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Motherwell under-20s determination paid off as the youngsters grabbed a last-gasp winner against an experienced Kilmarnock side in the Development League. 

Alfie Agyeman’s late goal secured a fifth win in seven league games for the Steelmen – who have started the campaign in fine form.

Stephen Craigan’s young starting line up, including a start for goalscorer Agyeman and Luke Watt, currently on a development loan with Airdrie, was in stark contrast to the hosts, who included Scott Boyd, Chris Burke, Lee Erwin and Eamonn Brophy in their line up.

It was a dominant first half for the Steelmen, who controlled possession and created the best chances of the game despite going in to the break goalless.

James Scott had two one-on-one chances denied by Curtis Lyle in fairly quick succession and Agyeman nearly marked his spot in the starting eleven with a goal when his effort from distance flew just over the crossbar in the 25th minute.

Davie Turnbull tried his luck from range too but his goal bound effort deflected over for a corner which ex-Well man Erwin managed to then hook clear.

Down the other end, Morrison enjoyed a quiet first period whilst Craigan’s youngsters continued to press for an opener.

And it nearly came in style, when Ross MacLean, Motherwell’s oldest player on the park at just 20 years of age, burst energetically through the middle of the park before striking a venomous effort on target, but Lyle was on hand to dive high to his left and palm away from goal, before smothering the loose ball at the second attempt.

The home side started stronger in the second half though, and nearly found themselves in front inside the first minute.

Some neat work from Burke nearly led to the opener when the midfielders cross ricocheted wide of Morrison’s near post.

A few minutes later, Higgins headed on to the roof of the net from a corner before Brophy glanced a headed effort narrowly wide as Morrison continued to have a fairly quiet night in the Motherwell goal.

The Fir Parkers started to get a hold on the game though against their experienced opponents and a fortunate opportunity fell the visitors way when a miscommunication at the back led Lyle to mistakingly pick up a back pass and gift ‘Well an indirect freekick just yards wide of the six-yard box.

With the angle too tight to work a shot, the ball was rolled to the more central Livingstone just inside the box, but the youngster couldn’t keep it down and a decent chance went a begging.

The home side looked to improve things by withdrawing Lee Erwin, who was kept quiet all night by the Fir Parkers back line, and bringing on Innes Cameron.

Craigan made some changes too, brining on Dylan Falconer and 16-year-old Jamie Semple in place of James Scott and Luke Watt, who picked up a knock.

And teenager Semple looked sharp as soon as he was introduced, linking neatly with his fellow substitute Falconer down the left flank before clipping in a neat cross which Lyle did well to read and pluck out of the air.

It looked like the hosts were set to stage a repeat of their late winner the last time Motherwell under-20s made the trip to Rugby Park, when Maguire’s first mishap of the evening fell kindly for Brophy just four yards out, but somehow the 21-year-old miscued his effort well wide.

That allowed 17-year-old Agyeman to punish the hosts down the other end with the last kick of the ball, side-footing past Lyle courtesy of a slight deflection as Craigan’s side moved to within a point of Development League leaders Dundee with a game in hand.

As Motherwell seek to make an eleventh domestic national cup final on Sunday, there is plenty of inspiration for the Steelmen to take from previous semi final successes. 

‘Well’s first ever semi final came in season 1922/23 after St Johnstone, St Mirren, Falkirk and Bo’ness had been taken care of in the Scottish Cup. Over 75,000 took in the tie between Motherwell and Celtic but sadly it would go the way of the Glasgow side who won 2-0 at Ibrox.

Govan was also the stage for Motherwell’s next last four appearance on 14^th March 1931 when the Steelmen took on St Mirren having seen off Bathgate, Albion Rovers, Hibernian and Cowdenbeath.  The day would be a momentous one as the Fir Parkers reached their first ever Scottish Cup Final thanks to a 25^th minute winner from Murdoch. Tragically, the final would end in heartbreak for Motherwell as Celtic recovered from two down, and a goal behind with just two minutes left, to take the encounter to a replay in which they triumphed 4-2.

When the 1932’33 Scottish Cup competition kicked off, Motherwell were Scottish League Champions and were hotly tipped to add the Cup to their title from the season before.  Local rivals Hamilton were beaten in the opening round before Montrose, Dundee and Kilmarnock were seen off setting up a semi final tie with Clyde, again at Ibrox.

Ferrier and McFadyen got the goals for ‘Well that saw off the Bully Wee presenting an opportunity to avenge the 1931 Scottish Cup Final loss against Celtic. Alas it wasn’t to be as Celtic won narrowly by a single goal in front of 102,000.

After a 3-1 semi final defeat to St Mirren in 1934 it was another five years before the Steelmen would once again grace the last four.  In what would be the last pre-WWII Scottish Cup competition, Motherwell would face Aberdeen after beating Highland League outfit Huntly, Dundee Utd, St Mirren and Celtic, in what was the first ever all-ticket match staged at Fir Park.

Ibrox was once more the venue of choice for the encounter with the Dons and over 80,000 witnessed a stalemate on 25^th March 1939.  The Dons had taken the lead before Mathie equalised midway through the second half to take the match to a replay.  Four days later, when the sides reconvened south of the river in Glasgow, Motherwell would show their class in winning 3-1 thanks to goals from Mathie, once more, and others from McCulloch and Bremner.

The Final itself, devoid of any Old Firm involvement, would attract 94,000 to witness Motherwell take on Clyde but it would be a day to forget for those sporting claret and amber favours as their favourites lost out in their third Scottish Cup Final inside nine years.

The re-organisation of football in Scotland after the Second World War saw the divisions titled “A” and “B” rather than First and Second and a new competition was established called the League Cup with Motherwell one of the first names to be engraved on the trophy.

Emerging from a group that contained Airdrieonians, Hearts and Partick Thistle, ‘Well faced Celtic in the quarter finals – whom they disposed of 4-2 over two legs.

Ibrox Stadium would host the semi final as Motherwell took on Division B side Ayr Utd.  The Honest Men shocked ‘Well by taking an early lead but the Steelmen recovered their composure to lead 2-1. The topsy-turvy nature of the contest continued as the men from Somerset Park equalised, then lead for the second time in the game with two goals inside a minute.

With Motherwell staring defeat in the face, an 84^th minute goal from Aitkenhead levelled the tie before a goal a minute later from Watson secured a place in the Final.

History shows that at last Motherwell’s Hampden hoodoo was broken with red-hot favourites Hibernian beaten 3-0 on 28^th October 1950, thanks to second half goals from Kelly, Forrest and Watters as the Steelmen became only the third winner of the recently introduced tournament.

There are just six days to go until the Steelmen travel to Hampden for the Betfred Cup semi-final!

After a convincing 3-0 win over last years runners-up Aberdeen, ‘Well fans will be eagerly awaiting Sunday’s clash with Rangers at the National Stadium.

Join us in counting down the days until one of the biggest games of the season so far, and don’t forget you can get your match ticket now.

The Fir Park ticket office is open today (Monday), from 9am until 5pm for you to buy your semi-final ticket and bus tickets too, with exclusive and official Hampden parking for just £8.

Prices

Motherwell FC has been allocated over 10,000 seats with the option for more if required, with prices set at:

East Stand

Adults: £25

Concessions*: £10

Wheelchair User Adult: £10

Wheelchair User Concession: £5

South Stand

Lower Section J1: £35

Lower Section I: £30

Wheelchair User Adult: £15

Wheelchair User Concession: £5

*Concessions are listed as Over 65s and Under 16s.

Hospitality

Our new Joe Wark lounge hospitality is still available, with all other packages now SOLD OUT.

Joe Wark Lounge

• Come and enjoy the semi-final in style with our new Hospitality Package and with access for up to 20 guests this is an opportunity not to be missed.
• Private lounge within Fir Park with your own dedicated serving staff
• Complimentary Bar (11am – 8pm)
• Breakfast Roll served pre match
• Transport to and from Hampden with official parking
• Hot Buffet served post-match

Cost: £2000 (for up to 20 guests. Does not include match ticket)

Ticket Office opening hours 

Monday – Wednesday: 9-5

Thursday: 9-6

Friday: 9-4

Saturday: 10-2

Motherwell under-20s return to Development League action this week with a trip to Kilmarnock up next for the youngsters.

Stephen Craigan’s side will be looking to notch their fifth victory of the season on Tuesday night and their second on the bounce following last week’s narrow 1-0 win over Falkirk.

The Northern Irishman was left with a depleted squad last week following a number of injuries, but will be boosted by the return of Dylan King from international duty.

The Steelmen, who have started the season strongly, currently sit second in the Development League – three points behind leaders Dundee having played one game less.

You can follow live tweets from Rugby Park @MotherwellFC – as well as catch all of the highlights and reaction on MFC TV’s official YouTube channel.

The fixture kicks off at 7pm tomorrow night.

Extended highlights from Fir Park Peter Hartley’s second half strike gives the Steelmen a 2-1 win over Hamilton Accies.

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson admitted that he never doubted his side following a comeback victory over Hamilton Accies.

Goals from Andy Rose and Peter Hartley secured the Steelmen’s 11th win in 15 games this term, and for the manager, there was no point where he questioned his players mentality.

Speaking to MFC T  at full time, the Northern Irishman said: “The pitch reduces things to a scrap and a battle but we’re quite happy to do that and we’ll try and match Hamilton and we did today.

[pullquote]It was a wee bit against the run of play that they scored but the character and battling qualities that we’ve got I don’t think was ever in doubt.[/pullquote]

“I thought in the last 15-20 minutes we were the side who got the ball down and tried to play and in truth it could have been more.”

He added: “We dominated large parts of the opening exchanges and could have had a couple of goals – Carl hit the post and Taity was denied by a great save.

“It was a wee bit against the run of play that they scored but the character and battling qualities that we’ve got I don’t think was ever in doubt.”

Images from this afternoon’s win over Hamilton Accies at Superseal Stadium.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix

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[tab:Match report]

Motherwell returned to domestic action with a 2-1 win over Hamilton Accies at the SuperSeal Stadium.

Goals from Andy Rose and Peter Hartley in their first Lanarkshire Derby encounters completed a Claret and Amber comeback after Giannis Skondras thundered the home side in front.

Stephen Robinson made one change from the side who were victorious over Partick Thistle two weeks ago, recalling Andy Rose to the midfield in place of Craig Tanner, who dropped to the bench.

And it was a positive start for the Steelmen, who went close through Richard Tait when the ball fell kindly for the defender to strike a vicious effort on target from close range, but Ryan Fulton did well to turn the full backs effort round the post.

The Fir Parkers went closer when they struck the opposite post via the head of skipper Carl McHugh, who rose highest from a corner to so nearly find the breakthrough after just ten minutes.

It was the hosts who went in front though, and it came against the run of play.

From what was their first attack, an overhit cross fell kindly for Skondras arriving in the area, and he lashed an unstoppable effort high past Trevor Carson.

Accies started to get a foothold in the game but as they started to press forward, Motherwell so nearly punished them on the break.

A pinpoint long ball from Carson sent Moult over the top of Hamilton’s back line and, with Cadden racing forward in support, the forward so nearly slipped his teammate through one-on-one, but a crucial touch from last man Alex Gogic turned the ball behind for a corner.

McHugh went close again from the resulting set piece, heading inches over the crossbar.

Shortly after the half hour mark, Rose made his return to the starting eleven count with a tremendous finish to bring the Fir Parkers level.

A slack clearance sat up nicely for the Australian, who fired a fantastic low effort beyond Fulton on the half-volley.

The visitors started the second period on the front foot and within just the opening five minutes fired themselves back in front.

A clever set piece allowed Peter Hartley to arrive unmarked towards the back post and a terrific cross from Chris Cadden was turned in to the top corner beyond the helpless Fulton.

The match played out in a somewhat scrappy manner, with neither side testing the goalkeepers too much at New Douglas Park.

However, the Steelmen hit the woodwork for the second time in the match and it was McHugh again, who saw his towering header clatter off the crossbar before being hooked clear by the Accies man guarding his back post.

Robinson could call on a number of fresh legs to see out the final stages of the game, with Elliott Frear, Gaël Bigirimana and Craig Tanner all introduced to the action.

And it was the former who made the biggest impact, nearly scoring and assisting despite only being in the field of play for around 14 minutes.

The winger saw a decent effort flash wide of the far post on the volley before so nearly notching an assist for Ryan Bowman, who should have buried a header from close range on an afternoon when the strong forward deserved at least a goal.

Immediately down the other end, Martin Canning’s men threatened to steal a point when Redmond flashed a shot wide of the mark in the dying stages, but Robinson’s men saw it out and notched an 11^th victory in 15 games this season.

[tab:Reaction]

 Alastair Reilly at Superseal Stadium

FT: Hamilton Accies 1 – 2 Motherwell

FULL TIME!!!!

90+2′ | 1-2
Glorious chance for Bowman to finish the game but he heads over the bar from close range

90′ | 1-2
There will be four minutes added on.

88′ | 1-2
Motherwell make their final change, Moult off for Tanner.

84′ | 1-2
Close! Frear beats his man and sees his powerful shot beaten back to him then he volleys wide of the post.

84′ | 1-2
Motherwell sub, goal-scorer Rose makes way for Bigirimana

83′ | 1-2
Redmond tries his luck from 25 yards but it’s a comfortable stop for Carson.

81′ | 1-2
So close!! McHugh’s header crashes off the bar and despite claims of it being over the line, play rages on,

77′ | 1-2
Accies make another change, Biaby off for Boyd

76′ | 1-2
Motherwell sub, Frear on for Cadden.

75′ | 1-2
Campbell booked for blocking MacKinnon’s quick free-kick.

72′ | 1-2
Docherty gets in down the right but Kipré does well to read the cutback and stick it out for a corner.

64′ | 1-2
Accies sub, Redmond on for Donati.

51′ | 1-2
It’s that man HARTLEY again! Cadden clips in a free-kick and the centre back is unmarked and cooly volleys home!!!!

GGGGOOOAAALLL!!!

49′ | 1-1
Biaby booked for running right in front of Rose as he went to take a free-kick.

Accies get the second half underway.

Both teams return to the pitch, it’s time for the second 45.

HT: Hamilton Accies 1 – 1 Motherwell

45’| 1-1
One minute added on.

43’| 1-1
Cadden’s low corner is met at the front post by Rose but it’s just past the post.

35’| 1-1
McHugh booked for a tackle on Skondras. Not a lot in it.

32’| 1-1
What a strike by ROSE!!! Volleys low into the bottom corner from just inside the box!! The Steelmen are back level!

GGOOOOAALLLL!!!

And from the corner McHugh heads inches over the bar!

30’| 1-0
Great chance there as Moult and Cadden end up 2v1 but McMann recovers well to put it out for a corner!

29’| 1-0
Tait hooks the ball into the back post area but Fulton is sharp off his line and plucks it out the air ahead of Moult

26’| 1-0
Bingham cuts in off the left and has a shot but it’s beaten away by Carson.

22’| 1-0
Cadden wins a free-kick wide on the right. Chance for a good delivery here….McHugh heads past the post.

15’| 1-0
Goal – Accies take the lead with their first attack. Ball to the back post volleyed in by Skondras

13’| 0-0
Tait curls in a fine ball from wide to the head of Moult but he doesn’t quite get enough on it to test Fulton.

From the resulting corner, McHugh flicks it just wide of the post!

9’| 0-0
Lovely ball in from Campbell finds Rose at the backpost but his header deflected wide off Gogic!

2’| 0-0
So close!! Moult’s ball is squared across goal to Tait but Fulton gets a hand to it and palms it wide!!

Rose gets the action underway. COYW!!!

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Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson:

Hamilton Accies manager Martin Canning

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Motherwell FC is tonight delighted to confirm manager Stephen Robinson has extended his contract until May 2020.

Robinson, 42, took over the reigns at Fir Park back in March of this year with his remit to firstly keep the team in the league, which he did.

Secondly was to reshape and rebuild the squad in the Summer Transfer Window, with 18 players leaving or retiring and 14 new faces arriving between early June and the end of August. A part of that was also brokering the sale of Ben Heneghan to Sheffield United on transfer deadline day.

The Steelmen have made a positive start to the new campaign, with Robinson’s side having won 10 of their first 14 matches, with the team currently sitting in fifth position, one point behind Rangers in third and with a Betfred Cup Semi Final against the Ibrox men on the horizon.

Indeed, the manager’s win percentage after seven months / twenty-six games in charge is an extremely impressive 53.84%.

[pullquote]”There is a real sense of togetherness at the moment and my staff and I work hard every single day to try and make a success of things and to give the Directors, staff and, most importantly, the fans a team they can be proud of.[/pullquote]

His initial contract had just over six months left, but the Northern Irishman has put pen to paper on an extended deal that will run for an additional two years.

Robinson, a ‘Well Society member, said: “I am delighted to have signed this new deal and thank everyone at the club, and the supporters, for the backing they have given me so far.

“There is a real sense of togetherness at the moment and my staff and I work hard every single day to try and make a success of things and to give the Directors, staff and, most importantly, the fans a team they can be proud of.”

Chairman Jim McMahon said: “The Board has been extremely impressed by Stephen’s approach to his role since returning to the club earlier in the year.

“He told us he would keep the team in the league and he did. He told us he would reshape the squad and continue our player trading policy, which he has.

“He is an extremely focused, dedicated and hard-working guy and we will continue to give him as much backing as we possibly can with a view to achieving our objectives.”

Motherwell FC is today delighted to confirm Scotland U21 International Allan Campbell has signed a new four-year contract at the club.

Campbell, 19, has been in sensational form for the Steelmen in recent months, cementing a regular starting berth in the heart of Motherwell’s midfield.

And the Academy graduate, who has been with Motherwell since first appearing for the Under 10s, has also made his Scotland U21 bow, starting against both England and Latvia in the last seven days.

Campbell’s deal will now run until the summer of 2021 and he’ll continue to compete with the likes of Carl McHugh, Gaēl Bigirimana, Andy Rose, Liam Grimshaw, Chris Cadden and others for a jersey.

Speaking on his new deal, Campbell said: “I am delighted to get this done and dusted so I can concentrate on kicking on now.

[pullquote]”It’s been a great few weeks for me, but my aim was to firstly get into the Motherwell team and everything else has been a bonus, really.[/pullquote]

“I owe a lot to the manager, he’s given me a chance and I really appreciate that and I want to play well for him and keeping proving myself to everyone.”

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson, who is in having discussions with several players about their contract at the moment, added: “We have been delighted with Allan’s progress and his new and improved deal is very much a reward for his hard-work, dedication and excellent performances.

“Allan also knows that he must keep his performances at a level and that he has several extremely talented players desperate for his shirt, that’s the type of environment we’ve created here, so the onus is very much on him to continue to play as he has.

“We will continue to blood good young players at Motherwell when they are ready to step up. Chris Cadden and Allan are two who are there, but there are numerous others in our Under 20s set-up who are close to taking the next step.

“They need to keep working hard on the park and off, keep impressing and eventually their time will come.”