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  • Archive

    Special day for spirited ‘Well fan

  • Archive

    U20s face Jags in Airdrie

  • Archive

    Creditfix debt advice day

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Pittodrie

  • Archive

    Aberdeen defeat in pictures

  • Archive

    Robinson: I cannot question our desire

  • Archive

    Aberdeen 1 – 0 Motherwell

  • Archive

    Aberdeen: A closer look

  • Archive

    Play football bowls at Fir Park

  • Archive

    Aberdeen travel information

  • Archive

    Special day for spirited ‘Well fan

    A top Motherwell fan is set to attend this weekend’s Premiership clash against St Johnstone as a mascot.

    And for nine year-old Zak MacFarlane, who turns ten on March 27, the upcoming match is extra-special after a tough spell over Christmas for him and his family.

    Zak spent the festive period in Wishaw General Children’s Ward suffering from pneumonia.

    But the spirited youngster was given a boost when he got the chance to meet a group of Motherwell stars.

    Kitted in his beloved ‘Well top, Zak requested to be rushed through his x-ray’s so he didn’t miss out on meeting Chris Cadden, Louis Moult, Keith Lasley, Stevie Hammell, Richard Tait and Lionel Ainsworth.

    And Zak’s proud mum Ailsa expressed just how excited her son is for the weekend.

    [pullquote]He’s been asking me ‘I wonder what it’ll feel like walking out the tunnel and walking on to the pitch?’ and he’s been counting down the days.[/pullquote]

    She said: “He absolutely loved it when the players visited the hospital, it was all he talked about and it was a really nice day.

    “He was suffering from pneumonia but he has epilepsy as well so that means there’s spells which are not so good for his health.”

    She added: “We’re all ecstatic for him, he’s so excited and this is giving him something to look forward to.

    “He’s been asking me ‘I wonder what it’ll feel like walking out the tunnel and walking on to the pitch?’ and he’s been counting down the days.”

    Marketing and Fan Engagement manager Ryan Murrant said: “This is exactly what the club is about. We’re a community driven club that can help create magic moments like this.”

    He added: “We’re all so glad to hear that Zak is doing better and we’re delighted to have him come to the club for the game.

    “He rushed the doctors to speed through his x-ray so he couldn’t miss out seeing the players, and on Saturday he gets an even better experience.”

  • Archive

    U20s face Jags in Airdrie

    Motherwell under 20s face Partick Thistle tomorrow evening in the Development League – looking to bounce back to winning ways.

    The youngsters slumped to a 1-0 loss away to Ross County last week and face the Jags at the Excelsior Stadium tomorrow, hopeful of bouncing back from the disappointment last Tuesday.

    It is the third encounter between the two sides this term, after a narrow 2-1 league win and a dramatic 4-3 Scottish FA Youth Cup victory back in January.

    Among the options available for Stephen Craigan are Allan Campbell and Shea Gordon – who were on the bench for the first teams trip to Pittodrie at the weekend.

    The game, which kicks off at 6pm, is the under 20s 26th league game of the season.

    You can follow all the action live on twitter @MotherwellFC as well as catch the match highlights and post match reaction on MFC TV’s YouTube channel.

  • Archive

    Creditfix debt advice day

    On Tuesday, April 4th, CreditFix are going to bring a team of specialist advisors to Fir Park for a free debt advice day that’s available to all.

    The purpose of this event is to provide the opportunity for the local community to speak with an advisor about debt and financial issues in a private setting.

    Anyone who attends this event is automatically entered into a draw to win hospitality for the Lanarkshire Derby on April 5th, courtesy of Creditfix.

    This prize includes a 3-course meal served for you and a friend, a complimentary bar pre and post-match and half-time refreshments.

    [pullquote]Our debt advice day will present people in and around the Motherwell area with the perfect opportunity to speak about their debts in a private and confidential setting.[/pullquote]

    Creditfix Marketing Director Andy Taylor said: “We have chosen to host our first debt advice day in Motherwell as our stats show that in every 10,000 people living in the area, 33.4 are seeking help from Creditfix.

    “An increase in the number of people seeking help shouldn’t instantly be considered a negative thing, it could reflect how many people are willing to open up and talk about their personal finance issues.

    He added: “Tackling problems such as debt head on is always the best course of action, as simply ignoring them can often result in finances spiralling out of control.

    “Our debt advice day will present people in and around the Motherwell area with the perfect opportunity to speak about their debts in a private and confidential setting.”

    If you need some help with debts, you can arrange an appointment with Creditfix by clicking here: Subscribe

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Pittodrie

    Highlights from Pittodrie as Motherwell lose 1-0 through an injury-time Niall McGinn goal.

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Aberdeen defeat in pictures

    Images from today’s 1-0 defeat to Aberdeen in the Ladbrokes Premiership at Pittodrie.

    Snaps courtesy of SNSPix

    [svgallery name=”aberdeen110317″]

  • Archive

    Robinson: I cannot question our desire

    Caretaker ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson admitted that he could not question the desire of his squad “in any shape or form” as they lost 1-0 away to Aberdeen today.

    A hard-fought performance from the Steelmen was undone by a 92nd minute winner from Niall McGinn, leaving the Northern Irishman deflated at full time.

    Speaking to MFC TV, Robinson confirmed his disappointment with the result but made sure to praise the performance of his side.

    He said: “The result is bitterly disappointing and in terms of the energy and desire the boys gave me and the football club today I can’t question that in any shape or form.

    [pullquote]The result is bitterly disappointing and in terms of the energy and desire the boys gave me and the football club today I can’t question that in any shape or form.[/pullquote]

    “We’ve had to make an enforced change with Hammy coming off and it leaves us a little bit short at the back and we get punished for it, but we have to deal with it, I can’t ask for any more.”

    He added: “They’ve shown that they want to play for Motherwell, they’ve run themselves in to the ground and they’re in the dressing room just now shattered.

    “Now we have to pick them up and that’s the standard they have to set for every single game.”

    You can watch Robinson’s full post-match interview on MFC TV’s YouTube channel.

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Aberdeen 1 – 0 Motherwell

    [tab:Match report]

    A stoppage-time strike from Niall McGinn denied Motherwell a hard-earned point away to Aberdeen today as they lost 1-0 in the Ladbrokes Premiership. 

    The Steelmen looked set to hold on to a goalless draw on an afternoon when Craig Samson and the ‘Well defence put in spirited performances for over 90 minutes.

    However, in the second minute of injury time, McGinn stroked home a Jonny Hayes cutback to send the Dons nine points clear of third placed Rangers.

    Stephen Robinson took charge of his second game as caretaker ‘Well boss and made three changes to the side which secured victory over Kilmarnock last weekend.

    Two of those alterations were forced upon the Northern Irishman, who brought in Ryan Bowman and David Ferguson for the suspended Louis Moult and the injured Richard Tait. Skipper Keith Lasley was dropped to the bench and was replaced by Craig Clay.

    Aberdeen were forced in to changes as well, with Peter Pawlett and Andrew Considine swapped for Anthony O’Connor and Ryan Jack, as Derek McInnes reshuffled from his favoured 4-2-3-1.

    Neither side really threatened the opposing goalkeeper in the opening exchanges, but in the eighth minute, top goalscorer Adam Rooney got on the end of a dangerous Kenny McLean cross – but the Dons number nine watched on as his powerful header flew narrowly over the bar.

    It took more than twenty minutes for the Steelmen to have a real pop at goal, and it came from a throw in deep in Aberdeen territory. Scott McDonald offered Stevie Hammell the option and, letting the ball run across his body, unleashed a right footed strike towards goal on the spin, but it soared over the bar.

    Ben Heneghan, strapped with a head bandage after an earlier collision, went closer just minutes later, but his towering header hit the side netting following a freekick.

    Craig Samson pulled off a stunning save to deny Rooney just before the half hour mark, as the Irishman turned a deflected cross goalward and over the ‘Well keeper, who somehow managed to get finger tips to turn it narrowly over the bar.

    He was called upon again just before half time, and it was an equally impressive save from Motherwell’s number one. Cutting in on to his right foot, McGinn fired a powerful effort towards the top corner, but was stunned to see Samson get his hand to it to palm it away from goal.

    The second half got off to a quiet start, with Ryan Jack’s header from inside the area, which flashed passed Samson’s post in the 60th minute, the first major opportunity of the second 45.

    Bowman was forced the exit the action shortly after the hour mark, with Jacob Blyth entering the fray for his first appearance since the 2-1 league loss to Rangers at Ibrox.

    Graeme Shinnie missed a glorious opportunity to give the hosts the lead when he latched on to a deep cross but turned it over the bar from close range.

    The game really came to life just before 70 minutes, when Hammell’s corner was nodded on at the near post but was cleared from the goalmouth, setting Aberdeen on a fast paced dangerous break. McGinn threaded a ball through for the run of Hayes, only for Samson to burst off his line and stab it away on the stretch from the onrushing midfielder.

    Aberdeen made a change – withdrawing Rooney and replacing him with on loan Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie just moments before Robinson made his second substitution of the afternoon – introducing Elliott Frear in place of Hammell.

    Samson pulled off two saves in relatively quick succession when he turned away McGinn’s curling effort and then McLean’s low drive less than a minute later, but it was the 92nd minute of play when the stopper saw his clean sheet slip away.

    Hayes, who had been relatively quiet, popped up with the ball down the left flank and cut the ball back for McGinn. The Reds number ten stepped on to it and struck what was a bit of a mishit towards Samson’s far post to snatch all three points for McInnes’ side.

     

    [tab:As it happened]

     Alastair Reilly at Pittodrie

     

    FT: Aberdeen 1 – 0 Motherwell

    90′ + 2 | 1-0
    Goal – McGinn gets on the end of Hayes’ low cross and pokes it into the net.

    5 minutes added on.

    90′ | 0-0
    Cadden booked for holding to the ball. A dubious one as he looked then went down surrounded by three Aberdeen players.

    86′ | 0-0
    Pause in play as Stockley and Ferguson receive treatment following a headknock.

    83′ | 0-0
    Aberdeen sub, O’Connor off for Storey

    82′ | 0-0
    Stockley booked for a wild tackle on Jules.

    77′ | 0-0
    Another good save by Samson! Dives low to his left to beat away McGinn’s curler.

    76′ | 0-0
    Motherwell sub, Frear on for Hammell.

    75′ | 0-0
    Ferguson booked. A frustrating one as he was taking a throw-in but there were options. Ref says timewasting.

    73′ | 0-0
    Aberdeen sub, Rooney off for Christie.

    72′ | 0-0
    Hammell booked for a late foul on Hayes.

    70′ | 0-0
    Cadden wins a corner on the Motherwell right…..Aberdeen counter and it’s Samson to the rescue, sliding away from Hayes’ feet!

    69′ | 0-0
    Pearson booked for pulling down Hayes as he broke away from him.

    66′ | 0-0
    Great chance for Shinnie as he latches onto a deep ball into the box but he volleys well over the bar from close range.

    …Motherwell sub, Blyth on for Bowman.

    63′ | 0-0
    Corner to Motherwell as play pauses so Ryan Bowman can get some treatment.

    60′ | 0-0
    Ball comes in from the left and thankfully Jack’s header flashes inches past the post.

    Pearson gets the second 45 underway. COYW!!!

    HT: Aberdeen 0 – 0 Motherwell #AFCvMFC

    41′ | 0-0
    Superb stop by Samson diving high to palm McGinn’s powerful effort over the bar.

    …floated in by Hammell, headed goalwards by Jules but gathered by Lewis.

    36′ | 0-0
    Cadden does well and draws a foul about 25 yards out….

    33′ | 0-0
    Routine save for Samson there, denying McGinn whose 25 yard shot never looked like going in.

    31′ | 0-0
    Booking for Bowman. Bit of a nothing foul well inside the Aberdeen half but ref thinks otherwise and produces the yellow.

    29′ | 0-0
    Great save from Samson as Stockley’s driven shots deflects off the Irishman and is heading in but for the stretching hand of Sammy

    22′ | 0-0
    McHugh clips in a deep free-kick which finds the head of Heneghan but he heads into the side-netting. Close!

    20′ | 0-0
    Hammell with the throw-in to McDonald who drops the shoulder and volleys goalwards but it’s over the bar.

    17′ | 0-0
    Rooney intercepts and breaks away, taking on the shot with maybe better options. Drags it wide of the post.

    13′ | 0-0
    Heneghan has a blood injury, gets treated and comes back on but is then booked. Presumably ref hadn’t waved to let him on…..

    9′ | 0-0
    McDonald gets in behind but his cutback is knocked out for a corner. Set-play amounts to nothing.

    8′ | 0-0
    McLean turns his man and whips in a good ball to Rooney who heads powerfully over the bar.

    2′ | 0-0
    Hayes gets past Ferguson and on the cover, Cadden concedes a free-kick wide on the right…Samson punches clear.

    Aberdeen get the game underway. COYW!!!!!

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson

     

    Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes:

     

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”314″]

  • Archive

    Aberdeen: A closer look

    Motherwell travel to face Aberdeen this weekend in the Ladbrokes Premiership – on the back of a 2-1 win over Kilmarnock.

    Caretaker ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson will take charge of his second fixture at the helm of the Fir Parkers, as they travel to tackle the Dons on their home patch.

    Following the heavy defeat to Derek McInnes’ side less than a month ago, the squad and supporters alike will be keen to bounce back and maintain the momentum following last Saturday’s win.

    Robinson admitted that maintaining the momentum from his first match in charge is hugely important.

    The Northern Irishman said: “He said: “There’s been a lot of positivity around the place, obviously winning football matches does that to you and it makes the week a lot easier.

    “We’ve tried to keep the momentum of what we’ve done but reiterate that that isn’t enough – it was one game.”

    He added: “The passion and desire and the basics that we did well is a given in any game, and that needs to be done in every single game.

    “If you don’t do that, it doesn’t matter about tactics. We’ve readdressed that and kept focussing on that and building on little bits and pieces.”

    Tomorrow’s league encounter is the third meeting between the two sides and the second in Aberdeen.

    [pullquote]The passion and desire and the basics that we did well is a given in any game, and that needs to be done in every single game.[/pullquote]

    Motherwell will be searching for their first win of the campaign over the second placed Reds and an important three points that could see them move to within two points of the top six.

    Aberdeen, meanwhile, will be searching for their eighth win in ten matches as they aim to extend their lead over third placed Rangers to nine points.

    Motherwell will be without experienced centre-back Stephen McManus, who injured his groin against Celtic last month, and top scorer Louis Moult due to an accumulation of yellows.

    The hosts have Andrew Considine missing through suspension, while Mark Reynolds is sidelined with an injury.

     

    Scott McDonald missed the previous trip to Pittodrie as Motherwell slumped to a 7-2 defeat.

    But the striker is available for selection for Stephen Robinson and is sure to be a key component for the visiting Steelmen tomorrow.

    Skippy echoed the caretaker boss’ comments ahead of the clash, admitting that everyone involved showed great character in last weekend’s win – following a difficult week around the club.

    The Aussie described the spell in which Mark McGhee was dismissed as “a test of character” – but one that the team managed to get through with a positive result against Killie.

    Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Aberdeen, Skippy insisted that the mentality of the Steelmen to bounce back immediately shows they are up for the fight this season.

    McDonald said: “In all the doom and gloom of a really difficult week, we got through that and showed character.

    [pullquote]To come back from a goal down at half time showed great character from everyone involved. It shows that we’re really up for the fight until the end of the season.[/pullquote]

    “It really was a test of character for all the players in there, young and old, after the disappointment and the shock of the manager leaving.”

    He added: “To pick up the reins again, for Stephen to take over and get us right and ready for the weekend and then even to come back from a goal down at half time showed great character from everyone involved. It shows that we’re really up for the fight until the end of the season.”

    The forward is hunting for his tenth goal of the season and his 70th in a Motherwell jersey.

     

    Aberdeen will be full of desire as they host the Steelmen tomorrow, as they have the potential to move nine points ahead of third placed Rangers.

    And manager Derek McInnes and his side will be keen to maintain their positive run of form, which has seen them win 11 of their last 13 matches.

    However, a recent defeat to Hamilton Accies ended a five game win streak for the Reds and handed the Northerners their seventh loss of the campaign.

    With their grip firmly on second place, it is no surprise to see that Aberdeen are the second highest top scorers in the league as well as the side with the second best defensive record in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

    Derek McInnes, who has done a sterling job this season, has been linked with the Rangers job at points this term.

    However, with his side enjoying another excellent campaign, the Reds boss looks set to stay with his club and guide them towards a third consecutive runner-up spot in the top flight.

    With a small, close-knit squad, Aberdeen will likely be looking to strengthen in summer following the confirmation that midfielder Peter Pawlett will be departing the club for MK Dons in the upcoming transfer window.

    However, they were boosted by the contract renewal of Jonny Hayes last month– with the Irishman committing his future to the club through to summer 2019.

    He has been extremely influential to the Dons in the 2016/17 season, providing 16 assists and bagging 7 goals in all competitions.

    Despite those impressive statistics, the winger falls just behind Niall McGinn and Adam Rooney who have scored 12 and 17 goals respectively, whilst the former has chipped in with 10 assists to the latters 7.

    It is not just going forward where McInnes’ men have proved to be impressive, with six clean sheets in ten matches in 2017 integral to the fine run the club find themselves in.

    The hosts had kept just eight clean sheets in 24 domestic matches this season before the turn of the year – showing a significant improvement in 2017.

    As the Steelmen make the trip north and the Reds lay in wait, it makes for an enticing encounter between the two sides who are both on the back of narrow wins last weekend.

    You can listen to live commentary of tomorrow’s match on mixlr.com/motherwellfc , follow all the action on twitter @MotherwellFC and catch all the highlights, as well as post match reaction, on MFC TVs YouTube channel.

  • Archive

    Play football bowls at Fir Park

    Supporters will get the chance to play a game of bowls with a difference on 18th March, as Utilita Energy’s new half-time challenge, Utilita Football Bowls, arrives at Fir Park.

    Taking place at the fixture with St Johnstone on Saturday 18th March, Scotland’s newest half-time challenge will see two fans take each other on in a game of ‘Football Bowls’  – demonstrated by first team players Keith Lasley and Chris Cadden, below.

    Here’s how it works:

    • Coin toss to start – winner decides if they want to go first or second
    • Players take turns to kick the ball across the Utilita branded target mat to score points
    • Each player gets 4 attempts
    • Total score of balls remaining in the scoring target area, after all attempts are taken, are totalled – highest score wins

    Both fans selected to take part will receive a ticket for themselves and a friend for the match, with the winner on the day receiving a complimentary pair of tickets for Motherwell FC’s next home tie.

    To be in with a chance of taking part in this unique half-time challenge and playing on the pitch at Fir Park, simply send your full name, date of birth, and contact telephone number to football@utilita.co.uk now.

    Utilita Energy are the official energy partner of Motherwell Football Club and as part of the deal, every ‘Well fan who switches to Utilita Energy will also receive a £25 voucher to be redeemed at the Motherwell FC Club Store. Each fan can also look forward to receiving a free industry-leading smart meter AND limited edition exclusive Motherwell-branded cover for their In-Home Display.

    Motherwell fans can sign up NOW.

    Just go to http://www.utilita.co.uk/Motherwell and type in the promo code ‘MOTHERWELL’ when switching – or call 0345 206 8777 and quote ‘MOTHERWELL’.

    Entries close Wednesday 15th March at 12pm. Terms and conditions apply. Only over 16s can apply.

  • Archive

    Aberdeen travel information

    A reminder that complimentary travel to tomorrow’s fixture at Pittodrie is available to all supporters who made the trip north to the abandoned match earlier this season.

    A supporters bus will be leaving the Bentley Hotel, Motherwell at 10am. Please contact Jim Frame on 01698 299650 to reserve your seat.

    Transport on the bus will be subsidised on proof of attendance by ticket stub from the abandoned match, or with the replacement tickets issued at the rearranged game on Wednesday 15th February.

    Tickets are still available from the Fir Park Ticket office – open Friday 9.15am -3.30pm or cash on the day – with reduced ticket prices:

    ADULTS    £20  
    OVER 65       ££15
    OVER 75 & STUDENTS    £12
    UNDER 18/UNDER 12    £8/£4.50

    Those who require wheelchair, or ambulant tickets please contact Shaz or John McCaskie on 07711 992161 or 07745 494631.

    For any other information please contact Wendy at the Ticket office on 01698 338002.

    Supporters must initially enter Pittodrie through turnstiles 44-49.

    Bus parking is available in the Golf Road car park at the top, west corner.

    There are to be no surfing flags and banners will only be granted approval once the safety officer has inspected them on the day – confirming when they can and cannot be displayed.