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  • Archive

    New Match Attax collection launched

  • Archive

    Club Statement: New manager update

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Livingston

  • Archive

    TV: Lasley reflects on Hearts draw

  • Archive

    Motherwell U20s 1 – 1 Hearts U20s

  • Archive

    U20s face Hearts in Livingston

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Fir Park

  • Archive

    TV: Cragain praises ‘Well spirit

  • Archive

    Partick Thistle win in pictures

  • Archive

    Motherwell 2 – 1 Partick Thistle

  • Archive

    New Match Attax collection launched

    Good news ‘Well fans – Topps, the UK’s leading collectibles company, have launched their brand new SPFL Match Attax trading card game collection for 2015-16!

    Available now, Topps Match Attax, the world’s most successful football trading card game, offers fans of all ages a fun-filled addition to the new SPFL season. Featuring all the top teams in Scotland and brand new cards, fans can get ahead of the game and collect, swap and play all their favourite Scottish football players.

    There are 352 cards to collect, including brand new ‘rising star’, ‘hat-trick hero’ and ‘tactic’ cards to enhance gameplay.

    The SPFL Match Attax Starter Pack retails at £4.99 and includes a binder, Playing Pitch and nine Match Attax player cards. Packets of nine cards are available for £1 each.

    For details about the new collections, visit www.toppsfootball.co.uk. Follow Topps on Twitter @toppsmatchattax and get the latest news and updates at www.facebook.com/MyTopps

  • Archive

    Club Statement: New manager update

    Motherwell FC today (Wednesday) released the following update in relation to the search for a new first-team manager.

    A club spokesman said: “The Board met on Monday evening for an initial review of the list of applicants for the role of first-team manager.

    “We have received in excess of 75 applications and are delighted with the high quality of candidates.

    “We are keen to undertake a detailed interview process to ensure we appoint a manager who shares the vision for the club and has the skills necessary to achieve the various goals required.

    “Due to the number of applicants, it will take some time to complete the selection process and no interviews will take place this week.

    “The Board have therefore asked Stephen Craigan to continue in his position for the Dundee game this Saturday, which he has agreed to do.

    “The club hope to make an appointment prior to the next game after the international break.”

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Livingston

    Extended Highlights from Almondvale as a Louis Laing stunner earned ‘Well a 1-1 draw with Hearts in the SPFL Development League.

  • Archive

    TV: Lasley reflects on Hearts draw

    Under 20s assistant Keith Lasley was impressed by his side after they again fought back to earn a deserved point against Hearts.

  • Archive

    Motherwell U20s 1 – 1 Hearts U20s

    For the fourth Development League match in a row, the Under 20s came back from behind to rescue a point when they drew 1-1 with Hearts this evening.

    The Jambos took an early lead when defender Leon Jones bundled home a near post corner with the first real attack of the game.

    It remained that way until the 69th minute when Louis Laing scored a sensational equaliser to bring his side deservedly level.

    The game would eventually finish all square with the Steelmen feeling a little aggrieved at having to accept just a single point.

    Under 20s assistant Keith Lasley was able to call on the experience of the likes of Craig Samson, Louis Laing, Wes Fletcher, David Clarkson and Theo Robinson in his starting eleven.

    Hearts had plenty of recognisable names amongst their line up too with Jordan McGhee, Danny Swanson, Arnaud Djoum and Gavin Reilly all featuring.

    And it was the Jambos who drew first blood when, after a near post Swanson corner, Jones was able to somehow bundle the ball over the line, even if he didn’t appear to know too much about it.

    Motherwell immediately went about trying to level and Chris Cadden almost equalised two minutes later, only for his shot to be hooked off the line.

    The Jambos defence came under the cosh, but put their bodies on the line on several occasions, including vital blocks from Ben Hall and Clarkson, both of whom shot from the edge of the area.

    Cadden had another effort on 18 minutes when after good play between Clarkson and Robinson, the young midfielder slipped his shot wide of target.

    Motherwell continues to attack and after Robinson had taken on a long-range effort that Hamilton comfortably stopped, Wes Fletcher came so close to scoring.

    The former York man picked up on a loose ball inside the area and after wriggling clear of three players, slotted past the ‘keeper only to watch it finish the wrong side of the post.

    Hearts had a couple of half-chances when Kenny Anderson and Reilly both missed with close-range efforts, before Motherwell came within an inch of levelling.

    Cadden’s cross from the right caused problems and when the Hearts defence failed to properly clear, Theo Robinson crashed a stinging low effort off the base of the post. Allan Campbell followed up on the rebound, but his shot hit a deflection on route and rolled out for a corner.

    Shortly before the break, Clarkson had Fletcher in with a neat through ball, but as he pulled the trigger, again Hearts recovered well to block.

    Motherwell started the second half on the front foot and Robinson was almost in after just 50 seconds before Clarkson again had a shot from the edge of the area blocked by the outrushing Hearts defence.

    Jack Ross’ side had a rare venture forward and Swanson hit a free-kick straight at Samson before Cadden replied with a bursting run and shot that again flew wide.

    Motherwell’s persistence finally paid off when Louis Laing brought his side level in spectacular fashion.

    Picking the ball up ten yards inside the Hearts half, he nipped away from Swanson, dropped the shoulder past Djoum before side footing a beautiful shot high past Hamilton into the postage stamp top right hand corner from twenty yards. A sublime strike from the former Sunderland and Forest centre back!

    ‘Well were almost ahead just three minutes later when McMillan and MacLean combined on the right to set-up Cadden on the edge, but his shot deflected inches wide.

    Hearts settled after the setback of the equalising goal and full-back Liam Smith shot over after getting in behind Watt following a neat cross-field diagonal.

    Play swung from end to end with both teams desperate for a winner.

    Sub Mackin thought he had it when he beat Hamilton to the jump, only for his header to drop agonisingly wide. Down the other end, Jambos sub Ian Smith curled a free-kick that forced Samson into an excellent two-handed save.

    Neither team could get that decisive second though as the game ended in a draw, the fourth of the season for both teams.

    Motherwell: Samson, McMillan, Watt, Laing, Hall, Campbell, MacLean, Clarkson, Fletcher (Watters – 70mins), Robinson (Mackin – 80mins), Cadden

    Subs Not Used: Morrison, R. Leitch, Ferguson, Livingston, Moore

  • Archive

    U20s face Hearts in Livingston

    The Under 20s return to action tonight (29th September) when they take on Hearts in Livingston.

    The young Steelmen are unbeaten in the last four games, most recently a 1-0 win over Partick Thistle in the Youth cup .

    On the contrary, the Jambos have yet to win a game this season, losing once and drawing on three occassions.

    They currently sit fourteenth in the SPFL Development League table,three points behind the Claret and Amber men, having played a game less.

    The match will take place at the Tony Macaroni Arena, home of Livingston FC, with kick-off 6pm.

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Fir Park

    Extended Highlights from Fir Park as an own goal and a Scott McDonald strike give Motherwell a valuable three points over Partick Thistle.

  • Archive

    TV: Cragain praises ‘Well spirit

    Interim manager Stephen Craigan praised his side after they secured a 2-1 victory over Partick Thistle this afternoon.

    Craigan has taken the helm at Fir Park following the sacking of Ian Baraclough on Wednesday night.

    “I’m delighted for the players – it’s not about me,” he said. “It’s going to be made out now that there’s been freshness from me; that’s not the case.

    “The players won the game, not me.”

    Ian Baraclough’s dismissal followed a midweek League Cup exit to Morton , but ‘Well bounced back to claim three points at the expense of lowly Thistle.

    [pullquote]It was a little bit of a nervous performance, but I expected that, because of the trauma during the week.[/pullquote]

    “It was a little bit of a nervous performance, but I expected that, because of the trauma during the week,” added Craigan. “That’s a huge disappointment for a lot of the players.

    “We’ve only really had one day training since Morton, there was a little bit of information given to them. I said to them pre-match it was going to be about how they would respond, could they find something within themselves that would motivate them and push them over the line when times were tough.

    “They stuck to their task, they worked hard. Whether we deserved the three points or not, I’m not really bothered.”

  • Archive

    Partick Thistle win in pictures

    Action images from today’s 2-1 win over Partick Thistle at Fir Park in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

    Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

    [svgallery name=”thistle260915″]

  • Archive

    Motherwell 2 – 1 Partick Thistle

    [tab:Match report]

     Phil McGhee Fir Park

    Stephen Craigan made the perfect start as interim manager as Motherwell held on for the narrowest of wins over struggling Thistle.

    A first-half own goal from Freddy Frans and a second half strike from Scott McDonald set the Fir Park side on their way to a much needed win.

    However, when David Agoo pulled one back for Partick with twelve minutes remaining, it required stout defensive qualities from the home side to secure all three points and take some pressure off the ‘Well players.

    Craigan’s first team selection saw five changes from Ian Baraclough’s last starting eleven against Morton. Back came Keith Lasley, Scott McDonald, Louis Moult and Lionel Ainsworth. There was also a surprise return for Stephen Pearson missing for nine games after being injured in the opening game of the season at Inverness.

    The buzz of anticipation from the home support at the kick off almost led to an opening goal inside the first five minutes.

    A series of passes ended with the ball finding Johnson but from 12 yards and with a decent angle on goal he rattled the ball against Tomas Cerny’s legs.

    Partick replied with a 20-yard drive from Stuart Bannigan, which was comfortably held by Connor Ripley.

    The visitors appeared more composed and as ‘Well carelessly conceded possession Thistle had a few chances around the home goal with Robbie Muirhead heading narrowly over.

    Out of nothing ‘Well took the lead after 21 minutes courtesy of an own goal.

    Ainsworth darted into the box on the right before sliding a pass across the face of the goal and with Moult lurking behind him Freddy Frans lashed the ball high into his own net.

    It was a lucky break for the Fir Park men and they had another slice of good fortune five minutes later. After watching his header palmed over the bar by Ripley, former ‘Well striker Steven Lawless was again denied an equaliser when his low shot from the edge of the box rebounded off the post.

    The first half started positively for ‘Well when Ainsworth set off on a long mazy run which carried him fifty yards before he thumped his parting shot off Cerny.

    Ainsworth was involved in the thick off the action and five minutes later his free kick picked out Moult and his back header bounced past the ‘keeper but on the wrong side of the post.

    Motherwell chased a second goal to kill off Thistle and it arrived after 68 minutes with Ainsworth again the provider. His cross found McDonald unmarked six yards in front of goal and although Cerny managed to palm out his initial header the Ausie striker coolly steered the rebound beyond the grounded ‘keeper to make it 2-0.
    That should have put the Steelmen comfortably on course for three points but Partick pulled one back to leave a nervous closing 12 minutes.

    A Thistle corner was directed towards a packed goalmouth and substitute Amoo nodded the ball inside the post and give the visitors a lift.

    In the final minutes Motherwell’s defence, with Stephen McManus and Kieran Kennedy solid in the air, withstood Thistle’s pressure for the narrowest of victories and a welcome three points, which lifts them to ninth in the league table.

    [tab:As it happened]

     Ally Reilly at Fir Park

     

    An own goal and a McDonald strike are enough to give ‘Well all three points!!

    95′ | 2-1
    Full time!!

    90′ | 2-1
    5 minutes added on!

    88′ | 2-1
    Both players booked.

    88′ | 2-1
    Ouch. Seabourne clatters into Ripley and the big man is not happy, with the pair exchanging heated words.

    84′ | 2-1
    Muirhead turns and hits a volley from a Thistle throw-in which thankfully hits the outside of the post.

    78′ | 2-1
    Goal – Amoo pulls a goalback for Thistle from a corner….

    76′ | 2-0
    And a Motherwell change, Wes Fletcher makes a return to action, coming on for Scott McDonald.

    76′ | 2-0
    Final Thistle change, Amoo on for Bannigan

    71′ | 2-0
    Lasley booked for a heavy tackle on Osman.

    69′ | 2-0
    IT’S 2-0!! Ainsworth curls in a delightful ball which is fired home by McDonald!!!

    GGOOOAALLLL!!!
    65′ | 1-0
    And a Motherwell change, Johnson limps off for Thomas

    65′ | 1-0
    Thistle sub, Muirhead off for Pogba

    63′ | 1-0
    Motherwell sub, Leitch on for Moult

    61′ | 1-0
    Lovely little jinking run again from Ainsworth but as he gets into the box, he is robbed by Booth.

    58′ | 1-0
    Welsh booked after he lost the ball and hacked down Pearson.

    57′ | 1-0
    Thistle sub, Doolan off for Nisbet

    52′ | 1-0
    From that free-kick, McManus flicks Ainsworth’s delivery inches past the post!

    50′ | 1-0
    Johnson hits the ground hard after Dumbuya gets himself underneath him as he rose to head the ball. Free-kick to ‘Well.

    48′ | 1-0
    Great run by Ainsworth which takes him all the way into the box. You’d bet on him scoring from there but Cerny makes the save!!!

    Both teams are back out and the second half gets underway. COYW!!!!

    HT: Motherwell 1 – 0 Partick Thistle

    44′ | 1-0
    Frans booked for being overly aggressive in an aerial duel with McDonald, then Moult is booked for dissent.

    36′ | 1-0
    Osman enters the ref’s book for pulling Moult to the ground as he broke away

    26′ | 1-0
    Great save by Ripley, tipping Lawless’ header over the bar!! Seconds later, Lawless strikes the base of the post from 18 yards!

    22′ | 1-0
    Ainsworth gets past his man his cross/shot is put into his own net by what looked like Frans. 1-0 ‘Well!!

    GGGOOOAALLLL!!!

    19′ | 0-0
    Good ball in from the left finds the head of Muirhead who flicks it just over the bar.

    10′ | 0-0
    Bannigan picks the ball up in an advanced position and opts for the shot. Easy save for Ripley though.

    5′ | 0-0
    Great chance for Johnson! Gets a second bite at the cherry from his first shot but fires straight at Cerny from 12 yards!

    And we’re off! COYW!!!!!!!

    Motherwell in the claret and amber home colours, Thistle in their baby blue away kit.

    Out come the teams from the tunnel……

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Ian Baraclough:

     

    Partick Thistle manager Alan Archibald:

     

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”245″]