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Action pictures from today’s 1-0 win over Kilmarnock at Fir Park.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

[svgallery name=”kilmarnock29082015″]

‘Well boss Ian Baraclough was pleased his side took all three points but wants his players to see out games more comfortably.

For the third successive league game, ‘Well took a first-half lead, this time via a 13th minute Louis Moult penalty.

However, unlike the previous two games, where ‘Well ended up losing 2-1, the game would finish 1-0.

The visitors had a lot of the ball, particularly in the second half, but in truth they rarely threatening Connor Ripley’s goal.

However, Baraclough would like his side to be more in command and make closing things out more relaxing.

[pullquote]Despite the win, I’ve come away feeling a little frustrated because I want us to be better than that and certainly, take chances that would have made the closing stages more comfortable than perhaps it was.[/pullquote]

He said: “Sometimes football works in strange ways, we have probably turned in our two worst performances of the season this week but have won twice.

“To be fair, stuck at it and there were umpteen chances we could have gone and created but for our final ball that wasn’t up to scratch.

“Despite the win, I’ve come away feeling a little frustrated because I want us to be better than that and certainly, take chances that would have made the closing stages more comfortable than perhaps it was.

“That all being said, we restricted Kilmarnock to very little by way of chances and I hope back-to-back wins starts to give the players more belief about their ability and what we can do.”

[tab:Match report]

 Phil McGhee Fir Park

Motherwell recorded their first home win of the season with a Louis Moult penalty separating the two sides.

After four consecutive league defeats it was a very welcome three points as, at the third attempt, ‘Well managed to hold onto an early lead.

However, despite the trickery and promptings of Dom Thomas over a very impressive ninety minutes,’Well failed to add to their early goal, which subsequently made the last ten minutes more nervous than it should have been.

After his league cup appearance in midweek, Kieran Kennedy made his league debut alongside Stephen McManus at the heart of the ‘Well defence and they did well to blunt the physical threat of Josh Magennis and Kris Boyd. The reshaped defence also included Joe Chalmers at left back for the injured Stevie Hammell.

It was a first start of the season for Thomas who was aiming to supply Louis Moult who kept his place in attack, leaving latest recruit Theo Robinson on the bench. And it was the lively Thomas who set ‘Well on the front foot bursting into the Killie box to earn a corner followed by a similar burst from Scott McDonald only to fire over the bar.

As the Fir Parkers buzzed about the visitor’s box Lionel Ainsworth and then Keith Lasley had powerful shots blocked.

A slick moved when McDonald’s weighted pass sent Thomas in behind might have resulted in the opener but the winger’s fierce shot was palmed over by Jamie MacDonald.

When the breakthrough finally arrived after 13 minutes there was an element of good furtune when Mark O’Hara’s clumsy challenge felled Moult inside the box. The ‘Well striker showed little sympathy, though, when he steered the resultant penalty kick low past the ‘keeper for his third goal in three games.

Four minutes later it took a brilliant block from Connor Ripley to prevent Magennis firing home the equaliser. That aside the ‘Well ‘keeper had a quiet afternoon especially in the first half as Motherwell still looked the more likely to score. Thomas’quick feet opened up another chance for a drive at goal before ‘Well had the ball in the net twelve minutes from the break.

Another superb pass from Thomas set up Moult who quickly fired the ball beyond MacDonald only to be harshly judged from an offside position.

As half time approached ‘Well’s early buzz had disappeared and Kilmarnock probably relieved that they were only one behind.

That prompted Gary Locke to bring on Tope Obadeyi at the break and provide the visitors with a powerful front three.

However, it was the delicate touches from Thomas that caught the eye and after fleecing O’Hara on the left a couple of times his crosses into the box found no takers.

In an attempt to find a decisive second goal Ian Baraclough swapped strikers for the last half hour with the tireless Moult making way for debutant Theo Robinson before Marvin Johnson replaced Ainsworth.

It was Robinson who looked to impress with a combination of speed and strength although his first effort on goal after 72 minutes was well over the target. A minute later Chalmers burst upfield to drive a low left foot shot a few yards wide of the post.

With 15 minutes remaining and Killie still hoping for an equaliser Louis Laing came into the back four at the expense of Jack Leitch.

In the end the ‘Well defence comfortably held out for a clean sheet and a win that could have been more convincing.

[tab:As it happened]

 Ally Reilly at Fir Park

 FT’ | 1-0

Louis Moult’s first half penalty separates the two sides and gives Motherwell the three points.

FT’ | 1-0
Full time whistle blows!!

93′ | 1-0
Robinson turns on the burners and gets away from one, but his shot from 25 yards is blocked.

91′ | 1-0
Free-kick delivery was decent but was headed over by Boyd.

91′ | 1-0
Chalmers booked for a foul about 30 yards out, wide on the right.

90′ | 1-0
Three minutes added on.

88′ | 1-0
Loose Killie ball out of defence gives Johnson the chance to cross but his front post ball has not takers.

84 | 1-0
Good play between McDonald and Thomas sets the Aussie up inside the box but his shot is tame and straight at MacDonald.

79′ | 1-0
Obadeyi chests the ball inside Chalmers but his shot is a tad ambitious as he volleys it well over the bar.

76′ | 1-0
Motherwell sub, Laing on for Leitch.

72′ | 1-0
Seconds later, Chalmers advances forward but his shot lacks the power and direction required and bobbles wide.

72′ | 1-0
Robinson spins 30 yards out and opts for a shot on his left foot. Well over the bar though.

71′ | 1-0
O’Hara’s shot is blocked for a corner….. Hamill’s delivery goes right though the box.

70′ | 1-0
Frustration as Robinson puts in a great ball but it just doesn’t fall for ‘Well player inside the box.

66′ | 1-0
Motherwell sub, Ainsworth makes way for Johnson

64′ | 1-0
Killie sub, Kiltie comes on for Magennis.

60′ | 1-0
Motherwell sub, Robinson makes his debut, replacing Louis Moult.

56′ | 1-0
Thomas skips past his man again and Ainsworth gets on the end of his delivery. Deflected wide for another corner…

54′ | 1-0
Ainsworth’s cross is deflected wide for a corner. Again though nothing comes of the delivery.

48′ | 1-0
Another Killie corner, this time headed away by Moult.

47′ | 1-0
Obadeyi knocks the ball off Law to earn Killie corner. ‘Well defended delivery clears the danger.

Killie get the second half underway. #COYW!

45′ | 1-0
Killie sub, Obadeyi on for Higginbotham

HT’ | 1-0
Half-time whistle blows, @louismoult’s penalty gives ‘Well a 1-0 lead going into the break.

39′ | 1-0
Close! Ainsworth cuts in from the right and on his weaker foot, gets a powerful shot away which drifts just over the bar!

34′ | 1-0
Looked tight but Moult is flagged offside after sliding the ball into the net. Hard to tell on first viewing.

30′ | 1-0
Action has slowed down a little. Not a lot of talking points…

22′ | 1-0
Half way through the first half, here’s a check on the match stats….

21′ | 1-0
Kilmarnock sub, Smith limps off for Westlake.

20′ | 1-0
Could be an early Killie change here. Smith looks to have pulled a muscle as he crossed the ball in…

18′ | 1-0
Seem to tweet this at least once a game but great save from Ripley!! Denies Magennis from close range with a big left hand.

12′ | 1-0
Moult steps up and makes it 1-0 from the spot! 3 in 3 for Moulty now!

12′ | 1-0
GGOOOAALLL!!

12′ | 0-0
Penalty to Motherwell!!

10′ | 0-0
Lovely through ball by McDonald sets Thomas free down the left. From a narrow angle, he forces MacDonald into a good save!

7′ | 0-0
Good opening spell from Motherwell. Couple of blocked shots from Thomas then Leitch. Forced a corner but no end product.

3′ | 0-0
McDonald picks the ball up and drives at the Killie defence. Gets a shot away from just inside the box but it flies over the bar.

1′ | 0-0
Thomas wins ‘Well the first corner of the game, headed clear by Boyd, though.

Kick-off.
Lasley and McDonald get the game underway. #COYW

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Ian Baraclough:

Kilmarnock manager Gary Locke:

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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 The Captain’s Testimonial is fast approaching and we are offering some unique experiences for the day.

English Championship side Bolton Wanderers will travel to Fir Park on Saturday 5th September as opponents, with a 3pm kick-off.

Firstly, we have an exciting Sponsorship Package available where you can play an important part in his special day and be involved in the matchday celebrations while, at the same time, promoting your company/brand to the Fir Park faithful!

Match Sponsorship Package
Match Sponsorship (maximum of 3 available):
Included in this unique package:
• Full page advert in the programme
• PA announcement
• Message on scoreboard
• Select and meet your Man of the Match
• Unique Keith Lasley Testimonial shirt signed by first team squad
• 4 Directors’ Box seats
• Opportunity to attend Player Signing Session before opening to the public
Total Cost £1,700

Alternatively, here is a unique opportunity for your child, grandchild, niece or nephew to walk out on to the pitch at Fir Park.

Each child will walk out with either a Motherwell or Bolton player pre‐match to welcome Keith as he takes to the pitch.

Player Escort Package
Included in the package is:

• A Keith Lasley T‐shirt for the child to wear on the day
• 2 main stand tickets (one for the player escort and accompanying adult).
• A player signing session will take place prematch and Player Escorts will have first priority to meet the new Motherwell squad before the queue!
• Aswell as their very own MFC autograph book, pen, and matchday programme!
Total cost: £100
Player Escort is suitable for children aged 5‐12 years (approx)

For more information or to book, please contact: keithlasleytc@gmail.com

‘Well boss Ian Baraclough speaks to MFC TV ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.

Motherwell FC is today pleased to confirm the signing of Jamaican International striker Theo Robinson.

Robinson, 26, was born in Birmingham but has been capped five times for Jamaica, who he qualifies for by virtue of his grandparents.

The pacey front man started life at the Watford youth academy after he was spotted in the Football League Exit Trials following his release, as a schoolboy, by Stoke City.

In 2007 Theo signed his first professional contract at Vicarage Road and by the end of the season, he had made his Premier League debut as a substitute against Newcastle on the final day.

During his three seasons at Watford, Theo enjoyed loan spells at various clubs including Southend United and Hereford.

In 2009 Huddersfield Town paid Watford an undisclosed fee to secure Theo’s services on a permanent basis.

Theo was handed the number nine shirt by the Terriers, although he found first team appearances limited due to the form of then Town striker, Scotland International Jordan Rhodes, he still managed to impress, netting an impressive 16 goals in 19 starts.

In 2010 Theo was loaned to Championship side Millwall and made an immediate impact scoring the winning goal against Crystal Palace before joining The Lions on a permanent basis.

[pullquote]In terms of my aims and objections – basically, I want to play as much as possible, score as much as possible and help Motherwell in any way I can.[/pullquote]

After failing to settle in London, Theo joined Derby County on an initial three-month loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer.

After a successful loan period, Theo signed a two-year deal at Pride Park and had a red-hot streak of form, netting 21 in 43 starts, prompting reported interest from several English Premiership clubs as well as his first International call-up.

However, it was Doncaster Rovers who again paid money for the striker and he scored his first goal for the club on his debut the day after signing, in a 2–0 victory over Blackburn Rovers.

He scored 9 goals in 32 league start at the Keepmoat Stadium as well as a successful loan spell at Scunthrope United, where he would net three in eight games towards the end of last season.

Robinson, who will wear squad number 17 for the season, has signed a deal initially to the end of the season and will go straight into the squad for Saturday’s game against Kilmarnock.

Speaking to MFC TV, he said: “This is a great opportunity for me to come to Scotland and hopefully do well.

“I spoke to a couple of lads down south who have been up here and everyone who has played in the SPFL was extremely complimentary about the standard.

“I have also played with some of the lads before like Lionel Ainsworth and Stephen Pearson, so familiar faces will certainly help me settle.

“In terms of my aims and objections – basically, I want to play as much as possible, score as much as possible and help Motherwell in any way I can.”

All you need to know before coming to the game against Kilmarnock tomorrow:

The Well Shop

• The Club shop will be open from 9.30am until kick off and will reopen 5 minutes before the final whistle for 30 minutes.
• Last season’s kit is on sale at £20.00 for adults and £15.00 for kids
• Season 15/16 kit is available in all sizes

Ticket Office

• Is open from 10am until 3pm for collections or match tickets

Match Programme

• The Kilmarnock match programme can be purchased from the vendors around the stadium or Club shop priced at £3

50/50 Draw

• A small band of dedicated sellers will be patrolling Fir Park selling tickets priced at £1 each with a top prize of £250 available

Cooper Suite

• FREE juice/drinks for kids – must be accompanied by an adult buying drinks from the bar
• FREE Face Painting at 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 squad players from 1.45pm-2.15pm

Centenary Suite

• The Centenary bar will open for Hospitality guests from 12:30pm with meals being served from 1:00pm
• Hospitality Season Ticket upgrades available for £25 to all supporters
• Dress code is Smart – No denim, training shoes or football strips
• Contact our Commercial team on 01698 333333 or email commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk to book your place

Motherwell have been drawn to face Greenock Morton at Cappielow in the third Round of the Scottish League Cup.

The tie is is scheduled to take place on either Tuesday 22nd September or Wednesday 23rd September.

Confirmed details around the match, including ticket information, will be published shortly.

FULL DRAW:

• Kilmarnock V Hearts
• Livingston V Inverness CT
• Ross County V Falkirk
• Rangers V St Johnstone
• Celtic V Raith Rovers
• Morton V Motherwell
• Dundee Utd v Dunfermline
• Hibernian V Aberdeen

Extended highlights from Bayview where Motherwell needed extra-time to see off League 2 side East Fife in the Scottish League Cup.

‘Well Ian Baraclough highlighted the character of his team after they came from behind to beat plucky East Fife tonight.

The Steelmen were far from their best for large spells of the match, but after falling behind on the hour, Louis Moult curled home a leveller with ten minutes left of the regulation ninety.

Extra time goals from Scott McDonald and Lionel Ainsworth eventually secured the win and a spot in Thursday’s Third Round draw at Hampden Park.

And whilst Baraclough admitted the performance was far from spectacular, he was relieved and thankful to have secured a rare Motherwell win in knockout competitions, just the second success in the last seventeen fixtures across European and domestic cup competitions.

[pullquote]We’ve gone and got through it. No one will claim it was anything like perfect, it wasn’t, but it was all about progressing and that strength of character will hopefully stand us in good stead and allow us to be better.[/pullquote]

Speaking to MFC TV, he said: “Tonight was a real test of character and to be fair to the players, they have responded and that’s what you look for when the chips are down.

“East Fife would have been full of confidence based on some good early season results and they came at us as we expected; to try and pray on the nervousness that was always likely to exist in our camp.

“We’ve gone and got through it. No one will claim it was anything like perfect, it wasn’t, but it was all about progressing and that strength of character will hopefully stand us in good stead and allow us to be better.”