Latest News

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

And ‘Well fans can buy and collect their tickets for the showdown now, with the Fir Park Ticket Office open until 6pm tonight (Thursday).

After a convincing 3-0 win over last years runners-up Aberdeen, supporters 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 travel tickets now too, with exclusive and official Hampden parking for just £8. Only one bus left!

The Cooper Bar with an additional bar and extended concourse drinking area will be open on Sunday ahead of the match at 11am, with last orders at 12.30 and buses due to leave at 12.45. Please show your bus ticket to gain entry.

Buses will be lined up in numerical order from the bottom of Knowetop Avenue with the Double Decker buses at the end.

Please show your bus ticket to gain access to your bus. Supporters must travel on the same bus to and from Hampden.

The Cooper Bar will reopen post-match.

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 packages are now SOLD OUT.

Ticket Office opening hours
Thursday: 9-6
Friday: 9-4
Saturday: 10-2

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson is not playing down his sides semi-final clash with Rangers on Sunday, but insists he hopes to give the fans something to shout about.

The Northern Irishman admitted that, whilst his side have been billed as underdogs by the majority, that ethos does not exist within the Fir Parkers dressing room.

Speaking to the broadcast press this morning, Robinson looked ahead to Motherwell’s last-four showdown with the Glaswegian outfit.

And with a spot in the Betfred Cup final up for grabs, the manager admitted he does not need to worry about motivating his players.

[pullquote]A trip to Hampden, which we’re hoping to make sure isn’t the last one of our season, will hopefully give [the supporters] something to really shout about.[/pullquote]

“I don’t think you can play it down, it’s a big game for us and it’s one that we’re very much going to enjoy and we’ll enjoy the occasion,” he said.

“Playing-wise, I’ve never enjoyed a game that I’ve lost so our intention is to go there and make sure that we come out with a result.”

He added: “It would be huge for the football club because there have been a lot of years that we’ve spent fighting relegation and that’s all the fans have looked forward to.

“So a trip to Hampden, which we’re hoping to make sure isn’t the last one of our season, will hopefully give [the supporters] something to really shout about.”

“Rangers are a big club with some big players, but we’ll concentrate very much on ourselves.”

Buoyed by their 1950 League Cup success earlier in the season, Motherwell wasted no time in plotting a course back to the national stadium in the Scottish Cup. Peterhead, Hamilton and Ayr Utd (after a replay) were beaten in the early rounds of the 1951 Scottish Cup to set up a fourth game of the season against Hibernian.

The Hibees of course were the losers when ‘Well triumphed in the League Cup Final and were afforded an opportunity for revenge in the capital with 46,000 cramming into Tynecastle to witness an exciting semi-final. Kelly gave ‘Well an early lead before Hibs were reduced to ten-men through injury. They battled back to level before Kelly restored Motherwell’s lead before the interval. McLeod made it 3-1 to ‘Well before the Leith outfit reduced the deficit once more. It wasn’t to be however, and Motherwell were in their second cup final of the season.

More than 131,000 made it to Hampden as ‘Well sought to secure a momentous Cup double but it wasn’t to be as, not for the first time, or indeed the last, Celtic edged out the Steelmen in the Final.

Happily the Scottish Cup success that supporters of the Steelmen craved would not be long in coming with the old trophy finally wrapped in claret and amber ribbons in April 1952.

Forfar, St Mirren, Dunfermline (after a replay) and Rangers (also after a replay) in the match that attracted Fir Park’s largest ever attendance were beaten as Motherwell made it to the semi final. Hearts would be Motherwell’s opposition in an arduous contest that stretched over three games and was witnessed by a mind-boggling 238,000 spectators.

The first encounter saw ‘Well come from behind to draw 1-1 with Watson netting. In the replay, the roles would be reversed with the Gorgie side requiring to equalise Watson’s opener to retain their place in the competition, with not an even another thirty minutes of extra-time able to separate the sides.

Incredibly the teams were required to lock horns for a third time just two days later when to the great delight of the Fir Park faithful Motherwell were able to strike a telling blow. Goals from Kelly and Humphries appeared to put Stevenson’s men on the cusp of another final place but the capital outfit fought back doggedly with a goal to stay in the tie. Their luck was to be out however with Redpath’s last minute strike taking ‘Well through to the final.

Ten days later and Motherwell would be back at Hampden where they triumphed, beating Dundee 4-0 in front of more than 136,000 fans, and avenging a humiliating 5-1 League semi-final defeat from earlier in the season that had ended Motherwell’s hopes of retaining the League Cup.

Although Motherwell’s league form had been somewhat up and down in the early fifties there was no question the Steelmen were a terrific cup team and only a semi-final replay loss to Celtic in 1954 prevented the Fir Park side making another Hampden final.

The following season would see that rectified however as Motherwell made it to the 1954 League Cup Final. Escaping from a group containing St Mirren, Kilmarnock and Raith Rovers, Rangers were beaten over two-legs to set up a tie with the League Cup holders East Fife.

The Fifers took the lead at Hampden after just three minutes but the Steelmen would fight back and a double from Bain saw them into the Final. Unfortunately by the time the Final came around Motherwell found themselves with something of an injury crisis to contend with and were far from at full strength as they went down 4-2 to Hearts.

For the best part of the next three decades, semi-finals would prove to be tough going for those of a claret and amber persuasion with loss after loss leading supporters to wonder if their favourites would ever make a Hampden final again!

St Mirren (League Cup 1955), Clyde (Scottish Cup 1958), Rangers (Scottish Cup 1962), Celtic (Scottish Cup 1965), St Johnstone (League Cup 1969), Airdrie (Scottish Cup 1975), Rangers (Scottish Cup 1976), Celtic (Scottish Cup 1985), Celtic (League Cup 1986), Rangers (League Cup 1987) would all put the Steelmen to the sword in varying fashions. From questionable refereeing, to plucky losses, to Hampden’s square goal-posts – it appeared no matter the circumstances it seemed things just wouldn’t fall Motherwell’s way.

Even newly established tournaments such as the Texaco Cup would bring heartbreak when ‘Well lost out to Hearts in the last four in 1971.

Suddenly, in the early nineties, things dramatically changed for the better…

The referee for Sunday’s Betfred Cup semi-final clash with Rangers is Steven McLean.

It will be McLean’s first involvement with either side as he steps in to the middle for the showdown at Hampden Park.

The referee took charge on six occasions last term, three of which have fallen in 2017, including a midweek away win to Ross County, a 3-2 home loss against Dundee and, most relevantly, the 1-1 draw at Ibrox back in April.

Now one of Scotland’s most recognisable whistlers, ‘Well fans will be familiar with the 36-year old.

His overall record in charge of Motherwell reads sixteen wins, nine defeats and six draws from thirty-one matches.

In those games, ‘Well have scored 56 and conceded 51. 93 cautions have been dished out, 51 flashed at those wearing Claret and Amber.

Four players have been sent off, two for ‘Well (Fraser Kerr and Keith Lasley in the same match against Killie in February 2013).

McLean will be assisted by Graeme Stewart and Stuart Stevenson, with Alan Muir on Fourth Official duties.

The nest of the action from Rugby Park as Alfredo Agyemna strikes late to give the Under 20s a 1-0 win over Kilmarnock.

Under-20s boss Stephen Craigan believed his side were deserving of their victory against Kilmarnock in the Development League.

The Northern Irishman, who fielded a young team to face an experienced Killie side at Rugby Park, reflected on the 90-minutes at full time.

Speaking to MFC TV, the under-20s manager admitted he felt his side looked “comfortable”.

[pullquote]Yes we got a little bit of a break but I just felt for the effort and the energy the lads put in that we deserved a wee break, so I’m delighted with the three points.[/pullquote]

He said: “I think if we’re honest, over the piece, we deserved it but maybe it was more from our first half performance and the chances we created.

“I felt that the longer the game went on that we weren’t going to get beat and [apart from Barry’s slip at the end] I felt we were reasonably comfortable.”

He added: “Yes we got a little bit of a break but I just felt for the effort and the energy the lads put in that we deserved a wee break, so I’m delighted with the three points.”

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.