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Motherwell Football Club will once again subsidise Supporter Association coaches travelling to Easter Road this Sunday.

The Hibernian clash is one of six vital ties between now and the end of the season as the Steelmen battle it out with Dundee Utd, St Johnstone and Hearts for third place.

The club have offered to half the price of normal travel on buses, now just £5 return, to try and encourage as many people to get along on Easter Sunday as possible.

Chief Executive Leeann Dempster added, “This is the second time we have subsidised away travel this year and we think it is important to acknowledge the brilliant support we’ve had on the road throughout 2011/12.

“This is obviously just one of six matches between now and the end of the season and Stuart, Kenny and the lads will need all the backing possible.

To secure your seat to Edinburgh, get in touch with your local branch.

>> Ticket & Travel Information

Stuart McCall has spoken of his relief at being cleared of any wrongdoing by the SFA’s Disciplinary Tribunal this morning.

The Motherwell manager was offered a one match ban by Compliance Officer Vincent Lunny following his dismissal at the Scottish Cup Quarter Final clash with Aberdeen at Fir Park on 11th March.

Former Scotland midfielder McCall opted to reject that offer prompting today’s hearing at Hampden.

The three-man panel heard submissions from both McCall and referee Craig Thomson but found in favour of the Steelmen gaffer who is now available to take his place in the dugout this Sunday against Hibs.

Speaking exclusively to MFC TV, McCall said: “I said after the incident that I had nothing to fear and nothing to hide.

“If we got a fair hearing, which I expected and we did then I was confident it would be cleared up.

“I was disappointed to be sent to the stand during the match first and foremost. I certainly more than served my punishment but in fairness to Craig Thomson, who was at the hearing, he spoke the truth and said I didn’t swear and wasn’t aggressive. His words probably helped the panel come to their decision.

“I was also disappointed to be offered a ban and I felt I had to appeal it as what I did and said certainly wasn’t abusive or insulting language and that proved to be the case.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-

One lucky ‘Well fan was presented with a framed Breathing Space T-shirt signed by star players Michael Higdon, Jamie Murphy & Tom Hateley at Saturday’s game against Rangers.

The winner, Gordon Munro, was presented with his prize at Fir Park at half time, having answered a competition question in the match day programme correctly.

Tony McLaren, Breathing Space National Coordinator said: “Well done to Gordon, hopefully he has enjoyed the match today.

“This competition was a bit of fun and helps to raise awareness about services such Breathing Space and NHS Living Life. Football is a great avenue for promoting the importance of looking after your mental wellbeing.”

Breathing Space is a free and confidential phone and web based service for any individual who is experiencing low mood or depression, or who is unusually worried and in need of someone to talk to.

For emotional support, talk in confidence with trained advisors by calling Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or visit www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk.

Phonelines are open from 6pm to 2am Monday to Thursday and 24 hours at weekends (6pm on Friday to Monday 6am). A British Sign Language service can be accessed from the website.

‘Well boss Stuart McCall has been found not guilty by the Disciplinary Tribunal at a Principal Hearing at Hampden this morning.

McCall had been served with a Notice of Complaint by the governing body after an alleged breach of Disciplinary Rule 203 covering misconduct at a match by dissent and the repeated use of abusive and insulting language, at Motherwell’s Scottish Cup Quarter Final clash with Aberdeen at Fir Park.

SFA Compliance Officer Vincent Lunny contacted the club offering the former Scotland midfielder a one match ban or the option to take the case to a tribunal which he did.

The three-man panel sat this morning and ruled in favour of the Motherwell boss, leaving him free to take his place in the dugout this Sunday against Hibernian.

Reaction to follow…

An experienced Motherwell reserve side edged out Hamilton Accies at Fir Park this afternoon thanks to a Bob McHugh double.

The Steelmen, containing the likes of Jamie Murphy, Omar Daley, Ross Forbes, Steven Saunders, Lee Hollis and the aforementioned McHugh were too strong for a young Accies outfit.

The Fir Parkers took an early lead; Euan Murray’s long ball opening the game up for Steven Lawless on the flank. The winger dinked past two before feeding Murphy with a neat reverse pass into the box.

The former Scotland U21 striker had made a great run and completed the excellent move by turning it across the face for McHugh who tucked home from close range.

It remained that way until the Steelmen doubled their advantage midway through the second period. Adam Cummins won a loose ball in the middle of the park and, at the same time, provided a chance for Omar Daley to start an attack.

The Jamaican raced towards the touchline, cut inside his marked before teeing up for an unmarked McHugh who swept in into the net via the left hand upright.

Motherwell: Hollis, Saunders (Devlin), Murray, Cummins, Halsman (Francis-Angol), Hetherington, Forbes (Youth Trialist), Lawless, Murphy (Watt), Daley (McGachie), McHugh

.TV – Match Hightlights

.TV – Kenny Black’s Reaction

Young striker Lee Erwin has been named in the Scotland squad for their Under-18 International Challenge Match with Serbia.

Ricky Sbragia has named a 19-man squad for two International Challenge Matches later this month.

The games will serve as preparation for the 2013 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifying round which will be hosted by Scotland (area and stadiums to be confirmed) in October this year.

Scotland are in Group 9 for the qualifying round and will take on Switzerland, Armenia and Romania.

The top two teams progress to the elite round stage which will be staged in spring 2013 with the 8-team finals tournament taking place in Lithuania that summer.

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers

Philip Anderson (Dundee United), Jack Hamilton (Heart of Midlothian)

Defenders

Joseph Chalmers (Celtic), Marcus Fraser (Celtic), Ross Gilmour (Dundee United), Jack Grimmer (Fulham), Stephen Kingsley (Falkirk), Michael Miller (Celtic), Jason Naismith (St Mirren)

Midfielders

Jay Fulton (Falkirk), John Herron (Celtic), Lewis MacLeod (Rangers), Callum Paterson (Heart of Midlothian), Samuel Stanton (Hibernian)

Forwards

Lee Erwin (Motherwell), Matthew Kennedy (Kilmarnock), Barrie McKay (Rangers), Declan McManus (Aberdeen), Thomas Reilly (St Mirren)

Motherwell will make the journey east along the M8 to face Hibernian at Easter Road this Sunday lunchtime.

Tickets for the match are available from the Easter Road Ticket Office (South Stand) on the day of the match, or on the gate priced at the following:

• Concessions are listed as Over 60s, Under 18s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation card.
• Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Sharon or John McCaskie on 01555 870122 or email disabledfans@motherwellfc.co.uk.

SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION COACHES

WISHAW BRANCH

The bus to Easter Road on Sunday 8th April will leave from Kenilworth Avenue, Wishaw at 10.45am. To book seats please call Anne on 01698384050 or email andysim2@sky.com.

CENTRAL BRANCH

The bus will leave the Bentley Hotel at 10.30am on Sunday 8 April.

To book a seat email christopher_hutton@btinternet.com or give Jim a call on 01698 299650

BELLSHILL & DISTRICT BRANCH

The Hibernian bus will pick up at the Carousel Bar, Bellshill at 10.10am, then the Fir Park Club, Motherwell at 10.20am and finally the Holytown War Monument at 10.30am. To book seats, contact Brian Worton on 07763 061821 or after 6pm on (01698) 747644.

TRAVEL

BY CAR

The stadium is located to the East of the city and is one of the more difficult grounds to find in the SPL.

Follow the M8 until its end and then take the A720 South, joining the A701 towards the city centre. Upon reaching the city centre, head left on to the A900 (signposted Leith), leaving at the junction with the B1350 to turn right on to London Road.

Then take the fourth left at the crossroads on to Easter Road, followed by the fourth right on to Albion Road. The stadium will be clearly visible ahead.

If travelling from the South, follow the A1 into Edinburgh before turning right on to the B1350 (London Road). Then turn right at the crossroads on to Easter Road, followed by the fourth right on to Albion Road.

Street parking is available on numerous streets around the ground.

BY BUS

Several operators run buses to Edinburgh, departing every hour from Buchanan Station in Glasgow city centre.

Further information and timetables are available online at www.citylink.co.uk.

BY TRAIN

Waverley station is served by trains from Glasgow and is within walking distance of the ground.

Upon leaving the station, cross Princes Street and head for Leith Walk, which is directly opposite the exit. Follow the road for approximately 1/4 mile and turn right on to the B1350 (London Road). Then turn left on to Easter Road and take the fourth right on to Albion Road. The stadium will be clearly visible ahead.

Further information and timetables are available online at www.scotrail.co.uk.

MAP

[mappress]

Motherwell’s post-split fixtures have been announced by the SPL this afternoon.

Stuart McCall’s men will start with Celtic on Sunday 22nd April at Fir Park. We will then face St Johnstone at home before away trips to Hearts and Rangers.

The Steelmen will finish with Dundee Utd at Fir Park on Sunday 13th May 2012.

Fixtures:

• Sunday 22nd April – vs Celtic at Fir Park (2pm KO) Live on Sky Sports
• Saturday 28th April – vs St Johnstone at Fir Park (3pm KO)
• Tuesday 1st May – vs Hearts at Tynecastle (7.45pm KO) Live Sky Sports
• Saturday 5th May – vs Rangers at Ibrox (12.45pm KO) Live on Sky Sports
• Sunday 13th May – vs Dundee Utd at Fir Park (12.30pm KO)

Chief Exec Leeann Dempster tonight spoke of her pride that the first hurdle of the ‘Well Society had been surpassed.

The club today announced that almost 1,000 members had joined, raising £335,375 so far which smashed the initial target of collecting £250,000 by 31st March 2012.

And Leeann, who along with her fellow board members started the process last summer, couldn’t her delight when she spoke to MFC TV this afternoon.

“I’m absolutely delighted we have managed to meet our initial target with more than a bit to spare,” she smiled.

“But I’ve said this to others, and it is worth reiterating many times over, this is merely the beginning. That being said, it’s worth celebrating that even although economic times are tough, that we launched over Christmas and pitched this in probably the most difficult three months of the year, we have managed to achieve our initial target.

“It’s great credit to Motherwell supporters, who have put their hard-earned money up early as opposed to sitting back to see if the whole thing takes off. We should be proud of each one of them.

“But the Society is for everyone. We understand people might not be in a position to contribute right at this very moment. My message is clear; this is an on-going process. We will be looking to recruit new members each and every day. Together, fans and the club, we can make this into something really special.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-

Referee for this Sunday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Hibernian at Easter Road will be Stevie O’Reilly.

It will be Stevie’s third Motherwell match of the season having previously overseen the 1-0 win over Hearts in August. Both teams ended the match with ten men; Keith Lasley ordered off for the home side with Ian Black taking an early bath for the visitors.

His other match was the 1-1 draw with Dundee United at Tannadice in January. The Arabs had taken the lead via a Stephen Craigan OG but a late leveler from Michael Higdon gave ‘Well a point.

O’Reilly, promoted to the Category 1 list over five years ago, will be a familiar face to Motherwell fans having overseen five games last term.

After previously handling the 1-1 draw with Aberdeen at Fir Park back last September, the 1-2 home defeat by Hearts in December, the New Years Day 0-0 draw with Hamilton at New Douglas Park and the 1-0 home defeat by Kilmarnock in early February, the last SPL Motherwell appointment came in early April as the Steelmen ran out 2-1 winners over Saturday’s opponents Dundee United at Fir Park.

He also had the honour of being the fourth official at the Scottish Cup Final last May when McCall’s men took on Celtic.

O’Reilly’s overall record in charge of the ‘Well is a bit of a mixed bag. Of the nine games has officiated, Motherwell have won three, drawn two and lost four.

Twelve goals have been scored and eleven conceded. Seventeen players have been cautioned in those nine games; five were wearing Claret and Amber with two sent off, Steve Jennings in the game against Hearts back in December of 2010 and the aforementioned Keith Lasley one against the same side earlier this season.

Stevie will be ably assisted by Raymond White and Francis Andrews with Steven McLean on fourth official duties.