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[tab:Match report]

 Phil McGhee Fir Park

Motherwell returned to winning ways with an important 3-1 win over Partick Thistle at Fir Park.

A Louis Moult penalty gave the Steelmen a half-time lead before another Moult strike, and a brilliant Marvin Johnson hit, had ‘Well in cruise control.

A Callum Booth ‘squigler’ deceived Connor Ripley to give the Jags hope, but ‘Well on for the last ten minutes to pick up a vital three points.

The Fir Parker’s reverted to their more recognised back four with Stevie Hammell on the left and Louis Laing filling the right back berth. Scott McDonald was fit again to join Moult and Johnson with his pace through the middle in a threatening three-man attack.

Facing the first of three crucial ‘six pointers’ the home side made a better start and after six minutes Johnson raced in from the right but his cut back to the penalty spot found no takers.

Sadly the home side failed to build on this and with both sides guilty of poor control and passes, neither ‘keeper felt threatened.

Thankfully the game came alive after 26 minutes. McDonald and Johnson worked an opening at the edge of the box and after the latter’s thumping drive was fumbled by Thomas Cerny, McDonald reacted quickest. But after he set up Moult to roll the ball over the line the assistant’s raised flag for offside curtailed any goal celebration.

Connor Ripley then had to get down smartly to smother Christie Elliot’s low drive across the six-yard box.

As the pace of the game picked up Chris Cadden picked out the strong run of Laing but after cleverly working his way towards the visitor’s goal Cerny bravely dived to block the danger.

Nine minutes from the break the Fir Park men made the breakthrough.

Keith Lasley’s run into the box was halted as Aidan Nesbit accidentally clipped his heels. Moult showed little sympathy, sending Cerny the wrong way from the penalty spot for his 15th league goal of the season.

It might have been 2-0 at the interval when Cadden worked his way along the goal line only to see his ball across goal missed by everyone.

Within seven minutes of the restart Motherwell were two up. Hammell found McDonald and his reverse pass set up Moult who confidently slammed the ball high past Cerny and double ‘Well’s advantage – his sixteenth of the campaign.

Thistle immediately replied with a fierce angled drive from Elliot, which forced a good diving block from Ripley.

It was the Steelmen, though, who found the net again after 69 minutes. Stephen Pearson’s long pass found Johnson wide on the right. Although he had Moult in support the former Kidderminster winger cut across the box before planking a sweet left shot beyond Cerny to make it 3-0.

The Jags’ ‘keeper then produced a couple of stunning saves to turn a dipping drive from McDonald and a McManus volley over the bar as a confident ‘Well looked to add to their tally.

However, with 15 minutes remaining a dipping, serving hit from Callum Booth evaded Ripley to reduce the leeway and change the tone of the game.

Although the goal gave the Maryhill side an incentive to attack the home goal, Ripley was well protected as Motherwell comfortably collected three crucial points and bring their opponents back into the relegation pack.

[tab:As it happened]

 Ally Reilly at Fir Park

FULL TIME! Motherwell 3 – 1 Partick Thistle

90′ | 3-1
Three minutes added on.

83′ | 3-1
Final Thistle change, Doolan off for German.

76′ | 3-1
Goal – Thistle pull one back. Booth’s shot from range seems to deceive Ripley and ends up in the net.

71′ | 3-0
Two good chances there! McDonald with a shot which was palmed wide then McManus with a close-range volley which is saved again!

69′ | 3-0
Pearson clips a great ball over the top to Johnson who cuts in off the left and fires past Cerny!!! 3-0!!

GGGGOOOOAALLLL!!!!

66′ | 2-0
Partick Thistle sub, Miller off for Amoo.

58′ | 2-0
Great feet from Johnson wins a free-kick wide on the right…Hammell whips it in but McDonald can only head wide

52′ | 2-0
McDonald plays a great reverse ball to Moult just inside the box and he fires past Cerny! 2-0!!

GGGOOOAALLL!!!!

51′ | 1-0
Cadden’s cross from the right seems to float goalwards. From this angle, probably looked closer than it actually was.

Pogba and Doolan kick-off the second half.

Half time change for Thistle, Nesbitt off for Pogba.

HT: Motherwell 1 – 0 Partick Thistle #MFCvPTFC

44′ | 1-0
Late first-half corner for ‘Well. Hammell takes, working it short to McDonald who knocks it onto Johnson but his shot delfects out

40′ | 1-0
So close! Cadden gets past Booth with a clever flick and fires it across goal. No takers and it flies inches past the far post.

Penalty came from Lasley bursting past Nesbitt in the box and being tripped from behind. 1-0 to The Steelmen!

36′ | 1-0
GOOOAALL!! Moult converts from the spot!!!

Penalty to Motherwell!!

32′ | 0-0
Chance! Cadden plays in Laing and the big defender feints inside but his touch is too heavy which allows Cerny to save at his feet

28′ | 0-0
Game starting to liven up. Elliott gets to the byline and puts in a hard low cross but Ripley does well to get the ball to safety.

27′ | 0-0
Johnson’s powerful shot is parried out to McDonald who then squares to Moult. It’s in but lino says the Aussie was offside.

24′ | 0-0
Lawless fires in a low ball from the right but it is routine for Ripley who gathers under no pressure.

22′ | 0-0
Nesbitt gathers the ball half way inside the Motherwell half. He advances forward and shoots but it trickles wide of the post.

18′ | 0-0
Cerny gets in a muddle receiving a back pass but fortunately for him, his eventual clearance comes off Johnson for a goal kick

15′ | 0-0
A very quiet opening 15 here at Fir Park…..

7′ | 0-0
Decent opening there as Johnson robbed Booth but his low ball into the area has nobody on the end of it

Lasley and Pearson get the game underway. COYW!!!

Out come the two side, both in their change kits this afternoon. #MFCvPTFC

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee:

Partick Thistle Manager Alan Archibald

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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‘Well boss Mark McGhee has called for everyone, even including himself, to be more ‘streetwise’ as ‘Well aim to back on the winning road.

The Fir Parkers have lost a last second goal in six of their last ten games, costing them at least seven points in the SPFL Premiership and a potential place in the Quarter Finals of the Scottish Cup.

And the 58-year old Scotland Assistant believes everyone involved need to manage the game better to ensure points are accumulated.

He told the broadcast press at ‘Well’s pre-match news conference: “I don’t believe we are playing badly; we are almost winning games and I know that maybe sounds silly, but if we were getting beat three or four nil every week we would be worried, but we’re not.

“We just have to turn it the other way and we do that by working hard and staying positive. There are such fine margins in football – even turn half those last minute goals around and we’d be in the top six.
“We’ve conceded a lot of late goals recently and that’s something we’re going to have to address.

[pullquote]“We need to be more streetwise in certain situations. One of the problems may come from me wanting to win football games so much, which will rub off on the players.[/pullquote]

“A point against St Johnstone would have been good and we could have put a little run together but instead of going into today’s game with a bit of confidence, we go after taking a blow, even though we know we are playing reasonably well.”

McGhee is also expected a tough game from Alan Archibald’s Partick Thistle side.

The Jags beat St Johnstone 2-0 in midweek, to push themselves in front of the Fir Parkers ahead of Saturday’s clash in North Lanarkshire.

The teams met three and a half weeks ago at Firhill, with former ‘Well man Steven Lawless scoring a late deflection to take all three points.

“We also know today’s will be tough,” McGhee continued. “I went to watch Thistle on Tuesday and in the second half their movement and energy was very good, especially in the last half hour where they seemed to run over the top of St Johnstone.

“We have to go out there, eleven versus eleven and prove we are better than them to take the three points, that’s the challenge set down to the lads. Do that and we can be above them in the table, and heap some pressure onto others around us.”

The referee for Saturday’s Partick Thistle game at Fir Park is the experienced Stephen Finnie.

Although Stephen has been a top-flight whistler for almost a decade, it may come as a surprise to learn this is his first Motherwell game in over a year, and his first at Fir Park since February 2014.

The last time he was the man in the middle for a ‘Well game was the instantly forgettable 4-1 defeat at Dens Park in January 2015, when despite a John Sutton goal midway through the first half, ‘Well were soundly beaten before Henrik Ojamaa was eventually sent off for an elbow in his last match in Claret and Amber.

The previous match to that was his last at Fir Park (during the 2013/14 season), a thrilling 4-3 win against today’s opponents Partick Thistle. The Jags were 3-2 ahead with just six minutes left on the clock, but a late double from John Sutton and Stephen McManus earned a hard-fought three points.

That was his second match of that particular season, the first was at Rugby Park back when second-half goals from Sutton and Henri Anier handed ‘Well a much needed three points.

He handled two matches the previous (2012/13) season too.

The first was also at Rugby Park as a Jamie Murphy double secured all three points in a 2-1 win. The other was the rearranged match against Dundee United at Fir Park last February. Johnny Russell scored the game’s only goal in a 1-0 win for the Terrors.

Stephen has taken charge of just ten Motherwell games over his long career, the Steelmen winning six and losing four; curiously, no draws.

In those ten matches, he has dished out 45 cautions, 17 of which flashed at a player wearing Claret and Amber. Only two players has been sent for an early bath, Scott Brown for a second bookable offence in a match at Parkhead in 2010 and the aforementioned Ojamaa last season.

Stephen will be assisted by Alan Mulvanny and Dougie Porter, with Kevin Clancy listed as fourth official.

Extended highlights from Excelsior Stadium as Dylan Mackin’s strike is enough to earn all three points for Motherwell.

Stephen Craigan has demanded more from their side despite the 1-0 win over Inverness this afternoon.

The Fir Parkers dominated possession from the first minute to the last, but weren’t able to really breakdown an organised Caley defence.

The only real time they did resulted in the winning goal, when Leitch teed up Mackin with a lovely pass, only for the striker to slot home.

Despite dominating possession and ultimately winning the game, the U20s boss would have liked his side to be a little better.

“Despite the victory, it was a bit of a frustrating afternoon for the lads,” Craigan said.

[pullquote]Overall, we’re pleased with the win and pleased to solidify our spot in fourth, but we could and should be better.[/pullquote]

“We had plenty of the ball and tried to move it as quick as we could, even though the pitch was a little sticky.

“Inverness made it difficult for us, they were compact and got men behind the ball when we attacked, as they are perfectly entitled to do. The onus is then on us to move the ball quicker, but we perhaps took an extra touch or two.

“In terms of chances, there weren’t much. The only real moment of quality in the game led to the goal. It was a brilliant ball over the top by Robbie and Dylan does what he does best, and that’s put the ball in the net.

“Overall, we’re pleased with the win and pleased to solidify our spot in fourth, but we could and should be better.”

The Under 20s extended their unbeaten run to four games with a 1-0 victory over Inverness this afternoon.

The Steelmen dominated from the first minute to the last, but clear cut chances were at a premium.

The winning goal came with sixty-seven minutes on the clock, when Dylan Mackin slotted home his eleventh of the campaign.

The Highlanders created very little during the game, but for a 90th minute shot from distance that went high over the bar.

Stephen Craigan named another youthful side with no over-age outfield players for the fourth consecutive match.

Ross MacLean came back into the starting eleven following his suspension last week with Josh Moore taking his place amongst the subs. Dylan Mackin was the only other chance, replacing namesake Falconer in the starting eleven.

‘Well made a positive start and tested Daniel Hoban within two minutes when on-loan Airdrie due Ferguson and Mackin combined, but the Caley keeper got down to save the striker’s header.

Eight minutes later and Leitch spurned a close range shot after a good cross from McMillan and a tee up from MacLean.

‘Well continued to dominate possession but were struggling to open up the rigid Inverness defence. Jake Hastie, David Turnbull and Barry Maguire all took on efforts from distance, but none would trouble Hoban.

Just after the half-hour a foul on Leitch presented Watt a chance from the free-kick. His first effort cannoned into the wall, before he lashed the rebound high over the crossbar.

The second half was seventeen minutes old before either side registered a chance. MacLean curled a 30-yard free-kick high over the crossbar.

Inverness were rarely up the park, let alone causing problems for Craig Samson in the hosts’ goal, but Andrew MacRea wasn’t able to capitalise after the fortuitous deflection on the edge of the area.

However, with their next attack, Motherwell would take the lead. Leitch picked up on a loose ball before knocking a brilliant ball over the top for Mackin who burst in on the goalkeeper. The big striker kept his composure to coolly slot through the goalkeeper.

That would be the last noteworthy of action of a fairly quiet afternoon, but for a late Inverness shot from Blair MacLennan what sailed high and wide of target.

Motherwell: Samson, Ferguson, McMillan, Maguire, Watt, Campbell, MacLean, Turnbull, Mackin, Hastie (Falconer – 85mins), R. Leitch (Moore – 78mins)

Subs Not Used: Morrison, Livingstone

Goals: Mackin

Partick Thistle visit Fir Park this Saturday and our special guest for the match is Motherwell legend Colin O’Neill.

Colin played for the Club from 1988-1992 and was central to the 90/91 Scottish Cup run – who can forget his screamer against Celtic in the semi-final replay at Hampden!

Colin and his party will be guest of the Club in the Centenary Suite, where you can join him for the afternoon.

It’s a 3pm kick-off, so why not combine an afternoon meal with a competitive Ladbrokes Premiership game against the Firhill side.

All packages include a ticket, match programme, team-sheet and half time refreshments.

You can choose from three packages:

Centenary Claret: Arrive at our Centenary Suite for 1pm. Full, four course table service with access to a pay bar till kick off and then again for an hour post-match.

Book now from only £60 for an adult and £45 for a child under 16.

Centenary Amber: Arrive at our Centenary Suite for 1pm. Full four course table service with complimentary bar and then again for an hour post-match.

Book now for £99 for an adult and £55 for a child under 16.

Millennium Ticket: Enjoy a lighter bite pre-match and at half-time with a complimentary bar for one-hour pre & post-match.

Book now for £70 for an adult and £35 for a child under 16.

Remember, Season Ticket holders can upgrade to hospitality for just £25.

01698 333333 | hospitality@motherwellfc.co.uk | #MFC25A

Motherwell U20s are back in action on Tuesday afternoon when they face Inverness CT at the Excelsior Stadium.

Stephen Craigan’s side are on a three-match unbeaten run with wins over St Johnstone and Rangers and a draw with Dundee United.

Their form has moved them up to sixth in the Development League table, their highest position of the season so far.

They sit ten points behind fifth place St Johnstone, but have a game in hand, so can’t afford any slips if they’re to catch the Perth Saints.

Caley sit second bottom in sixteenth, but in a tight table sit just six points behind ‘Well ten places above them. A win for the Highlanders could jump them seven places into 9th.

The match will take place at Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium, kick-off is 2pm.

Extended highlights from McDiarmid Park as despite taking the lead through Louis Moult, Motherwell lose 2-1 to St Johnstone.

‘Well boss Mark McGhee couldn’t hide his frustrations after yet another late goal cost his side dearly.

For the fifth league game in the last eight, Motherwell have lost a stoppage time goal, leaving them six points worse off than they currently are.

The Steelmen had taken the lead when Louis Moult headed home James McFadden’s corner but after David Wotherspoon had levelled things up shortly before the half-time break, Tam Scobbie headed home the winner with just seconds remaining.

[pullquote]It is a concern and we have to look at it, how we have lost the goals, see if there is a common thread and do as much as we can to stop it happening.[/pullquote]

“When it goes as often as it has, we have to consider there is some way they are not thinking right,” McGhee said.

“We’ve talked about it after the match as it’s a serious situation.

“Those last couple of minutes they have got to hear alarm bells ringing in their ears. There are certain things they cannot afford to do.

“It is a concern and we have to look at it, how we have lost the goals, see if there is a common thread and do as much as we can to stop it happening.”