Latest News

[tab:Match report]

 Phil McGhee at Global Energy Stadium

Motherwell turned in one of their most disappointing league showing of the season so far, losing 3-0 to Ross County in Dingwall.

Motherwell started brightly, but it was County who opened the scoring midway through the first half through Craig Curran.

It stayed that way until the 70th minute when Tony Dingwall danced through the ‘Well defence to secure the points.

To add insult to injury, Liam Boyce scored a 92nd minute penalty after Keiran Kennedy tripped the Northern Irishman just inside the box.

Without Wes Fletcher, Joe Chalmers, Stevie Hammell, Keith Lasley and Stephen McManus, Mark McGhee was forced to reshuffle his pack. With no recognised left back in the squad, Marvin Johnson filled in. Chalmers, who picked up a knock in training and Stephen McManus both dropped out from the last match with Inverness, Louis Laing and Jake Taylor were both given the nod.

The visitors were the first to threaten when Taylor’s teasing ball from the left had Ricky Foster in trouble, but with no takers, the former Rangers made headed out for a corner.

Then, eight minutes later, Motherwell had a half-heated claim for a penalty when Ainsworth’s low cross was headed for Moult but the striker collided with Marcus Fraser and both hit the deck.

Moult wanted a penalty, but referee Crawford Allan was having none of it.

However, with their first real attack of the game, the Highlanders took the lead, and Mark McGhee will be tearing his hair out at how softly his side conceded.

Both Laing and Kennedy had chances to clear their lines in the middle of the park, and again seconds later when a fired cross was only half dealt with. However, when the ball was eventually worked out to Martin Woods and he picked out Curren who hooked an excellent shot high into the net.

The visitors tried to respond and a Marvin Johnson cross into the box found Moult, but his header was too weak to bother Gary Woods in the County goal.

However, the former Leyton Orient stopper had to look smart shortly after, tipping a fearsome Ainsworth strike around the post for a corner.

County came close to a second goal in the last minute of the half when a cross from Jonathan Franks was just missed by Boyce.

The Fir Parkers started the second half on the front foot and Moult fired straight at Woods with a left footed shot, before almost connecting with a low, teasing Pearson cross from the right, but it was a yard or two too far in front and the chance was gone.

At the other end, Dingwall cut in from the right and fired a long-range shot, which flew high and wide.

‘Well’s best chance of the half came in the 65th minute when, after bursting down the flank, Johnson picked out substitute Theo Robinson in the box but his attempt was well saved by Woods.

But County got the goal that all but secured the win after 69 minute. Boyce kept the ball in play and Martin Woods passed it on for Dingwall, who jinked into the box and rounded Connor Ripley to slot the ball into the empty net.

Motherwell tried in vein to get back into things. Louis Laing’s 30-yard shot went just over and after bursting clear on goal, Liam Grimshaw could only fire straight at Woods who saved again.

To rub salt into the wounds, County added a third in the second minute of stoppage time when Kieran Kennedy took down Boyce in the box. The Northern Irish International took the kick himself and blasted the ball straight down the middle past Ripley to end a miserable day at a frozen Global Energy Stadium.

[tab:As it happened]

 Ally Reilly at Global Energy Stadium

Full time, Ross County 3 – 0 Motherwell

91′ | 3-0
Goal – Boyce goes down in the box and wins a penalty, which he fires straight down the middle.

Three minutes added on.

89′ | 2-0
Great chance as Grimshaw gets into the box but shoots straight at Woods. County clear the rebound.

84′ | 2-0
Ross County sub, Franks off for Murdoch.

78′ | 2-0
Laing goes for a run and tries his luck from 30 yards which flies inches wide of the top corner.

73′ | 2-0
Ross County sub, Curran off for Schalk.

69′ | 2-0
Goal – Dingwall jinks through the centre of the defence then past Ripley and slots into the empty net. 2-0 to County

64′ | 1-0
Johnson sprints past Irvine and cuts it back to Robinson but a County defender gets a touch on his shot and Woods gathers.

61′ | 1-0
A second Motherwell change, Chris Cadden is on for Ainsworth.

59′ | 1-0
Motherwell sub, Taylor off for Robinson

56′ | 1-0
Great ball in by Pearson which is begging to be slammed into the net but Moult can’t quite get there. Great chance!

52′ | 1-0
Pearson booked for a late challenge on Fraser.

51′ | 1-0
Good build-up play ends with Moult firing straight at Woods with his left foot from just outside the box.

County get the second half underway…

HT: Ross County 1 – 0 Motherwell #RCFCvMFC

44′ | 1-0
Franks gets past Johnson but his front post delivery is gathered well by Ripley.

32′ | 1-0
Ainsworth drives forward and gets a low, powerful shot away which Woods tips around the post.

26′ | 1-0
Law enters the ref’s book for a foul on Dingwall near the corner flag.

21′ | 1-0
Goal – Curran opens the scoring with a flying volley from inside the box. 1-0 to County.

20′ | 0-0
Linesman’s flag goes up straight away as Davies heads in Franks free-kick. Looked the correct decision.

17′ | 0-0
McDonald and Ainsworth combine on a counter and the latter’s ball is inches away from Moult. Good play!

9′ | 0-0
….Johnson works a short corner but his delivery is overhit and goes out for a goalkick.

9′ | 0-0
Taylor swings in a nice ball to the backpost which Foster takes no chances with and heads out for a corner….

6′ | 0-0
Home fans up in arms as Law goes in heavy on Dingwall. No card shown by the ref…

McDonald and Pearson get the action underway. COYW!!!

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell  manager Mark McGhee:

“I can’t argue, they deserved to win,” he told BBC Scotland. “I thought we were disappointing in all areas of the field and the game.

“They just had more energy, they were more aggressive. They were better in every area.

“We’ve had a situation where we’ve lost Stephen McManus, Keith Lasley and Steven Hammell; we’re playing without a lot of experience we could have in the team.

“We’re playing with Marvin Johnson at left back. We’ve been forced into these things, that wasn’t a choice, it was all we could really do.

“Hopefully, we’ll get through this period when we’ll have these boys back where we can work out a better, more complete shape and we can get back to getting decent results.

Ross County manager Jim McIntyre:

“We thoroughly deserved the three points today,” he enthused. “It was so important that we got back to winning ways especially here in Dingwall.

“The league is bunched up and it was a very important result for us.

“I was delighted with our goals and for Liam Boyce to get back on the goal trail. He made it himself with fantastic strength to get the penalty. He’s been doing a great shift for the team and I think it’s important that you recognise that sometimes it’s not always goals they bring to the team.

“It’s also that work rate. He uses his body so well also and that’s key to being a front player.

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”252”]

Winger Lionel Ainsworth says he is enjoying life under the tutorship of Motherwell boss Mark McGhee.

McGhee is still looking to utilise the pace of Ainsworth and fellow winger Marvin Johnson but felt the team rushed passes when he first came in last month.

And the experienced winger believes they will benefit from his orders to take more time and care in possession.

The 28-year old, who travelled north today ahead of the weekend’s match against Ross County at Dingwall, said: “In the past, many of the players pointed it out themselves, it was about getting the ball up the pitch as quickly as possible and score a goal. But he wants us to be composed on the ball and take our touches.

“In training sometimes you do pop it off one touch and then say to yourself ‘I shouldn’t have done that’. It’s not what he wants.

“He does say at times round the box if it’s intricate take one touch but (mostly) get on the ball, stay composed and draw someone in and go from there.

[pullquote]If we can keep the ball a bit longer then we can get up the pitch and attack. We have to stay on the ball and be positive and the main thing is to trust each other.[/pullquote]

“The lads have started doing that a lot more in recent weeks and it’s enjoyable. You want the ball and you want to have touches.”

‘Well will aim to cut a four-point deficit on County and McGhee this week identified their opponents’ work ethic as they key to their impressive form in 2015.

Ainsworth feels Motherwell will reap the rewards of McGhee’s own insistence on hard work.

“Ever since he has come in he wants you to work at a high intensity and do things like you do them on a Saturday, which is good for a player,” the Englishman said.

“You need to work hard to get in the team and what he wants us to implement on the pitch is good. I enjoy working hard. It’s been different but it’s been a good different.”

Mark McGhee hopes ‘Well can rekindle some of the recent showings on the road when his team face Ross County at Dingwall on Saturday.

Prior to the defeat at home to Inverness, the Fir Parkers took four points from trips to both Pittodrie and Rugby Park, when most of the money would have been on the hosts.

And it’ll be another tough encounter this weekend with Jim McIntyre’s Staggies having enjoyed a very encouraging start to the 2015/16 campaign.

McGhee hopes for a similar sort of performance to the previous trip north, but admits it’s a completely different proposition.

He told the broadcast press at Motherwell’s pre-match news conference: “It’s a different game in as far as Aberdeen weren’t playing well and were low on confidence when we went there, whereas County, even although they lost to Celtic last time out, will be in a positive frame of mind.

[pullquote]We expect this will be a more difficult game than when we last travelled north and it’s one of those ones where if we come out of it with a similar or better than we got at PIttodrie, it’ll be a right good result.”[/pullquote]

McGhee has also been impressed by the job his counterparts, both McIntyre and his assistant, Billy Dodds, have done at the Global Energy Stadium.

At the turn of 2015, County looked doomed to the drop but now the duo have the Highlanders focused more on a top-six spot, and even a Cup Final, and the Motherwell boss was full of praise.

“They’ve set an example to us all,” he continued.

“The essence of their success has been hard work. They play fairly simply, it’s a 4-4-2 system, but Jim and Billy are getting a lot from a talented group of players.

“They are organised and aggressive and most could take a leaf from their book in terms of what they get out from putting a lot in. I expect a very tough match but as always, we’re going there to win.”

Keith Lasley praised his players as Motherwell U20s edged out Falkirk by three goals to one this afternoon.

Mark McGhee and Stephen Robinson were both in the stands to watch as Dylan Mackin fired the hosts into a lead just before the break.

The same player was at it again just after the interval before Dom Thomas headed home a decisive third on the 70th minute.

Kevin O’Hara did pull one back for the Bairns, but it wouldn’t change the course of the game as ‘Well held firm to pick up the three points.

[pullquote]We were on the front foot from the first minute, got the goals at good times and deservedly took all three points.[/pullquote]

“I’m delighted with the players,” U20s assistant boss Keith Lasley told MFC TV after the match.

“With both the manager and his assistant in the stand, we asked the lads to show an energy, to showcase their talents and make an impression.

“The gaffer has said that he has been getting to know the first-team squad and days like today will help him do the same with the Under 20s.

“So it was great opportunity for the players to show what they can do and for a large part, I think they did.

“We asked them to play with an aggression and on the slick surface, we wanted to get after them and make it difficult and force mistakes then let our game take over, which I think we did.

“We were on the front foot from the first minute, got the goals at good times and deservedly took all three points.”

Highlights from Excelsior Stadium as a Dylan Mackin double and a Dom Thomas header gave ‘Well U20s a 3-1 win over Falkirk.

Motherwell Under 20s got back to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Falkirk at a rain-soaked Excelsior Stadium this afternoon.

Dylan Mackin put the Fir Parkers in the driving seat with a goal either side of half time, before Dom Thomas confirmed the win with a 70th minute header.

Falkirk did pull one back shortly after, but it wasn’t enough as the Keith Lasley-led Motherwell comfortably saw out the remainder of the match.

Both teams traded early chances with Kevin O’Hara firing high and wide for the Bairns then, at the other end, Ross MacLean did well to get in behind the visitor’s defence, but his low cross-cum-shot narrowly evaded Mackin and dropped inches wide of the far post.

Dan Twardzik returned to goalkeeping duties for ‘Well and had to look smart to deny Scott Shepperd at his near post after the big striker had fired off a low shot from just inside the box.

Grant fired over before Twardzik had to again make a decent save, getting down low to his right to save well from O’Hara’s header.

With the rain lashing down, both teams struggled to get their foot on the ball.

However, some neat play down the right presented a chance for the Steelmen and when fullback Jack McMillan cut the ball back for Chris Cadden, he scooped a shot high over the bar.

Then, shortly before the interval, the Steelmen got their noses in front and it was a goal of some quality. Cadden did well to win the ball on the right flank, flicking it to Mackin who in turn played in Robbie Leitch who burst clear on the counter.

With Thomas offering on the left, Leitch sent a lovely reverse ball back for Mackin who kept his composure to tuck under Alex Tokarczyk from just inside the box.

That goal came four minutes before the break and four minutes after, the same player doubled his and Motherwell’s tally.

Luke Watt’s pass out to Adam Livingstone allowed the fullback to channel a ball down the left wing. Leitch stepped over it, allowing Livingston to follow his own ball. He put pressure on Ryan Sinnamon who left his back pass short, allowing Mackin to nip in and slot under Tokarczyk for 2-0.

It was almost three just seven minutes later. Thomas watched on as Tokarczyk saved brilliantly from his half volley. When the ball was cleared, ‘Well went immediately on the attack. Allan Campbell eventually slipped in MacLean who finished with aplomb, only for the assistant to rule it out for offside.

Sinnamon had a shot deflected over and ‘Well had to scramble the resulting corner clear, but that was a rare attack for the visitors as Motherwell continued to set the pace before eventually making it 3-0 on the 70th minute.

Cadden capitalised on some slack play and after driving at goal, Tokarczyk saved his low shot with his feet. The ball rebounded out and Dom Thomas gobbled it up, heading the ball into an empty net.

Incredibly, Falkirk scored to pull one back just a minute later. A corner from the right found Tony Gallacher in the box and his downward header was prodded home by O’Hara from almost under the crossbar. With Twardzik off his line and just one defender behind him, the striker looked offside when Gallacher first headed the ball, but there was no salvation from the stand side assistant.

That was the end of the scoring but not the chances. MacLean had a low bouncing shot well held by Tokarczyk and at the other end, the impressive Kyle Johnson went close with a header, but Twardzik did well to catch on the greasy surface.

Then, in the closing seconds, Thomas had another header but sadly, this one drifted wide of target.

Motherwell: Twardzik, McMillan, Maguire, Watt, Livingstone (Hastie – 75mins), Cadden (J.Moore – 85mins), R. Leitch (Scott – 83mins), Campbell, MacLean, Thomas, Mackin

Subs Not Used: Morrison, Turnbull

If you’re looking for ideas, Motherwell FC have the perfect Christmas present for any ‘Well fan in your life.

In the final few moments before a crucial game, footballers face a tense wait as they psyche themselves up for the 90 minutes of battle ahead.

Now the Steelmen have some extra help achieving a winning frame of mind – with a wall of support and memory to inspire players set to be unveiled in the tunnel at Fir Park Stadium.

Amongst other improvements, the plan has seen the drab walls of the current passage leading from the dressing room to the pitch transformed in to a motivational tile mosaic featuring messages of support or memories of fans past and present.

Each white tile is 25x20cm in size and will carry your own personal message or memory (A maximum of four rows, with a 16 character limit per row) and the Motherwell logo, carved in claret for all time.

You’ll also receive your official certificate of authenticity at the point of sale, followed by a letter offering a choice of dates for you to come along and visit the tunnel to see your special message in place.

The price for this memento is just £25.

Contact us on 01698 333333, commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk or buy online now by clicking the link below.

The Under 20s return to SPFL Development League action when they take on Falkirk at the Excelsior Stadium this afternoon (Tuesday).

Stephen Craigan’s men were originally scheduled to play at Forthbank Stadium at 7pm but the pitch has succumbed to the heavy rain and the match has been switched to Excelsior stadium with a 3pm kick-off.

After last week’s free-week, the Steelmen face a side who are in good form, unbeaten in their last four games, drawing the last three.

The Steelmen have ten points, trailing today’s opponents by four points and sit in twelfth position,

Entry to the match is free of charge.

Motherwell FC and the ‘Well Society will host a unique two-part “Q&A night” at Fir Park next week.

The fan forum will give supporters the unique opportunity to engage with representatives from both the football club and the ‘Well Society, including manager Mark McGhee.

The evening, which will take place in the Centenary Suite on Monday 16th November (7pm start), will split into two halves with the first to re-introduce fans to the new boss as our host Tam Cowan, along with help from the audience, quiz the returning gaffer on how he plans to help bring on-field success back to Fir Park.

The second part will give fans and Society members the opportunity to put forward their questions to members of both the football club, via Jim McMahon and Well Society boards about their vision of community ownership at Motherwell FC.

We’ll also have free pies to give away at ‘half-time’ and there will be a special drinks promotion at the bar. Entry to the event is free of charge, admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.

To submit any questions you would like to hear answered from either the manager or the ‘Well Society Board, please email us on well.society@motherwellfc.co.uk.

The Well Society is delighted to announce that, in the lead up to our game against Hearts on 28th November at Fir Park, it is working with the Foundation of Hearts to bring you a fan-ownership themed week.

The joint campaign is aimed at promoting the benefits of fan-ownership, encouraging more supporters from each club to get behind their fan groups, helping them drive on towards their targets.

The Well Society Chairman, Brian McCafferty said “The Well Society is delighted to team up with the Foundation of Hearts for a fan-ownership week. We both have similar goals and it makes sense to collaborate with each other on ways to achieve them. Hopefully, sooner rather than later both clubs will be owned and run by the fans and the joint campaign will help in some way to achieve that.”

We are looking for a total of 15 mascots (aged 12 and under), 11 to accompany the Motherwell starting line-up and another four to hold a Well Society banner before the match. The mascots and parent/carer of each child will receive free entry to the game.

To be in with a chance of being involved, just email well.society@motherwellfc.co.uk with your name, age and the name of your favourite player with Mascot Competition in the subject heading.

You also need to be an existing Well Society Junior Steel member to be eligible, for more details on how to join or renew memberships please have your parents/guardian visit www.thewellsociety.co.uk/junior-members/

Entries must be in by Wednesday 18th November.

If we receive more than 15 entries we will randomly draw the names from all entries and announce the winners on our website and social media as well as notifying all winners directly.

Stay tuned on the lead up to the match as we announce more events and promotions that you can get involved in!