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    Motherwell U20s 3 – 2 St Johnstone U20s

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    Under 20s face Saints at Fir Park

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    Top Six Hospitality: 3 for 2 offer

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    TV: Highlights from Lennoxtown

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    TV: JJ angered by ‘intimidated’ ‘Well

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    Celtic U20s 3 – 0 Motherwell U20s

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    TV: Highlights from St Mirren Park

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    St Mirren defeat in pictures

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    TV: McCall rages a penalty call

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    St Mirren 3 – 2 Motherwell

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    Motherwell U20s 3 – 2 St Johnstone U20s

    Motherwell edged out St Johnstone by the odd goal in five in a topsy-turvy evening at Fir Park.

    Saints completely dominated the first half and could have scored six or seven goals, but only had two courtesy of Alex Kitchen and Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson, who himself could and perhaps should have had at least a hat trick.

    In between those two goals, Steven Higgins capitalised on a defensive slip to reduce the arrears and ‘Well would have been thankful for trailing by just one at the break.

    Dale Shirkie got his side level minutes after the interval before Lee Erwin eventually put the Steelmen in front on the hour and that’s how it finished, as ‘Well aim to end the season on a high.

    Jonatan Johansson made three changes to the side that lost 3-0 at Lennoxtown eight days ago. Zaine Francis-Angol, Euan Murray and Craig Moore dropped out, replaced by Jack McMillan, Ben Hall and Steven Higgins.

    But it was the Perth side who came out the traps flying and Fortnam-Tomlinson had one of an almost countless amount of first-half chances inside thirty seconds, but flashed his shot wide. Two minutes later he was at it again, but this time Stewart saved.

    The Steelmen stopper also saved really well from Craig Thomson but was helpless to stop Saints’ opener when defender Kitchen rose well at the back post to head home a Scott Brown corner.

    Motherwell were rarely out their own half but Dom Thomas at least registered a chance for the hosts with a shot straight at keeper Mark Hurst.

    Erwin had a couple of chances at the midway point of the half but the away keeper comfortably saved both shots.

    But it was Saints who continued to threaten and create opportunities. Fortnam-Tomlinson was causing problems, but his finishing was letting him down. He had another three attempts before the half hour, one wide of the post, one high over the bar and one sliced into the Cooper Stand.

    He wasn’t the only one though; Thomson also passed up a good chance after cutting in from the right only to blaze high and wide.

    Amazingly, after being under the cosh for much of the half, ‘Well leveled eight minutes from half time. Steven Higgins was alert to a short pass back by Stewart and he raced in to coolly slot under Hurst for his seventh of the campaign.

    It didn’t stay level for long though as Saints were back ahead within two minutes and it was Fortnam-Tomlinson who finally scored at the sixth time of asking. Fullback Scott Gray sent in a good ball towards the near post for the striker who nipped in ahead of Morgyn Neill to net from a few yards out.

    Amazingly, ‘Well should have equalised before the break but Dale Shirkie didn’t get enough on David Ferguson’s cross and headed wide.

    ‘Well came out for the second half with fire in their belly and equalised inside two minutes. Dom Thomas skinned Scott Gray on the flank and his cross eventually found Shirkie at the back post, who smashed home a half-volley with the aid of a slight deflection off Stewart.

    Both sides made changes but it was Saints who should have got themselves back in front.

    Fortnam-Tomlinson was again involved as he raced clear of the defence. He was blocked once again by Stewart but picked up the rebound. He squared it for Scott Wilson who was only denied by an excellent goal line clearance by McMillan.

    ‘Well went immediately on the attack and Erwin almost got amongst the goals.

    He collected after good hassling by Cadden on the halfway line. After striding into the box, he danced around two challenges but could only scoop his left-footed effort high and wide.

    However, the big striker wouldn’t be denied shortly after. Ferguson’s brave header landed at the 19-year old at the edge of the box. He turned his marker Stewart once and then again, leaving him on his backside, before smashing high into the net from an acute angle.

    Saints, clearly shell-shocked, went in search of an equaliser themselves. Fortnam-Tomlinson had another effort straight at Stewart before the ‘Well stopper made another great block to deny Wilson.

    Lee Erwin could have wrapped up the win after racing clear on the left flank, but his neat chipped finish came back off the post and dropped wide. Minutes later, Saints sub Fisayo Adarabioyo raced clear too but Stewart was again quick off his line to make the save.

    ‘Well managed to hang on to the end, but there was still time for one more scare late in the game when Adarabioyo got on the end of a fired Dylan Easton cross but it squirmed inches wide.

    It was an amazing win for Johansson’s men. Saints will have travelled back to Perth thinking what might have been given the chances they created in the game.

    Motherwell: Stewart, Ferguson, McMillan (McCall – 75mins), Hall, Neill, Cadden, McCafferty, Erwin, Shirkie, Thomas, Higgins (MacLean – 55mins)

    Subs: Currie, R.Leitch, Clarke, Mackin

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    Under 20s face Saints at Fir Park

    The Under 20s are back in action tomorrow (Tuesday) night when they face St Johnstone at Fir Park.

    Jonatan Johansson’s men are coming to the end of their campaign but face the Saints for the first time.

    ‘Well sit fifth in the table, three points behind neighbours Hamilton Accies having played a game less.

    With just four games remaining, the Finn will be looking to finish the season on a high.

    The match will take place at Fir Park Stadium, kick-off is at 6pm.

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    Top Six Hospitality: 3 for 2 offer

    The Commercial Department has put together a fantastic three-for-two Hospitality offer for our post-split matches.

    If you attend the Celtic and St Johnstone matches in one of our Hospitality Suites, you will be invited to the Inverness Caley match completely free of charge.

    The headline prices for the ‘three for two’ game package is as follows:

    Maxim Office Park – £310pp
    Centenary Amber – £269pp
    Centenary Claret – £159pp

    -CLICK HERE TO BUY THE ‘THREE FOR TWO- PACKAGE ONLINE-

    Individual prices and information for the three matches:

    Maxim Office Park – £180pp
    Centenary Amber – £170pp
    Centenary Claret – £99pp

    Arrival for 11.45am – Hot Filled Rolls served before kickoff, Half Time tea, Meal served after the Game – Roast Sirloin of Beef in a Claret Juice served with Chiefs selection of Vegetables and Black Forrest Gateaux with Tea, Coffee and Mints.

    -CLICK HERE TO BUY vs CELTIC HOSPITALITY ONLINE-

    Maxim Office Park – £130pp
    Centenary Amber – £99pp
    Centenary Claret – £60pp

    Arrival for 1pm – Home Made Lentil Soup, Traditional Steak Pie and Chocolate profiteroles served with Chocolate cream Sauce with Tea, Coffee and Mints.

    -CLICK HERE TO BUY vs ST JOHNSTONE HOSPITALITY ONLINE-

    Maxim Office Park – £130pp
    Centenary Amber – £99pp
    Centenary Claret – £60pp

    Arrival for 5.45pm – Creamy Potato & Leek Soup, Roast Pepper Chicken Breast in a Pink Peppercorn Sauce and Chocolate Fudge Cake with Tea, Coffee and Mints.

    -CLICK HERE TO BUY vs INVERNESS CT HOSPITALITY ONLINE-

    *pp = per person.

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    TV: Highlights from Lennoxtown

    Extended highlights from Lennoxtown as ‘Well go down 3-0 to Celtic in the SPFL Under 20s league.

    -WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

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    TV: JJ angered by ‘intimidated’ ‘Well

    Jonatan Johansson bemoaned his side’s start to the game and felt his players looked intimidated against Celtic.

    The Steelmen were slow out the traps and by the time they started passing the ball about with any confidence, they were 2-0 down.

    The second half was an improvement on the first, but not close to the standards set by the Finn this season and in recent matches.

    Speaking to MFC TV after the match, the former Charlton Athletic hitman said: “I’m really disappointed for the players as we were really up for it, but it was a really average performance from us and you can’t do that against Celtic.

    [pullquote]Celtic is too good a side to give a two-goal head start to; we saw that at Fir Park too. For all the ‘ok’ play we had, it doesn’t matter when you’re two goals down.[/pullquote]

    “We started like we were intimidated and gave them way to much respect and that lost us not only the goals, but the match.

    “Celtic is too good a side to give a two-goal head start to; we saw that at Fir Park too. For all the ‘ok’ play we had, it doesn’t matter when you’re two goals down.

    “We had some good possession, but tried the killer ball too often and too early. If we played the ball like we can do, and pass it patiently through midfield, we could have had a chance but too many players were not playing at their top level.”

    -WATCH JONATAN’S INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

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    Celtic U20s 3 – 0 Motherwell U20s

    Motherwell Under 20s crashed to a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Celtic at a rain-soaked Lennoxtown this afternoon.

    Denny Johnstone grabbed all three goals as ‘Well failed to get out of first gear for most of the afternoon.

    Johansson made four changes to the team that beat Inverness five days ago. Brett Long, Danny McNulty, Frazer Johnstone and Steven Higgins dropped out and were replaced by Ross Stewart, Zaine Francis-Angol, Craig Moore and Lee Erwin.

    Celtic started the game much the stronger and took the lead after just seven minutes.

    Denny Johnstone latched onto a lovely Patrik Twardzik through ball. His initial shot was blocked by the sliding Euan Murray, but he smashed the rebound low under Stewart for 1-0.

    Johnstone should had doubled his tally shortly after when he was afforded time and space in the area after a free-kick from the right, but his low shot was excellently saved by Stewart.

    However, the Celtic front man wouldn’t be denied on 31 minutes. A corner from the left came off the back of Dale Shirkie and dropped invitingly inside the six-yard box for the 19-year old who smashed home.

    It was an unfortunate time to concede for the Steelmen who had just began to work their way back into the game.

    The visitor’s only chance of the half fell for Shirkie, but he scooped it over after being teed up by Paul McCafferty on the edge of the area.

    Johansson’s men did have a shout for a penalty just before the break when a Stephen Cadden cross struck the arm of a defender, but the ref decided it was ball to hand rather than the other way round.

    Motherwell started the second period on the front foot with Francis-Angol and Erwin shooting wide. Dom Thomas then beat two Celtic defenders at the edge of the box before lashing his shot wide when a square ball to the supporting Moore might have been a better option.

    Those misses would prove vital as Celtic added a decisive third after fifty-four minutes.

    Patrick Twardzik, brother of former ‘Well loanee Dan, picked up a loose ball on the left and charged towards goal. His cross into the box was perfect for Johnstone to score from close range to seal his hat trick.

    As the game headed towards its conclusions, both teams traded chances with Lee Erwin have a shot saved before Twardzik ended another fine solo run by blasting wide.

    Celtic came closest though and in the dying stages, a header from Marcus Fraser was cleared off the line before substitute Luke Donnelly fired wide of the post after racing clear of the ‘Well defence.

    Motherwell U20s: Stewart, Ferguson (Higgins), Francis-Angol, Murray, Neill, Shirkie, McCafferty (Johnstone), Erwin, Moore, Thomas, Cadden

    Subs: Long, Hall, McCall, Mackin

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from St Mirren Park

    Extended highlights from St Mirren Park as ‘Well go down 3-2 to St Mirren in controversial circumstances.

    -WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

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    St Mirren defeat in pictures

    Action pictures from this afternoon’s controversial 3-2 defeat by St Mirren at St Mirren Park.

    Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

    [svgallery name=”stmirren050413″]

  • Archive

    TV: McCall rages a penalty call

    ‘Well boss Stuart McCall was left fuming after a late penalty decision flattened his side.

    The Steelmen roared into a 2-0 lead and looked comfortable only for Saints to reduce the deficit before the break.

    Although the home side threw everything at it, they didn’t force Gunnar Nielsen into too many stops and, indeed, the Fir Parkers looked dangerous on the counter-attack.

    However, with just minutes left on the clock, referee Iain Brines inexplicably awarded Saints a penalty, adjudging Stephen McManus of handing in the area when television pictures show the ball struck his face.

    McLean converted and ‘Well were still reeling when Steven Thomson secured all three points, latching onto a Craig Reid slide to blast home from close range.

    [pullquote]The linesman, who is looking right at it 12-15 yards away, nothing. The referees, from I think 30 yards away at the other side of the box, gives a penalty.[/pullquote]

    A visibly frustrated McCall said: “A long ball came at the back post and the ball hits Stephen in the eye socket and the bridge of the nose and flies out to the edge of the box, and the crowd shout.

    “The linesman, who is looking right at it 12-15 yards away, nothing. The referees, from I think 30 yards away at the other side of the box, gives a penalty.

    “Stephen doesn’t rant and rave about things. He is an honest guy. Obviously his arms are up when he has jumped but it has hit him flush in the face.

    “That decision alone has cost us three points because I felt, as the game was petering out, we were not only quite comfortable defensively, but I felt we were going to hit them on the break. We had seen the danger out.”

    -WATCH STUART’S INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    St Mirren 3 – 2 Motherwell

    [tab:Match report]

    Alan Burrows at St Mirren Park

    Motherwell failed to take advantage of results elsewhere after suffering a controversial 3-2 defeat at St Mirren Park this afternoon.

    Henri Anier and John Sutton took advantage of space in the St Mirren defence to put Motherwell two ahead inside 27 minutes.

    But, with Motherwell missing injured centre-back Shaun Hutchinson, St Mirren looked dangerous at corners and Steven Thompson converted one just before the break to give the Buddies hope.

    They pressed in the early stages of the second half but Motherwell had chances on the break and appeared to have withstood the pressure.

    However, stand-in referee Iain Brines awarded the hosts a controversial penalty for handball by Stephen McManus in the 86th minute.

    Thompson’s header hit the former Scotland defender’s face at point-blank range but Brines, after some hesitation, decided it was deliberate handball despite the Motherwell defender’s protests.

    Kenny McLean converted from the spot and Thompson stunned the visitors when he turned and fired home from close range a minute later.

    Both teams made changes from matches against Inverness. Saints replaced Wylde and Campbell with McAusland and McGowan whereas McCall was forced into one switch, Hutchinson missing out only to be replaced by Lionel Ainsworth.

    St Mirren had the first chance when Darren McGregor won McLean’s corner but Gunnar Nielsen got down well to stop.

    Sutton headed just wide from a Craig Reid cross at the other end and Motherwell were ahead in the 16th minute after St Mirren were caught out by a diagonal ball from McManus.

    Lionel Ainsworth had yards of space to run into and he squared for Anier to stroke home after Saints goalkeeper Christopher Dilo rushed out unconvincingly.

    Saints lost Paul McGowan to injury in the 22nd minute as Gregg Wylde came on, and they missed a great chance to equalise when Jim Goodwin sent a free header wide from six yards following another McLean corner.

    Motherwell punished them two minutes later to double their lead after probing for an opening on the edge of the St Mirren box.

    The home defence was again stretched as Steven Hammell crossed and Ainsworth volleyed the ball across the face of goal for Sutton to stoop and head home.

    The Saints defence was soon exposed again as Reid broke down the right to cross but Jason Naismith got across to cover and divert Sutton’s shot wide.

    But the hosts continued to look dangerous whenever they got a corner and Thompson headed not far over before he pulled one back in the 41st minute.

    McGregor headed back McLean’s deep delivery from the right and Thompson swept the ball home with his left foot from 10 yards.

    Fourth official Brines replaced Euan Norris as referee at half-time and the pattern of the game changed as well as the home side pushed for an equaliser.

    Naismith fired several dangerous balls across the face of goal and Thompson had a series of efforts, including a diving header and a shot on the turn that Nielsen both saved well.

    Saints brought on striker Josh Magennis for midfielder Conor Newton but Dilo kept them in the game when he acrobatically tipped Ainsworth’s 20-yard strike over the bar.

    Saints survived another major scare when Craig Moore beat the offside following Sutton’s pass, moments after replacing Anier, but he snatched at his shot when clean through and dragged it a yard wide.

    And Motherwell were made to pay for the miss in a dramatic finale as St Mirren climbed above Partick Thistle and consigned Hearts to relegation.

    [tab:As it happened]

    Ally Reilly at St Mirren Park

    FT: St Mirren 3 – 2 Motherwell #SMFCvMFC

    3 minutes added on #SMFCvMFC

    87mins: GOAL! St Mirren unbelievably make it 3-2 through Thompson #SMFCvMFC

    85mins: GOAL! McLean slots it home to make it 2-2 #SMFCvMFC

    85mins: Penalty to St Mirren! Ref says McManus handled when facing the other way? #SMFCvMFC

    is blocked then cleared by Saints #SMFCvMFC

    82mins: Free-kick to ‘Well just inside the St Mirren half. McManus slides it into Moore who releases Francis-Angol but his cross….

    Into the final 10 minutes. Been a battling performance in this half. #SMFCvMFC

    79mins: Motherwell sub, Francis-Angol on for Ainsworth #SMFCvMFC

    73mins: St Mirren sub, Teale on for Goodwin #SMFCvMFC

    72mins: Moore passes up a great chance to make it 3 – 1, draggin well wide from 16 yards #SMFCvMFC

    71mins: Motherwell sub, Anier off for Moore #SMFCvMFC

    64mins: Goodin booked for wiping out Vigurs and Leitch #SMFCvMFC

    63mins: Corner to Saints, Kerr getting in front of Magennis to clear #SMFCvMFC

    59mins: Ainsworth forces a great save from Dilo who tips it over the bar! #SMFCvMFC

    …seconds later, Nielsen again has to push away Thompson’s goal bound effort. #SMFCvMFC

    56mins: Saints peppering the ‘Well goal! First Nielsen has to stop from Naismith, then Kerr has to react first to clear for a corner…

    53mins: St Mirren sub, Newton off for Magennis #SMFCvMFC

    51mins: Naismith’s shot is deflected which wrong foots Nielsen. Thankfully it goes behind for a corner #SMFCvMFC

    47mins: Free-kick to St Mirren, practically on the corner flag…Nielsen punches it well clear #SMFCvMFC

    Both teams out for the second half. Leitch and Lasley kick it off #SMFCvMFC

    HT: St Mirren 1 – 2 Motherwell #SMFCvMFC

    44mins: Wylde cuts inside with a good run but from 25 yards, drags a shot well wide #SMFCvMFC

    41mins: GOAL! Thompson finally gets Saints on the scoresheet, slotting home a knockdown from a corner 1 – 2 #SMFCvMFC

    38mins: Yet another header off target for Saints. This time it’s McGregor who heads over McLean’s deep FK #SMFCvMFC

    From the delivery, Thompson heads just past. Again it’s a chance from a corner which is slightly concerning #SMFCvMFC

    35mins: St Mirren corner, after Hammell covers at the back post and manages to knock the cross over his bar #SMFCvMFC

    30mins: Anier wins ‘Well a corner after running the channel and getting the break of the ball…Newton heads clear #SMFCvMFC

    28mins: Could have been 3! Great work from Reid to get down the wing and deliver for Sutton who is just beaten to it by McGregor. Corner.

    27mins: SUTTON makes it 2-0 heading home from close range after Ainsworth knocked back Hammell’s ball in!! #SMFCvMFC

    GGOOOOAAALLLL!!!!

    25mins: Another corner to Saints…headed inches wide by Goodwin who should have burst the net! #SMFCvMFC

    21mins: St Mirren sub, McGowan off for Wylde #SMFCvMFC

    squares it to the Estonian who taps home to make it 1-0!!! #SMFCvMFC

    16mins: Well, a strange moment as Ainsworth and Anier spring the offside trap and with the defence waiting on the whistle, Ainsworth…

    GGGOOOAAALLLL!!!

    14mins: Up the other end, it’s a corner to St Mirren headed clear by McManus. #SMFCvMFC

    13mins: Great header from Sutton loops just wide of the post from 12 yards. It’s a superb effort to be fair #SMFCvMFC

    12mins: Corner to ‘Well, headed clear by McGregor #SMFCvMFC

    10mins: The home side have started the brighter of the two. Bulk of the possession and forced a great save from Nielsen #SMFCvMFC

    4mins: First corner of the game for Saints….great save from Nielsen to deny Thompson’s header!!! #SMFCvMFC

    Early pressure from St Mirren. Ball is hoofed into the box and Thomson outjumps McManus but heads wide #SMFCvMFC

    Thompson and McGowan kick-off #SMFCvMFC #COYW

    Here come the teams, led by Lasley and Goodwin #SMFCvMFC

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

    “A long ball came at the back post and the ball hits Stephen in the eye socket and the bridge of the nose and flies out to the edge of the box, and the crowd shout.

    “The linesman, who is looking right at it 12-15 yards away, nothing. The referee, from I think 30 yards away at the other side of the box, gives a penalty.

    “Stephen doesn’t rant and rave about things. He is an honest guy. Obviously his arms are up when he has jumped but it has hit him flush in the face.

    “That decision alone has cost us three points because I felt, as the game was petering out, we were not only quite comfortable defensively, but I felt we were going to hit them on the break. We had seen the danger out.”

    St Mirren manager Danny Lennon:

    “I haven’t had the chance to see it but if we have got that bit of fortune, then the only thing I can say is that it’s overdue.

    “I did think we could get back into things because, bizarrely enough, I thought it was against the run of play that we conceded two goals.

    “I’m very disappointed in the manner we conceded the two goals and that’s why we have been flirting at the bottom of the table because we leave the back door open.

    “But at set plays we always looked a threat, McLean’s deliveries were superb. We managed to get the goal at the right time and that lifted us.

    “I thought we kept the ascendancy going without getting the rewards.”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”188″]