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Motherwell’s U13s girls will travel to Norway this weekend to compete in one of the world’s largest youth tournaments.

The Norway Cup, which has been running since 1972, is an annual competition which is competed by nearly 1,700 teams from across the globe.

But this weekend marks the first time Motherwell ladies will be represented at the competition, with the U13s team making the four-hour flight for a week stay in Oslo.

And team coach Linda Gibson admits that it is a “surreal” feeling.

She said: “It was quite surreal because they put up the team lists and there were hundreds and hundreds of teams and then just among it all you could see the Scotland flag next to Motherwell.

[pullquote]When I started here less than two years ago there was only 15 girls kicking a ball for Motherwell, and in that short time it’s now grown to 140.[/pullquote]

“The girls are really, really excited but I’m quite nervous, not only cause I’m not a great flyer but because it’s the first time the club have taken the girls away to something like this.”

The youth coach is in her second season with Motherwell and she has noted an incredible growth in interest and achievement of the girls.

She said: “When I started here less than two years ago there was only 15 girls kicking a ball for Motherwell, and in that short time it’s now grown to 140.

“Eight of those girls have been put through to regional camps and one to nationals – the whole thing has just grown arms and legs.”

The Motherwell Community Trust has been pivotal in that growth, helping the youth ladies team raise funds for their Norway trip.

[pullquote]As much as it’s a huge achievement that we’re going, it’s also a bit of a reward for all of the hard work the girls have put in.[/pullquote]

Gibson said: “The support from the Motherwell Community Trust has been incredible; Dawn Middleton has supported us and helped with raising funds as has Alan Burrows at the club.

“The whole thing has really been possible thanks to all of the support from all corners of the club and charity as well as the efforts of our coaches and the parents of the girls, as well as the girls themselves of course.

“We have also been lucky to have kit sponsorships from SMS Technology and Grassroots International.”

The girls will be looking to add to their incredibly successful achievements over the last year or so, with their aims set on reaching a third quarterfinal in a year.

But coach Linda Gibson added that it isn’t all about their performance, and it will be a valuable experience.

She said: “The girls will be staying in a luxury hotel and will be getting all of their meals cooked for them, so as much as it’s a huge achievement that we’re going, it’s also a bit of a reward for all of the hard work the girls have put in.”

She added: “I believe in their ability though, so I am very confident that they’ll do really well.”

Motherwell skipper Keith Lasley insists the squad must be in a good mind-set to ensure progression in the League Cup.

The Steelmen travel to Stair Park for their fourth and final group game against League One side Stranraer in Group F – where three points should be enough to seal a spot in the knockout stages.

And captain Lasley added that the changes to the cup format have been a refreshing change.

He said: “It’s a very meaningful game, as you see in a lot of the groups, not just ours, it’s going to come down to Saturday’s games which is great and I think the competition has been good.

“It’s been a great change and it’s been good to be involved in.”

[pullquote]From our point of view we go to Stranraer and we know what we have to do to have any chance of going through – we have to win the match.[/pullquote]

He added: “From our point of view we go to Stranraer and we know what we have to do to have any chance of going through – we have to win the match.

“And that will be a good thing for us in terms of it being pretty clear in our minds; we won’t be thinking that a draw could do, we know we have to win to have any chance to progress.

“Hopefully that’ll work in our favour and we’ll be going there in a good frame of mind.”

Speaking to the press, the 36-year-old spoke about the importance of the Fir Parkers taking their chances in important matches.

He said: “Not just for Saturday but going forward when we’re on top of games we’ve got to be ruthless and take our chances.

“When these opportunities arise, especially in a game like Saturday when we know we have to win, we have to be prepared to take them.”

The veteran midfielder was full of support for team-mate and friend James McFadden in light of his appointment as Mark McGhee’s assistant earlier this week.

[pullquote]I think [James] and the manager can be a good combination for us and help us this season and beyond.[/pullquote]

He said: “He’s not shouted at me yet and he hasn’t given me the hairdryer yet – I’m sure I’ll get that at some point.

“But no, it’s fantastic and I’m pleased for James, he’s obviously had a bit of an up and down time over the last two or three years on the playing side of things, I know he’s been frustrated about that but this gives him a great opportunity to have an influence at the club.

He added: “The manager has identified that he can do that and James knows the club inside out, he has a great relationship with the fans and he’s played under some great managers and played at the top level so I think he’ll bring a lot to the role.

“I think him and the manager can be a good combination for us and help us this season and beyond.”

‘Well assistant manager James McFadden is up for his new challenge and said there’s no better place to start his coaching career.

Speaking to the press this morning, the 33-year-old admitted he was shocked to get offered the job by Mark McGhee.

But with a 3-0 win against East Stirlingshire under his belt this week, he is settling in to the position already.

He said: “It feels good; I’ve had the joys of both parts of it. I was obviously involved with the game on Tuesday and then I was in doing my rehab yesterday.

[pullquote]It’s working well so far and it’s going to be tough but it’s something I’m looking forward to.[/pullquote]

“It’s working well so far and it’s going to be tough but it’s something I’m looking forward to.”

The forward, who aims to return to fitness as well as taking on his new position alongside Mark McGhee, revealed the manner in which the offer arose.

He said: “I was very shocked because I spoke to him in the morning and he asked about coaching and stuff and I just laughed it off.

“Mark’s quite deadpan so he just made a wee comment and walked away – then I turned to one of the boys and I said to them ‘I think I’ve just been interviewed for the assistant managers job’ and I just started laughing.”

He added: “So I did my training and then I came back in the afternoon and he brought me in to his office and he asked me how I’d fancy being his assistant.

[pullquote]I was very shocked because I spoke to him in the morning and he asked about coaching and stuff and I just laughed it off.[/pullquote]

“I honestly didn’t know what to say cause all I was thinking about until then was getting fit and getting back in the team.

“Initially I knew how big an opportunity it was for me but I needed a few days to think about it.”

After accepting the offer, McFadden has enjoyed settling in during his first week as assistant.

He said: “It’s been great, it’s a massive opportunity and I’m delighted the manager has thought about me in that regard and I’m looking forward to helping him.

He added: “I’m easy going but obviously I demand standards of myself and of people around me – that won’t change and it’s been the case since I came back anyway.

“There’s no better place for me to start my coaching career. Players and staff come back here, not for the money, but because it’s one of the best clubs to work or play for.”

Referee for Saturday’s Betfred Cup match against Stranraer at Stair Park is Don Robertson.

It will be Don’s first ‘Well appointment of the 2016/17 season and only his fifth ever Motherwell fixture during his six seasons as a senior official.

50% of those games came last season – the first being a 1-1 draw with Ross County at Fir Park back in early September when a last-minute Louis Moult leveler earned the Steelmen a point.

Then, just three weeks late, he was the man in the middle for the 2-1 defeat at Dens Park when Stephen Pearson’s goal was not enough to earn his side anything during Stephen Craigan’s temporary tenure.

The most recent was the memorable 2-1 win over Aberdeen at Fir Park last March when a Scott McDonald header and an opportunistic Moult goal gave Mark McGhee’s side all three points.

The only game other came in February of the 2014/15 season when Dundee were again the opponents, and they won 0-1 in North Lanarkshire courtesy of a Paul McGinn goal after twelve minutes.

His most recent appointment came during the week with Morton’s vital 3-2 win over Queen of the South in the race for the last Championship play-off spot.

Don will be ably assisted by David Roome and Scott Love.

‘Well fans heading for Stair Park this Saturday can buy their tickets for the game at the turnstile on the day of the match.

Admission prices are as follows:

ADULTS:	£12
CONCESSIONS:	£8
JUVENILE:	£5
UNDER 12	FREE

• Concessions are listed as Over 65s
• Juveniles are listed as Under 16s.

 

Highlights from Fir Park as Johnson, McDonald and Cadden score in a 3-0 win for the Steelmen.

Action images from today’s 3-0 win over East Stirlingshire in the Betfred Cup.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix

[svgallery name=”eaststirlingshire260716″]

Mark McGhee felt his side should have scored more in the 3-0 win over East Stirlingshire at Fir Park – but was satisfied with his sides performance.

The Fir Parkers dominated at home, with goals from Marvin Johnson, Scott McDonald and Chris Cadden putting the non-league visitors to the sword.

The Steelmen currently sit second in Group F and boast a goal difference of three, with a crucial game against Stranraer beckoning on Saturday.

But for the manager and his team, it was a job well done against the Shire tonight.

McGhee said: “I would’ve liked to get more but all credit to them they made it difficult for us.

“It was 0-0 at half time but we could’ve been ahead – we could’ve been 3-0 up at half-time – but we didn’t take our chances and we didn’t create clear enough chances.”

“In the second half we did and we took three of them which was pleasing.”

He added: “They’re organised, they worked ever so hard, they were enthusiastic and at times they played, so I think we’ve got to be satisfied.”

The ‘Well boss was joined by new assistant James McFadden on the touchline, and the manager pointed out his early impact.

[pullquote]He’s got lots to say and it’s very, very positive and very, very knowledgeable, so I think we’ve made a good appointment.[/pullquote]

He said: “You can see already why I chose him because he’s already asserting himself – he’s up there on the touchline saying what he wants to say and not waiting for me to speak.”

He added: “He’s got lots to say and it’s very, very positive and very, very knowledgeable, so I think we’ve made a good appointment.

“Him and I are already very comfortable together and I think the boys will respond to him.”

Craig Clay started as a trialist tonight and the manager has been extremely impressed with the midfielder, and fellow trialist Lee Lucas who was unfortunately injured against Annan on Saturday.

Touching on his players performance, McGhee said: “We gave Craig Clay his debut and I thought he did terrifically well.

“Marvin again was great, Scott got a little bit frustrated but got his goal, so generally we were pleased.”

He added: “It was a good performance, I thought we were solid at the back and played the ball around well.”

[tab:Match report]

Motherwell claimed three points with a convincing win over Lowland League opponents East Stirlingshire.

An up tempo second half, inspired by Marvin Johnson’s goal after 52 minutes, with Scott McDonald and Chris Cadden adding two more late in the half eventually gave the Fir Park men a comfortable scoreline but they failed to over-run a ‘Shire side which was demoted from the SFL last season.

Mark McGhee resisted any temptation to weaken his line-up for the visit of non-league East Stirlingshire, in the knowledge that a resounding victory was required if ‘Well are to progress beyond the group stages of the Betfred Cup.

And the players sensed the need for a positive start as ‘Well could have been two up within the first minute.

Marvin Johnston dragged the ball in from the wing and after drifting pass a handful of opponents his firm drive was palmed away by Darren Dolan at full stretch.

The ‘Shire ‘keeper was the saviour again when Scott McDonald burst through the middle but his delicate lob was palmed high by Dolan before a defender booted the ball away as it bounced towards goal.

The Fir Park men, in their denim blue kit, looked intent on getting an early goal and after five minutes McDonald’s angled toe poke forced another fine save from Dolan.

However, after that furious start ‘Well’s play became over elaborate and as the Lowland League side became organised and more confident the visitor’s ‘keeper was less troubled.

Some smarter moves around the box createda couple of openings. The first fell for Cadden but from 10 yards he fired straight at the ‘keeper. The midfielder then set up Johnson with a cushioned header but his volley drifted past the post.

At the other end Craig Samson was a virtual spectator until six minutes from half time when Derek Ure’s 25 yard drive gave him his first save.

By the half time whistle the only cheers that could be heard came from the band of 82 ‘Shire  fans in the main stand.

Johnson was again  first to threaten the visitor’s goal three minutes into the second half but his glancing header was comfortably held by Dolan.

Three minutes later the ‘keeper was helpless as Johnson swivelled at the edge of the box before drilling a low drive into the net.

Before play restarted Lionel Ainsworth and Joe Chalmers replaced Dom Thomas and Stevie Hammell.

However, before  either of them got a touch it took a twisting reflex save from Samson to push away Graeme McGregor’s deflected shot and keep ‘Well in front.

At the other end Dolan had to react smartly to Ainworth’s clever free kick from wide left which was curling under the cross bar.

Suddenly the game had a feeling of being a cup tie and another net bound effort from Ainsworth was headed wide by Ross Fisher.

After 64 minutes and with  Motherwell much more lively about the visitor’s box Johnston’s cut back set up Craig Clay but the Welsh midfielder’s measured shot was blocked in the centre of goal by Andrew Grant.

His near namesake David Grant then brought gasps of relief from the home fans as his curled shot bounced narrowly past Samson’s left hand post.

With 14 minutes remaining McDonald eased the nerves nonchalantly nodding Cadden’s cross home from a couple of yards for his first goal of the season.

The favour was reciprocated two minutes later when McDonald teed up Cadden but his strike at goal was blocked by a couple of defenders.

The young midfielder finally got  his name on the scoresheet four minutes from time when he swept Richard Tait’s cut back into the corner of the net.

With another three points in the bag though Motherwell head for Stranraer on Saturday knowing that another win would probably be enough to see them into the last sixteen of the cup.

[tab:As it happened]

 Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

FT: Motherwell 3 – 0 East Stirlingshire

87′ | 3-0

Tait does brilliantly to get down the right and pull it back into a great area for CADDEN to slot into the bottom corner. 3-0!

GOALL!!

84′ | 2-0

Great ball by Johnson to Ainsworth who takes on the shot from 20 yards. Dolan dives low to his left and tips it away to safety

81′ | 2-0

Johnson curls in a deep ball which Dolan can only parry to Ainsworth but from a tight angle, he fires just over the bar.

80′ | 2-0

East Stirlingshire sub, McGuigan off for Peddie

78′ | 2-0

Great chance as Ainsworth plays McDonald clean through. The Aussie cuts back and squares Cadden whose shot is well blocked 🙁

76′ | 2-0

Cadden puts the ball on a plate for McDONALD who nods home from 6 yards! 2-0!

GOOALL!

73′ | 1-0

East Stirlingshire sub, Hogg is off for Comrie

73′ | 1-0

Chalmes advances to support McDonald and receives the ball just inside the box. HIs curled shot is saved by Dolan.

67′ | 1-0

East Stirlngshire sub, Sludden on for Murray

66′ | 1-0

D. Grant comes close for East Stirlngshire, his shot from 18 yards curling just wide of the post. Had Sammy worried.

64′ | 1-0

Johnson wins the ball back in a great area and squares it to Clay 12 yards out but a defender bravely gets in front of it!

60′ | 1-0

Bit of head tennis inside the box as frustratingly the ball just wont drop for someone. Finally falls to Heneghan who volleys wide

59′ | 1-0

Ainsworth goes close again, with a shot from the left but the defender gets his head in the way. Corner…

59′ | 1-0

Close! Ainsworth’s deep free-kick forces Dolan to shift quickly and tip it over the bar.

56′ | 1-0

Chance for East Stirlingshire, Ure with a shot through bodies. Takes a deflection but Samson is alert to it and saves.

54′ | 1-0

2 Motherwell subs, Ainsworth on for Thomas and Chalmers on for Hammell.

53′ | 1-0

JOHNSON finally breaks the deadlock, turning his man on the edge of the box and powerfully firing past Dolan

GOOAALL!!

49′ | 0-0

McDonald gets down the outside of the box and crosses to the head of Johnson but he can’t get enough power in it to test Dolan

Lasley gets the second 45 underway. COYW!!

HT: Motherwell 0 – 0 East Stirlingshire

44′ | 0-0

…falls to McDonald but his shot is deflected wide for a corner.

44′ | 0-0

Late chance here for ‘Well, a free-kick wide on the left….

40′ | 0-0

Ure with the first effort that troubles Samson. Thankfully the goalie deals well with the bounce in front of him

33′ | 0-0

Cadden shows good skill and gets past his man but Dolan reads his cross well and gets down low to gather

30′ | 0-0

Johnson jinks through the middle and gets a shot away which is travelling in but for Fisher’s foot, who then sweeps it out

27′ | 0-0

Another chance goes! This time the ball is whipped in and Heneghan stoops low to head but it is just wide of the post.

21′ | 0-0

Inches away! Great play again, Cadden nods the ball down to Johnson on the edge of the box but his volley flies just past.

16′ | 0-0

Lovely build-up play frees up Cadden inside the box but his shot is straight at Dolan.

14′ | 0-0

East Stirlingshire have a corner…..but the low ball in is swept clear by McDonald

2′ | 0-0

Close again! McDonald this time who goes for the chip but Dolan gets enough on it and gets back to clear his lines

1′ | 0-0

CLOSE! Johnson twists, turns and gets a low shot away from 15 yards which Dolan has to put around the post!

Out come both sides, the Steelmen showing off their new denim blue away kit, East Stirlingshire in yellow and blue.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee:

“I would’ve liked to get more but all credit to them they made it difficult for us.

“It was 0-0 at half time but we could’ve been ahead – we could’ve been 3-0 up at half-time – but we didn’t take our chances and we didn’t create clear enough chances.

“In the second half we did and we took three of them which was pleasing.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

Marvin Johnson

[poll id=”277″]

Motherwell FC is today delighted to confirm the appointment of James McFadden as Assistant Manager.

Following Stephen Robinson’s move to Oldham Athletic a few weeks ago, the club has been looking for a replacement.

And ‘Well boss Mark McGhee has made his mind up, appointing the 33-year old former Scotland legend, who is currently progressing through his coaching badges with the Scottish FA.

Faddy, who has signed a deal until the end of the current season, will also still register as a player.

Speaking of his new assistant, McGhee said: “I am delighted James has taken the role as I think he has fabulous qualities to be an Assistant.

“He has played at the highest level, worked with some tremendous coaches and any time you speak to him, you can appreciate he has a deep understanding of the game.

[pullquote]Not only that, he is an extremely determined individual, he’s young, ambitious and has very high standards. He will demand from players and other staff at the club, including myself, and that’s exactly the type of individual I wanted.[/pullquote]

“He also has an in-depth knowledge of Scottish football, both club and individual players, and will add significantly to the coaching staff at the club. We’re absolutely thrilled to have him.”

McFadden added: “When I spoke with the manager about taking the role, I started to get excited about what we could achieve.

“Everyone knows I love the club and will work as hard as I possibly can to make a success of things.

“It’s something new and it’ll be a change for me, but it’s an exciting one and one I think I can handle.

“I look forward to working with Mark McGhee and with the players. I want to work with and develop individuals, particularly the younger guys, and hopefully pass on helpful information that will make them better players.”