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    Thomson takes charge of Cup tie

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    Scottish Cup Tickets: Pre Pay & PATG

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    Convert for Cash Returns

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    TV: Highlights from Indodrill Stadium

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    TV: Johansson wants killer instinct

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    Dundee U20s 1 – 0 Motherwell U20s

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    TV: Highlights from Caledonian Stadium

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    TV: Black angered by Caley showing

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    Inverness defeat in pictures

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    Inverness CT 3 – 1 Motherwell

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    Thomson takes charge of Cup tie

    Referee for Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Cup 4th Round clash with Dundee Utd at Fir Park is Craig Thomson.

    The 42-year old will be handling his first Motherwell match of the 2014/15 season.

    Thomson, arguably the highest rated amongst the Scottish officials, regularly hosting Champions League, Europa League and International matches, will be a more than familiar face to ‘Well fans, having being a top-flight whistler for over 13 years.

    He handled three Motherwell matches last season.

    The first was the 1-0 at St Mirren Park in September 2013 when John Sutton’s first-half header secured the points.

    The second was the fine 2-1 win at the Caledonian Stadium last April, Henri Anier and Iain Vigurs doing the damage and, most recent, was the enthralling 3-3 draw with Celtic in the same month, when a last-minute Sutton goal earned the Steelmen a point in a topsy-turvy match.

    It would have been his fourth but a New Year appointment between ‘Well and Caley was the postponed due to heavy rain.

    He took charge of three ‘Well matches the previous term too.

    The first was the 4-1 demolition of Aberdeen on Boxing Day when goals from Tom Hateley, Michael Higdon and a Jamie Murphy swept Craig Brown’s side away.

    The second was the 2-1 win at Tynecastle, when two early goals from Michael Higdon and a Dylan McGowan own-goal was enough to see off the Jambos.

    The third and final was the 2-0 home victory over Ross County in the last home game of that campaign – James McFadden and Chris Humphrey amongst the scorers.

    His record in charge of the Steelmen is a bit of a mix bag with fourteen wins from 39 matches. There have been sixteen defeats and nine draws too.

    Not included in that list was the 2007/08 Scottish Cup fourth round replay win against Hearts at Fir Park, when he replaced the injured Stuart Dougal midway through the second-half.

    In those games, Motherwell have scored 55 and conceded 53.

    133 players have gone into the book, 65 were wearing claret and amber, while five players, including former and current captains Stephen Craigan and Keith Lasley, have been dismissed.
    Craig will be ably assisted by Alastair Mather and Brian Templeton with Colin Steven on fourth official duties.

  • Archive

    Scottish Cup Tickets: Pre Pay & PATG

    A reminder that Tickets for Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Cup 4th Round tie against Dundee Utd are available to pre-purchase or on the gate.

    Season Ticket holders can pre-purchase their regular seat by popping into the Ticket Office or phoning 01698 333333.

    Alternatively, fans of both clubs can pay at the turnstiles with prices as follows:

    ADULTS:    £15 
    CONCESSIONS:                           £10
    UNDER 16s:    £5
    • Prices listed are for all stands, with Dundee Utd fans housed in the Maxim Office Park South Stand.
    • Concessions are listed as 60 and over and full time students with a valid matriculation card.
    • Juveniles are listed as 15 and under.
    • Season Tickets are not valid for this match.
  • Archive

    Convert for Cash Returns

    The famous Cash Converters “Convert for Cash” challenge is back when Dundee Utd visit on Saturday.

    Faced by two giant inflatable footballs, fans must dribble the balls with their hands around a slalom course and, cross the goal-line to take home £150.

    For your chance to win take part and win this fantastic prize, enter your details at the Cash Converters Football Facebook page now: CLICK HERE.

    The Facebook page will also give you the chance to win a whole host of other prizes, including tickets and exclusive, money-can’t-buy experiences. Simply “Like” the page, and get entering. CLICK HERE TO WIN SOME GREAT PRIZES.

    Entries will close at 12 noon on Tuesday 27th November 2014.

    *Please note: You must be aged over 18 to take part, and proof of age will be required on the day. You must also already possess a match ticket.

    Cash Converters

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Indodrill Stadium

    Extended highlights from the Indodrill Stadium as ‘Well lose 1-0 to Dundee in the SPFL Development League.

    MFC TV

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    TV: Johansson wants killer instinct

    Jonatan Johansson bemoaned his side’s lack of a killer instinct after losing 1-0 to Dundee this afternoon.

    The young Fir Parkers creating a plethora of opportunities, but were either wasteful in front of goal or found German keeper Arvid Schenk in inspired form.

    The disappointment and frustration was compounded by a poor goal conceded, a set piece just fifteen minutes from time.

    Asked how his side managed to lose the match, the Finn was blunt: “We didn’t take our chances; it’s as simple as that!

    [pullquote]Football is about scoring goals and we’ve had two or three games this season that we’ve created a lot of chances, but the killer instinct isn’t there which is unfortunate, because we are creating enough to win many games.[/pullquote]

    “If you ask me, ‘Am I disappointed with how we played?’ – then no, not really.

    “We played well both halves, the energy was there and there were some good individual performances. We put pressure on them, we pressed high up the park.

    “However, football is about scoring goals and we’ve had two or three games this season that we’ve created a lot of chances, but the killer instinct isn’t there which is unfortunate, because we are creating enough to win many games.

    “We will work hard at improving that side of our game for the upcoming matches.”

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Dundee U20s 1 – 0 Motherwell U20s

    Motherwell Under 20s lost 1-0 to Dundee this afternoon in a game they really ought to have won.

    Jonatan Johansson’s young side were on top for the majority, creating a host of chances, including hitting the frame of the goal and coming up against a keeper in inspired form.

    However, they were punished at the other end fifteen minutes from time when Matthew Allan prodded home a swerving corner at the back post.

    The Steelmen made four changes to the team that beat Celtic seven days ago. Adam Cummins, Paul Lawson, Stuart Carswell and Ross MacLean dropped out, replaced by Luke Watt, Ben Hall, Craig McCall and Steven Higgins.

    And it was the visitors who made a positive start to the game and could and should have been ahead inside six minutes.

    A teasing ball between the goalkeeper and right-back Andrew Black caused confusion, and when the defender nodded it past the outrushing keeper, it looked to be rolling into the net, but bobbled just past the post.

    From the resulting corner, Dom Thomas’ cross was perfect for Morgyn Neill but despite a free-header from six yards, the big defender put it over.

    Thomas had a shot of his own ten minutes later comfortably saved, before Dundee’s Josh Skelly had their first attack of note, sending a 20-yard shot over the bar.

    Dylan Mackin also had a neat turn and shot inside the area well saved by German keeper Arvid Schenk. The former VfL Wolfsburg II stopper was even more impressive shortly after, getting down well to save from a stinging Thomas half volley at the expense of a corner.

    Just before the break, the Dark Blues had their best effort of the half, Skelly capitalising on some good play down the left, only to see his darting shot well stopped by Ross Stewart in the ‘Well goal.

    The second half continued in much the same vein as the first, with ‘Well creating chances. Thomas had the first shot after just three minutes, but Schenk was again up to the task.

    Minutes later, Mackin played in Higgins with a lovely flick, only for the defender to be crowded out at the expense of a corner. From the resulting kick, Thomas got another shot away but again, it was comfortable for Schenk to catch.

    It took Dundee ten minutes to register an effort in the second half, but when it came, it was close. Philip Roberts reacted quickly to a smart free-kick from Kevin McBride, but the former Inverness CT winger pulled a low shot narrowly wide of the far post.

    However, it wasn’t long before play was back up the other end and Schenk was again able to thwart the Steelmen, racing off his line to stop Higgins’ chipped finish after the forward had been played in by a lovely Craig McCall slide rule.

    Shortly after, Thomas had another shot from the left edge of the box, but with Schenk at full stretch, it dropped half a yard over the crossbar.

    Dundee were content to hit on the counter and German striker Luka Tankulic sent a low shot three of four yards wide before Philips tried an ambitious shot from distance on his left foot, which hit the corner flag on its way out for a goal kick.

    It was still stalemate but anyone inside the ground would’ve been scratching their head at how ‘Well didn’t take the lead on the 70th minute.

    Schenk could’ve caught a corner but instead, opted to punch. When it squirmed out into the penalty box, there were big appeals for a penalty when Higgins was pulled down.

    The referee played on and ‘Well had three or four shots at goal, all blocked in an over-crowded eighteen yard box.

    It was to prove crucial as Dundee got themselves ahead just minutes later. The goal came from a corner after Stewart had turned around a low Philips shot. Motherwell’s marking was poor and when Matthew Allan peeled off his marker at the back post, he bundled it home despite ‘Well protesting for a handball.

    Those of a Claret and Amber persuasion would struggled to believe how they were behind in a game they had controlled for the vast majority. It got even more frustrating when Mackin sent a blistering volley crashing off the post, albeit credit should again go to Schenk who got a slight, if unorthodox, touch on route.

    The Steelmen threw the kitchen sink at in the last ten minutes. Sub Ryan Watters almost scored with his first touch, heading a Neill cross straight at Schenk before the big keeper was again in form, turning away a low drive by Cadden with no Motherwell striker there to gobble up the rebound.

    It was a frustrating old afternoon for the Fir Parkers who left Clackmannanshire with nothing, but deserved so much more.

    Motherwell: Stewart, Watt, McMillan, Hall, Neill, Ferguson, Mackin, Cadden, Higgins (Watters – 85mins), Thomas, McCall (R.Leitch – 77mins)

    Subs Not Used: Currie, McNulty

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Caledonian Stadium

    Extended highlights from the Highland Capital as a poor Motherwell lose 3-1 to hosts Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    TV: Black angered by Caley showing

    Kenny Black criticised Motherwell’s poor showing against Inverness, describing it as “not good enough”.

    The Fir Parkers were hoping to build on the encouraging win and performance against Dundee United a fortnight ago, but were extremely poor in the Highland Capital, eventually losing 3-1.

    Indeed, had Inverness been more ruthless in attack, the scoreline could have been much worse for the Claret and Amber men.

    Caretaker boss Black was in no mood to mince his words and sympathized with the supporters who made the long journey north.

    He said: “I don’t think the team gave enough in the 90 minutes and 3-1 flattered us.

    [pullquote]It wasn’t good enough – simple as that. I didn’t think we caused Inverness any problems at all and at times it was like some of our players had never seen a ball before.[/pullquote]

    “It could have been more and as much as I enjoyed the game against Dundee United a fortnight ago it was the total opposite today.

    “It wasn’t good enough – simple as that. I didn’t think we caused Inverness any problems at all and at times it was like some of our players had never seen a ball before.

    “The better team won on the day. I thought they were far better, far brighter and they passed the ball better than we did.

    “You are looking to try to cause them problems, and our only attack in the first half resulted in the goal – and it was probably the only time we strung three or four passes together.

    “It was hard work watching that today and I feel for the supporters that travelled up. They showed a lot more enthusiasm than some of our lads.”

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Inverness defeat in pictures

    Action pictures from this afternoon’s disappointing 3-1 defeat to Inverness CT in the SPFL Premiership.

    Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

    [svgallery name=”invernessct221114″]

  • Archive

    Inverness CT 3 – 1 Motherwell

    [tab:Match report]

     Phil McGhee at the Caledonian Stadium

    A lacklustre Motherwell turned in a poor display and were soundly beaten by Inverness CT in the Highlands today.

    After an encouraging and welcome win over Dundee United, hopes were that ‘Well would be able to build, but in truth, Kenny Black’s side failed to get out of first gear for the whole ninety minutes.

    The home side had taken the lead in the 29th minute when Billy McKay ran clear of the Motherwell defence, but the managerless Steelmen levelled just two minutes later through Henrik Ojamaa.

    But Caley Thistle displayed more of the qualities that see them share top spot in the second half as they went back ahead through Marley Watkins close-range header on 70 minutes before Josh Meekings secured the points eight minutes later as he slid in to meet a corner-kick at the back post.

    Black named an unchanged side from the one which defeated Dundee United 1-0 in their last outing, while Caley boss John Hughes welcomed back impressive youngster Ryan Christie into his starting eleven.

    The early stages of the match were fairly uneventful, with Caley seeing most of the ball but with side creating anything of note until the 24th minute when Greg Tansey’s 30-yard free-kick sailed just wide of the post.

    But five minutes later Billy McKay put the home side ahead after being sent clear on the right by Ryan Christie and he finished coolly beyond Dan Twardzik in the Motherwell goal.

    That sparked the game into life – and just two minutes after going ahead, Caley were pegged back to level terms by Ojamaa after the Estonian got on the end of a John Sutton cutback before keeping his composure to blast the ball beyond Dean Brill. It perhaps wasn’t merited, but the visitors would very much take it.

    Ryan Christie almost put Caley back ahead with half-time beckoning, but he was denied by a tremendous Twardzik save to keep the scores level.

    Inverness began the second half well and should have retaken the lead inside two minutes of the restart as the usually deadly McKay again broke clear before rounding Twardzik, but his shot, albeit from an angle, was high over the goal.

    The Northern Irishman wasted yet another chance when he lofted a ball over the bar from just inside the area after escaping the attentions of Craig Reid. The home side kept plugging away however, and they were rewarded with 20 minutes left when Graeme Shinnie sent a ball into the box and it was headed home from close-range by Marley Watkins.

    And on 78 minutes, the points were secured as Josh Meekings got himself on the end of a Tansey corner at the back post to make the game safe.

    There should have been even more for the vast majority of the 3,037 crowd to cheer as Watkins hit the bar from just six yards out after Caley broke at pace and substitute Aaron Doran played him in.

    However, the final whistle signalled a thoroughly merited victory for the home side against a Steelmen side who frustratingly failed to cause the home defence any problems at all.

    [tab:As it happened]

     Ally Reilly at the Caledonian Stadium

    FT: inverness CT 3 – 1 Motherwell #ICTFCvMFC

    91mins: ‘Well get a free-kick 25 yards out which Vigurs fires straight into the wall #ICTFCvMFC

    3 minutes added on #ICTFCvMFC

    84mins: Final ICT change, McKay off for Ibra Sekajja #ICTFCvMFC

    81mins: Off the bar by Watkins! ICT break and the cross found Watkins free at the back post.Should have made it 4. #ICTFCvMFC

    80mins: Vigurs is then booked for hauling Ross down as Caley broke #ICTFCvMFC

    79mins: Doran is booked for a tackle from behind on Vigurs #ICTFCvMFC

    76mins: GOAL! Meekings pokes home from a corner to make it 3-1 #ICTFCvMFC

    75mins: ICT sub, Christie off for Ross #ICTFCvMFC

    73mins: Twardzik reads Watkins’ cross/shot well and manages to gather it in. McKay was lurking #ICTFCvMFC

    72mins Motherwell sub, Ramsden makes way for Erwin #ICTFCvMFC

    70mins: GOAL! Watkins makes it 2-1 tapping home from close range #ICTFCvMFC

    69mins: Raven’s ball into the box is half-cleared to Christie who whips it well over #ICTFCvMFC

    65mins: ICT sub, Doran on for VIncent #ICTFCvMFC

    63mins: Another good save from Twardzik, this time diving low to his left to beat away Watkins’ curling effort #ICTFCvMFC

    59mins: ICT get the break of the in the middle of the field and counter quickly, Christie slid in McKay who curls it just over #ICTFCvMFC

    56mins: Motherwell sub, Ainsworth makes way for Law #ICTFCvMFC

    53mins: Long range shot form Christie but it’s pretty harmless and Twardzik gathers with ease #ICTFCvMFC

    47mins: Incredible chance! McKay skip past Twardzik but somehow, with all the goal to aim for, he scoops the ball well over from 12 yards

    Teams are back out for part two. Watkins and McKay kick-off #ICTFCvMFC

    Half-time in the Highlands and it’s 1-1. ICT largely in charge but could only hold their lead for 2 minutes. #ICTFCvMFC

    HT: Inverness CT 1 – 1 Motherwell #ICTFCvMFC

    44mins: Tansey’s left-footed shot from 22 yards is thankfully deflected just wide of the left-hand post #ICTFCvMFC

    41mins: What a save by Twardzik! Christie cut in from the left and fired it towards the bottom corner but Dan gets down to it! #ICTFCvMFC

    40mins: Entering the final 5 minutes of the first half. Still 1-1, perhaps luckily so for The Steelmen but we’ll take it #ICTFCvMFC

    34mins: Ainsworth is very nearly played through by Ramsden but Brill gets off his line sharply and sweeps it clear #ICTFCvMFC

    31mins: Unbelievable! Ojamaa hammers home Sutton’s cutback to make it 1-1 with our first venture into the ICT box #ICTFCvMFC!

    GGOOOAAALLLLL!!!

    29mins: GOAL! That’s been coming. McKay is slid through 1v1 and he isn’t going to pass that one up, slotting it past Twardzik to make it 1-0

    23mins: Closest chance so far for ICT. A great free-kick from Tansey flashes inches wide of Twardzik’s right-hand post #ICTFCvMFC

    …McKay heads just wide at teh back post #ICTFCvMFC

    21mins: ICT turning the screw. Only a last-ditch interception from Kerr prevented Watkins a clear scoring opportunity then seconds later..

    20mins: Williams finds an opening on the edge of the box but his attempt on goal is poor, blazing it well over the bar #ICTFCvMFC

    18mins: Mistimed tackle by Lasley in centre of the park, maybe lucky to escape a booking #ICTFCvMFC

    …has the sting taken out of it by McManus allowing Twardzik to gather easily. ICT have had the best of the opening exchanges #ICTFCvMFC

    15mins: Slack midfielding from ‘Well allows Shinnie some space to get down the left wing and deliver a cross to Watkins, whose header…

    12mins: Christie whips a good ball into the box but Kerr cooly nods it back to Twardizk with Watkins lurking #ICTFCvMFC

    11mins: Second corner of the game for ICT but there’s no takers for Tansey’s back-post ball #ICTFCvMFC

    10mins: Neat spell of passing there from ICT but Vincent over-hits his through ball to McKay and it goes out for a goal-kick #ICTFCvMFC

    7mins: Christie jinks forward and slides in Watkins on the left wing but his floated cross is easily gathered by Twardzik #ICTFCvMFC

    3mins: ICT win the first corner of the match. They work it short and Tansey delivers, straight to McManus who heads clear #ICTFCvMFC

    Lasley and Ojamaa kick off the action #COYW #ICTFCvMFC

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell caretaker manager Kenny Black:

    “I don’t think the team gave enough in the 90 minutes and 3-1 flattered us.

    “It could have been more and as much as I enjoyed the game against Dundee United a fortnight ago it was the total opposite today.

    “It wasn’t good enough – simple as that. I didn’t think we caused Inverness any problems at all and at times it was like some of our players had never seen a ball before.

    “The better team won on the day. I thought they were far better, far brighter and they passed the ball better than we did.

    “You are looking to try to cause them problems, and our only attack in the first half resulted in the goal – and it was probably the only time we strung three or four passes together.

    “It was hard work watching that today and I feel for the supporters that travelled up. They showed a lot more enthusiasm than some of our lads.”

    Inverness CT manager John Hughes:

    “We knew that coming off a win the other week they would be galvanised and they would have that siege mentality.

    “In the first half it was a wee bit sticky and it took us a while to break the game down.

    “We didn’t really get started until we changed the shape and made a few substitutions, but after that we played well and dominated the football. I’m delighted we picked up the three points.”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

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