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    Motherwell 2 – 1 Dundee Utd

  • Archive

    McGhee – Keen to extend the gap

  • Archive

    Crawford Allan in charge tonight…

  • Archive

    Cadden signs contract extension

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Station Park

  • Archive

    TV: Craigan positive despite loss

  • Archive

    St Johnstone U20s 3 – 1 Motherwell U20s

  • Archive

    SPFL Commission: Statement response

  • Archive

    Enjoy lunch with the first team!

  • Archive

    25th Anniversary: Events announced

  • Archive

    Motherwell 2 – 1 Dundee Utd

    [tab:Match report]

     Phil McGhee Fir Park

    Motherwell came from behind to make it four wins out of five and climb into the top six after an important 2-1 win over Dundee United.

    After falling behind to a strike from former ‘Well man Henri Anier, the Steelmen came battling back in a bruising encounter and an equaliser from Marvin Johnson just before half-time set up the home side to dominate the second forty five.

    And although only Louis Moult’s 17th goal of the season separated the sides, it was enough to haul ‘Well eighteen points ahead of the Tannadice club.

    Last week’s goal hero Loius Laing was missing with a groin strain as Josh Law returned to fullback in an otherwise unchanged ‘Well.

    Looking for a third consecutive win and three points which would increase the gap over United, Mark McGhee’s men started in a determined fashion and should have been in front after only four minutes.

    Chris Cadden, at the second attempt, crossed low from the right and Scott McDonald’s touch looked to have sent the ball over the line until Michal Szrimnik somehow hauled the ball back.

    United’s third choice ’keeper then had a few nervous moments as he failed to hold shots from Johnston and McDonald.

    At the other end Connor Ripley smartly blocked a back post header from Anier although the Estonian was offside.

    After 22 minutes the former ‘Well striker was marginally onside at the edge of the box when he collected a pass from Paul Dixon before lashing a left foot drive high beyond Ripley to put the Taysider’s ahead.

    That goal dented the home side’s confidence and as their play became disjointed United created a couple of more openings.

    Dixon, who was finding too much space on the left, cut inside and his right foot drive was well blocked by Ripley before the ‘Well ‘keeper, at full stretch, pushed away a low angled shot from Billy McKay.

    Morgaro Gomis, who replaced Stephen Pearson after 34 minutes, sent Johnson in behind the visitor’s defence but after some trickery created space he shot tamely into the side netting.

    Just when it looked like ‘Well we’re heading up the tunnel a goal behind at the end of a poor first half they conjured up an equaliser. Law floated his free kick into a packed penalty box and Johnson’s back header carried the ball over the ‘keeper and under the crossbar to level the scores.

    That goal revitalised the Steelmen and they pressed the United from the restart. A couple of teasing crosses flashed across Szromnik’s goal before the ‘keeper dived to push away Johnson’s cross as Moult waited.

    Johnson, using his pace and strength through the middle, was proving a real handful for United and a quick change of feet opened up the visitors only to see his chipped effort deflect off Morris and onto the crossbar.

    After 62 minutes ‘Well were forced into another change when Morris’ thudding tackle left Keith Lasley limping off to be replaced by Dom Thomas. His immediate contribution was a cut back for Johnson who couldn’t turn to get a shot on goal.

    However, a couple of minutes later the pair combined as ‘Well deservedly took the lead with the eventual winner.

    Thomas started the exchange of passes with McDonald who sent Johnson to the goal line and his driven ball across goal found the unmarked Moult who stroked home his 17th goal of the season.

    As United tried to find a way back into the game, ‘Well exposed gaps at the back and should have extended their lead. Moult released Cadden who watched his low drive palmed away by Szromnik.

    After that apart from hefty challenges goalmouth incidents were rare until the closing minutes.

    Moult was again the link sending Thomas down the left and his cross was perfect for the waiting Johnson until the United ‘keeper raced from his line and beat the ball away.

    As the game entered the additional five minutes and ‘Well fans dreading another late blow, the home side comfortably defended their advantage.

    In fact the only threat on goal came at the other end when Johnson once agin cut through the Taysider’s bedraggled defence before his low measured finish was deflected beyond the ‘keeper and his post.

    [tab:As it happened]

     Ally Reilly at Fir Park

    Get in Motherwell!!

    FULL TIME!!

    94′ | 2-1

    Johnson breaks away, cuts inside and sees his shot deflect wide for a corner.

    93′ | 2-1

    Paton booked for pulling McDonald back then taking a swipe at him with his foot.

    90′ | 2-1

    Five minutes added on.

    87′ | 2-1

    Moult bursts away down the left and curls in a cross towards Johnson but Szromnik gets first to it again.

    86′ | 2-1

    Motherwell sub, Kennedy on for Law.

    84′ | 2-1

    Corner to Utd…….claimed well by Ripley.

    MATCH ATTAX | Young ‘Well fans can vote for their Man of the Match now. Tweet their name, age, selection with #MatchAttaxMOTM.

    75′ | 2-1

    Double Utd sub, Ofere and Fraser on for McKay and Dow

    65′ | 2-1

    Morris wrestles Cadden to the deck and receives a booking.

    71′ | 2-1

    Very very close looking offside call there are Thomas burst through on goal!

    67′ | 2-1

    Counter attack from ‘Well as Moult breaks away inside his own half. He threads it to Cadden who shoots but Szromnik makes the stop

    65′ | 2-1

    It’s that man @louismoult who pokes home Johnson’s delightful low cross! Come on!

    GGGGOOOOAAALLLLL!!!!

    65′ | 1-1

    Close! Thomas jinks away from Donaldson but Gunning recovers and clears his low delivery

    60′ | 1-1

    Two subs then,

    Utd sub: Durnan on for Morris

    ‘Well sub: Lasley off for Thomas

    59′ | 1-1

    Stoppage in play as Lasley and Morris receive treatment after a full blooded challenge from the Utd man.

    55′ | 1-1

    Off the bar! Johnson’s shot from outside the box takes a deflection and goes out off the woodwork!

    54′ | 1-1

    ….Spittal fires straight into the wall and Hammell clears.

    53′ | 1-1

    Free-kick in a very dangerous area for Utd…..

    52′ | 1-1

    Great play again from Johnson but Szromnik gets enough on the low cross to divert it away from the waiting McDonald

    49′ | 1-1

    Cadden’s cross from the right loops just over the Utd bar.

    Motherwell get the second 45 underway. COYW!!!!

    HT: Motherwell 1 – 1 Dundee Utd

    45′ | 1-1

    Johnson gets the vital header on Law’s clipped free-kick!! 1-1!

    GGGGOOOOAAALLLLL!!!!!

    43′ | 0-1

    Ball over the top finds McKay who volleys low at goal. Ripley is equal to it and puts it wide for a corner.

    41′ | 0-1

    Lovely footwork from Johnson gets him into the box but he scuffs the ball wide of the post. Gunning then booked for time-wasting

    34′ | 0-1

    Motherwell sub, Pearson makes way for Gomis.

    31′ | 0-1

    Dixon cuts inside on his right foot and forces Ripley into a good save, diving low to his left.

    22′ | 0-1

    Goal – Anier lashes a shot into the top corner from 20 yards. 1-0 to Utd

    19′ | 0-0

    Motherwell corner….headed wide for another. From that delivery, Moult is judged to have fouled his man.

    16′ | 0-0

    Law’s free-kick is headed wide for a corner….delivery falls to Johnson but he blazes it well over the bar!

    15′ | 0-0

    Johnson with a stinging low shot from 20 yard. On this slippy surface, well worth an effort but Szormnik gathers.

    14′ | 0-0

    Now it’s Utd’s turn to have the ball in the net but again the flag is up, this time for Anier.

    11′ | 0-0

    Close! Johnson’s powerful low shot is palmed out to McDonald but the Aussie is ruled to be offside.

    9′ | 0-0

    Good chance for Utd again as the ball is played wide to Dixon inside the box but gets his footing wrong and fires wide.

    4′ | 0-0

    Great chance there for McDonald about 2 yards out. Szormnik gets a hand on it and somehow it doesn’t go in?! Looked over?

    1′ | 0-0

    Fast start for Utd who have a chance in the 1st minute. Ball falls to Rankin inside the box but he slices into the sidenetting.

    Utd kick the game off. COYW!!!!

    Both sides come out the tunnel, home kit for ‘Well and Utd are in white and black. #MFCvDUFC

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Mark McGhee:

    “We might be back out the top six tomorrow, but more importantly it puts three more points between us the team sitting second bottom,” he added.

    “In the first half, we were very fortunate to go in level. I thought we were really poor.

    “We didn’t work anywhere as hard as we have been and certainly we didn’t work as hard as we did in the second half.

    “But the fact is we did get the equaliser fortunately and it gave us the platform to sort out a few things at half time and work harder in the second half.

    “We certainly did that. They put in a tremendous amount of work in the second half and, in the end, thoroughly deserved to win the game.”

    Dundee Utd Manager Mixu Paatelainen

    “We always knew their pace up front was going to give us a real test and it did. They have pacey players and very direct players and they used it well.

    “But to lose the goal at the end of the first half the manner we did… Was it a free-kick? It’s questionable. That is a big blow. But we defended softly, we should have been earlier up there to head the ball away.

    “First half we looked very bright and created loads of openings and looked pretty comfortable. Obviously goals change games and how players feel, and losing the goal so late was a big blow.

    “But the way we performed first half, we should have done that second half as well and worried them. But we didn’t.”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”267″]

  • Archive

    McGhee – Keen to extend the gap

    ‘Well boss Mark McGhee’s maintains his main aim is to try and guide the club away from the bottom two positions.

    Three wins in the last four matches has lifted the Steelmen into the ‘middle’ of the table, but with a host of clubs bunched together, it’s still very much all to play for.

    McGhee knows victory of Dundee United in the BT Sport Live game last this evening may well lift his side into the top six, albeit perhaps temporarily, but he insists his focus is more about trying to increase the gap between the teams below.

    “One of the instructions I was given when I arrived here was to try and ensure the club weren’t in one of the bottom two positions come the end of the season, so that’s still my target for now,” he said.

    [pullquote]Although a win here tonight would, at the very least temporarily, lift us into the top-six with three games to the split, for my money it affords us a bigger gap over the likes of Hamilton and Kilmarnock, and Dundee United, obviously.[/pullquote]

    The Fir Park boss expects a tough encounter though.

    Like ‘Well, Dundee United have won three of their last four matches, included back-to-back successes at against Ross County, no mean feat.

    The teams met as recently as one month ago, when ‘Well ran out winners, but McGhee is sure it’ll be an altogether more difficult task this evening.

    He continued: “We aren’t expecting an easy time of it though, that’s for sure. You cannot help but be impressed with the mental strength Mixu has shown to keep his head above water because the night we beat them at Tannadice last month, they were down.

    “I don’t mean relegated, but depressed about what had happened and looked flat. So to recover from that, win the games and bounce back the way they have has been quite impressive.

    “They play in a certain style that makes it tricky for the opposition, but we will need to combat that and try and impose ourselves on the game. We can take confidence from the win over Partick Thistle here a fortnight ago and hopefully kick on.”

  • Archive

    Crawford Allan in charge tonight…

    Referee for this tonight’s BT Sport Live clash with Dundee Utd is the experienced Crawford Allan.

    It will be Crawford’s fifth Motherwell fixture of the current campaign, with a mixed bag in the other games.

    He handled the season opener at Inverness, when a Wes Fletcher goal earned the Fir Parkers their first three points in the campaign.

    Then, two months later, he was in charge for the impressive 1-1 draw with Aberdeen at Pittodrie, when Scott McDonald’s goal earned Mark McGhee’s side a good point.

    The next was the disappointing 3-0 reverse at the Global Energy Stadium in late November, when a depleted Steelmen suffered a heavy loss in the Highlands.

    However, his most recent was the solid 2-0 win over St Johnstone at Fir Park just after Christmas, which was in the middle of a solid ‘Well run at the time.

    Crawford will be a very familiar face to most Scottish fans, having been a steady stalwart over the last decade.

    He handled four matches during the 2014/15 season too, including two Friday night defeats at Pittodrie, ‘Well losing 2-1 and 1-0 respectively, the instantly forgettable New Years defeat at New Douglas Park and the 1-1 draw with Ross County at Fir Park last season.

    Tragically, Allan took charge of the ‘Well game on the 29th December 2007, forever etched in history as the date when Phil O’Donnell tragically passed away in the 5-3 victory over Dundee United.

    Speaking publically, Allan admitted Phil’s death had a profound effect on the whistler but won heartfelt praise for the way he handled what was an extremely difficult situation and his sensitive approach will be forever appreciated by everyone at Motherwell Football Club and is recognised each time he returns to Fir Park.

    In another twist of fate, Crawford is only one of two referees to have ever taken charge of a Motherwell away game at Fir Park as the Steelmen faced hosts Gretna during the 2007/2008 campaign.

    His record in charge of the ‘Well is a fairly mixed, with the Fir Parkers winning ten, drawing eight and losing eight of the twenty six games in total. In those games, 70 players have seen yellow, 42 in Claret and Amber, whilst four have been sent for an early bath, the most recent being Shaun Hutchinson in that match against Hibs two seasons ago.

    Allan will be ably assisted by Brian Templeton and Stuart Hodge with Mike Roncone on fourth official

  • Archive

    Cadden signs contract extension

    Motherwell FC is today delighted to confirm Chris Cadden has signed an extended contract through to the summer of 2018.

    Cadden has been a hit since cementing his spot in Mark McGhee’s first team squad since early January, scoring his first top-league goal against Dundee at Dens Park six weeks ago.

    The 19-year old is a product of the Steelmen’s Academy, having first joined ‘Well on youth terms back in 2006, aged just ten.

    He also had a productive spell on loan at Albion Rovers last season, pitching in with two goals in eight games for the Cliftonhill side, helping them clinch the League Two title.

    The energetic midfielder, who can also operate on the flanks, has been rewarded with a new deal that ties him to Fir Park for at least the next two seasons.

    Speaking about his new deal, the youngster said: “I’m delighted to sign my contract and get my future sorted out.

    “It’s been brilliant these last few months. The gaffer [Mark McGhee] has been unbelievable for me and I want to try and learn as much as I can from him and Stephen Robinson.

    [pullquote]My own personal aim is to retain my place in the first-team and hopefully keep learning and improving as a player. I’ll work as hard as I can for the team, and hopefully we’ll have a good end to the season.”[/pullquote]

    ‘Well boss Mark McGhee added: “Chris has been outstanding over these last few months.

    “Everyone at the club is delighted he has committed to us, as we know there was interest from elsewhere, including England.

    “However, the lad is sensible and comes from a good football family who recognise the importance of his development, and that’s what Motherwell FC is all about.

    “Chris’ rise should act as an inspiration for all our lads in the Under 20s, all our lads in the Academy or any parent considering Motherwell as an option for their son.

    “We’re serious about our new strategy of developing and trusting younger players, and the likes of Chris, Ben Hall, Dom Thomas and others are proving that.”

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Station Park

    Extended highlights from the Station Park as the Under 20s lose 3-1 to St Johnstone despite a superb opener from David Turnbull.

  • Archive

    TV: Craigan positive despite loss

    Under 20s boss Stephen Craigan gives his thoughts after today’s 3-1 defeat to St Johnstone U20s.

  • Archive

    St Johnstone U20s 3 – 1 Motherwell U20s

    An young ‘Well U20s lost their first match in over a month when they crashed to defeat at the hands of an experienced St Johnstone.

    The Steelmen, who didn’t name an overage player in the side, came up against a Saints team with five, including the likes of Brian Easton, Craig Thomson and Scott Brown.

    In spite of that, it was ‘Well who were ahead at the interval when David Turnbull scored a super strike from distance after a patient passing move from the visitors.

    However, the experience of the hosts shone through in the second half and Easton and Thomson both netted to get their side in front, before sub Greg Page headed home a late third.

    Stephen Craigan made three changes to the side that beat Ross County last Sunday. David Ferguson and Dom Thomas were unavailable and Allan Campbell took a knock at training yesterday; Adam Livingstone, Jake Hastie and a trialist front man were included as replacements.

    And the youngsters almost took the lead within four minutes. A ball into Mackin was well controlled, and when his pass took a fortuitous flick off the trialist striker, it fell kindly for Hastie. He took a touch and drove towards goal, but his shot came crashing back off the post.

    Shortly after, the trialist striker and Robbie Leitch combined, with the latter eventually hanging up a cross towards the back post which Mackin got to, but could only direct his header just over the bar.

    It took Saints ten minutes to really register an effort at goal when Thomson’s cross from the right found Greg Hurst in the area, but his header bounced wide of target.

    Then, shortly after, the same two players combined to create a chance Saints should have profited from. Thomson’s low, bouncing cross was perfect for Hurst but with the goal at his mercy, he somehow screwed it wide.

    Thomson had a shot of his own at one end before Leitch had a chance for the Steelmen, but could only drill a shot into the ground, taking the sting off it.

    However, out of almost nothing, ‘Well scored one of the goals of the season. A 14-touch passing move, involving six different players all across the pitch, eventually concluded with Leitch and the trialist striker combining to tee up David Turnbull, who smashed home a dart of a strike into the top corner from 25 yards.

    Saints went close to a quick-fire leveller when Hurst was afforded too much space inside the area, but his low shot was well held by Brett Long.

    With the Fir Parkers going in level at the break, Stephen Craigan’s message would have been to keep it tight for the opening ten minutes of the second half, but within seconds the score was level.

    To be fair, it was an equaliser of some quality from Brian Easton, who curled home a peach of a free kick from almost the same spot Turnbull had netted, leaving Long absolutely no chance.

    ‘Well had a opportunity to get back in front almost instantly, when Leitch set-up Mackin on the edge, but his spin and hit was straight at Ben McKenzie who saved easily.

    It was to prove a crucial block as with their next attack, Saints got in front. A ball into the box was headed back across goal by Liam Gordon and although ‘Well had two chances to clear it, the ball eventually landed at the feet of Thomson who took a touch before lashing high into the net.

    ‘Well continued to plug away and long-range hits from both Hastie and Turnbull failed to trouble McKenzie. However, they were punished with their third set piece of the match when sub Greg Page rose to convert a corner after fellow sub Daniel Jardine had brought out a good save from Long.

    The Steelmen didn’t give up and were impressive in possession throughout. They may have reduced the arrears in the last few minutes when a positive spin and run from Hastie opened up space for the sixteen-year old, but he could only curl wide.

    It was a defeat, the first in seven for the young Fir Parkers, but Stephen Craigan will have seen more than enough from his young troops to continue to be optimistic of a bright future.

    Motherwell: Long, McMillan, Livingstone, Maguire, Watt, MacLean, Trialist (Falconer – 64mins), Turnbull, Mackin, Hastie, R.Leitch (J.Moore – 76mins)

    Subs Not Used: Morrison

  • Archive

    SPFL Commission: Statement response

    Following the SPFL statement dated 8th February 2016, Motherwell Football Club has today released the following update.

    “Motherwell Football Club notes the decision of the SPFL Commission in relation to the Premiership / Championship Playoff 2nd Leg on May 31st 2015.

    The club robustly defended itself during the lengthy process and, at its conclusion, agreed to take forward the various action points set out in the decision.

    Although much of what is required of the club by the commission is being addressed by the club, it is important to emphasise the role of our supporters in helping meet the requirements of the commission.

    While the club acknowledges that the end of season pitch incursions at Fir Park, by predominantly young supporters, have almost always been celebratory and without malice, incursions themselves are considered to be ‘unacceptable conduct’ and may give rise to further disorder.

    In particular, the incursion on 31st May 2015 was found to be disorderly by the commission.

    It is clear that the league will no longer accept these incursions and the club could face extremely serious sanctions should there be a repeat.

    It is absolutely paramount that no fan enters the pitch or trackside area at any game in future, either at Fir Park or elsewhere. Should this instruction be ignored, the club will reluctantly be left with no other option but to take appropriate action against those concerned, which may include a significant ban from the stadium.

    Motherwell Football Club is immensely proud of its supporters and appreciates every single fan that follows the club each and every week. We would ask supporters take heed of the message and work with us to ensure no further issues or problems.

    In return, the club will continue to work hard for supporter’s rights and the often valid concerns that are frequently raised in response.”

  • Archive

    Enjoy lunch with the first team!

    On Friday 18th March & Friday 8th April, we have a limited number of places for you to join the first team for lunch – a most memorable experience for all supporters. 

    You’ll enjoy the same meal as the players, freshly prepared by our in-house Chef with your day culminating in a memorable behind the scenes, access all areas tour of Fir Park, a fantastic trip down memory lane where you will learn all about the Club’s history.

    During lunch you’ll have the opportunity to meet the players, have your picture taken with them and autograph any of your Motherwell FC memorabilia.

    If you’re a season ticket holder or a member of The Well Society, places are available at £24.95 for adults and £14.95 for Juveniles with a family ticket priced at £34.95

    Regular adult places are priced at £29.95 and £19.95 for a juvenile or a family ticket at £39.95

    Arrival on the day is from 12pm at the Centenary Suite, here at Fir Park.

    To book your place, either call or buy online.

    01698 333333 | www.motherwellbuyonline.co.uk

  • Archive

    25th Anniversary: Events announced

    ‘Main is in trouble, there’s Steve Kirk….the super-sub has done it again!’

    Those iconic words from the ’91 Cup Final live long in the memory and as all ‘Well fans know – Wednesday 18th May is the 25th anniversary of Motherwell FC winning the Scottish Cup.

    To mark this milestone in the Club’s history, there are a series of events planned to bring together the team from ’91, the fans, backroom staff and all those from a generation who remember the 1990/91 cup run and the final itself.

    The major function in the calendar is our black tie dinner, which will be held at the Bothwell Bridge Hotel on Sunday 8th May. This gala dinner will mark the Cup win anniversary with guests paying tribute to the team, the manager and those who played a key role in the Club at that exciting time.

    There is a Q&A evening planned for Thursday 24th March, where fans can get the chance to quiz some of the winning team in what it was like to play for Motherwell, what it’s like to life the Cup and become a legend in our 130th year.

    Finally, on the anniversary of the game we will be showing a DVD re-run of the final here at Fir Park. Attending will be many of the players who gave their all that day in Claret and Amber; where supporters can re-live the occasion or join in for the first time and pay tribute to their heroes.

    There are other events planned, including the release of a commemorative DVD with brand new interviews and other content, anniversary lamb-wool scarf, golf day with the legends and some yet to be confirmed community based activity.

    We will also be looking to gather your thoughts, memories and memorabilia building a wealth of emotion from ’91 which will be shared among all Motherwell fans.

    More information on the events follows…

    25th Anniversary Dinner

    On Sunday 8th May, join the ’91 team, backroom staff and key Club personnel for a celebration dinner at the Bothwell Bridge hotel.

    Our host, Tam Cowan will guide us through the evening, conducting a ’91 team Q&A, a raffle and fantastic auction. The evening rounds off with some light-hearted words from our guest speaker before carriages are called at midnight.

    The night promises to be most memorable, with nostalgia being central to it’s theme.

    We hope you can join us!

    • Four course meal, with two complimentary bottles of red & white wine on the table

    • Tickets priced at £60 each or £600 for table of 10

    • Mixed tables for bookings less than 10

    • Places must be bought via the Club on 01698 333333 or www.motherwellbuyonline.co.uk

    • Rooms can be reserved directly with the hotel, by calling 01698 852246

    QandA evening

    with guests from the ’91 cup winning team

    Take your seat, wet your whistle and be primed to ask your heroes the questions you’ve always wanted to ask them at our intimate night with representatives from ’91 cup winning team and also Mark McGhee’s first XI.

    We will also be opening the stadium tunnel that evening for those who wish to view their ceramic tiled messages, which adorn the walls of this private and exclusive area of Fir Park.

    • Thursday 24th March

    • Centenary Suite, Fir Park, 7pm – 730pm start

    • £10 entry

    • Free pint on arrival and pie at Half-time

    • Places can be bought via the Club on 01698 333333 or www.motherwellbuyonline.co.uk

    Cup Final Re-run

    On the 25th anniversary of the famous Cup win against Dundee United, join us at Fir Park to watch over the game, hear commentary from those central to the match and cheer on Stevie Kirk’s bullet header during extra-time.

    • Wednesday 18th May

    • Cooper Suite, Fir Park, 7pm – 745pm kick off

    • £10 entry

    • Free pint on arrival and pie at Half-Time

    • Places can be bought via the Club on 01698 333333 or www.motherwellbuyonline.co.uk