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Kilmarnock visit Fir Park this Saturday and we are putting on a fantastic evening dinner menu in our hospitality suites.

It’s a Saturday and it’s a 5.30pm kick off so an idea opportunity to combine a lovely evening meal with a SPFL Premiership match.

We will be serving:

• Fresh tomato and basil soup served with a continental bread roll.
• Pan-fried sirloin of beef smothered in a wild mushroom and red wine jus, served with baby-buttered potatoes with a glazed melody of fresh market vegetables.
• Dark chocolate profiterole crown served with a dark chocolate cream.
• Freshly brewed Coffee/Tea and mints .

All hospitality packages include your match ticket, award-winning matchday magazine, team sheet and half time tea.

Former players will host the evening with your chance to meet first team players and club staff whilst enjoying your night.

You have a choice of three packages:

Centenary Claret – Arriving from 3.30pm onwards for meal. Full service with access to a pay bar till kick off and then again for an hour post match. All this in the comfort of our Centenary Lounge. Book now from only £60 for an adult and £45 for a child under 16.

Centenary Amber – Arriving from 3.30pm onwards for meal. Full table service with complimentary bar and then again for an hour post match. All this in the comfort of our Centenary Lounge. Book now from only £99 for an adult and £55 for a child under 16

Millennium ticket – Enjoy a lighter bite with a complimentary bar for one-hour pre & post. Soup pre-match and half time refreshments, team sheet, match day programme for only £70 for an adult and £35 for a child.

Remember, Season Ticket holders can upgrade to hospitality for just £25.

If you would like to book a place at our fantastic Kilmarnock Evening Hospitality Dinner, you can do so online by CLICKING HERE.

Alternatively, please phone Jennifer Reston on 01698 333 333 or email commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Some behind the scenes shots from Saturday’s SPFL Premiership win over Partick Thistle at Fir Park.

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Highlights from East End Park where Dunfermline U20s ran out 4-3 winners against Motherwell.

-WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS ON MFC TV–

Under 20s boss Jonatan Johansson was left frustrated as defensive frailties cost his side dearly.

Motherwell created enough chances and scored three, but Pars looked threatening and Ross Stewart produced a number of quality stops to keep ‘Well in it.

However, it was the manner of the goals conceded that will concern the Finn the most, particularly after making similar errors against Accies thirteen days previously.

Speaking to MFC TV after the match, the former Charlton striker said: “We played with a very young back four but that is no excuse.

[pullquote]Every time they came up the park they looked like scoring due to naive and weak defending, and at this level that is not good enough.[/pullquote]

“Every time they came up the park they looked like scoring due to naive and weak defending, and at this level that is not good enough.

“Usually I am quite angry after a game but this time I am more disappointed. However I now know where the problem lies.

“Some of the play in the final third was really good and I feel sorry for the offensive players as they scored three goals away from home yet still lost.

“We’ve lost eight goals in two games but it could have been sixteen. That’s what happens when you have young defenders but they will learn and it’s games like this that you learn most from.”

-WATCH HIS INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Motherwell Under 20s slipped to their second successive defeat, going down 4-3 to Dunfermline at East End Park this evening.

After taking the lead, Motherwell were pinned back before eventually going behind.

Despite working hard to equalise before the half-time interval, a 26-second goal and a penalty gave them a mountain to climb in the second half.

‘Well did pull one back with thirteen minutes left on the clock but it wouldn’t be enough as the hosts held on for all three points.

Jonatan Johansson made four changes to the side that lost 4-2 to Hamilton Accies almost two weeks ago.

Out went Fraser Kerr, Adam Cummins, Stuart Carswell and Paul McCafferty. Danny McNulty, David Ferguson, Frazer Johnstone and Dale Shirkie replaced them in a youthful looking Steelmen side.

And Motherwell made the best possible start, scoring after just 90 seconds. Morgyn Neill’s headed clearance sailed over the head of the Pars defence, allowing Dom Thomas a clear run at goal. The youngster kept his cool to slot under Goodfellow and into the net.

That lead lasted just eight minutes though as Pars drew level through the impressive Fayssal El Bakhtaoui. It came via a swift counter-attack; Ryan Ferguson the creator down the right flank. He linked well with the Frenchman who smashed home from just inside the area leaving Stewart helpless.

After the barnstorming start, the game settled with both teams creating half chances to go in front. O’Kane fired a shot wide before El Bakhtaoui forced a decent block from Ross Stewart, the ‘Well stopper eventually gathering at the second attempt, taking a whack in the ribs for his troubles.

At the other end, Dale Shirkie almost got on the scoresheet but was thwarted by the alert Goodfellow, who had raced off his line after Jack Leitch’s clever through ball.

Declan O’Kane had another low shot well held by Stewart before the hosts eventually got themselves ahead on the 37th minute.

Scott Mercer collected the ball from a simple throw-in and charged towards goal. The space opened up and he certainly didn’t waste his opportunity, blasting home from about eight yards.

To their credit, the young ‘Well side showed good character and bounced back just four minutes later with the game’s second equaliser.

Fraser Johnstone’s searching ball allowed Craig Moore in on the right flank. He held off the challenge of Williamson before firing it across goal where Lee Erwin was perfectly placed to convert.

If ‘Well made a quick start to the first half, Pars bettered it in the second with a goal after just twenty-six seconds.

Martin’s long ball from the back found trialist Thomson deep in Motherwell territory. He linked up well with El Bakhtaoui to get away from David Ferguson before sliding the ball past Stewart and into the far corner.

Johansson’s men had Ross Stewart to thank for keeping them in it with a fine double save, the first from El Bakhtaoui then again from Thomson.

However, he would be helpless to prevent a fourth from the penalty spot.

Thomson flicked on another direct ball for the supporting Lewis Spence. There was a clash of legs between the midfielder and the recovering Danny McNulty; referee Gavin Ross was quick to point to the spot.

Thomson stepped up and confidently tucked the kick away with Stewart diving the wrong way.

It looked at that stage as if the game was a mere formality. Indeed, only some super goalkeeping from Stewart prevented Pars from adding to their tally.

The Scotland U19s stopper was on hand to deny Thomson a further twice, the first palmed onto the post from close range, the second was to block a powerful header at the expense of another corner.

It kept ‘Well in it and after Johansson had made a double swap, Cadden and McCafferty replacing Kellock and Johnstone, the Steelmen started to look more of an attacking threat.

Cadden’s first real involvement was to force Goodfellow into a terrific save, the 16-year curling a super effort from distance.

Then, with thirteen minutes left on the clock, Motherwell did get one back. Jack Leitch’s free-kick into the area wasn’t properly dealt with and when Cadden headed back across goal, Craig Moore was on hand to prod home from almost underneath the crossbar – his third of the campaign.

The Fir Parkers threw everything at Dunfermline in search of the game’s third leveller.

Leitch brought out a decent save from Goodfellow, Erwin snatched at a shot that flew well wide and, right at the death, Dale Shirkie could have scored but his low strike was too straight and easily collected by a grateful Pars keeper.

It would end with the Steelmen returning to Lanarkshire with nothing to show for their efforts. Johansson would have been pleased with the attacking threat posed by his side, but even more frustrated at the ease in which Dunfermline scored all four goals.

Motherwell: Stewart, McNulty, Kellock (McCafferty 68), Ferguson, Neill, Leitch, Thomas, Erwin, Shirkie, Moore, Johnstone (Cadden 68)

Subs: Anderson, Higgins, Mackin

Highlights from today’s SPFL Premiership clash against Partick Thistle where ‘Well ran out 1-0 winners.

-WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS ON MFC TV–

Stuart McCall was pleased to see out a 1-0 win over Partick Thistle but says there is plenty of work still to be done.

John Sutton’s first-half goal earned Motherwell their first home win of the season and derail Partick’s unbeaten start to the campaign.

‘Well had dominated the first hour of the match without looking under any threat at all but a failure to kill the game gave the visitors hope.

Stuart Carswell’s withdrawal through injury and Kallum Higginbotham’s introduction swung the match for Alan Archibald’s men.

But, for all their possession, Lee Hollis was protected fantastically well by his back four who were rock solid throughout.

[pullquote]They put us under some pressure and gave us a few scares but overall Lee Hollis has had very few saves to make and we could have finished it off.[/pullquote]

McCall said: “I was delighted with the win especially the first half as we stopped them playing.

We knew a second goal would kill them off and their ‘keeper has had a couple of terrific saves.

“However when you don’t get a second the game is still there to be won and give credit to Thistle who made a right good go of it in the final 20 minutes.

“They put us under some pressure and gave us a few scares but overall Lee Hollis has had very few saves to make and we could have finished it off, especially the chance that fell to Keith Lasley who should have scored from eight yards.

“But it was another clean sheet for us and the two wins, of 1-0, out of four games and if that is the way it has to be then fine.”

-WATCH HIS INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Pictures from the 1-0 win over Partick Thistle in the Scottish Professional Football League Premiership at Fir Park.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix and Craig Foy Photography.

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[tab:Match report]

Phil McGhee at Fir Park

Motherwell claimed their first home win of the season thanks to John Sutton’s first goal since returning to Fir Park at the summer.

But after dominating the first sixty-five minutes and passing up a number of chances to finish off a plucky Thistle, ‘Well were left hanging on to their narrow lead as Alan Archibald’s men threw everything at the home goal in the closing stages.

Motherwell started with Henri Anier partnering John Sutton in attack and the pair gave Thistle defenders a torrid time. Given time to bond the build and movement of both will hopefully give defences some difficult afternoons this season.

As it was after an uneventful opening twenty minutes, the pair were involved in producing the only goal of the game.

Anier worked hard to keep possession on the left before feeding into Zaine Francis-Angol. His touch and turn set up Sutton who swept the ball low and hard into the net from eight yards.

Shortly after Stephen McManus had the chance to make it 2-0 from a Stevie Hammell’s free kick. But, unmarked, he headed the ball weakly into Scott Fox’s hands.

The ‘keeper then came to Partick’s rescue after 32 minutes. James McFadden’s cross was cleared only as far as Anier and his low volley was destined for the bottom right hand corner until Fox leapt to palm the ball away.

The Thistle defence looked a little ragged and another McFadden cross caused mayhem until Aaron Muirhead booted the ball away from inside the six yard box as his keeper dived to pounce on the loose ball.

With the Maryhill side holding our for the interval, Anier had another double attempt at goal his first blocked by Conrad Balatoni before slamming the rebound low but straight towards the keeper.

Motherwell continued to press for another goal from the start of the second half and produced a series of chances.

Sutton laid the ball off for Anier who pulled his shot wide from 20 yards before McFadden headed Simon Ramsden’s cross over the bar.

McFadden, looking much more like himself, then had two attempts on goal. A terrific volley from Sutton’s cross before a run and shot from 25 yards had the home crowd rising in anticipation of a goal.

Fox then kept his side in the game with another superb save after 66 minutes. Anier unselfishly played the ball in front of Keith Lasley and he really should have scored but from 10 yards he allowed the ‘keeper to block with an outstretched leg.

That gave Thistle hope for the final 20 minutes, especially when Anier was withdrawn and replaced by Fraser Kerr and Stuart Carswell was forced off with an ankle knock.

When Thistle brought on their third former ‘Well player, Ross Forbes, the home fans probably though that the script had been written for late equaliser. Forbes quickly got into the thick of the action and from his cut back, Stephen McManus blocked in the 6 yard box with Thistle screaming for a penalty.

Kallum Higginbotham also looked determined to impress and he had a couple of efforts blocked as the ‘Well defence stood firm.

In the end, the win was not as convincing as it perhaps should half been. It will give the players a much needed confidence boost as they await the arrival of Kilmarnock for the late kick off next Saturday.

[tab:As it happened]

Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

FT: Motherwell 1 – 0 Partick Thistle

90mins: Forbes booked for dissent. Took a sore one from McManus, who won the ball.

86mins: This is torture. Some unbelievable last ditch tackles from Hutchinson to deny what would have been certain goals.

82mins: Backs to the wall now for Motherwell. Thistle piling on the pressure!

80mins: Motherwell sub, Francis-Angol off for Vigurs.

78mins: Partick Thistle sub, Osbourne off for Forbes.

76mins: Good chance for O’Donnell. Drifted in at the back post and could only poke his effort well past from 12 yards.

75mins: Kerr booked for a late tackle on Muirhead,

73mins: Decent chance for Sutty there, Dropped to his feet from Hutchinson’s header across goal but couldn’t connect properly to test Fox

72mins: Motherwell sub, Kerr on for Anier.

67mins: Lawson find his way into the ref’s book. Cautioned.

67mins: What a chance for Lasley! Anier slipped him in but from 12 yards his shot is diverted wide by Fox’s boot.

65mins: Partick Thistle sub, Doolan off for Baird

63mins: Free-kick in a dangerous area to Thistle after Hutchinson brought down Lawless. Higginbotham fires into the wall.

61mins: Motherwell sub: Lawson replaces Carswell

60mins: Going to be a sub here…..Carswell went down clutching his ankle, Thistle play on for a few minutes much to ‘Well fans annoyance

57mins: Taylor-Sinclair flashes a great ball across the face of goal. McManus does well to swipe it clear!

55mins: McFadden skips past Higginbotham and tries his luck 20 yards out. Not far past!

52mins: McFadden hits one on the swivel 12 yards out. Flashes past the post!!

52mins: Partick Thistle sub, Higginbotham on for Fraser

50mins: First real test of Hollis this afternoon as Osbourne unleashes from 25 yards. Straight into his hands though.

49mins: Great leap in the box from McFadden to meet Ramsden’s cross. Just wide of the post.

48mins: Good headed knock-down by Sutton into the path of Anier, 22 yards out and on his left foot, he fails to hit the target.

46mins: Second half is underway. #COYW

HT: Motherwell 1 – 0 Partick Thistle

43mins: And now O’Donnell is booked for a foul on Anier.

42mins: McFadden booked for a foul on Taylor-Sinclair.

39mins: Eventually cleared by Muirhead but ‘well keep the pressure on, Anier testing Fox from 15 yards. Straight at him though.

38mins: Anier wins another corner as ‘Well seek to double their advantage….

33mins: Hutchinson and Ramsden inches away from connecting with the delivery!

33mins: Good spell of pressure. Anier can’t find the space for a shot so squares to McFadden. He wins a corner….

32mins: Great save by Fox to deny Anier there! The ball fell to the Estonian 15 yards out and his volley was well pushed away from goal.

28mins: Corner to Motherwell…… Set-piece hooked clear a then Thistle win a free-kick in their own half.

21mins: Hopefully that goal has sprung this match to life. McManus with a chance but his header is too far out to trouble Fox

20mins: GOOOAALLLLL!! 20 dull opening minutes then Sutton pops up to divert Francis-Angol’s cross home! 1-0

5mins: Early stages have been a solid midfield battle so far. Neither side on top yet.

1min: And we’re off! #coyw

Pre-Match: Out come the teams, Motherwell in the usual Claret and Amber, Thistle in dark grey and white.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“I was delighted with the win, especially the first half as we stopped them playing. We knew a second goal would kill them off and their ‘keeper has had a couple of terrific saves.

“However when you don’t get a second the game is still there to be won and give credit to Thistle who made a right good go of it in the final 20 minutes.

“They put us under some pressure and gave us a few scares but overall, Lee Hollis has had very few saves to make and we could have finished it off, especially the chance that fell to Keith Lasley who should have scored from eight yards.

“But it was another clean sheet for us and the two wins from four so I’ve got to be pleased.”

Partick Thistle manager Alan Archibald:

“It is not nice to taste defeat for the first time and it is a sore one to take but we didn’t turn up in the first half.

“Although we were better in the second, ‘Well had a game plan and pressed us in the first half.

“We played the game at our tempo in the second and attacked their goal and probably did enough for a point but we might have been picked off for a second.”

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Motherwell boss Stuart McCall has challenged his players to get back to winning ways.

The Steelmen have lost to both Aberdeen and Inverness CT in recent weeks after an opening day victory over Hibs.

The 40-times capped former Scotland midfielder wants more from his players but is wary of the threat posed by Alan Archibald’s Partick Thistle.

“You challenge yourself to improve every season as a player, coach and manager and that’s going to be the case with us,” he said.

[pullquote]You challenge yourself to improve every season as a player, coach and manager and that’s going to be the case with us.[/pullquote]

“Alright, we’ve not got off to a great start but we have a lot of games ahead of us and I’m happy with the group we’ve got in there.

“We’ll be looking to bounce back this weekend although I’ve been really impressed with Partick Thistle.

“I’m really pleased with the way things are going for them because they play a good brand of football. They’re unbeaten in normal time under Alan Archibald which is a fantastic record and they have a winning mentality.

“I saw their opening game against Dundee Utd and it was a great game. Partick Thistle will bring a big following here on Saturday and I think they’ll be good for the SPFL.”

-WATCH HIS INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–