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Action pictures from this afternoon’s frustrating 2-0 by Partick Thistle at Firhill.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

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‘Well boss Ian Baraclough was left disappointed after his side turned in an insipid second-half showing at Firhill this afternoon.

There was precious little between the teams in a relatively uneventful first forty-five, with John Sutton’s close-range shot the only chance of note.

However, ‘Well failed to turn in in the second half, and Lyle Taylor’s double was enough to give Thistle the win and extended their advantage over the Steelmen to seven points.

[pullquote]I’m disappointed that we couldn’t kick on in the second half  from the first half, which I thought was a half decent first forty-five.[/pullquote]

Speaking to MFC TV after the match, he said: “I’m disappointed that we couldn’t kick on in the second half  from the first half, which I thought was a half decent first forty-five.

“We played in the majority of the game in their half but maybe could have put the ball in the box more as whenever we did we got chances on goal. In the second half that went against us and we didn’t do the basics right.

“We didn’t scrap for second balls or get a foothold in the game by securing decent possession.”

[tab:Match report]

Phil McGhee at Firhill Stadium

10-man Motherwell turned in a flat performance to lose 2-0 to Partick Thistle at Firhill this afternoon.

Defeat for the Jags would have seen them sit just a single point behind the Steelmen.

But two second-half goals from Lyle Taylor were enough to allow Partick to extend their lead over ‘Well to seven points.

It was Motherwell who could have been ahead with just three minutes on the clock.

A poor pass back from Abdul Osman to goalkeeper Scott Fox was intercepted by Scott McDonald.

He squared to John Sutton but the striker’s shot hit a deflection and spun inches wide of the post.

Thistle recovered from the early scare but chances from either side were few and far between in a drab first half.

With 10 minutes to go until the break, Taylor tried his luck with an effort that was high and wide and failed to trouble George Long in the Well goal.

Kallum Higginbotham then fired a low cross into the box but there were no takers in front of goal.

Higginbotham had a go himself shortly after the restart but his fizzing low drive fell wide of the target.

The breakthrough came on 53 minutes when Thistle surged into the lead.

Higginbotham’s free-kick picked out Conrad Balatoni at the back post and he nodded across goal for Taylor to head home from a yard out. There was a hint of offside, but it was incredibly tight and ‘Well boss Ian Baraclough will have been more frustrated with his side’s defending, rather than any flag from the official.

Taylor then passed up a great chance to double the lead when he collected the ball on the six-yard line and somehow managed to hook over with only the goalkeeper to beat.

But he made amends with Thistle’s second of the day after 61 minutes.

Callum Booth whipped a low ball into the box from the left and Taylor’s initial shot was incredibly stopped by Long from point-blank range, only for the rebound to fall kindly to the on-loan Scunthorpe striker who smashed home.

The home side were hungry for more goals and only a decent save from Long prevented a fierce shot from Steven Lawless hitting the back of the net.

With 20 minutes to go, tempers began to flare and Taylor and Keith Lasley were both booked following an altercation in the middle of the park.

Thistle were desperate to put the game beyond Motherwell and they were threatening again when Balatoni threw himself at Higginbotham’s free-kick but failed to keep his header on target.

The visitors were dealt a further blow when Stuart Carswell saw red with two minutes to go after picking up two cautions in the space of four minutes.

And there proved to be no way back for Motherwell, who passed up the chance to drag Partick into the relegation battle.

[tab:As it happened]

 Ally Reilly at Firhill Stadium

FT| 2-0 | #PTFCvMFC

Full time here at Firhill. Partick Thistle 2 – 0 Motherwell

90’| 2-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Two minutes added on.

88’| 2-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Red card! Carswell is given his second yellow, for clattering into Stevenson

84’| 2-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Carswell is booked for pulling Bannigan’s shirt as Thistle broke.

79’| 2-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Thistle sub, Doolan on for Taylor.

78’| 2-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Good save again from Long, this time denying Bannigan from just inside the box.

75’| 2-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Motherwell subs, Sutton and Lasley off for Carswelll and Moore

71’| 2-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Law wins ‘Well a corner….no takers for Thomas’ delivery though.

71’| 2-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Taylor and Lasley both booked for a bit of handbags in midfield.

66’| 2-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Very, very flat performance today. Lawless has a shot from the edge of the box but Long is equal to it and saves.

65’| 2-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Motherwell sub, Ainsworth off for Dom Thomas.

61’| 2-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Goal – It’s 2-0. Lyle Taylor again poking home from close range.

59’| 1-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Taylor has a great chance as he goes through 1 on 1 with Long, who makes a great save!

54’| 1-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Goal – Taylor heads home from close range to give Thistle the lead.

49’| 0-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Higginbotham tries his luck from 25 yards but gets it all wrong at it trickles harmlessly wide.

HT| 0-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Pearson and Ainsworth get the second 45 underway

HT| 0-0 | #PTFCvMFC
The teams are back out the tunnel for the second half.

HT| 0-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Half time: A goalless first 45 here. Not been much in terms of goal mouth action.

37’| 0-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Higginbotham fires in a low cross but again no takers. Thistle looking more dangerous.

35’| 0-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Taylor sprints past McManus and gets a good cross into the box, which thankfully just evades Stevenson at the back post

31’| 0-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Lasley is hacked down on the right hand side.. Ainsworth delvers the free-kick to Sutton but he is offside.

29’| 0-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Long throw in from Thistle which falls to Osman. He shoots from 15 yards but the sting is taken out it and Long saves.

26’| 0-0 | #PTFCvMFC
McManus concedes a corner, which McDonald easily heads away.

25’| 0-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Ainsworth is played in down the right wing and gets a cross in for Erwin but his header is tame and straight at Fox.

22’| 0-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Free-kick to ‘Well wide on the right….ref says Frans was fouled as McManus tried to get on the end of it.

19’| 0-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Ainsworth beats Booth down the right wing but sclaffs his cross and it sails out for a goal kick.

10’| 0-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Decent opening 10 minutes.The swirling wind here is causing both defences problems.

2’| 0-0 | #PTFCvMFC
What a chance as Osman’s backpass is intercepted by McDonald who squares it to Sutton but his shot is deflected wide!

Kick-Off | 0-0 | #PTFCvMFC
Stevenson and Lawless get the game underway. COYW!

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Ian Baraclough:

“Both goals were offside, having seen them. It wasn’t picked up by anybody – even our lads.

“The second one was possibly a yard offside, the first one was tighter to call. You hope to get a bit of help from the officials but if he hasn’t seen it, that’s fine.

“We weren’t good enough in the second half to go and win the game.”

Partick Thistle manager Alan Archibald:

“I’m absolutely delighted with the win. I don’t think it was much of a spectacle in the first half but in the second half we were the better team and probably deserved the victory.

“We go into the split with confidence and with a seven-point cushion.

“The way it works, we could play them again in our next game and that could make the gap between us 10 points or four points.

“But we’re in a good place. We have momentum and another clean sheet as well but we’ll need more than this.

“You see the threat Motherwell pose with their strikers so they’ll win again and so will Ross County, so we’ll need to go again.

“The clean sheet was pleasing and it came from our two centre-backs standing up to their threat because they’re difficult guys to play against.

“I think we’ll need more than 40 points to stay up, although our goal difference will help as well.

“But going above Kilmarnock makes this a good day, even though they have games in hand.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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‘Well boss Ian Baraclough hopes the Steelmen can maintain their current form and drag other teams into the fight at the bottom.

With the Fir Parkers and Ross County picking up points in the last month, it’s brought both much closer to the pack, when everyone having thought it was a straight three-way fight between the Staggies, St Mirren and ‘Well.

Now Motherwell face Partick Thistle, themselves in a fairly decent vein of form having won three and drawing one of their last six, hoping three points will bring them to within one of the Glasgow side before the league splits.

[pullquote]Every game has been a big one and we have met that head on, and gone and dealt with it very well.[/pullquote]

“We’ve got a chance tomorrow to be within touching distance of Patrick Thistle, and that’s an important factor going into the game,” he said.

“They’ll be desperate to pull away because they’ll have looked at it from two or three weeks ago and thought they were perhaps in a bit of safety.

“Now they’re not so comfortable, and we can make it even more uncomfortable for them. You try to drag those teams down, and we can do that tomorrow.

“Every game has been a big one and we have met that head on, and gone and dealt with it very well. We’ve been good away from home, so this game holds no fears for us.

“We know it’ll be tough, Thistle are a good side but we’re going there full of confidence.”

Keith Lasley hopes to finish the season on a high, and get ‘Well out of the fight at the bottom.

The Steelmen skipper has played in huge part in recent seasons, leading the team to almost unparalleled on-field success, including three ‘Best of the Rest’ finishes and numerous European matches.

This season has been far more difficult, but recent improvements in performance have given the Fir Parkers hope of hauling themselves out of trouble, and possibly dragging others into the fight.

Asked where the retention of top-flight status would rank among his other achievements, Lasley, in his second spell at the club, said: “Obviously you have had so much success at this club in terms of European qualification, cup finals and semi-finals and things like that.

“But I think if we got to the end of the season and got ourselves out of this position, there would be a real sense of pride, I suppose. It is hard to say.

“You could finish 10th and you think ‘that is a terrible season’ but given the position we were in and how hopefully we are going to get out of it, I still think there is a lot of positives to take out of that.

“Even when we were achieving great things on the park in terms of consistency levels in our league position, we said all along that it is not a given.

[pullquote]We just want to take ourselves out of it and if we do then we can sit down at the end of the season and say, no, it wasn’t a great season but we got ourselves out of a tricky situation.[/pullquote]

“We only got that because we worked so hard as a group and were lucky with injuries at times and all the other sides are trying to do the same as you.

“This year we have not been quite at the same level and other teams have and in this league you are going to lose more games than you win if you are not quite at it.

“So we don’t take anything for granted. We just want to take ourselves out of it and if we do then we can sit down at the end of the season and say, no, it wasn’t a great season but we got ourselves out of a tricky situation.”

Lasley believes the 2-1 home win over Inverness at the end of February was a turning point.

The former Plymouth player said: “Getting that performance three or weeks ago at Inverness, you looked about and thought ‘yes, we still have some good players here’.

“It is that bit of belief and that is massive in football. And you take that on and we have managed to get a bit of momentum.”

The Motherwell FC cash back scheme, which will allow Season Ticket holders and ‘Well Society members the chance to earn up to a £100 in dividends from party and function referrals at Fir Park Stadium, continues apace.

Whether you, or someone you know, is organising a party, family celebration or even a conference, Fir Park Stadium is the optimum and ideal venue in Lanarkshire and provides a stylish and unique setting for any occasion.

We have various suites available and suited to hire for functions from anything between 25 to 180 guests.

And now, if you refer a function on any off-peak day or night (Sunday to Thursday), you have the ability to earn cash for your pocket.

You don’t even need to be the person organising or even attending – as long as the gross bar takings meet the minimum requirements on the sliding scale detailed below, your recommendation and referral is enough.

And you can refer as many people or parties as you like – the more the merrier and the more money is potentially on offer.

Simply include the name and brief contact details of the referrer when making your booking and we will do the rest. It’s important this is done at the booking stage, as we cannot process referrers beyond the date when the function is confirmed with us.

How does it work?

We have created a sliding scale that rewards referrers for busy parties and functions hosted within the football stadium.

If the gross bar takings from the party or function is anything between £500 and £1000, the referrer can earn £25 in cash back.

If the gross bar takings are between £1,001 and £2000, the dividend is £75 and anything over £2001 in gross bar takings pays out a maximum of £100 in cash back.

When will I get my dividend?

When the total bar takings are reconciled, any relevant dividend payouts will be made via cheque at the point the damage deposit is being returned (if applicable) to the party organiser. If the party organiser and the referrer is the same person, both will be included within the one cheque.

How do I book or refer a party?

Get in touch with us by phoning 01698 333 333 or emailing commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk. You can check out the facilities available by clicking here.

 Extended highlights as a ruthless Motherwell roar to an impressive 5-0 win over St Mirren at Fir Park.

‘Well boss Ian Baraclough praised his side in the aftermath of their 5-0 victory over St Mirren.

The Steelmen bossed the match from the first minute against a Saints side devoid of confidence.

Lee Erwin notched a quick-fire double before Scott McDonald had the Fir Parkers in a commanding position with a goal just before the interval.

Much like he did in Motherwell’s last home match, John Sutton was introduced and grabbed a brace, heading home a Marvin Johnson cross before gobbling up a late rebound to complete the scoring.

That’s now three wins in a row for ‘Well as they aim to claw there way back into the pack of teams above them.

[pullquote]I’m pleased with large parts of the performance, particularly the goals we scored.[/pullquote]

“I’m pleased with large parts of the performance, particularly the goals we scored,” Baraclough said after the match.

“We moved the ball well, we looked strong in all areas; it was a comprehensive performance. We took a bit of time to get going, but when we did, we reaped the rewards. Our wide men got on the ball, attacked their fullbacks and when they’re in that sort of mood, they’re difficult to contain.

“The only real frustration I suppose is that we didn’t get more given some of the chances we created and the positions we got into.”

Action pictures from this evening’s impressive 5-0 win over St Mirren at Fir Park.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

[svgallery name=”stmirren070415″]

[tab:Match report]

Phil McGhee Fir Park

Motherwell recorded their biggest victory of the season with a 5-0 win over St Mirren at Fir Park this evening.

Billed by both managers as a ‘must win’ game, there was only one winner after Motherwell outmuscled and outplayed a Saints side which lacked in confidence.

Ian Baraclough had asked his players for a quick start and begin the way they finished at Rugby Park on Saturday. And Lee Erwin literally did as he was asked scoring twice inside the first 25 minutes.

Scott McDonald netted a third on the stroke of half time to virtually wrap up the points.

John Sutton, for the second consecutive home game, came on and claimed a double to underline Motherwell’s superiority.

In a whirlwind start, a curling free kick from Josh Law produced the first save from Mark Ridgers inside two minutes.

Four minutes later ‘Well were in front and having netted the winner on Saturday, Erwin made it the perfect start. Collecting Lionel Ainsworth’s cut back with his back to goal, the 21 year old striker wheeled at the edge of the six yard box before squeezing the ball inside Ridgers left hand post.

Saints’ immediate reply was a dipping drive from John McGinn which George Long comfortably saved.

Kiernan Sadler should have tested the ‘Well ‘keeper when he raced through unchallenged but it was Ridgers at the other end who was forced into a diving save to push Johnson’s left foot volley round the post.

But the Saints ‘keeper was beaten again ten minutes later as ‘Well doubled their advantage. And in a similar finish to the first, Erwin collected an Ainsworth shot eight yards in front of goal before turning and guiding the ball inside the unsighted Ridgers’ right hand post to make it 2-0 and put ‘Well in a commanding position,

The home side’s appetite for more goals was insatiable and after passing up a couple of chances to extend their lead the Fir Parkers rounded of a fantastic first half with a fabulous goal. Josh Law found Ainsworth down the right and his cross sailed over the defence to Johnson who nipped to the goal line before setting up McDonald who drilled the ball home from eight yards.

With Saints committed to attack in the second half it was the question of ‘Well utilising the defensive gaps to improve their negative goal difference.

A header and curling shot from McDonald were comfortably saved by Ridgers while Long got down to hold an Gregg Wylde drive before diving to block Marc McAusland’s powerful header.

Worryingly, Stephen Pearson limped off to be replaced by Conor Grant before Erwin received a standing ovation as he made way for John Sutton with 20 minutes remaining.

Against his former club Sutton took only four minutes to find the net stooping to head home Johnson’s free kick.

[tab:As it happened]

 Ally Reilly at Fir Park

 FT’ | 5-0 | #MFCvSMFC

FULL TIME!!!

91′ | 5-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Safe hands from Long who dives to his left to save McGinn’s long shot.

89′ | 5-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Johnson, who has been excellent, passes up a good opportunity just inside the box. Volleys just over the bar.

PIC | 5-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Sutton celebrates his brace and Motherwell’s fifth of the night

83′ | 5-0 | #MFCvSMFC
St Mirren sub, Goodwin off for Brown

81′ | 5-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Frustration for McGinn who hacks down Straker who had just skinned him. Booked.

79′ | 5-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Thomas skips past a few men out wide, squares it to McDonald whose shot is palmed to SUTTON who pokes it home! 5-0!!

GGOOAALLL!

78′ | 4-0 | #MFCvSMFC
McDonald races straight up the park and shoots inches wide of the post! Very unlucky from the Aussie.

77′ | 4-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Off the post by Mallan! Close range shot, probably should have scored.

75′ | 4-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Motherwell sub, Ainsworth off for Dom Thomas

74′ | 4-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Sublime delivery from Johnston onto the head of big Sutty who nods it home. 4-0!!!!

72′ | 3-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Excellent save from Ridgers to deny Grant, whose low shot from 15 yards was heading in!

71′ | 3-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Motherwell sub, two-goal hero Erwin comes off for Sutton.

70′ | 3-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Long gets down well to McAusland’s low close range header. St Mirren creating a few chances now.

67′ | 3-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Wylde jinks into the box and wins a corner…ball ricochet’s off Thompson’s back straight into Long’s hands.

66′ | 3-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Thompson latches onto Wylde’s long ball but can’t get any power in his header to test Long.

64′ | 3-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Ainsworth’s shot from the edge of the box is deflected inches past the post!!

63′ | 3-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Motherwell sub, Grant on for Pearson, who is limping off.

62′ | 3-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Pearson down on the half-way line with an injury. Looks like he’s coming off.

60′ | 3-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Almost as if ‘Well had too much time to think there as Pearson and McDonald take an eternity to get a shot away.

59′ | 3-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Thompson attempts an overhead kick 12 yards out but can only scuff it well past.

57′ | 3-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Ainsworth does well to win a corner. Ball falls to McDonald but he can’t generate enough power in his header

53′ | 3-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Mallan shoots from about 30 yards out but fails to trouble Long who makes a routine save.

50′ | 3-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Booking for McAusland, who hauled down Erwin 35 yards out.

49′ | 3-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Ainsworth breaks away but overhits his throughball to Johnston, allowing Ridgers to mop it up.

46′ | 3-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Early second half corner for Motherwell. Strikes the hand of Goodwin but he didn’t know much about it, to be fair.

HT’ | 3-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Second half is underway. COYW!!!!!!!!!!!!

HT’ | 3-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Second half subs for St Mirren, Wylde and Thompson on for Sadlier and Dayton.

HT’ | 3-0 | #MFCvSMFC
An incredible opening 45 from ‘Well and they’ve had chances to make it even more.

HT’ | 3-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Half time: Motherwell 3 – 0 St Mirren

45′ | 3-0 | #MFCvSMFC
McDONALD adds a third!! Johnson sets him up and from 12 yards he slams it home!

GGOOOAALLL!!!

39′ | 2-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Erwin sends McDonald racing clear but the linesman’s flag went up. From the replay looked like he was on!

34′ | 2-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Ainsworth does well to get down the right wing and as he cuts in, opts to shoot. Ridgers gathers with ease.

32′ | 2-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Decent spell of passing ends with Lasley blasting well over the bar from 25 yards. Not his best effort :p

31′ | 2-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Johnson thought he has won his side a penalty but he was ruled to have been offside. Correct decision in the end.

PIC | 2-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Erwin celebrates his and ‘Well’s second goal of the game.

25′ | 2-0 | #MFCvSMFC
It’s 2-0!!! Lee Erwin again with a great turn and finish from 10 yards. great stuff from Erwin!!

GGOOAALLL!!!

15′ | 1-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Free header from McManus but it goes just wide from 10 yards!

14′ | 1-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Johnson’s cross is deflected wide for a corner….ball falls to Johnson who volleys it superbly first time. Saved!

PIC | 1-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Lee Erwin takes the applause of his team mates after he gives his side the lead.

11′ | 1-0 | #MFCvSMFC
St Mirren win a free-kick in a dangerous position, central, 25 yards out. The wall stands strong and blocks.

8′ | 1-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Sadlier beats the offside trap but perhaps leaves it too late to shoot, narrowing his angle and shooting well wide.

6′ | 1-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Great start for ‘Well as Ainsworth gets down the wing ans squares it to Erwin who slots it home. 1-0!!!!

GGOOOAALLL!!!!

2′ | 0-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Dayton wins St Mirren a corner.. It’s taken short and Dayton goes down in the box, which the ref waves away.

1′ | 0-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Erwin wins an early free-kick for ‘Well. About 25 yards out. Law strikes it but it’s comfortable for Ridgers.

0′ | 0-0 | #MFCvSMFC
Dayton and Mallan get the game underway. COYW!!!

Pre-match | #MFCvSMFC
Both teams just coming out the tunnel, led by McAusland and Lasley. Lovely night for it here at Fir Park.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Ian Baraclough:

“We moved the ball well, we looked strong in all areas; it was a comprehensive performance. We took a bit of time to get going, but when we did, we reaped the rewards. Our wide men got on the ball, attacked their fullbacks and when they’re in that sort of mood, they’re difficult to contain.

“The only real frustration I suppose is that we didn’t get more given some of the chances we created and the positions we got into.”

St Mirren manager Gary Teale:

“Mathematically we’re still in with a shout. But on the performances and the goals we’re conceding, added to the fact we’ve not really got a goal-scoring threat, it’s going to be nigh on impossible to get out of it.

“(It’s) Schoolboy errors for the goals and that’s why we’re sitting where we are. You can’t legislate for the errors we’ve been making this season, we’ve not been able to cut it out.

“There’s a lot of players out of contract in the summer. Can they look themselves in the mirror and think they gave everything for the club this year?”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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