fbpx
News

Latest News

  • Archive

    Motherwell 1 – 1 Celtic

  • Archive

    Celtic matchday magazine preview

  • Archive

    Build-up: Celtic

  • Archive

    Robinson: Focused on the here and now

  • Archive

    Rose: We kick on from here

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Forthbank Stadium

  • Archive

    Craigan: Wasteful in final third

  • Archive

    Motherwell U20s 1 – 2 Hibs U20s

  • Archive

    Thank you from the chairman

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Hampden

  • Archive

    Motherwell 1 – 1 Celtic

    [tab:Match report]

    Phil McGhee at Fir Park

    Motherwell were denied being the team who ended Celtic’s long unbeaten run after a late penalty for the visitors ensured they left with a share of the spoils.

    A tireless performance from Stephen Robinson’s men and Mikael Lustig’s own goal looked like securing the win that would stop the league leaders making it 66 domestic matches undefeated. But as they courageously defended their lead, in particular through an outstanding performance from Trevor Carson, they were again undone by a penalty decision with only four minutes remaining.

    Andy Rose was adjudged to have fouled Callum McGregor on the byline, a decision the midfielder hotly disputed, and Scott Sinclair hammered home the debatable penalty.

    Until then, Motherwell looked like holding on with a gritty performance which would have provided some degree of satisfaction and revenge after Sunday’s cup final defeat to the Parkhead side.

    ‘Well made three changes to the team that started at Hampden, with Allan Campbell returning to the middle and Elliot Frear wide on the left. Deimantas Petravicius also made his first start on the right flank.

    The Fir Park players showed no signs of a cup hangover or self pity as they pressed towards Craig Gordon’s goal from the kick-off.

    And within four minutes, Moult’s run along the goal line earned a corner. Chris Cadden’s in-swinger found Carl McHugh but from 10 yards his header flew over the bar.

    At the other end Carson had little to do until the 20th minute, when the ‘keeper spread himself to block Callum McGregor’s low angled drive from the edge of the box.

    Despite plenty of endeavour and some hearty challenges from both sides, neither goal was threatened, with another Cadden corner through a packed six yard box finding no takers.

    In injury time, when it looked like being a first half stalemate for the second consecutive game, a series of slick Celtic passing sent Kieran Tierney through on goal.

    From eight yards the fullback’s drilled shot appeared to be past Carson, until the ‘Well ‘keeper miraculously got a touch to deflect the ball up and over the crossbar for a breathtaking save.

    In a bid to offer some resistance on the right flank, Rose replaced Petravicius at the interval. But it was almost deja vu within three minutes of the restart, when only some stout defending from ‘Well prevented Griffiths and James Forrest from opening the scoring.

    As the Parkhead men started to look more menacing around the home goal, Carson produced another stunning save at full length to push McGregor’s fierce drive round the post.

    In stark contrast, Gordon in the opposite goal was a relieved ‘keeper just two minutes later. His clearance landed at Cadden’s feet, with his immediate cross finding Moult with his back to goal. But his overhead effort sent the ball over an unguarded goal to save the goalkeeper’s blushes.

    With 65 minutes played Craig Tanner replaced Frear and it was almost a dream introduction as within a minute. Tait’s cross picked him out unmarked in front of goal, only for Tanner to screw his header wide of a begging goal.

    Tanner’s next effort was on target but his left foot shot was comfortably held by the Celtic ‘keeper.

    With 18 minutes remaining, and to a chorus of boos from the home support, Scott Sinclair came on for Armstrong ,with Ryan Bowman replacing Carl McHugh as ‘Well chased all three points.

    Six minutes later the Fir Parkers made the breakthrough. Cadden floated a free kick into a packed box and as pack of heads rose to meet it, the ball glanced off Mikael Lustig and beyond his despairing ‘keeper to put Motherwell in front with 12 minutes remaining.

    It looked like Celtic were out of luck six minutes from time when Tom Rogic, who netted the injury time winner the last time the teams met at Fir Park, rattled the ball of the post with the ball kindly rebounding to the grounded Carson.

    Two minutes later the ‘Well ‘keeper produced another stunning save. Having blocked McGregor from close range, Carson reacted quickly as the ball spiralled towards his goal stretching above the chasing Celtic midfielder to push the ball towards the corner flag.

    But as Andy Rose was seeing the ball out of the box he collided with McGregor, who had raced back onto the field on his blind side. As the Celtic player stumbled to the ground, referee Willie Collum pointed to the penalty spot.

    With more than touch of irony, Sinclair stepped up to confidently slam the spot kick high past Carson to leave the sides with a deserved share of the points each, and Celtic’s 66 game unbeaten run preserved.

    [tab:As it happened]

     Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

    FULL TIME: Motherwell 1-1 Celtic
    A fine performance from a spirited ‘Well side, cruelly denied by the late penalty kick.

    90’ | 1-1
    End to end finish to the game as Motherwell keep pressing to retake the lead. Three minutes added on.

    87’ | 1-1
    Scott Sinclair to take the spot kick… goal for Celtic

    86’ | 1-0
    Penalty to Celtic

    85’ | 1-0
    What a save Trevor Carson! Rogic’s shot cannons off the post but the keeper snatches it from rolling over the line.

    80’ | 1-0
    Celtic change. Mikael Lustig replaced by Odsonne Edouard.

    78’ | 1-0
    Craig Tanner’s free kick goes through a sea of bodies and it hits… somebody and goes in!!!

    78’ | 1-0
    GOAL FOR MOTHERWELL!!!

    74’ | 0-0
    Final Motherwell sub. Ryan Bowman on for Carl McHugh.

    72’ | 0-0
    Celtic sub. Scott Sinclair on to a chorus of boos, replacing Stuart Armstrong.

    70’ | 0-0
    Motherwell piling on the pressure! This time it’s Tanner with the shot from the left of the box, gathered by Gordon.

    67’ | 0-0
    Another huge chance for Motherwell. Tait’s cross is inch perfect and Tanner meets it with his head… but it drops wide of the post.

    66’ | 0-0
    Substitution for Motherwell. Craig Tanner coming on for Elliott Frear.

    62’ | 0-0
    Straight up the other end a chance for Celtic. McGregor finds space on the left but his shot flashes across the face of the goal.

    Some tehincal issues, but we’re back online with live commentary now:

    60’ | 0-0
    And a huge chance for the ‘Well! Moult in space in the box controls Cadden’s cross on his chest, but his acrobatic effort from 12 yards is just over the bar.

    59’ | 0-0
    Penalty shout for Motherwell! Moult goes down in the box attacking Frear’s cross but nothing given.

    50′ | 0-0
    Campbell booked for a tug on Armstong.

    There has been a half-time sub for Motherwell, Rose on for Petravicius

    48′ | 0-0
    Couple of decent chances there for Celtic but Hartley puts in a great block then thankfully Tierney fires wide of the post.

    Celtic get the second 45 underway.

    Right on the stroke of half time, Trevor Carson has produced an unbelievable save to deny Rogic from close range!

    HT: Motherwell 0 – 0 Celtic

    39′ | 0-0
    A couple of half-chance there for ‘Well. Ball broke to Kipré on the edge of the box but his shot was blocked then Tait’s shot was well over the bar

    38′ | 0-0
    Trip by Brown on Moult who was breaking into the box. Frear’s free-kick is knocked out for a corner.

    35′ | 0-0
    Griffths curls in a free-kick to the backpost which is hooked wide of the target by Boyata

    29′ | 0-0
    Rogic has another chance but this time he fires over the bar from just outside the box.

    23′ | 0-0
    Armstrong hacks down Cadden as he broke away but no yellow card produced

    20’ | 0-0
    Decent chance there for Rogic as he forces a good stop from Carson then fires the rebound wide of the post

    10′ | 0-0
    Early change for Celtic, Roberts off for Rogic.

    We are underway here at Fir Park. Having a few technical issues…

    Motherwell get the game underway. COYW!

     

     

  • Archive

    Celtic matchday magazine preview

    The eleventh issue of ‘Steelmen’ is on sale now ahead of the Fir Parkers clash with Celtic in the Ladbrokes Premiership. 

    Here, we take a look at what can be found inside the 68-page programme.

    Feature interviewee Peter Hartley reflects on the Steelmen’s season so far and eyes a second consecutive victory in the Ladbrokes Premiership following victory over Aberdeen and on the back of cup heartbreak.

    ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson and skipper Carl McHugh give their updates following a terrific run for the club but on the back of a crushing loss on Sunday, and we take a look back at some historic victories over Celtic.  

    There are the usual updates from the Community Trust and the Well Society, along with another instalment of ‘Goal Zone’ – where we look at Louis Moult’s landmark 50th strike. 

    Feature writer Andrew Paterson profiles avid collector and ‘Well fan Stuart Graham in his latest ‘We are the Motherwell FC’ piece. 

    An in-depth look at Brendan Rodgers Celtic side is featured, as well as the new ‘Scouting Report’ section, where some of the Hoops key men are profiled. 

    An update on Stephen Craigan’s U20s side is included too, with some historic features again included in the programme, one looking at the career of John Goldthorpe and the other looking at the King’s Cup back in 1927.

    Our increased kids content remains, with quizzes, games and prizes to be won for young ‘Well fans.

    You’ll also get an update from the Ticket Office as well as an in-depth look at tonight’s match-officials.

    All this and more is available for £3 and is on sale from the Club Shop as well as the usual sellers located in and around the ground pre-match.

    You can also order back editions or take a subscription to the magazine for the rest of the season by visiting the website of our publishers, Curtis-Sports.

  • Archive

    Build-up: Celtic

    Motherwell host Celtic as the two sides do battle in the second of three clashes in the space of a week.

    Following Sunday’s Betfred Cup final loss, the Steelmen will be keen to bounce back from the 2-0 defeat which denied the club picking up a first piece of silverware in 26 years.

    However, manager Stephen Robinson and his players are not on the revenge path, but instead hope to use the cup heartbreak to fuel some added determination.

    Celtic travel to Fir Park for the first time in nearly a year, on an afternoon when the dramatic encounter in Lanarkshire ended 4-3 to Brendan Rodgers side.

    And with a trip to Glasgow awaiting the ‘Well on Saturday, it is a busy spell against the champions, but an opportunity for the Fir Park side to bring to an end their 65-game unbeaten run.

    As has been the case all season though for ‘Well boss Robinson, his attention is on the here and now.

    The Northern Irishman believes focus is key for his players, and revealed a hunger and determination in the dressing room and around the club to go head-to-head with Celtic straight away.

    “I think we need to concern ourselves about the here and now, and the here and now is Wednesday night and then Saturday,” he said.

    “Obviously there was disappointment around the club after the game which was only natural, but we’re over that now and you get another opportunity in football.

    [pullquote]What an opportunity on Wednesday night because we were in the game for 55 minutes, make no mistake, so we’ll make sure we’re prepared and ready to go again.[/pullquote]

    “What an opportunity on Wednesday night because we were in the game for 55 minutes, make no mistake, so we’ll make sure we’re prepared and ready to go again.”

    Andy Rose echoes his manager’s sentiments, and revealed the togetherness around the dressing room at full time on Sunday, as the ‘Well squad made sure to comfort and motivate 20-year-old Cédric Kipré following his red card.

    Rose, who is hungry for a second bite at Brendan Rodgers unbeaten Celtic side, insisted the loss on Sunday only fuels more determination around Fir Park.

    “I don’t know if it’s revenge, maybe just added determination,” the 27-year-old said. “We had a great meeting yesterday and came to the conclusion that we can use it to fuel us for the rest of the season.

    “We can feel good about what we’ve done but at the end of the day you want to win trophies and we had a fantastic opportunity to get one and we just missed out. So we kick on from here, take a lot of belief out of it and look forward to the rest of the season.”

    On teammate Kipré, Rose added: “Cedric, first and foremost, is a really great guy. He was devastated and I felt really sorry for him, mainly because he’s had such a brilliant season and it’s his first season really in mens football.

    “Playing week in, week out at the back he’s been a rock for us and there’s some big, big matches in his future that’s for sure. He’s a great guy, he’s a great player, he’s learning every day and comes in with a great attitude.

    “He’s very popular in the dressing room so of course the boys were very quick to make sure he knew what we thought of what happened and that we’re with him, and I look forward to his performance tomorrow.”

    Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers could be without Moussa Dembele and Nir Bitton, who are struggling for fitness, but boasts enough depth to ensure rotation is a possibility for the Parkhead side.

    Motherwell V Celtic
    Wednesday 29th November 2017
    7.45pm
    Fir Park, Motherwell
    Tickets on sale from the Fir Park Ticket Office.

    Please note, this is a ticket-only fixture – no cash turnstiles will be in operation.

    Admission prices are as follows:

    ADULTS £27/£20
    CONCESSION £18/£16
    JUNIOR (15 & UNDER)  £14/£10
    FAMILY (1 ADULT, 1 JUNIOR)  £27
    • Cheaper price is for the John Hunter Stand only.
    • Concessions are listed as over 60s, 16-18s and students with a valid matriculation card
    • Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Brian Davidson on 07725 917161

    If you can’t make it tonight, don’t miss the action by tuning in to mixlr.com/motherwellfc for live commentary or follow the match on Twitter @MotherwellFC

    You can see the match highlights on MFC TV’s YouTube channel, as well as full reaction and a match report right here on the official website.

  • Archive

    Robinson: Focused on the here and now

    ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson believes focus is key for his players as they head in to their second meeting with Celtic in the space of four days.

    The Northern Irishman admitted that he felt it wasn’t necessary to appeal Cédric Kipré’s red card, and that he’d much rather have the defender in training this week than involved in any hearings.

    The manager also revealed a hunger and determination in the dressing room and around the club to go head-to-head with Celtic straight away.

    Robinson said: “We’ve appealed numerous decisions and we’ve wasted a lot of time and money because it costs us money every time we appeal.

    [pullquote]I think we need to concern ourselves about the here and now, and the here and now is Wednesday night and Saturday.[/pullquote]

    “Another reason is we want Cédric Kipré totally focused on Wednesday night and Saturday, and the reality is the ban wouldn’t be until next season and by then he could be in the Premier League.

    “I think we need to concern ourselves about the here and now, and the here and now is Wednesday night and Saturday.”

    Robinson added: “Obviously there was disappointment around the club after the game which was only natural, but we’re over that now and you get another opportunity in football.

    “What an opportunity on Wednesday night because we were in the game for 55 minutes, make no mistake, so we’ll make sure we’re prepared and ready to go again.”

  • Archive

    Rose: We kick on from here

    Andy Rose has stood beside teammate Cédric Kipré following his cup final red card, saying the defender is destined for a bright future in the game.

    The Australian midfielder revealed the togetherness in the dressing room at full time on Sunday, as the ‘Well squad made sure to comfort and motivate 20-year-old Kipré.

    Rose, who is hungry for a second bite at Brendan Rodgers unbeaten Celtic side, insisted the loss on Sunday only fuels more determination around Fir Park.

    “I don’t know if it’s revenge, maybe just added determination,” the 27-year-old said. “We had a great meeting yesterday and came to the conclusion that we can use it to fuel us for the rest of the season.

    “We can feel good about what we’ve done but at the end of the day you want to win trophies and we had a fantastic opportunity to get one and we just missed out. So we kick on from here, take a lot of belief out of it and look forward to the rest of the season.”

    On teammate Kipré, Rose added: “Cedric, first and foremost, is a really great guy. He was devastated and I felt really sorry for him, mainly because he’s had such a brilliant season and it’s his first season really in mens football.

    “Playing week in, week out at the back he’s been a rock for us and there’s some big, big matches in his future that’s for sure. He’s a great guy, he’s a great player, he’s learning every day and comes in with a great attitude.

    “He’s very popular in the dressing room so of course the boys were very quick to make sure he knew what we thought of what happened and that we’re with him, and I look forward to his performance tomorrow.” 

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Forthbank Stadium

    Despite take the lead, the Under 20s lost 1-2 to Hibernian this afternoon at Forthbank Stadium.

  • Archive

    Craigan: Wasteful in final third

    Under-20s boss Stephen Craigan admits his side have been wasteful of late in the final third.

    The Northern Irishman has been largely impressed by a number of aspects of the youngsters play, but after the 2-1 defeat against Hibs he insisted things need to improve in front of goal.

    Speaking to MFC TV at full time, Craigan reflected on a frustrating but dominant 90-minutes for his side.

    [pullquote]It’s probably summed up where we’ve been in the last three or four games where we’ve been pleased with our general play.[/pullquote]

    He said: “It’s probably summed up where we’ve been in the last three or four games where we’ve been pleased with our general play.

    “Probably at times the final thing we do with the ball – we had some good crosses in, we had some missed placed passes in the final third, the final shot.”

    He added: “So I think the bottom two-thirds are fine but it’s just that final thing that we do with the ball is letting us down.”

  • Archive

    Motherwell U20s 1 – 2 Hibs U20s

    Motherwell under-20s conceded late goals in either half as they lost 2-1 against Hibs this afternoon.

    Stephen Craigan’s youngsters surrendered a one goal lead at Forthbank Stadium on an afternoon in which they dominated large spells of the game.

    And in truth, the ‘Well were unlucky not to get anything from the Development League clash.

    An early penalty claim went unrewarded when Jake Hastie was bundled to the deck in the opening ten minutes. The youngster was set to nod Adam Livingstone’s pin-point cross on goal before he was blatantly pushed in the back. 

    Less than a minute later though, and it was a penalty for the Fir Park side thanks to the terrific anticipation and pace from Alfie Agyeman to latch on to a ball from Luke Watt. The young forward knocked the ball beyond Hibs stopper Maciej Dabrowski but was wiped to the ground – allowing Ross MacLean the chance to dispatch the spot kick confidently.

    Despite a dominant opening 45, somehow Craigan’s side went in to the break level when the visitors capitalised on a lapse at the back. Jordan Armstrong lost the ball when put under pressure and a low delivery across goal was tapped beyond PJ Morrison by Olly Shaw to equalise for the Edinburgh side. 

    The second half panned out in a similar nature to the first, with the hosts controlling the match but failing to make their dominance count. 

    Another penalty claim in the 51st minute could have reasserted the Fir Parkers lead, but yet again, Hastie was denied and play was waved on.

    Agyeman struck a venomous effort narrowly over the bar as Craigan’s side pushed to try and edge the encounter.

    However, with just five minutes left, Hibs snatched the win with a fortuitous counter attack.

    The ball broke kindly for the visitors but some neat play afforded Shaw space in the box, and he curled an impressive finish beyond Morrison to strike a second consecutive defeat for the under-20s. 

     

     

  • Archive

    Thank you from the chairman

    Chairman Jim McMahon has today released the following statement:

    Almost 12,000 of you made the trip to Hampden Park on Sunday and, although you were sent home ultimately disappointed, I want to thank you for your incredible support.

    I want to express my pride for how the players, manager and staff performed, and I extend that to the supporters as well. Together, we never gave up. We supported each other throughout, even long after the full-time whistle.

    Like everyone else watching, I was completely engaged in what was a fascinating, end-to-end first half.

    The second half started with a bang and was building towards a contest that would’ve been a perfect advert for Scottish football. A match that all parties – fans, broadcasters, sponsors and commentators – could relish.

    To have the game as a sporting spectacle killed off by one incident changed what most were talking about after the match, leaving them feeling ‘What?’. That’s a great shame.

    But we now have to move on. We hold our heads high and behave with dignity. As Stephen Robinson said so eloquently after the game, our season doesn’t end here.

    I am sure that you will give all our players, Cédric in particular, a special welcome on Wednesday night and roar them on to what will hopefully be an important three points.

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Hampden

    Highlights from Hampden Park as Motherwell put on a brave show but fall short in the Betfred Cup final against Celtic.