coming in and impressing the race is now on to claim a jersey for the trip to Hampden.
“When someone has two games at home to make the top six – and I wouldn’t have put it past big Butch to do that – you are always looking over your shoulder,” McCall confessed. “We can now relax a bit looking forward to the semi-final knowing the first part of our mission has been accomplished.
“We are now looking forward to next week on a run of good form and with a lot of players playing very, very well. It will not only be very difficult naming an eleven, but also leaving players out of the sixteen. A lot of players will be disappointed not to make the eleven never mind the sixteen.
“I have a lot of tough decisions to make ahead of next Saturday tonight after a lot of good performances today.”
Pictures from the 2-2 draw with Hearts in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Tynecastle.
These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.
[svgallery name=”hearts090411″]
