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Willie Collum will take charge of Friday’s Scottish Premiership meeting with Kilmarnock at Fir Park.

One of Scotland’s most recognisable officials, Willie will be handling his sixth ‘Well game of the campaign.

The first was at Rugby Park in late August, the home side running out comfortable 2-0 winners. The game didn’t pass without controversy, with Stuart McCall left frustrated at a number of decisions involving Manual Pascali and a missed handball in the box.

The second was the instantly forgettable 0-4 reverse against Hamilton Accies at Fir Park. When goals from Mickael Antoine-Curier, Tony Andreu and a double from Ali Crawford gave the Accies their biggest win at Fir Park in over 80 years,

He was the man in the middle for the 2-2 draw with Ross County when Tony Dingwall’s double, including a 94th minute equaliser, cancelled out John Sutton and Henrik Ojamaa’s goals.

In January, he took charge of Motherwell’s 2-0 defeat to Aberdeen, in which he controversially sent off Stephen McManus; a decision which was later rescinded after an appeal.

Most recently, he officiated ‘Well’s 1-1 draw with St Johnstone at Fir Park in January. Murray Davidson gave Saints and early lead before Louis Laing saw red on his debut. 10-men Motherwell battled back and equalised through John Sutton, who fired spectacularly into the back of Alan Mannus’ net.

He took charge of three during the 2013/14 season too.

His first was a 3-0 win over St Mirren back in December when Lionel Ainsworth and a Henri Anier double separated the sides.

The second was at Tynecastle a few weeks later, John Sutton scoring the game’s only goal.

The last was the 2-1 win over Inverness back in May with goals coming from Sutton and a Gary Warren OG.

Willie is no stranger to ‘Well fans having been a top-flight whistler for a number of years, taking charge of six Motherwell matches the previous term too.

The first was the 1-0 defeat to Hearts in October 2012 when Danny Grainger’s long-range effort separated the sides.

He also took charge of both William Hill Scottish Cup clashes with Aberdeen in December.

In the first meeting at Pittodrie, Niall McGinn headed home a late equaliser to cancel out Jamie Murphy’s opener 10 minutes from time.

There would be disappointment for the Steelmen in the replay as goals from Rory Fallon and Joe Shaughnessy helped the Dons progress to the next round.

Motherwell were handed a lifeline in injury-time when Michael Higdon netted from the penalty spot, however Craig Brown’s side held firm in the final minutes.

He was also the man in the middle for the narrow 3-2 win over St Johnstone in January; Michael Higdon’s hat-trick sealing a terrific three points and also the disappointing 3-0 defeat at Ross County shortly after.

He also handled the James McFadden-inspired 4-1 victory over Hibs in March and, finally, the 4-3 defeat to Inverness Caley in the Highlands in May.

His overall record in charge of the Steelmen reads eight wins, fifteen defeats and seven draws from thirty matches (in all competitions).

In those games, Motherwell have scored 40 and conceded 55.

59 players have gone into the book, 30 wearing Claret and Amber, while six players have been dismissed – Ian Murray of Hibs at Easter Road five years back, Jerard Aafjes at Falkirk four seasons ago, Paul Dixon at the end of 2009/10, Henrik Ojamaa in that game at Caley and Fraser Kerr down at Rugby Park. Stephen McManus was shown a red card against Aberdeen but that was later rescinded after an appeal and Louis Laing was given his marching orders in January.

Willie will be assisted by Gary Hilland and Graeme Stewart with Craig Charleston listed as fourth official.

 Extended highlights from the Falkirk Stadium as a young Steelmen side run out comfortable 0-3 winners.

Under 20s boss Jonatan Johansson praised his players after their emphatic win against Falkirk this evening.

The young Steelmen were excellent and comfortably beat their opponents at the Falkirk Stadium thanks to goals from Dylan Mackin, Steven Higgins and Robbie Leitch.

Indeed, had it not been for home goalkeeper Graham Bowman, the scoreline may have been even more emphatic.

And the former Finnish International front man was delighted with what he watched and the way his team played.

[pullquote]It was one of the most pleasing games of this season in terms of their attitude and shape, pressing and the quality of goals.[/pullquote]

He told MFC TV: “It was one of the most pleasing games of this season in terms of their attitude and shape, pressing and the quality of goals.

“We spoke before the game about only having two games left and how much we wanted to go out and show what we’re about, the team spirit we have and generally to have fun and that showed today.

“The whole day was very good. To see the lads play with the heart and desire was excellent. We’ve got a big game next week and let’s see if we can sign the season off in style.”

Motherwell Under 20s turned in one of their best performances of the season to beat Falkirk 0-3 this evening.

First half goals from Dylan Mackin and Steven Higgins put ‘Well in a commanding position at the interval.

Robbie Leitch added a third after the break to secure all three points in a game the Steelmen dominated throughout.

Indeed, but for some superb goalkeeping from Bairns stopper Graham Bowman, the scoreline may have been even more emphatic.

Jonatan Johansson made seven changes to the side that beat Partick Thistle last week, but it didn’t upset the team’s rhythm as ‘Well took the game to the hosts from the first minute.

Paul Lawson had the game’s first shot on the eighth minute, but it sailed high over the bar.

Two minutes later, after Ryan Blair had fired a similar effort over the bar for the Bairns, Bowman made a great block to stop Mackin opening the scoring after the big striker met a Higgins cross from the left with a powerful downwards header.

Higgins fired wide and Lawson had an attempted lob from distance comfortably saved as the Steelmen continued to pile on the pressure.

Bowman was again in top form on the 18th minute when he denied Liam Anderson. Luke Watt’s cross from the left was nodded back by Mackin for the winger and his effort was somehow saved at point-blank range from the Falkirk stopper; Higgins could only bundle the rebound wide.

Falkirk forced Stewart into action for the first time shortly after when he got down low to his right to save from Thomas Grant.

Sadly, Paul Lawson’s game lasted just twenty-five minutes before he had to come off, replaced by young Alan Campbell.

It did little to upset the shape of the visitors who, with their next attack, got their noses in front. Watt was the creator, sending a lovely ball down the left channel for Mackin and with Bowman coming off his line, the big striker lifted it over him and into the net.

Mackin was in the mood and he had another effort from distance drop just wide before ‘Well made it 0-2 on the 38th minute. Danny McNulty collected the ball in space on the right flank and after pausing for a moment, delivered an excellent low cross that Higgins tucked away from close range.

Motherwell’s tails were up and Higgins again brought out a save from Bowman after getting onto a Mackin lobbed pass and drilling at goal.

The same player had the first effort in the second half, again dragging a low shot off target. A minute later, Mackin got in off a long pass from Ben Hall but, with his feet, Bowman again kept the Claret and Amber men out.

Robbie Leitch was having an excellent match in the hole off the main striker, and he almost scored after getting on the end of a free-kick from the right, only for his lobbed shot to land on the roof of the net.

He wouldn’t be denied for long though as with the next attack, the 17-year old scored his first ever goal for the Under 20s. McNulty was again the creator, finishing a good move with a teasing near post cross which Leitch acrobatically volleyed home from six yards.

Motherwell were flying and Bowman again denied Higgins after the nippy front man had got clear of the Falkirk defence. The home keeper was having a super game and had to move his feet quickly to deny Luke Watt, whose whipped cross from the left bounced over everyone and was heading for the corner, but for the outstretched arm of the 22-year old.

Watt went close again minutes later, but his left-footed cross took a deflection off a defender and clipped the underside of the bar before bouncing out.

Then, with five minutes left on the clock, Danny McNulty almost got the goal his evening deserved but after a lovely passing move and cross, the full-back’s header came crashing back off the frame of the goal.

The game soon ended, with ‘Well running out deserved winners. Indeed, it was arguably amongst the most impressive the young Steelmen have been all season. They will now round off their season with a home match against Hamilton next midweek.

Motherwell: Stewart, McNulty, Watt, McCall, Hall, Kerr, Anderson (Watters – 66mins), Higgins, R. Leitch, Lawson (Campbell – 25mins), Mackin (McMillan – 73mins)

Subs Not Used: B. Long

The Under 20s face their penultimate fixture of the season when they take on Falkirk tonight (Monday).

Johansson’s men have just two fixtures left of the 2014/15 campaign, with a trip to the Falkirk Stadium their last ‘away’ match.

It’s been a mixed bag season for the young Steelmen, who currently sit mid-table, but after last week’s win over Partick Thistle, hopes will be high for a strong finish.

The match will take place at the Falkirk Stadium, kick-off is 7pm.

 Extended highlights from Fir Park as Motherwell and Ross County battle out a 1-1 draw.

‘Well boss Ian Baraclough was left frustrated as his side again passed up chances to take all three points this afternoon.

Much like last Friday’s defeat at New Douglas Park, ‘Well had a number of efforts, and a couple of penalty shouts, but it would be another ninety minutes where the illusive three points ended up getting away.

Scott McDonald’s opener had the Steelmen deservedly ahead but a slip-up at the back allowed Liam Boyce to level things before half-time.

It was the Claret and Amber men who created the bulk of the chances, with Stephen Pearson, Conor Grant and others going close, but Jim McIntyre’s County held out for a vauluable share of the spoils.

[pullquote]For me, we couldn’t ask for any more from the boys. We created a lot of good chances, we did everything to try and win the game. We again lacked that little bit of composure in the final third.[/pullquote]

The result leaves Motherwell trailing the Staggies and Kilmarnock by six points with three games remaining, and Gary Locke’s side are due to visit North Lanarkshire in six days time.

“I don’t think there’s any way that the players could be criticised for much today,” Baraclough said

“It was 90 mile per hour for the whole game, both teams going hammer and tong, giving absolutely everything.

“For me, we couldn’t ask for any more from the boys. We created a lot of good chances, we did everything to try and win the game. We again lacked that little bit of composure in the final third.

“It was a case of just waiting for the ball to hit the back of the net at times.”

Action pictures from this afternoon’s frustrating 1-1 draw with Ross County at Fir Park.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

[svgallery name=”rosscounty020515″]

[tab:Match report]

Phil McGhee Fir Park

It was a frustrating afternoon at Fir Park as Motherwell were held to a 1-1 draw by a stubborn Ross County.

Despite creating enough chances to add to Scott McDonald’s early strike, and being denied a couple of penalty claims, the Fir Parkers failed to close the gap on the Highlanders and now need three wins starting with another ‘six pointer’ against Kilmarnock on Friday night.

With Ian Baraclough recognising that it was a must win game, ‘Well were boosted by the return of Stevie Hammell for his first appearance since New Year’s Day. Mark O’Brien also came into the defence for the injured Louis Laing while Conor Grant was preferred to Lionel Ainsworth in midfield.

In a game branded as a cup final, both teams made a determined and robust start. And within four minutes Scott McDonald was the first of seven bookings for simulation, although it looked a fairly strong penalty claim after being clumsily challenged in the box by Rafael de Vita.

Remarkably, Michael Gardyne then escaped a yellow card when he took out Marvin Johnson as the ‘Well winger broke wide on the left.

It was Johnson who had the first strike at goal latching onto McDonald’s pass before forcing Mark Brown to dive and palm his powerful drive round the post.

The County ‘keeper was forced into another save in the 18th minute when he held McDonald’s volley from the corner of the box after a quick throw in from Hammell.

A minute later, though, the former ‘Well ‘keeper was beaten. Grant rolled the perfect ball in front of Josh Law who swept a low cross into the six yard box finding McDonald sliding in to poke the ball over the line to make it a perfect start for ‘Well.

The Fir Park players took confidence from the goal, dictating the play and appeared the more likely to add a second with Brown and his defence having a few anxious moments.

Just when they seemed to be heading for a half-time lead, though, ‘Well conceded a sloppy equaliser.

There was no real danger as O’Brien sliced his clearance off Liam Boyce allowing the Northern Irishman to nip in and curl the ball beyond George Long to make it 1-1 at the break.

‘Well resumed pressing towards the visitor’s goal but Long had to be alert to Gardyne’s shot through a ruck of players forcing the ‘keeper to throw himself full length to smother the ball.

As the game entered its final 30 minutes both teams were intent on finding a winner and Grant’s run and low drive from the edge of the was saved by Brown after a slight fumble.

After 66 minutes Lionel Ainsworth took Johnson’s place as Baraclough desperately attempted to unlock the County defence. Within minutes an explosive run and cross from the substitute was just too far in front of Erwin.

Pearson was then caught by Boyd as he tried to turn ten yards from goal but the referee once again waved aside appeals for a penalty.

Brown spilled another 20 yard drive from Grant but as the ball bobbled about the 6 yard box it failed to fall to a ‘Well player.

John Sutton came on with 14 minutes remaining and with four goals from a similar position in his last two home games, there was a buzz of anticipation that a winner might follow.

And two minutes later Pearson twice came close to nicking it when his low drive was heading inside the post until Brown at full stretch pushed the ball to safety. Then as the clearance fell across the box Pearson stretched to head the ball towards goal but Brown reacted well to save again.

As ‘Well pushed for a winner Long kept them in it with a fine block to prevent Rocco Quinn from stealing all three points for the visitors.

In the end although Motherwell couldn’t find a winner, a point was enough to keep their slim hopes of surviving the play-offs alive.

[tab:As it happened]

 Ally Reilly at Fir Park

 FT | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

Full time whistle goes, Motherwell 1 – 1 Ross County

93′ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

Only two minutes to go, no sign of a winner 🙁

90′ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

5 minutes added on.

88′ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

Rare County chance goes a begging, Rocco Quinn firing straight at Long from 18 yards.

86′ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

Final throw of the dice for ‘Well, Dom Thomas is on for Grant.

81′ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

Ross County sub, Curran off for Rocco Quinn.

79′ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

Curran seems to fall over at every opportunity. Fair enough, it’s enough to fool the ref.

78′ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

Great chance for Pearson but Brown gets down well to his low shot from just inside the box!

76′ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

Motherwell sub, Erwin off for Sutton.

74′ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

Stunning volley from Grant is beaten away by Brown after it comes through a crowd of bodies!

72′ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

Big penalty claim as Pearson as clattered in the box but Allan waves away the claims!!

67′ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

Motherwell sub, Johnson makes way for Ainsworth.

65′ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

Ross County make the first change of the game, De Vita off for Dingwall.

64′ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

Good break-away for ‘Well ends with Grant taking a pot-shot from range. Straight at Brown though.

63′ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

O’Brien enters the ref’s booked, hacking down Boyce on the half-way line.

59 | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

‘Well work a short free-kick to Erwin and Pearson’s touch at the front post from his cross is deflected wide.

54′ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

Gardyne manages to get past Hammell but his shot from the edge of the box is tame and fails to test Long.

51′ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

Pearson is then booked for a rugby tackle on Irvine.

48′ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

Boyd is booked for hauling down Johnson as he jinked past him.

47′ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

‘Well switch off at a short corner to Gardyne.Thankfully Boyd can only sweep his shot wide of the post.A let off there

HT’ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

Johnson and Lasley get the second 45 underway. COYW!

HT | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

Both sides are back out for the second half. Fingers crossed….

HT’ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

Motherwell 1 – 1 Ross County

44′ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

Quinn booked for tripping Johnson as he broke away.

41′ | 1-1 | #MFCvRCFC

Goal – County equalise through Boyce who cuts in past McManus and fires past Long from 12 yards

39′ | 1-0 | #MFCvRCFC

Hammell to the rescue! Follows in Wood’s spilled shot and slides clear from Curran. Great defending!

37′ | 1-0 | #MFCvRCFC

Johnson whips a great ball in for Erwin but Reckord just gets there first! Corner….cleared for a throw-in,

36′ | 1-0 | #MFCvRCFC

Erwin and De Vita run into each other. De Vita hits the deck and Erwin is booked.

34′ | 1-0 | #MFCvRCFC

Fraser impedes Erwin down the left hand side. Free-kick taken by Johnson which Brown flaps it! Good chance in the end.

33′ | 1-0 | #MFCvRCFC

Grant swings in a great inviting corner from the right but disappointingly, there is no takers!

31′ | 1-0 | #MFCvRCFC

Gardyne cuts inside Hammell and gets a shot away but he’ll be disappointed with it. Well over the bar.

27′ | 1-0 | #MFCvRCFC

Motherwell counter but Johnson blazes well over the bar form 25 yards.

26′ | 1-0 | #MFCvRCFC

O’Brien deflects Gardyne’s cross out for a corner, which Lasley clears at the front post.

19′ | 1-0 | #MFCvRCFC

Motherwell take the lead!! McDonald on hand to poke home a low cross into the box! COYW!!!

GGOOOAALLLL!!!!

18′ | 0-0 | #MFCvRCFC

McDonald spins and hits Hammell’s throw-in first time but it is straight at Brown.

14′ | 0-0 | #MFCvRCFC

Another Motherwell corne….but again ‘Well can’t muster any sort of effort on goal.

12′ | 0-0 | #MFCvRCFC

McManus can’t make anything of Johnson’s deep corner and County clear.

12′ | 0-0 | #MFCvRCFC

Johnson stings the palms of Brown with a volley from a tight angle. Corner to ‘Well.

5′ | 0-0 | #MFCvRCFC

Erwin’s long range shot is deflected wide for a corner. It’s a deep delivery and De Vita hooks it clear.

5′ | 0-0 | #MFCvRCFC

McDonald goes down in the box but receives a booking as ref says he dived. Not overly convinced he did!

4′ | 0-0 | #MFCvRCFC

County win the first corner of the game,Lasley sweeps Wood’s delivery away at the near post.

Out come the teams…. #COYW

Kick-Off | #MFCvRCFC

Boyce and Woods get the game underway. COYW!!!

Pre-match | #MFCvRCFC

Teams just coming out the tunnel. It’s a huge one, and we’ll have all the action as it happens. #COYW

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Ian Baraclough:

“There were two teams giving absolutely nothing away and the intensity never dropped. From both sides, the commitment and desire was fantastic.

“The boys did everything we asked, made them defend, last-ditch tackles and but for the roll of the ball at times, we could have had a lot more goals.”

Ross County manager Jim McIntyre:

“Motherwell, without a shadow of a doubt, were the better side for periods of the first half, especially the first 25 minutes, but we got ourselves back in the game with a great goal from Liam and a fabulous finish. That was pleasing that we didn’t play that well but showed the character.

“I don’t think there was a great deal of quality in the second half, the wind certainly never helped either side, and obviously the tension with what’s at stake, both sides were guilty of being a bit wasteful.

“The important thing was, if we weren’t going to win the match, just make sure we don’t lose it. I was really pleased with the battling qualities of the players.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Fans of Motherwell and Ross County are welcome to join us in the Davie Cooper Suite today both before and after the match.

Open from 12pm, we have a range of free fun events and offers in the lead up to the match such as:

• FREE juice/drinks for kids (must be accompanied by an adult buying drinks from the bar).
• FREE Face Painting in the Cooper Suite entrance.
• FREE GAME area where you can play FIFA against some first team players!
• FREE Match Attax Albums, Cards and Stickers.
• Filled Rolls available (£1.50 each).
• Cooper Suite Raffle.
• Autograph/Picture zone with selected players from 1.45pm-2.15pm.

Chairman Brian McCafferty said: “We’ve been really pleased with the response to these new initiatives in the last four home matches and would again welcome fans to join us today.

“Not only do we have activities and free drinks for kids, a selection of our first-team squad will be in attendance and we’ll have live football on the big screens.

“You can also pop in after the game and, hopefully, be toasting a fine victory.”