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    Motherwell 1 – 0 Berwick Rangers

  • Archive

    ‘Well trio help Scots to Auld Enemy win

  • Archive

    Build-up: Berwick Rangers

  • Archive

    Gers hospitality on sale now

  • Archive

    Centenary Suite match ticket offer

  • Archive

    McHugh: Loving my football

  • Archive

    Robinson: Three points still important

  • Archive

    Open Day information

  • Archive

    Finnie to officiate Berwick clash

  • Archive

    McHugh pens contract extension

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    Motherwell 1 – 0 Berwick Rangers

    [tab:Match report]

    Motherwell left it late to maintain their 100% record and claim a seeded spot in the draw for the next round of the Betfred cup. And for the second successive game Elliot Frear came up with the late goal for a narrow win over Second Division opposition.

    Credit to a well organized Berwick Rangers who restricted ‘Well to few genuine chances, however, despite making it four wins on the spin, the Fir Park players will need to capitalise on their chances when Glasgow Rangers come calling next Sunday.

    Stephen Robinson shuffled his starting eleven for the visit of the Borderers but the most significant change was Louis Moult making his first start of the season. And although the ‘Well fans will be relieved to see the striker get an hour under his belt, he looked short of match sharpness as he passed up chances he would normally convert.

    With Ben Heneghan missing through injury, the ‘Well boss set up the home defence with Charles Dunne partnering Cedric Kipré at the hear of a back four.

    After only five minutes, though, those plans were altered as Stevie Hammell, with an apparent hamstring injury, had to be replaced by Elliot Frear forcing Carl McHugh to drop back alongside Kipré. Ironically, that increased ‘Well’s attacking threat with Craig Tanner moving forward to join Moult.

    The first threat, though, came at the home end after 14 minutes, when Aaron Murrell’s left foot shot forced Trevor Carson into an early save.

    The next move four minutes later had more familiar look as Richard Tait’s cross found Moult but from six yards and at full stretch he could only guide his header over the bar.

    The striker’s next chance followed a few minutes later when Dunne’s long ball dropped in behind the Berwick defence but from a tight angle Moult rattled the ball off the ‘keeper’s legs.

    Creating plenty of space on the left wing, Frear whipped in a couple of inviting crosses. The first found Andy Rose and his glancing header was just off target before Tait nodded Frear’s cross back across goal for Tanner to force Robby McCrorie to rise and claim the ball under his cross bar.

    On the stroke of half-time, Moult got his head to a teasing Chris Cadden cross but again the ball sailed over McCrorie’s bar.

    The first half ended with the visitor’s taking the plaudits having largely contained ‘Well and restricting the home side to a handful of half chances around McCrorie’s goal.

    That changed as ‘Well made a furious start to the second half.

    Within five minutes McCrorie was forced into making his first real save reacting well to beat Moult’s  powerful angled shot beyond his post. As Berwick failed to clear the corner Frear’s  return across the six yard box zipped past three ‘Well players.

    The pressure remained on the visitor’s goal and Cadden’s header was nodded on by Tanner with McCrorie rescuing the ball as it dropped under the bar.

    Berwick though were eager to get forward and Carson was forced into a diving save to block another 20 yard effort from Murrell.

    Having tasted his first hour of action, Moult made way for Alex Fisher.

    Five minutes later the sub combined with Rose at the edge of the box but although the latter’s drive was low and hard it was straight at the waiting ‘keeper.

    Still looking to make the breakthrough ‘Well gave midweek signing George Newell 15 minutes to make an impact. And the former Everton youth player immediately unsettled the Berwick defence with his direct style of play.

    However, it was mainly Frear’s delivery from crosses and corners which threatened the visitor’s goal.

    With ten minutes remaining the ball was in the Berwick net but as the keeper appeared to be impeded as he rose to hold a spiraling shot from Cadden it was disallowed. Carl McHugh then watched his header from yet another Frear corner palmed from under his bar by McCrorie as the Berwick keeper looked like holding out for penalties until he was finally beaten eight minutes from time.

    Cadden worked his way into the box on the right and when his firm cross was knocked back into the middle of the area, Frear confidently swept the ball down the middle of the goal to ensure three points and top seeding.

    Two minutes from time Newell came close to capping an impressive introduction when he turned on Kipré’s hoisted pass before hammering his shot off the ‘keeper.

    [tab:As it happened]

     Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

    ‘Well come through the group stages with a 100% record and are seeded for the next round.

    FT: Motherwell 1 – 0 Berwick Rangers

    90′ | 1-0

    Newell with a great first touch on the spin from Kipré’s cross but McCrorie makes a good stop from his shot.

    84′ | 1-0

    Looked like a clear foul on Frear on the edge of the box but ref says defender got a touch. Some tackle if he has!

    82′ | 1-0

    Finally a breakthrough! Cadden’s powerful cross is beaten out to Frear who fires it into the empty net!

    GOOAALL!!!

    …from the corner ‘Well have the ball bundled into the net but ref deems there was a foul on McCrorie!

    78′ | 0-0

    Close! Dunne’s header somehow flicked over the bar by a defender. Another corner…..

    74′ | 0-0

    Newell straight into the action closing down his man and winning it back but his attempted flick past the ‘keeper is saved

    71′ | 0-0

    Motherwell sub, Newell makes his debut replacing Tanner

    65′ | 0-0

    Berwick Rangers sub, Murrell off for McKenna

    63′ | 0-0

    Stewart booked for a poor challenge on Tanner as he broke away.

    60′ | 0-0

    Motherwell sub, Moult makes way for Fisher.

    51′ | 0-0

    Frear’s cross is headed back in by Cadden and nodded on by Tanner but McCrorie gathers. Still goalless.

    50′ | 0-0

    Moult steals the ball from his man inside the box and gets a shot away but McCrorie beats it away for a corner

    HT: Motherwell 0 – 0 Berwick Rangers

    42′ | 0-0

    Tanner taken down in a decent area but ref waves play on with no real advantage then gives Berwick a free-kick

    32′ | 0-0

    Another good chance! Tait heads it back across goal to Tanner but he heads straight at McCrorie

    30′ | 0-0

    Moult and Frear combine down the left, letting the winger clip in a ball to Rose but his header lands on the roof of the net.

    22′ | 0-0

    Dunne’s ball over the top finds Moult but from a tight angle McCrorie makes the stop with his foot.

    21′ | 0-0

    Another decent chance for Moult! Frear with the clipped cross but he can’t divert his header goalwards and the chance goes.

    18′ | 0-0

    Decent chance for Moult. Tait hangs a cross up which he meets with his head but it loops over the bar.

    14′ | 0-0

    Murrell gets in behind the defence but his left-footed shot lacks any sort of power to trouble Carson.

    6′ | 0-0

    Corner is swung in and met by Rose but Berwick manage to sweep it clear.

    5′ | 0-0

    Motherwell sub, Hammell comes off injured for Frear

    Tanner gets the action underway. COYW!!!

    Out come the two teams, claret and amber for the Steelmen, all white for the visitors.

    Berwick Rangers subs: Brennan, Fairbairn, Thomson, McKenna, Donaldson, Orru, Watt

    Berwick Rangers: McCrorie, Fleming, Waugh, Notman, Lavery, Rutherford, Phillips, Irving, Stewart, McDonald, Murrell

    Motherwell subs: Griffiths, Frear, Bowman, Fisher, Newell, McMillan, Gordon

    Motherwell: Carson, Tait, Hammell, Bigirimana, Cadden, McHugh, Moult, Rose, Dunne, Kipré, Tanner

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson:

     

    Berwick Rangers manager John Coughlin

     

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”327″]

  • Archive

    ‘Well trio help Scots to Auld Enemy win

    Three Motherwell Academy stars played their part for Scotland U16s who recorded a fine 2-0 win over the Auld Enemy yesterday.

    Cole Starrs and Adam Kettings both started the match at Stirling’s Forthbank, with Reece McAlear being introduced as a second half substitute. Goalkeeper Robbie Hemfrey was an unused sub after getting 90 minutes against Qatar on Tuesday.

    Starrs had won a penalty for his side early in the second half, but Ben Cameron’s spot kick was well saved. However, the Scots would take the lead shortly after when sub Connor Barron’s lob shot cannoned off the bar, hit goalkeeper Harvey Collins before rolling in.

    It stayed that way until five minutes from time when McAlear played a huge part in Scotland’s second goal. The Steelmen midfielder got up brilliantly to head on a Cameron free kick into the path of left fullback Finn Ecrepont, who slotted home brilliantly from close range to second the victory.

    [pullquote]Our lads have once again made a telling contribution to what was a very pleasing win for Scotland.[/pullquote]

    The win gives Scotland the chance to win the Under 16s International tournament when they face Uruguay this weekend.

    ‘Well’s Academy Director Scott Leitch, who was watching on from the stand at Forthbank, said: “Our lads have once again made a telling contribution to what was a very pleasing win for Scotland.

    “Cole Starrs led the line so well, particularly when he was deployed through the centre, and caused all sorts of problems with his pace and power. Adam Kettings, who has only recently returned from a long-term injury, showed what a terrific footballer he is with some lovely touches and passes and when Reece McAlear came on, he provided the additional physicality to help score that decisive second.

    “It was interesting for me to see how our lads shaped up against a talented England side and it certainly bodes well for the future given their performances.”

  • Archive

    Build-up: Berwick Rangers

    Motherwell host Berwick Rangers in the final match of the Betfred Cup group stages tomorrow afternoon.

    The Steelmen currently sit at the summit of Group F with a perfect nine points from nine and an impressive goal difference to boot.

    However, with just four of the top placed sides in with a chance of being seeded for Sundays draw, Stephen Robinson and his squad know the importance of another three points tomorrow afternoon.

    Victory would all but ensure Motherwell join Celtic, Aberdeen, Rangers and St Johnstone in the pot of seeded teams and could lead to a favourable draw for the round of 16.

    However, with a number of strong sides in the running to qualify for the next round, it seems apparent there will be no easy ties – as is the case with most cup competitions when they get in to the crucial stages.

    And following Tuesday night’s hard-fought victory over Edinburgh City, Stephen Robinson believes that his squad were taught a valuable lesson.

    He said: “Tuesday night was a reminder that if you don’t take your chances, you’ll be in trouble.

    “We put a cross in every two minutes, so we nearly got punished for not taking the chances we created.”

    He added: “So yes it was a wake up call and it was a bad decision for the goal, but we showed great character to come back from that, it doesn’t matter what level you’re playing against it’s always difficult to break teams down.”

    The ‘Well boss made a number of changes to his starting eleven midweek and admits that the side who will face Berwick is not set in stone as of yet.

    He said: “By no means is the starting eleven set in stone yet or what system we will play – so the boys are well aware that only the four best group winners will be seeded along with the European teams.

    “Don’t get me wrong, we have our ideas but we also need to ensure people have the right amount of minutes, so we’ll be changing the team from Tuesday.”

    [pullquote]By no means is the starting eleven set in stone yet or what system we will play – so the boys are well aware that only the four best group winners will be seeded along with the European teams.[/pullquote]

    One man who will be hopeful of a spot this weekend is of course captain Carl McHugh.

    The midfielder, who has recently penned a two-year deal with the Fir Parkers, admits he is loving his football at the moment following a superb six months for the Irishman.

    Under the stewardship of Stephen Robinson, McHugh has seen a miraculous recovery from a horrifying injury turn in to arguably the most important end to a campaign he has experienced in his career.

    Playing a huge role in securing safety, McHugh was awarded with the captain’s armband – a terrific achievement made even more impressive by the fact he’s just 24-years-old.

    And he is one man who will have a very important role to play, not just tomorrow, but for the foreseeable future.

    “[The injury] has given me a new perspective on my career in a way because since it happened I think I appreciate everything a lot more,” McHugh said.

    “It’s not that I didn’t before but I think anyone can become a bit complacent in their lives, everyone does it, but since the injury I feel I appreciate going out to training every morning and I’m loving my football perhaps as much as I have at any stage in my career.

    And with just one Betfred Cup group match remaining, Motherwell’s number 8 admitted the club are still working towards their best form, despite enjoying a perfect start to the competitive campaign.

    He added: “It’s very early days – it’s been a good start and we’ve won a few games but we’re a long way from being where I think we can get to and from being the finished article.”

    As Tuesday night’s narrow victory showed, tomorrow’s clash against Berwick will not be a simple task by any means.

    The Borderer’s sit bottom of Group F on one point but will have no shortage of desire as they arrive at Fir Park tomorrow, hungry to end their three game stint without a win.

     








    Motherwell V Berwick Rangers
    Saturday 29th July 2017
    3.00pm
    Fir Park, Motherwell
    Available at the Fir Park ticket office and on the gate

    Admission prices are as follows: 

    ADULTS    £12 
    CONCESSIONS       £6
    • Concessions are listed as Under 18s, over 60 and students
    • Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Darren  on 07722 912666 or email darren@mfcdsa.com.

    If you can’t make it to tomorrow, 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

    Gers hospitality on sale now

    With the league opener against Rangers being held here at Fir Park, why not enjoy the clash in style with our superb hospitality packages?

    Our offers are on sale now for next weekend’s visit of the Gers, in what is a mouth-watering way to start the 2017/18 campaign.

    With a number of options, including Centenary Suite, South Stand box and Millennium suite hospitality, there is something for everyone to suit different price ranges.

    Season Ticket holders can upgrade to hospitality for just £60 for adults and £30 for concessions/juniors.

    With pricing for non-Season Ticket holders starting at £130, it’s not to be missed!

    For more information, please contact: hospitality@motherwellfc.co.uk or phone 01698 333 333.

  • Archive

    Centenary Suite match ticket offer

    The Steelmen host Berwick Rangers in the final game of the Betfred Cup on Saturday, so why not make the most of our one-off fantastic offer?

    Anyone with a match day ticket will be able to come in to the Centenary Suite for free and will be able to buy food, drinks and enjoy bar snacks prior to kick off.

    This fantastic offer means anyone can enjoy our outstanding food in the newly refurbished suite before taking in the final clash in Group F, and can be fed for as little as £5.

    And with the Steelmen just one game away from clinching top spot, it makes for an ideal day out in Lanarkshire this weekend.

    For more information, call 01698 333 333 or email hospitality@motherwelfc.co.uk

  • Archive

    McHugh: Loving my football

    Skipper Carl McHugh speaks to the broadcast press on the back of penning a two-year deal with the club.

    And following a miraculous turn around to his ‘Well career following a six-month lay-off at the start of last season, the Irishman looked back on the year he’s spent at Fir Park.

    He said: “[The injury] has given me a new perspective on my career in a way because since it happened I think I appreciate everything a lot more.

    [pullquote]Since the injury I feel I appreciate going out to training every morning and I’m loving my football perhaps as much as I have at any stage in my career. [/pullquote]

    “It’s not that I didn’t before but I think anyone can become a bit complacent in their lives, everyone does it, but since the injury I feel I appreciate going out to training every morning and I’m loving my football perhaps as much as I have at any stage in my career.

    And with just one Betfred Cup group match remaining, Motherwell’s number 8 admitted the club are still working towards their best form, despite enjoying a perfect start to the competitive campaign.

    He added: “It’s very early days – it’s been a good start and we’ve won a few games but we’re a long way from being where I think we can get to and from being the finished article.”

  • Archive

    Robinson: Three points still important

    ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson admits that his side are well aware of the importance of three points tomorrow afternoon.

    The Steelmen host Berwick Rangers in the final match in Group F of the Betfred Cup – knowing that a win will all but guarantee a spot amongst the seeds in the last sixteen draw.

    In addition, the Fir Park boss has also challenged his players to stake a claim for a starting spot against Rangers on Sunday week with a positive performance against the Borderers.

    “By no means is the starting eleven set in stone yet or what system we play – so the boys are well aware that only the four best group winners will be seeded along with the European teams,” Robinson said.

    [pullquote]The boys are well aware that only the four best group winners will be seeded along with the European teams[/pullquote]

    “Don’t get me wrong, we have our ideas but we also need to ensure people have the right amount of minutes, so we’ll be changing the team from Tuesday.”

    Although he has watched his team win three games on the bounce, Robinson insists no-one in the camp is getting ahead of themselves with much still to play for.

    “I am cautious not to get too carried away,” he continued. “We’ve played well on occasions in the three games, we’ve scored eleven goals and the lads look as if they’ve gelling.

    “However, I am very aware that we are still very early in the process and still have a long way to go.”

  • Archive

    Open Day information

    ‘Well fans have the chance to take part in fun activities and meet their favourite players at an upcoming Open Day. 

    Taking place at the Fir Park astro-turf pitches, located behind the John Hunter stand, there will be numerous fun-filled things to do throughout the day this Sunday.

    From skill sessions to dance activities, and falconry talks to a visit from the Fire and Police service – there will be something for everyone this weekend.

    There will also be a chance for fans to meet the players and watch as a team of kids play against a selected Motherwell eleven.

    Supporters will also be able to pick up or purchase season tickets, get their face painted, and enjoy food, drink and various refreshments throughout the day.

    The event gets started at 10am here at Fir Park.

    10 am start

    10.15 – Falconry talk – South stand

    10.00 – Community Trust Skills Participation Session and throughout day when nothing on astro-turf

    10.30 – Dance activities – South stand

    10.45– 11 – Kids vs MFC XI  game

    11.00 – Dance activities – South stand

    11.15 – 11.45 Player signing session/meet the new squad Centenary Suite

    11.45 – 12.30 Community Trust Skills Participation Session

    12.00 – Falconry talk – South stand

    12.15 – Dance activities – South stand

    12.30 Finish

    1pm – Well society tournament

  • Archive

    Finnie to officiate Berwick clash

    The referee for this weekend’s clash with Berwick Rangers is the experienced Stephen Finnie.

    The last time he was the man in the middle for a ‘Well game was the forgettable 5-1 home defeat against Dundee back in February.

    However, the time before that was an important 3-1 victory over Partick Thistle in February 2016, when three points lifted the Steelmen to eighth in the table.

    Louis Moult smashed a brace on that afternoon to take his tally to 16 for the season.

    His first came from the spot on 37 minutes after on-loan Celtic youngster Aidan Nesbitt tripped ‘Well skipper Keith Lasley in the box.

    The ‘Well hitman ran on to Scott McDonald’s superb pass on 51 minutes to confidently lash the ball past Tomas Cerny for the killer second goal.

    Marvin Johnson then made it 3-0 on 69 minutes when he cut in from the right hand side and cracked a sweet low drive into the net.

    Callum Booth grabbed a consolation for Partick on 76 minutes when he drilled a low 20 yard effort past Connor Ripley.

    Stephen has taken charge of just twelve Motherwell games over his long career, the Steelmen winning seven and losing five; curiously, no draws.

    In those matches, he has dished out 50 cautions, 20 of which flashed at a player wearing Claret and Amber. Only two players have been sent for an early bath, Scott Brown for a second bookable offence in a match at Parkhead in 2010 and Henrik Ojamaa in season 2014/15.

    Stephen will be assisted by Sean Carr and Kevin McElhinney.

  • Archive

    McHugh pens contract extension

    Motherwell FC is today delighted to announce that club captain Carl McHugh has signed a new two-year contract with the club.

    The Irishman, who joined the Steelmen last summer, is now contracted to the club until July 2019 following his switch from Plymouth Argyle last summer.

    And the 24-year-old, who was awarded the captain’s armband by manager Stephen Robinson this season, spoke of his delight at the deal: “I’m thrilled and it’s great for me to get this tied up before the season starts. We’ve been speaking about it for a few weeks now and it’s been pretty much agreed for a while now, so it’s good to get it over the line.

    [pullquote]With the way the season started for me last season, missing the first six months, it’s been great since then and I’m delighted now – getting the captaincy was obviously a huge honour for me.[/pullquote]

    “With the way the season started for me last season, missing the first six months, it’s been great since then and I’m delighted now – getting the captaincy was obviously a huge honour for me.

    ‘Well boss Robinson added: “We are absolutely delighted that Carl has extended his stay at the club as he’s at the centre of the type of team we’re trying to build.

    “He’s a captain in every sense of the word, both on and off the park. He’s committed to what we’re trying to do here and I am just so pleased he has agreed to stay.

    “We continue to discuss extended terms with other players in the squad and hopefully we’ll have some good news there too.”