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Motherwell Under 20s brought a three-game losing run to an end with a fantastic 2-0 win over Celtic at Fir Park tonight.

The Steelmen matched last season’s Champions all the way and a goal in each half from Dom Thomas secured the victory; Jonatan Johansson’s first against the Parkhead club since arriving two years ago.

Indeed, but for an incredible save from Leonardo Fasan to deny Dylan Mackin, the result may have been even more empathic.

To be fair, Celtic threw everything at it in the last fifteen minutes, including crashing a shot off the woodwork, but it was the Claret and Amber men who held firm for all three points.

‘Well made three changes to the side that performed so well at Tannadice six days ago. Josh Law, Bob McHugh and Craig Moore all dropped out, replaced by Adam Cummins, Ross MacLean and Dylan Mackin.

The visitors, who just fifteen days ago knocked the Steelmen out the SFA Youth Cup, made the brighter start and ‘Well had to look smart do block a Keiran Tierney effort, with the resulting corner also causing a problem that Ross Stewart eventually mopped up.

Johansson’s men weathered the early storm though and should have taken a lead on the ninth minute. A corner was only half cleared and when it was whipped back into the box, David Ferguson met it inside the six-yard box but could only head over when a goal looked certain.

‘Well were dealt a blow when Paul Lawson hobbled off and was replaced by Steven Higgins. Thankfully, the early prognosis is that it’s not too serious. That change meant a swap in shape, with Cadden joining Carswell in the middle of the park, with sub Higgins operating on the flank.

The game continued on though and Celtic again went close when Joe Thomson curled a shot narrowly wide of target. Motherwell replied through Mackin, who did everything right with a lovely spin inside the area, but his low shot fizzed wide.

The game hit a fifteen minute lull, with little in the way of goal mouth action, before Beram Kayal flashed a shot wide and Mackin again did well to create space for himself inside the area, only for his effort to be blocked.

However, just before the interval, ‘Well did get their noses in front. Dom Thomas pressed hard on Filip Twardzik, forcing the defender into a loose past. Thomas surged in on goal and kept his composure to drive it low under Fasan for 1-0.

It took eleven minutes for the second half to explode to life as Celtic came close to a leveler. Kayal’s low shot hit a deflection and despite going the wrong way, Stewart made the block. The ball squirmed loose, but Neill was on hand to swipe it away.

It would prove a crucial block as, with their next attack, ‘Well made it 2-0.

Similar to the first goal, ‘Well won the ball in the middle of the park, Stuart Carswell doing superbly well to pick up on a loose Kayal pass and drive his team forward.

He eventually picked out Thomas with a well-timed pass, allowing the forward to close in on goal, work it onto his left foot and curl it high into the top corner from twelve yards.

To their credit, Celtic set about trying to reduce the arrears and long-range strikes from Liam Henderson (twice) and Calum Watters went close, but were either comfortably stopped by Stewart or sailed wide.

However, Stephen Frail’s side had their keeper, Fasan, to thank for an incredible stop that prevented a third for the Fir Parkers.

There was some great play in the build-up, Thomas releasing Higgins down the left with a lovely pass.

The sub cut it back perfectly for Mackin and his strike looked destined for the net, but for an astonishing stop from the Italian who managed to turn it around the post. From the resulting kick, Cummins went close as ‘Well threatened to bury the match.

However, it was the visitors, as would be expected, who finished the stronger, throwing everything forward to try and get back into the match.

Henderson had another two long-range efforts sail over before substitute Paul George came within an inch of goal, seeing his twenty-yard effort cannon back off the inside of the post as ‘Well somehow survived.

George had another two efforts, one ballooned over and the other high and wide in the Maxim Office Park Stand as the Steelmen showed their metal.

The game eventually finished with ‘Well returning back to winning ways. It’s an excellent three points and one the former Finnish International will hope his young side can build on.

Motherwell: Stewart, McMillan, Ferguson, Cummins, Neill, Carswell, Mackin, Lawson (Higgins – 18mins), Cadden, Thomas, MacLean

Subs Not Used: Currie, Hall, McNulty, Watt, Anderson, R.Leitch

The Board of Motherwell FC today released the following update on the vacant managerial position at the club.

Two weeks after Stuart McCall’s resignation, we are pleased to confirm 55 applicants have put their name forward for the vacant managerial position at Fir Park.

We have been extremely encouraged by the quality and calibre of applicants from across the world, which includes twenty different nationalities.

The Board has started the process of agreeing a shortlist of candidates we would like to formally interview.

In May, the club released a statement advising we were in the process of is seeking new investment. Discussions are ongoing with interested parties and we are planning to reach a conclusion by the end of the current month.

As a result, the Board has agreed to delay the appointment of a new manager until the issue of ongoing ownership of the club is resolved.

We have spoken at length with Kenny Black and he enthusiastically agreed to continue in the role as caretaker manager until a full time appointment is made.

We are extremely grateful to Kenny and the rest of the management team for their cooperation during this period as we look forward to the next chapter in the club’s history.

Motherwell Under 20s return to action tomorrow night (Monday) with a home game against Champions Celtic.

Jonatan Johansson’s men will be looking to bounce back from last Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat at Tannadice, although ‘Well certainly merited at least a point from that match on Tayside.

They face a Celtic side who are ten behind joint leaders Aberdeen and Hamilton Accies, although do have three games in hand over both sides and will be see this game as a must win.

The two teams met just two weeks ago in the SFA Youth Cup. It was a closely fought contest, which Celtic won, courtesy of two late goals from Liam Henderson and Kieran Tiernay.

[pullquote]We have the quality and our boys should have the confidence. It’s the last time we’ll be on Fir Park for a few months so we’ve got to try and set the tone for the match and take the game to our opponents.[/pullquote]

Under 20s boss Johansson said: “We have lost the last three games, including against Celtic, but in two of those we have played really well and perhaps deserved more.

“The challenge for our players is to go out there against the best Scotland has to offer at this level and show we are good enough.

“We have the quality and our boys should have the confidence. It’s the last time we’ll be on Fir Park for a few months so we’ve got to try and set the tone for the match and take the game to our opponents.”

The match will be played at Fir Park (kick-off is 6pm) with admission prices as follows:

PRICES:

Adults and Concessions:
Season book holders or Well Society membership: £2
Standard: £3

Under 16s:
Season book holders or Well Society membership: £1
Standard: £2

Motherwell have three players away on International duty over the next week.

Gunnar Nielsen has been once again included in the Faroe Islands squad for their UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match against Greece on 14 November 2014.

The 28-year old former Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City stopper will be hoping to win his 25th cap against the 2004 winners.

Henrik Ojamaa has been named in the Estonia squad for their International Challenge matches against both Norway (Tuesday) and Jordan, as well as the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match with San Marino.

The on-loan Legia Warsaw hitman already had seventeen caps to his name but is still looking for his first goal.

Left-sider Zaine Francis-Angol is part of a 23 man Antigua and Barbuda squad that were called up for the Caribbean Cup final round against Haiti on 12th, Jamaica on 14th and Martinique on 16th November 2014.

The former Spurs man will hope to win caps eight, nine and ten over the next four days.

Extended highlights from Tannadice as ‘Well lose to Dundee United by the odd goal in five.

Jonatan Johansson was left frustrated with the manner in which his side conceded after an encouraging performance at Tanandice.

The Fir Parkers played their part in what was an excellent and enjoyable game of football, but came unstuck thanks to three preventable goals.

A poor clearance, a penalty and a set-piece would prove the downfall, with Josh Law and Craig Moore replying for ‘Well.

[pullquote]Goals aside, I am pleased with how we performed. We asked the players to react after last Tuesday’s disappointment against St Mirren and I think we got that.[/pullquote]

“It was a good game tonight,” Johansson said.

“At this level, it was one of the best I’ve seen. I thought we very much deserved a point for the way we played.

“In saying that, if you come to a place like this and lose three goals in the manner we did, you’re always going to struggle.

“Goals aside, I am pleased with how we performed. We asked the players to react after last Tuesday’s disappointment against St Mirren and I think we got that.

“You never like to lose, but we can take positives from tonight.”

Motherwell lost by the odd goal in five in what was a thoroughly entertaining contest at Tannadice this evening.

The Steelmen got their noses in front through Josh Law, before Scott Lochhead drew the hosts level. Ola Adeyemo put United in front from the penalty spot before Craig Moore scored his first goal in six months to level things up again.

However, Adeyemo would have the final say, netting late on to hand Dave Bowman’s men the win.

Motherwell made a bright start and Dom Thomas was first to test Michal Szromnik after nine minute, a low shot forcing the Polish stopper to turn around. Shortly after, Thomas turned provider for Moore, but his skidding effort from 30 yards dropped just wide of the post.

The hosts eventually settled into the game and started to create themselves.

Charlie Telfer shot over, Gary Mackay-Steven saw a low shot blocked by Chris Cadden before Adeyemo brought Ross Stewart into action for this time, his low shot having to be turned away by the Steelmen stopper at his near post.

However, it would be Motherwell who would take the lead just before the half hour.

Paul Lawson did well to win the ball deep in United territory; Moore, Law and McHugh all combined in a lovely triangle, with Moore eventually hooking it back across goal for Law to head home past Szromnik from close range. A fantastic team goal!

The joy was fairly short-lived though as with their next attack, United drew level.

‘Well will be disappointed given they had three separate opportunities to get it up the park, but when Thomas’ hooked clearance landed at the feet of Scott Lochhead, he smashed through Stewart from 25-yards.

Both teams had half-chances to get back in front before the break; Thomas curled a shot inches wide of the post before Mackay-Steven drilled a left-footed effort wide of target.

Into the second half and the home club had two quickfire chances to take the lead, both of them falling to Telfer. The first, a low shot, forced Stewart to block but when it eventually arrived back at the player some thirty seconds later, he smashed it high over the bar.

Motherwell responded with a low shot from McHugh that was well held by Szromnik in the home goal.

United continued to look a threat and Adeyemo almost got on the scoresheet, only to see his close range effort well blocked by David Ferguson. From the resulting corner, Keith Watson got up well to header, but it was way off target.

However, shortly after the hour, United did get in front and it was Adeyemo who made and scored the goal.

The 19-year old former UCD player latched on to a neat through ball to get on the wrong side of Morgyn Neill before being clipped by the defender. The referee pointed to the spot, and Adeyemo dusted himself down to coolly finish.

‘Well went immediately in search of a leveller, and only a goal-saving tackle from Watson denied McHugh an instant reply, the striker almost getting on the end of a teasing Moore cross.

Lawson forced a couple of corners before Johansson’s men eventually did get an equaliser they deserved.

After McMillan’s block, Law drove forward from the middle of the park, pulling defenders towards him, before slipping Moore in on the left channel. The striker raced in on Szromnik before delicately lifting it over the Pole and into the net via the base of the post.

Two minutes later and McHugh almost made it three-two for the Claret and Amber men – latching on to Carswell’s neat pass but his low shot was again well saved by Szromnik at the second attempt.

Play swung from end to end as both teams plugged away for a winner.

Adeyemo passed up a great chance when he blazed a Mackay-Steven cutback over the bar, before eventually scoring the decisive third just nine minutes from time.

Once again ‘Well will be frustrated, given the goal came from a simple set piece.

Feguson inadvertently flicked a searching corner on to the striker, who was lurking at the far post. He got it under control before eventually lashing it past the outrushing Stewart.

To their credit, the Fir Parkers refused to be beat and created a plethora of chances in the closing stages.

Lawson hit a free-kick that almost bounced straight into the net, Thomas shot wide and McMillan curled a shot over as United held on. Young full-back McMillan also hit a stinging right-footed effort that forced Szromnik to tip away at full stretch.

Then, as stoppage time approach, substitute Steven Higgins, who was introduced in place of Bob McHugh, shot over, as did Lawson, he slid to get on the end of a low Carswell square ball.

It eventually ended 3-2 for United, but ‘Well can be proud of their night’s work and no doubt deserved a point for their efforts.

Motherwell: Stewart, Cadden, McMillan, Ferguson, Neill, Lawson, Law, Carswell, McHugh (Higgins – 73mins), Moore, Thomas

Subs Not Used: Currie, Hall, McNulty, MacLean, Anderson

Motherwell FC were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former ‘Ancell Babe’ Sammy Reid.

Lanarkshire born and bred, Sammy signed for his boyhood hero’s in 1956, reportedly rejecting the advances of Rangers at the time.

He made his debut in January 1958 against Lanarkshire rivals Airdrie, aged just eighteen.

His contribution to the club was significant as a talented Inside Forward, who had a who worked incredibly well alongside other legendary names such as Hunter, Reid, St John, Quinn and Weir in an impressive Steelmen side; which famously beat Rangers four times in the same 1959-60 campaign, although sadly and regretfully never lifted silverware.

After impressing in Claret and Amber, netting 19 times in 60 appearances, Sammy had the distinction of being Bill Shankly’s first signing at Liverpool in 1960, leaving Fir Park for a sum of £8,000.

But after failing to make the breakthrough at Anfield the winger, whose brother Billy also played for ‘Well, left the club and later wrote his name into football folklore with his winning goal in Berwick’s 1-0 triumph over the Glasgow giants at Shielfield Park in what remains arguably the biggest upset in Scottish football.

Sammy passed away at the weekend, aged 75, in his home in Wishaw.

Everyone at Motherwell FC would like to pass on our sincere condolences to the Reid family at this sad time, whilst remembering an extremely talented local footballer who played in an outstanding team for those lucky to have seen it.

Following the success of last year’s draw, Motherwell FC will again be running our Christmas Raffle to win a Match Sponsorship package.

For just £5, you can be in with a chance of winning a full match sponsorship package for the game against Partick Thistle on Saturday 27th December.

The package includes:

• Four course meal served in the Joe Wark Lounge with a complimentary bar pre and post match.
• Match programme and team sheet for you and your guests
• Watch the match from seats adjacent to the Directors Box.
• Half time tea served back in the Joe Wark Lounge.
• The ability to pick the MFC Man of the Match.
• Post match visit by the man of the match; you make the presentation and there’s a special MFC gift for each of your guests.

The draw to pick the winning ticket will be at the Ross County game on Saturday 13th December.

You can pick up your raffle tickets from the Chapman Building during the week, we’ll have sellers also in and around the ground on each matchday leading up to the draw.

You can also buy them in Jack Daniels Sportsbar as well as buying them online by CLICKING HERE.

Highlights from Fir Park as caretaker boss Kenny Black guides his Motherwell side to a 1-0 win over Dundee Utd