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[tab:Match report]

Motherwell fell to their second loss under Stephen Robinson with a 1-0 loss against Partick Thistle this afternoon.

An early strike from Kris Doolan was enough for the hosts to secure their spot in the top six and extend their unbeaten run to eight matches.

But for the travelling Fir Parkers, the loss at Firhill leaves Robinson’s men four points ahead of Inverness ahead of a crucial clash next weekend.

The Northern Irishman was forced to field a team without top scorer Louis Moult and right-back Richard Tait as the ‘Well looked to extend their unbeaten run to three matches in the space of a week.

But unfortunately for the Fir Park gaffer and his side, they were met by a fiery Thistle side in the opening half an hour and found themselves trailing after ten minutes.

The club’s top scorer Doolan latched on to the end of a neat cut back to fire the ball beyond Craig Samson as the home side took a firm hold of the match.

However, despite a poor opening 30 minutes, Motherwell grew in to the match and looked a different side, particularly in the second 45.

And a stunning save from Thistle stopper Tomas Cerny, tipping the ball on to the post to deny Zak Jules goal bound header, was the closest the Steelmen came as the hosts held on for three points.

Skipper Keith Lasley, who came on at half time, nearly fired the Fir Parkers level but his right footed strike flew narrowly over the crossbar as the visiting side took more control of the game but could make up for a poor first half.

[tab:As it happened]

 Alastair Reilly at Firhill

FT: Partick Thistle 1 – 0 Motherwell

Three minutes added on.

86′ | 1-0
‘Well play a short corner and from Ainsworth’s cross McHugh’s header loops just past the post.

84′ | 1-0
Penalty shout there as Blyth is obstructed from going for the ball but nothing given.

79′ | 1-0
Partick Thistle sub, Lawless off for McCarthy

72′ | 1-0
Good spell of play ends with Lasley firing inches over the bar from distance. Motherwell well worth a goal here.

71′ | 1-0
Motherwell sub, Blyth on for Gordon.

69′ | 1-0
What a save by Cerny, somehow getting down to a powerful Bowman header from close range!

66′ | 1-0
Partick Thistle sub, Erskine off for Azeez

61′ | 1-0
Chance! Bowman sets up Gordon whose cross/shot is inches away from McDonald at the back post!

53′ | 1-0
Close. Pearson powers a ball across goal but Cerny plucks it from the feet of Gordon 6 yards out

Thistle get the second half underway.

Double change for Motherwell at the break, Lasley and Ainsworth on for Clay and Frear

HT: Partick Thistle 1 – 0 Motherwell

..blazed well over the bar.

41′ | 1-0
Gordon turns his man and wins a free-kick in a decent area. Frear to take…

37′ | 1-0
Cadden fires in a dangerous ball which is destined for Bowman but Keown heads it out for a corner.

33′ | 1-0
Doolan should make it two but sclaffs his shot well wide of the target after doing well to get in behind.

29′ | 1-0
Lawless hits the bar. Breaks away and his shot deflects off McHugh over Samson but thankfully back off the woodwork.

27′ | 1-0
From a Thistle corner, Lindsay heads well wide. ‘Well not got going at all here.

25′ | 1-0
Thistle have a free-kick about 30 yards from goal. Barton strikes inches wide of the post.

11′ | 1-0
Goal – Thistle open the scoring through Doolan who taps in a low Erskine cross

2′ | 0-0
Early chance for the Steelmen. Gordon hangs it up at the back post, McDonald rises to meet it but Devine knocks it past for corner

Shea Gordon gets the action underway. COYW!!!

Out come both sides at a gloriously sunny Firhill. ‘Well in their denim blue away kit…

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson:

Partick Thistle manager Alan Archibald:

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Motherwell face Partick Thistle this weekend in the Ladbrokes Premiership in their third game in seven days.

And manager Stephen Robinson will be keen to go the whole week unbeaten as his side travel to Firhill Stadium.

It will be no easy task for the Fir Parkers though – as they come up against a Thistle side in fine form and on the hunt to secure their spot in the top six.

And ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson is well aware of that, saying this morning that he is fully expecting a tough game tomorrow afternoon.

Following his sides goalless draw on Wednesday night, the Fir Park gaffer is calling for that crucial bit of quality in the final third this weekend.

Speaking to the press this morning, the Northern Irishman previewed his side’s trip to the West End of Glasgow.

He also admitted his players need to look forward to what is a very important league clash and the chance to extend their unbeaten run to three matches.

[pullquote]We expect a really tough game, they’re unbeaten in their last seven and the last game they lost was away to Aberdeen, so that tells you what kind of run they’re on at the moment.[/pullquote]

Robinson said: “We can’t affect the decisions or the result from Wednesday night, but what we can affect is Saturday’s performance.

“We need the same intensity, the same desire – and we need to just add a little quality in the final third.”

He added: “We expect a really tough game, they’re unbeaten in their last seven and the last game they lost was away to Aberdeen, so that tells you what kind of run they’re on at the moment.”

The Motherwell manager will be without Stephen McManus, who remains out through injury – while Richard Tait and top scorer Louis Moult will face late fitness tests.

Having burst in to Stephen Robinson’s side in recent weeks, Ryan Bowman is undoubtedly one to watch tomorrow afternoon.

The summer signing scored his first goal in Claret and Amber against Aberdeen in February and has since put in some standout performances – including a man of the match showing against Accies on Wednesday night.

With the Steelmen heading in to Saturday’s match unbeaten in their last two games, the ‘Well number 11 reflected on a frustrating clash against Hamilton as he spoke to the press this morning.

The ‘Well striker admitted that on another day him and the team would have better luck, having seen a clear goal denied by the officials midweek.

Bowman, who arrived in the summer transfer window, looked ahead to tomorrow’s Premiership clash with the Jags.

[pullquote]On Wednesday I should score, Ben Heneghan’s goal is in – other days we get those goals and the referee gives those goals but it is frustrating.[/pullquote]

He said: “I’m really enjoying myself at the minute because since the new manager has come in, he’s given me a chance – I’m playing games and I’m enjoying it.

“In the Rangers game we had three or four really good chances and the keeper has pulled off some really good saves – a couple from me, Moulty and Scotty’s had a few too.”

He added: “On Wednesday I should score, Ben Heneghan’s goal is in – other days we get those goals and the referee gives those goals but it is frustrating.”

Partick Thistle will be full of confidence ahead of tomorrow’s fixture against the Steelmen.

The Glaswegian outfit have hit form at the right time – stringing together a seven match unbeaten run and all but securing their spot in the top half.

With four points separating Thistle from seventh placed Kilmarnock, Alan Archibald’s men will be fired up as the Steelmen arrive at Firhill tomorrow afternoon.

They also come in to the penultimate match before the split on the back of a hard-fought 1-1 draw with newly crowned Champions Celtic.

Ade Azeez drew level after Scott Sinclair fired the hosts in front from the spot, as Archibald’s side not only kept their distance ahead of Killie, but narrowed the gap on fifth placed Hearts to just three points.

In fan-favourite Kris Doolan, Thistle have found a source of goals to fire them to an impressive campaign this term.

Bagging his 100^th and 101^st goals for the club in their 2-1 victory over Ross County last week, the Scotsman hit a milestone for the Jags that wrote his name in the history books.

With 11 goals to his name this season, Doolan has continued to prove vital for Partick, and will be a main threat for the hosts tomorrow afternoon.

Despite their impressive campaign, Thistle have a fairly poor record against the Steelmen this term, with a 1-1 draw and a 2-0 loss the two previous results for Thistle this season.

The last time the two sides met at Firhill though, it could have been a victory for the Fir Parkers instead of a 1-1 draw – when Scott McDonald’s perfectly valid goal was ruled out for offside.

It makes for an interesting clash in Glasgow tomorrow afternoon, and one that is equally important for both sides.

Ryan Bowman reflected on a frustrating clash against Hamilton as he spoke to the press this morning.

The ‘Well striker admitted that on another day the Steelmen would have better luck, having seen a clear goal denied by the officials midweek.

Bowman, who arrived in the summer transfer window, looked ahead to tomorrow’s Premiership clash with the Jags.

[pullquote]On Wednesday I should score, Ben Heneghan’s goal is in – other days we get those goals and the referee gives those goals but it is frustrating.[/pullquote]

Bowman said: “I’m really enjoying myself at the minute because since the new manager has come in, he’s given me a chance – I’m playing games and I’m enjoying it.

“In the Rangers game we had three or four really good chances and the keeper has pulled off some really good saves – a couple from me, Moulty and Scotty’s had a few too.”

He added: “On Wednesday I should score, Ben Heneghan’s goal is in – other days we get those goals and the referee gives those goals but it is frustrating.”

You can watch Ryan’s full press conference on MFC TV’s official YouTube channel.

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson is fully expecting a tough game tomorrow afternoon against Partick Thistle.

And following his sides goalless draw on Wednesday night, the Fir Park gaffer is calling for that crucial bit of quality in the final third this weekend.

Speaking to the press this morning, the Northern Irishman previewed his side’s trip to Glasgow.

He also admitted his players need to look forward to what is a very important league clash and the chance to extend their unbeaten run to three matches.

[pullquote]We expect a really tough game, they’re unbeaten in their last seven and the last game they lost was away to Aberdeen, so that tells you what kind of run they’re on at the moment.[/pullquote]

Robinson said: “We can’t affect the decisions or the result from Wednesday night, but what we can affect is Saturday’s performance.

“We need the same intensity, the same desire – and we need to just add a little quality in the final third.”

He added: “We expect a really tough game, they’re unbeaten in their last seven and the last game they lost was away to Aberdeen, so that tells you what kind of run they’re on at the moment.”

You can watch the manager’s full press conference on MFC TV’s official YouTube channel.

The Club’s annual Sponsors Event will take place within the Alona Hotel on Saturday 15th of April. 

All Player Sponsors will have already received their invitation to this prestigious event and a limited number of tickets have been released for public sale which are available at £45 per person.

Children can attend and dine at the event for a fantastic price of just £15, so don’t miss out!

A 3 course meal will be served followed by a short Q & A with the Management Team and a number of Awards on the night,  including the Sponsor’s Player of the Season Award.

Your host for the evening will be Fir Park favourite, Tam Cowan.

To book phone 01698 333 333 or email events@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Saturday 15th April

 7.00pm

Alona Hotel, Strathclyde Park

£45 per adult, £15 for children

Dress code: lounge suit 

Referee for Saturday’s Ladbrokes Premiership clash with Partick Thistle at Firhill Stadium is John Beaton.

John will be handling his third Motherwell match of the campaign so far – after overseeing the 2-0 loss at Parkhead in October and the 2-0 loss away to Dundee in November.

The referee took charge on two occasions last season, with the first a 2-2 draw with Dundee back in January. The Steelmen were on course to take all three points when Chris Cadden and Stephen Pearson had the visitors ahead, but a controversial late penalty from Kane Hemmings levelled things up.

His other ‘Well game was also in the Highlands, when the Steelmen all but secured a top-six spot with a terrific 1-2 win at the Caledonian Stadium.

His overall record in charge of Motherwell matches reads five wins, five defeats and three draws from thirteen matches. ‘Well have scored twenty-one and conceded nineteen.

Fourty-four players have gone into the book during those games, twenty-two of them wearing Claret and Amber, with just two red cards: Joe Shaughnessy in a League Cup tie against Aberdeen in 2013/14 and Darryl Westlake last season, in a 1-1 draw with Killie at Fir Park.

John will be ably assisted by Gary Hilland and Ross Haswell with Ryan Milne on Fourth Official duties.

Extended Highlights from Fir Park as the Lanarkshire Derby ends in a goalless draw.

Images from today’s 0-0 draw with Hamilton Accies in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix

[svgallery name=”hamilton050417″]

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson was disappointed that his side couldn’t capitalise on a sending off to pick up three points against Hamilton tonight.

But he also made sure to reflect on the positives – including the Steelmen’s first clean sheet since December.

Speaking to MFC TV at full time, Robinson highlighted the plus points, as well as a crucial decision not to award the Fir Parkers a goal in the first half when Ben Heneghan’s header was cleared from over the Accies goal line.

[pullquote]We were organised and structured – but in truth I think when they went down to ten men we went too long too early and we didn’t work that extra pass up the pitch.[/pullquote]

Robinson said: “We’re going to take a positive out of it because we’ve got a point and we’ve kept a clean sheet for the first time in a long, long time.

“So that’s a positive because we were organised and structured – but in truth I think when they went down to ten men we went too long too early and we didn’t work that extra pass up the pitch.”

He added: “And the decision as well, we’ve seen it back and it’s the most obvious goal you’ll see.”

[tab:Match report]

Minus top scorer Louis Moult, Motherwell drew a blank with Hamilton at Fir Park tonight.

And even with an extra man for the final 16 minutes, after Darian McKinnon was sent off, the Steelmen failed to make the breakthrough and put some distance between themselves and their Lanarkshire rivals.

However, aggrieved  ‘Well will point out they were denied a perfectly good goal and three precious points when Ben Heneghan’s header appeared to have crossed the goal line before being headed clear.

Moult’s ankle injury kept him out for only the second time since his four goal haul against Accies in September. However, with Jacob Blyth coming in for his first start of the season, ‘Well stuck to the same line-up and formation that proved successful at Ibrox.

And within five minutes, Blyth’s deflected shot had set up his strike partner with the perfect chance to open the scoring but from a couple of yards Ryan Bowman pulled the ball wide of the post.

Bowman turned provider eight minutes later when he ran onto Scott McDonald’s threaded pass but after laying the ball back to the edge of the box, Stephen Pearson screwed his drive  off target.

Once again Chris Cadden was given the freedom to power down the right flank and, following another surging run, his low cross was smothered by Remi Matthews at Bowman’s feet.

Having weathered the early pressure, Accies came into the game and after 22 minutes Craig Samson produced his first save throwing himself across goal to palm away McKinnon’s dipping volley.

A couple of minutes later the ‘Well ‘keeper did extremely well to firmly hold a bouncing shot from Giannis Skondras with Alex D’Acol anticipating a slip up.

The Hamilton goal had a narrow escape on the half hour when Matthews left his line to claim Stevie Hammell’s long pass  but ended with ‘keeper punching the ball narrowly past his own post.

Accies were even more fortunate from the resultant corner when Frear’s ball was powerfully met by Heneghan and his thumping header looked well over the line before D’Acol headed out and off the bar as ‘Well’s appeals for a goal were waved aside.

Seven minutes later McDonald’s header from two yards should have given Matthews no chance but the ‘keeper comfortably held the tame effort.

Just before the interval Samson had another fine save blocking Rakish Bingham’s powerful, angled drive. And within minutes of the restart it was repeated when Bingham’s header forced an early stop from the ‘Well ‘keeper.

As Motherwell struggled to find their rhythm, Keith Lasley replaced Craig Clay before Shea Gordon made his debut at Blyth’s expense. Within seconds the home side had created their first chance of the second half when Pearson’s ball back across the box found Frear and his half volley crept agonisingly just beyond the far post.

With 74 minutes played, ‘Well were given a one man advantage when McKinnon was shown a straight red card.

Openings were still rare, but when Ainsworth’s cross was back headed by Bowman over the advancing ‘keeper, the ball looked net bound until Sarris acrobatically scooped it clear.

With three minutes remaining, another Ainsworth ball into the box produced appeals for a penalty, but as play raced to the other end, Massimo Donati’s low shot was held by Samson as both side’s had to settle for a point each in their battle to beat the drop.

[tab:As it happened]

 Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson:

Hamilton Accies manager Martin Canning:

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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