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    Ladies sign midfielder Megan Sneddon

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    TV: Highlights from Excelsior Stadium

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    TV: Craigan reacts to Aberdeen defeat

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    Motherwell U20s 1 – 2 Aberdeen U20s

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    Ian Baraclough joins the ‘Well Society

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    Under 20s to face Aberdeen

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    TV: Highlights from Fir Park

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    TV: Baraclough rues defensive slips

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    Motherwell 1 – 2 Aberdeen

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    TV: Baraclough previews Dons clash

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    Ladies sign midfielder Megan Sneddon

    Motherwell Ladies FC are delighted to announce the signing of Scotland International midfielder Megan Sneddon.

    The 29-year old has agreed to join to the end of the current season and will bolster an already impressive looking squad as the Ladies look to add the League title to the League Cup they won earlier in the campaign.

    Megan began her career at Kilmarnock and spent four years there before moving to Queens Park. She followed that with five years at high-flying Glasgow City. From there a short stint at Liverpool saw her return to Scotland with Celtic before making the move across the city to rivals Rangers.

    In a distinguished international career she amassed 130 international caps although never having the opportunity to play in a major finals with Scotland sadly failing three times at the play off stage.

    On her move to Motherwell, Megan said: “I am delighted that Motherwell have given me the chance to kick start my career. I’m looking forward to getting back on the pitch as I’ve hardly kicked a ball since November. It will also be great to play alongside some familiar faces as well.”

    [pullquote]I’m looking forward to getting back on the pitch as I’ve hardly kicked a ball since November. It will also be great to play alongside some familiar faces as well.[/pullquote]

    Ladies boss Greame McArthur added: “We are thrilled to have Megan on board as she will add quality to an already competitive squad. It’s not possible to have enough good players and there is real competition now and that will only help as we move towards the end of the 2015 season.”

    Commenting on the signing, Motherwell FC Community Trust General Manager Charlie Bennett commented: ‘Megan has had a tough time over the last few months with a calf injury and we are pleased we have been able to entice her to Motherwell as we enter a crucial part of the season.

    “She is another experienced player with a high profile and as well as being a valuable asset on the pitch she will be a really positive role model for the very talented players we have coming through our Girls Performance Centre.”

    For further information on Girls and Women’s football with Motherwell FC please contact Linda a Gibson, Performance Centre Manager on 01698 239926 or Linda.Gibson@motherwellfc.co.uk

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Excelsior Stadium

    Extended Highlights from Excelsior Stadium where two penalties were enough cancel out David Clarkson’s first half goal and give Aberdeen a 1-2 win.

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    TV: Craigan reacts to Aberdeen defeat

    Under 20s boss Stephen Craigan spoke to MFC TV following Motherwell’s 2-1 defeat by Aberdeen in the Development League.

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    Motherwell U20s 1 – 2 Aberdeen U20s

    Despite taking the lead and dominating for large spells, Motherwell Under 20s lost 1-2 to Aberdeen at Excelsior Stadium this afternoon.

    The Fir Parkers took the lead when David Clarkson made up for an earlier penalty miss by drilling a stinging shot high into the roof of the net.

    Despite being out the game for large spells, the Dons got level on the stroke of half-time when Lawrence Shankland tucked home from the penalty spot after Allan Campbell had brought down Frank Ross.

    ‘Well continued to take the game to last year’s Champions, but fell behind in controversial circumstances when Kieran Kennedy was adjudged to have fouled Craig Storie. A penalty and an ordering off for the defender; Shankland duly obliged from the spot to make it 1-2.

    ‘Well huffed and puffed in the closing 25 minutes, creating numerous chances but couldn’t get level.

    Stephen Craigan named several first-team players in his squad but it was Aberdeen who had the game’s first real chance when winger Ross outmuscled Campbell but Dan Twardzik was off his line well to make the block.

    ‘Well’s reply was a Jack Leitch effort that hit a deflection on it’s way inches wide of Robert Mutch’s right hand post.

    It was end-to-end stuff as the Twardzik was again called into action on the thirteenth minute, this time blocking a Cammy Smith shot after the forward had got on the end of a neat Ross cutback.

    It would prove a vital block as within two minutes, Craigan’s men had got themselves in front. It could have been much easier though as referee Duncan Williams awarded a penalty when Leitch’s shot struck Jamie Henry. It looked like a harsh call given the closeness of the defender to the shot; a caution was even more strict on the young Don.

    However, Mutch was there to make sure it stayed level, diving to his left to save fantastically well from Clarkson’s blasted effort.

    Clarkson wouldn’t be denied for long though as from the resulting corner, the former Bristol City man picked up on the right hand side before smashing it high past the Dons keeper to make it 1-0.

    The home side went on to dominate most of the half with a Chalmers free-kick cannoning the wall, a Chris Cadden effort bouncing into the arms of Mutch and a Dom Thomas shot that flew high over the crossbar.

    Dons left-back Liam Lambert almost scored a cracking own goal when his tackle on Clarkson inadvertently turned into a shot, but Mutch bailed him when he got good hands to beat it away.

    However, despite being dominated for the majority of the half, the Reds drew level with virtually the last kick of the half. Campbell stretched for the ball but wiped out Ross inside the area, leading to a penalty kick. Lawrence Shankland, the Under 20s league’s top scorer last term, kept his cool to score his second consecutive penalty of the season.

    The second half began with an early Aberdeen half chance, Shankland getting on the end of a Wright cross but his header was straight at Twardzik.

    However, it was ‘Well who continued to create the best chances and Leitch thought he had scored when he flicked home a Cadden drive, but he was flagged offside by the assistant. Television replays would show the player was onside.

    ‘Well continued to set the agenda and the Dons’ Dylan Thomas had to hook off the line to deny namesake Dom, whose curling corner almost went straight into the net. Clarkson also took on an ambitious shot from distance, but his dipping volley went high over the bar.

    As the hosts were edging closer and closer to a league, against the run of play, Aberdeen got themselves in front. Craig Storie picked up the ball in advanced position, but was quickly marshalled by Kieran Kennedy. The former Man City defender prodded the ball behind as Storie was in flow, with the attacker kicking the back of the defenders leg.

    Incredibly, referee Williams not only pointed to the spot, but flashed a red card at the Englishman. ‘Well players surrounded the official, but he was adamant. Shankland was in no mood to show mercy, and he again drilled the ball past Twardzik.

    Despite going down to ten men, it was the Fir Parkers who were setting the agenda, opening up the Dons at will. Thomas twice got in behind, but twice Aberdeen somehow scrambled it clear from under their own bar.

    The Dons did offer some resistance by way of a Ross counter, but his low effort was palmed away well by Twardzik.

    However, the closing stages, much like most of the game, were pretty much one-way traffic towards the vistor’s goal.

    After turning his marker inside the box, Thomas could only drag a low shot well wide. A minute later, the winger was in again but his teasing low pass across the six-yard box somehow had no takers.

    The chances were still coming though. Jack McMillan could only watch as Mutch turned his low shot away and Thomas had virtually the last kick of the ball, trundling a low effort straight at Mutch from fifteen yards.

    It was a hugely frustrating afternoon for ‘Well, who not only played well throughout, but were on the end of a few tough calls.

    Motherwell: Twardzik, McMillan, Ferguson, Hall, Kennedy, Campbell (Watt – 69mins), Cadden, Chalmers (Livingstone – 80mins), Clarkson, Thomas, J.Leitch (R.Leitch – 82mins)

    Subs Not Used: Long, Hastie, Maguire, Mackin

    Goals: Clarkson (18)

    Red Card: Kennedy (67)

  • Archive

    Ian Baraclough joins the ‘Well Society

    Motherwell boss Ian Baraclough has put pen to paper and joined the Well Society.

    The manager has been thoroughly impressed by MFC’s vision to become the best community club in Scotland and beyond.

    In particular, he is a strong advocate of the three-pronged approach involving the club, Community Trust and the society.

    So much so that, in addition to the obvious football involvement, he has agreed to support and personally participate in the various programmes provided by the Community Trust.

    For example, he has agreed to take part in the Trust’s latest programme entitled, ‘Learn and Play the Motherwell Way’, aimed at supporting young people in the community who are disengaged with formal education.

    In addition, as part of the new membership structure, the manager has agreed to support the society by participating in the provision of a range of membership benefits.

    For example, he will take part in the Annual Team Quiz Competition, Q&A events along with squad members, present competition prizes to members, and so on.

    He said: “When asked to do so, I had no hesitation in joining the society. During my interview for the job, I was convinced of the merits of its role in supporting the club through thick and thin, helping to secure and protect its financial future.

    “I am also a strong believer in the club’s Community Trust, which provides so much support for thousands of local people through its range of programmes.

    “I have been involved is similar schemes at Sligo, Notts County and Scunthorpe, but the programmes at Motherwell are much more varied and comprehensive.

    “For me, joining the society is a personal choice. But I hope fans will also see the benefits of joining, especially in protecting the club long term.”

    Well Society and Motherwell FC chairman Brian McCafferty added: “We are grateful to Ian for joining and throwing himself into the community ethos of the club by volunteering to help several programmes.

    “We need 2,000 adult members to fulfil our contractual agreement with Les Hutchison and make sure the club remains in safe hands for the long term.

    “That figure is half our normal home attendance so we believe it is more than achievable. We are more than halfway there with about 1,100 adult members and 500 junior members.

    “If existing members can all persuade one more person to join, the society will quickly exceed its target.

    “They have all played a massive part in protecting the club’s finances and top-flight status by raising more than £500,000 and their loyalty and support is very much appreciated by everyone at the club.

    “Les has made it clear he is giving us a ‘hand-up, not a handout’ and we need more people to join the avoid a repeat of the precarious situation the club found itself in towards the end of last year.”

    To follow Ian Baraclough and all the Motherwell fans who have joined the Well Society, go to thewellsociety.co.uk/pledge

  • Archive

    Under 20s to face Aberdeen

    The Under 20s return to action tomorrow (Tuesday) when they take on Aberdeen at the Excelsior Stadium.

    Stephen Craigan’s men will look to build on last midweek’s fine 2-4 victory over Ross County in the Highlands in what will be their first scheduled ‘home’ match of the 2015/16 campaign.

    The Dons, who won the league last season, kicked off the defence of their crown with a comfortable 2-0 win over St Mirren seven days ago.

    The match will take place at Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium with a 3pm kick-off.

    Entry is free of charge.

     

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Fir Park

    Extended Highlights from Fir Park as despite taking an early lead, Aberdeen peg ‘Well back to win 1-2 in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

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    TV: Baraclough rues defensive slips

    Ian Baraclough bemoaned the goals his side lost as ‘Well lost their third game in a week.

    The Fir Parkers opened the scoring through Marvin Johnson and looked impressive early on, but were pegged back when Niall McGinn’s low cross evaded everyone and went in off the far post.

    To make matters worse, the winning goal came from a set piece, with Ash Taylor getting in between Laing and Ripley to head home from close range.

    Motherwell looked a threat throughout, and had the Dons pinned in for large spells of the second half, but two poor goals ensured Aberdeen travelled back north with all three points.

    [pullquote]We’ve got to be stronger than we were; it’s as simple as that. We’ve got to manage the game properly. We’re in a good position and have to take better options and we’ve been punished.[/pullquote]

    Baraclough told MFC TV after the match: “The players did exactly what we asked in terms of stepping up, being counted and working hard as a group together.

    “But we’ve essentially lost the game on a set-play, which is annoying as we work on it so much; you try and eradicate what was a bit of an Achilles heel last season.

    “We’ve got to be stronger than we were; it’s as simple as that. We’ve got to manage the game properly. We’re in a good position and have to take better options and we’ve been punished.

    “But generally, if we play like that and carry a bit more luck and play a bit more streetwise, then we’re get results.

    “Yes, we’ve lost the last few games but three of the four this season we’ve performed reasonably well and could and perhaps should have a bit more to show for it.”

  • Archive

    Motherwell 1 – 2 Aberdeen

    [tab:Match report]

     Phil McGhee Fir Park

    For the second consecutive Saturday, Motherwell were left empty handed after defensive lapses cost them dearly.

    Similar to the Dundee United game, ‘Well’s performance merited a point. But after Marvin Johnson’s fifth minute goal gave them the perfect start, two cheap goals for Niall McGinn and Ash Taylor gifted Aberdeen a win they scarcely deserved.

    Ian Baraclough stood by the same starting eleven which failed to make an impression at Tynecastle on Wednesday.

    That allowed Reading’s on loan midfielder Taylor to make his home debut, leaving McDonald to play further forward and support the former Wrexham striker Moult on his first home start.

    With only one goal to their credit so far and facing an Aberdeen side yet to concede a league goal, the Fir Park fans didn’t anticipate a dramatic change to those statistics.

    However within five minutes the Dons defence had been breached as ‘Well made the ideal start after their midweek miseries.

    Connor Ripley had a comfortable save from Shay Logan as Aberdeen probed the home goal.

    Play immediately moved to the other end as McDonald released Lionel Ainsworth who sped towards the visitor’s box.

    He then laid the ball back for the Aussie striker who watched his thumping drive palmed away by Danny Ward. But before the Dons’ ‘keeper could react Johnson had latched onto the bouncing ball at the edge of the six yard box and volley it past the helpless ‘keeper.

    That opened up the game and Niall McGinn curled a shot beyond Ripley before Moult drilled a left foot drive just wide of Ward’s left hand post.

    Although the Dons had more possession, Motherwell looked comfortable until the visitors equalised with a fluked effort after 24 minutes.

    Wide on the left McGinn curled a low ball into the six-yard box aimed at David Goodwillie. Having positioned himself for a shot, Ripley was left sprawling as the ball was missed by everyone rebounding off the far post and over the goal line to make it 1-1.

    That should have been a sickening blow for the home side but they responded well. With Moult’s strong running and aggression unsettling the Dons’ defence more chances fell ‘Well’s way.

    Slack play from Kenny McLean just inside his own box set the ball up for Taylor but his well struck volley dipped narrowly over the bar. McDonald then had another thumping drive blocked at the edge of the box.

    Five minutes from half-time Logan brought down Johnson as he powered towards the penalty area. From the resultant free-kick Josh Law’s curler was sneaking inside the post until Ward got across his goal to save.

    Derek McInnes responded to his side’s lack of threat by bringing on last season’s top scorer Adam Rooney. But it was his strike partner Goodwillie who had the first chance of the half but from eight-yards he powered his head straight at Ripley.

    Although the substitution improved Dons’ attacking threat their defence remained vulnerable.

    In the 52nd minute a poor clearance from Taylor gave possession to Johnson who immediately whipped a cross towards the unmarked McDonald but Ward reacted to smother the danger.

    Five minutes later Johnson’s cross did reach McDonald but his downward header bounced just past the post.

    Moult and McDonald were forming an understanding up front and a slick exchange between them ended with McDonald rifling a low shot from fifteen yards, which Ward held at full stretch.

    After 62 minutes ‘Well had another opportunity to put the visitor’s goal under pressure but Stevie Hammell’s free-kick was cleared from the edge of the box. That sent McGinn racing down the touch line to be halted by Law.

    McGinn floated the resultant free kick just outside the six-yard box and although Ripley appeared to be impeded as he came to collect the cross, there were no home protests as Taylor headed the ball past the grounded ‘keeper to put the Dons’ ahead.

    Baraclough then sent on Dom Thomas for Johnson while Aberdeen’s response was to withdraw Goodwillie and send on former ‘Well defender Paul Quinn as they looked to hold on to their lead.

    The introduction of Thomas provided a lively finish and his in-swinging cross after 75 minutes found Moult six yards out but his brave diving header sent the ball wide. Four minutes later Thomas went it alone with a low 20 yard drive which Ward at full stretch palmed round his post.

    As ‘Well pushed for a deserved equaliser McGinn’s angled drive bounced off the post but despite pressing the Dons’ goal until the final whistle there was no breakthrough.

    [tab:As it happened]

     Ally Reilly at Fir Park

     

     

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Ian Baraclough:

    “I’m sick of coming in having lost a game on what really is a set piece. We’ve got to realise that set plays are a big part of the game and, for all our good play, you switch off for a second and you can lose a game.

    “Having said that, we’ve matched them shot for shot. We’ve had just as many attempts on goal, we’ve played a very, very good side there and come away feeling sorry for ourselves and licking our wounds.”

    Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes:

    To go behind was really disappointing. We lost a really poor goal and at times our defensive work as a team was a bit too open – and it gave Motherwell encouragement. Going forward, I thought some of our play box to box was outstanding in the first half – the movement, dominating possession, getting into good areas.”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”239″]

  • Archive

    TV: Baraclough previews Dons clash

    ‘Well boss Ian Baraclough spoke to the broadcast press ahead of the weekend’s Ladbrokes Premiership match with Aberdeen at Fir Park.