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  • Archive

    Youths return to action

  • Archive

    Voting open for monthly awards

  • Archive

    McCall laments soft spot-kick

  • Archive

    St Johnstone defeat in pictures

  • Archive

    St Johnstone 1 – 0 Motherwell

  • Archive

    Hammell keen to build form

  • Archive

    St Johnstone Tickets & Travel

  • Archive

    McCall puts friendship on hold

  • Archive

    Officials appointed for Saints clash

  • Archive

    Saunders relieved at goal justice

  • Archive

    Youths return to action

    Motherwell Under 19s will return to competitive action for the first time in ten weeks when they visit St Mirren this Friday.

    The unprecedented cold weather during the December period wiped out just about every youth fixture with the Steelmen having not played since losing to Celtic at Lennoxtown in mid November.

    [onlymembers]‘Well currently sit in fifth position, ten points behind leaders Rangers albeit with a game in hand. Hearts, Celtic and Aberdeen are all amongst the chasing pack in what is a competitive Under 19s league this campaign.

    Saints are going reasonably well to; they sit just two points behind the Fir Parkers with a game in hand over Young’s men. However, they will still be hurting from their late, late exit from the Youth Cup at the hands of Aberdeen on Tuesday.

    A win for David Longwell’s side would push them above the Claret and Amber men so all the ingredients are there for a cracking game.

    The game will take place at McKenna Park, home of St Anthony’s Juniors, this coming Friday (28th January), with kick-off scheduled for 1pm.[/onlymembers]

  • Archive

    Voting open for monthly awards

    It’s time for you to decide who you think deserves to win the Clydesdale Bank Premier League Manager, Player and Young Player of the Month for January. 

    Has someone in our team caught your eye with their performances over the month? Or has our manager suitably impressed you?  Vote and you could be in with a chance to win a pair of hospitality tickets to one of our upcoming fixtures!

    Fans can vote by visiting the Clydesdale Bank Premier League website www.cbfootball.co.uk and the top three fans nominations will be put forward to the shortlist for the panel of Scottish football experts to choose the winners.

    And to give you something back for voting, a lucky fan whose votes for the three categories match that of the judging panel will be picked at random to win hospitality tickets for a Clydesdale Bank Premier League team of their choice (subject to availability).

    Voting is open now and closes at 11am on Monday 31st January 2011.

    Log onto www.cbfootball.co.uk to cast your vote and play our Score Selector game. You can also win tickets for our upcoming fixtures, take part in the weekly quiz and keep up to date with all Clydesdale Bank’s football activities.

  • Archive

    McCall laments soft spot-kick

    A visibly disappointed Stuart McCall was left to rue a contentious penalty call which handed St. Johnstone three points at McDiarmid Park.

    ‘Well and the Saints both lacked quality in a dour evening and Perth, and the game looked to be flitting towards a 0-0 draw – until Calum Murray made a telling contribution to the fixture.

    Motherwell captain Stephen Craigan and St. Johnstone’s former Chelsea defender Michael Duberry tussled in the penalty area, prompting the referee to point to the spot, despite the decision looking soft, at best.

    “It was a big decision – and one which has cost us the game,” McCall insisted. “Big Duberry had a bit of a half-hearted complaint, but everyone else looked as shocked as me when the ref gave the penalty.

    “I asked the fourth official why the decision was given, because we were all in shock, but apparently it was given because Craigan was facing the wrong way and got in front of Duberry.

    “If that’s a definite penalty then you will see penalties every game in the SPL. Craigan has barely touched him and it’s very, very soft.”

    Victorious gaffer Derek McInnes even told the assembled press, in the post-match press conference, that he ‘would have been disappointed if the penalty went against us’.

    Mr. Murray’s decision was made all the more frustrating due to the fact that there was very little between the two sides on the night.

    Indeed, McCall was disappointed that the referee was the difference between Motherwell losing the match and coming away from Perth with a creditable draw and yet another clean sheet.

    “The first 60 minutes was a tight affair, and we knew that’s what we’d get when we come here,” the ‘Well gaffer said. “I think we had the best of the first half; a great move which gave Murphy a shot on goal from six yards. I think that actually hit John Sutton on the line.

    “The game turned on the penalty, although we did come on strong in the last 20 minutes and got some great balls into the box. Steve Jones really came on to a game late on.

    “But it always looked like one goal would settle a game this tight. It is just unfortunate the goal came from a dubious decision.”

  • Archive

    St Johnstone defeat in pictures

    Pictures from the 1-0 defeat by St Johnstone in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at McDiarmid Park.

    These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

    [svgallery name=”stjohnstone260111″]

  • Archive

    St Johnstone 1 – 0 Motherwell

    [tab:Match report]

    Motherwell were left to rue a controversial penalty decision as Stuart McCall’s side fell to a 1-0 defeat at McDiarmid Park.

    One goal always looked likely to decide an uninspiring affair, and it arrived just after the hour as Liam Craig converted from the spot following the soft award of a penalty against Stephen Craigan.

    Despite shots from Chris Humphrey and Esteban Casagolda ‘Well couldn’t find a way to breach the Saints defence and McInnes’ men held firm for the win.

    Motherwell lined up with the same team which earned Stuart McCall his inaugural win in claret-and-amber against Hibs on Saturday, including a second start for new loan star Steve Jones.

    The St. Johnstone boss gave a start to promising young striker Stevie May, with the 19-year old having impressed in several cameos this season for the Perth side.

    Both sides traded half-chances in the early stages, with Jamie Murphy firing a right-footed shot over the bar from the edge of the box in the opening minutes, followed by a sharp Murray Davidson drive from a whipped Danny Grainger corner.

    Motherwell had the first major opening of the contest when Saunders released Chris Humphrey down the right flank. The Jamaican fizzed in a low cross towards John Sutton, but the Saints defence managed to scramble the ball clear as far as Jamie Murphy, only for the under-21 star to scuff his effort, allowing Anderson to clear of the line.

    Murphy’s shot proved to be the closest effort for some time in what evolved into a lacklustre first period. Indeed, it took until eight minutes before the break for another decent attempt on goal. It came, once more, from the evasive Murphy, who surged towards the box and fired a powerful drive inches wide.

    The second half didn’t improve by much. A fairly insipid beginning to the period was livened up by the busy young Stevie May, who jinked past a couple of challenges and fired a low shot from just inside the box. Darren Randolph stooped low to hold the shot, but it was a promising bit of invention in a match desperately requiring a spark.

    The opening goal came in suitably scrappy – as well as contentious – fashion, as referee Calum Murray pointed to the spot after a tussle between Michael Duberry and Stephen Craigan just after the hour mark.

    The award looked exceedingly soft but Liam Craig made no mistake in dispatching his kick past Randolph, sending the big Irishman the wrong way with a calm spot-kick.

    McCall’s men were struggling to create any notable openings, but Chris Humphrey did try his utmost to grab an equaliser. The former Shrewsbury flyer surged down the right before cutting inside and driving a low shot wide of Enckelman’s post.

    Motherwell threw on Esteban Casagolda and Jamie Pollock in the latter stages as they chased a point from their trip to Perth. The big Spaniard, who is yet to score for the Steelmen, had a decent chance with five minutes left on the clock, but he fired over the bar from the angle of the box after some good build-up play.

    Two consecutive blocked efforts from Pollock and Saunders proved to be as close as the Steelmen would come, and even Darren Randolph’s presence in the opposition box for a last-ditch corner wasn’t enough to force a dramatic late goal and ‘Well succumbed to a disappointing defeat.

    [tab:As it happened]

    Graham Barnstaple at McDiarmid Park

    FT. Saints 1 – 0 Well

    90mins – 3 minutes added! Painful stuff! I’m losing the will to tweet!

    82mins – Motherwell push forward but too many half things in and around the area!

    78mins – Dribbling run from Humphrey and shot drops just wide of the post. That was close…

    72mins – Casagolda on for Murphy who has struggled tonight I am afraid.

    71mins – Jennings booked! Another questionable card for the midfielder. *sigh*

    63mins – Well Video Analyst says he has no idea why it was given after watching it back. Strange!

    61mins – GOAL Liam Craig tucks it away for 1-0 to Saints. Stuart McCall is furious!

    60mins – Well, I think it was a handball. No idea – might have been a shove!

    60mins – Penalty for St Johnstone. Craigan handball!

    58mins – Even my laptop chucked it.. Just turned itself off there. It’s a bad day when the computers are falling asleep!

    54mins – Stevie May goes on a great solo run and shot but Darren Randolph made a decent save to keep it 0-0.

    51mins – Quick counter attack from ‘Well. Humph burst forward but his shot blated wide into the stand.

    46mins – No changes. Stevie May has an early shot that almost goes towards the back of the empty stand behind the goal.

    Half Time – Team are out for the 2nd half!

    Half Time – Stranraer scouts are sitting just infront of the Press Box. Looking resplendid in his SFC jacket.

    Half Time – The PA guys sounds like Terry Butcher. That’s quite a coup for Saints. Some interesting half-time results too!

    Half Time – That was pretty awful stuff! Apparently Saints’ game vs St Mirren on Saturday was worse. Glad I missed that one then!

    45mins – Late shot by Liam Craig blasts over the bar. It’s been a pretty dire first half to be honest. First ten was decent enough too!

    38mins – Offt, ‘Well go close there. Mistake in the Saints backline allows Murphy to pick up. Quick turn and shot goes just wide.

    32mins – Saunders has a shot from the edge of the area but it bounces harmlessly wide. A lot of long balls so far – from both teams.

    26mins – Well manage to get it clear. First 15 in this game was decent… The proceeding ten have been pretty poor to be honest.

    26mins – Free kick for Saints outside the box…

    15mins – Saints hit back quickly but a shot from the booked May, from 30 yards, zips over the bar.

    15mins – Motherwell almost take the lead. Great ball from Saunders plays Humph in. His square ball lands at Murphy but Saitns get it away.

    14mins – Stevie May is booked for diving! Interesting… To be fair to the referee, he was well placed!

    13mins – Humphrey shot blazes way over the bar as both teams trade early chances.

    9mins – Turn and shot from Samuel takes a deflection off Craigan and bobbles comfortably back to Randolph.

    5mins – Down the other end, Grainger’s corner fell kindly for Davidson inside the area but his half volley was easily held by Randolph.

    2mins – Wee half chance for ‘Well. Sutton’s knock down fell for Murphy but his shot fizzed over the bar.

    1mins – Just some of the wee things you notice. Only three players (Craigan, Jennings and Sutton) are not wearing white boots. Oh dear…

    1mins – Motherwell kick-off!

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

    “There was nothing in the game, it was tight. We said at half-time it might take a set piece or a decision. Unfortunately a decision has gone against us.

    Craigan got turned round, he’s facing the wrong way, he’s jumped up and it’s hit him on the back of the head. If you look at their players, there’s no-one claiming for a penalty. It’s the turning point of the game.

    “It was a game that we expected, St Johnstone at home, very hard to break down. In the last 20 minutes the pressure we had and the balls we put into the box, we just needed someone to put himself in there.

    “We just couldn’t find that equaliser and I think we deserved to come away with a point. It’s such a soft decision which has ultimately cost us the game.”

    St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes:

    “I thought we worked so hard for that. Before the game, I thought it was a game we would win and I certainly did not think we would lose it.

    “I looked at the players and they were desperate to make amends for Saturday’s performance and they worked and worked and worked and got the break from the penalty kick and I thought the win was merited.”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”31″]

  • Archive

    Hammell keen to build form

    As a veteran of Motherwell’s last Co-operative Insurance Cup Final – a 5-1 defeat to Rangers – Steven Hammell is desperate for revenge on Sunday.

    But, first and foremost for the 28-year old, there is a vital trip to McDiarmid Park on Wednesday to contend with as the Steelmen look to build on a terrific win over Hibs at the weekend.

    [onlymembers]“We’ve got to take a lift from the weekend. It was an excellent win for us and we have to take the momentum from a result like that,” Hammell insisted. “We want to go on a good run, and a win at St Johnstone would keep the confidence high for the weekend.

    “Hopefully things are falling into place under the new gaffer. We’ve got a semi-final to look forward to and we’re all going to be pushing for a starting spot.

    “It’s not every season that you get to go to Hampden so we’ll be making the most of it. The last time we played Rangers, in 2005, it was a massive disappointment and we want to make sure we don’t come away with any regrets this time.

    “There will be a great atmosphere and it’s a one-off game at Hampden, so anything can happen.”

    Everybody at the club will be looking to pull together in what could be a definitive week in the Steelmen’s season.

    That’s including Stevie Hammell and Jamie Murphy, who have been enjoying something of a friendly rivalry in recent days – on and off the pitch.

    Jamie Murphy was awarded the second goal in the weekend’s victory over Hibs when Hammell believed he might have been due the strike, and ‘Murph’ followed that with a ‘controversial’ victory over Hammell in the match-day programme quiz.

    “Murph’s adamant that he got a touch on the ball, but I’m not too sure. I think if you run away with your hands in the air then people think that you have scored the goal,” the ‘Well full-back smiled.

    “Apparently the dubious goal people gave it to Jamie, so I guess it’s his goal. It’s been too long since my last goal here, so hopefully the next one won’t be too far away.

    “And Murph cheated me out of the quiz in the match programme too! Half of the questions were about him and he still needed to throw a guess at most of them. He’s cheated me twice in one day at the weekend.”

    With well over 300 games under his belt in claret and amber, Hammell is one of the more experienced members of the ‘Well setup and he is extremely excited about the current batch of kids coming through at the club.

    Injuries, suspensions and departures have meant and increasing role in the first-team for the likes of Meechan, Page and Hutchison, and the youngsters have let no-one down.

    “It’s excellent that the young boys here are getting their chance. We have a good group here, that are all willing to learn and there’s some good players,” the Rutherglen-born defender said.

    “It’s tough on the young players to ask them to play every game, but they’ve chipped in and been excellent.”[/onlymembers]

  • Archive

    St Johnstone Tickets & Travel

    ‘Well travel to Perth to take on St Johnstone tomorrow hopeful of building on Saturday’s excellent win over Hibs.

    Stuart McCall secured his first three points as manager, pushing the Steelmen closer to both Inverness Caley Thistle and Kilmarnock who currently occupy fifth and fourth respectively, with goals coming from Jamie Murphy and Steven Saunders.

    [onlymembers]Saints were held 0-0 at home by Danny Lennon’s St Mirren last Saturday but are enjoying another solid season in the SPL. Derek McInnes has performed wonders with the McDiarmid Park men since his appointment over three years ago.

    Both teams will be desperate for three points in the race for the top-six, so an entertaining affair is expected.

    Motherwell fans will be housed in the north end of the Main Stand, not the usual stand behind the goal, with tickets available on the gate priced at:

    Adults: £20
    Concessions: £10

    • Concessions are listed as U18s and Over 65s
    • Fans that require wheelchair access should contact the club on 01698 338068 or email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk.

    Supporters Association

    One Supporters Association coach will make their way to the match:

    CENTRAL BRANCH

    The bus for Perth will leave the Bentley Hotel at 5.45am. Phone Jim on (01698) 299650 or e-mail Christopher on christopher_hutton@btinternet.com.

    By car

    The stadium is located close to the A9 and is relatively straightforward to get to.

    Head towards Perth on the M9 and take the first exit at Broxden roundabaout (signposted Football traffic) on to the A9. Then take the fourth exit at Inveraimond roundabout so you have turned back on yourself.

    Exit on to the slip road and turn left at the roundabout on to the A85 (Crieff road). The stadium will be clearly visible on the left.

    Parking is available for visiting fans behind the Main Stand, priced at £2.00 per car. Street parking is also available on numerous streets around the ground.

    By bus

    Several operators run buses to Perth, departing every hour from Buchanan Station in Glasgow city centre.

    Further information and timetables are available online at www.citylink.co.uk.

    By train

    Perth station is over three miles away from the ground, although frequent bus services run throughout the city.

    Further information and timetables are available online at www.scotrail.co.uk. [/onlymembers]

  • Archive

    McCall puts friendship on hold

    Stuart McCall is ready to lock horns with another old Ibrox buddy, in the same week that he faces Walter Smith and Ally McCoist at Hampden.

    The ‘Well gaffer played alongside Derek McInnes with Rangers for three years and has nothing but praise for a man he calls ‘studious’ and ‘a top man’ – however friendships will be on a temporary hiatus at McDiarmid this week.

    [onlymembers]“I think Derek McInnes has done a terrific job with St. Johnstone,” the Motherwell boss praised.

    “I remember when Derek came to Rangers – when he was 23 or 24 – and he always wanted to listen and learn.  He was one that I always thought was the studious type and would go on to be a real success in the management side of things.

    “He always wanted to improve himself as a player and as a person, and he is a top man; having said that, we’ll be enemies for ninety minutes.”

    It looks as though the men in claret-and-amber will head to Perth without any more re-enforcements following Mike Grella’s deal collapsing last week, although the gaffer insists he is still keeping tabs on several players.

    And McCall’s only signing so far, Steve Jones, performed admirably on his debut against Hibs on Saturday, making him likely to start on Wednesday.

    “It’s been a frustrating period so far. We were undone by a little fiddly rule, and it was a real shame because he can now go back and play for an English club but he can’t come up to Scotland,” the ‘Well gaffer lamented.

    “I spoke to the Leeds Chief Executive and even he didn’t know that loophole existed. It’s a rule which exists but, if I’m honest, I think it’s a poor one because the kid can’t come up here and play games and score goals – which has been good for many young players’ careers.

    One positive of a difficult transfer window thus far has been the emergence of more talent from the under-21 pool.

    Departures, injuries and suspensions have meant that Jon Page, Steven Meechan and Shaun Hutchison have been required to play a major role in recent weeks, and the young talents have not disappointed, with Hutchison, in particular, impressing in the stead of Mark Reynolds.

    “We’re still out there looking and we have a week left so there is time. I’ve said before that we’re a little short on bodies, but the young players keep stepping up to the mark,” the former Bradford boss insisted.

    “The younger players here have been schooled well and taught the game in the right way. It’s now a case of them getting games – whether here at Motherwell or out on loan at other clubs.

    “Hutchison’s done really well, Forbes has played a couple of games and we’ve called on Meechan and Page. It’s pleasing to see these guys coming in to the team and doing well.

    With the Motherwell squad looking particularly thin at the moment, all Steelmen fans will have taken a sharp inhalation of breath as Tom Hateley hobbled off against Hibs and Steve Jennings appeared to pick up an injury.

    Thankfully it seems likely that both players will be ready to face the Saints on Wednesday, although the game has come around to quickly for another midfield stalwart as the Steelmen look to build upon a win over Hibs and propel towards securing a top six berth.

    “A place in the top six has to be the aim for Motherwell,” McCall told the press ahead of the match with St. Johnstone. “The higher in the top six we can get, the better, but the first three spots in the league are already accounted for.

    “Kilmarnock have been on a good run, Dundee United have games in hand and Inverness are a threat. I feel like there really isn’t much between the sides in the SPL. You can go down as far as Hamilton and there is still quality there.

    “For the game, Tom (Hateley) and Jenno (Jennings) both got knocks at the weekend and I’m hoping Tom will make it for midweek; Jenno will definitely be fit.” McCall confirmed.

    “The game has come a little bit too soon for Lasley, but we hope to have him back soon.”[/onlymembers]

  • Archive

    Officials appointed for Saints clash

    Referee for tomorrow night’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park is Calum Murray.

    Murray will be handling his first ‘Well game of the current campaign, but he’s a familiar face to ‘Well fans having been a top-flight official for eleven seasons.

    Last season, he was the man in the middle for the 1-1 draw with Rangers last February; Tom Hateley netting a sensational equaliser for the Steelmen. He also took charge of the 3-2 home defeat by Dundee Utd in April when a John Sutton double wasn’t enough to give ‘Well the points.

    Despite being such an experienced whistler, this will be the first time in Calum’s long career that he has taken charge of a Motherwell versus St Johnstone match.

    His overall record in charge of the ‘Well is fairly decent. Of the thirteen games he has taken charge of, Motherwell have won seven, drawn two and lost four. The Steelmen have scored nineteen whilst sixteen have hit the back of the ‘Well net.

    34 players have seen yellow on those thirteen matches, nineteen of which were shown to a player wearing Claret and Amber. Only one player has been sent for an early bath, Bob Malcolm in the famous 1-0 win over Celtic back in early 2008.

    Calum will be ably assisted by Tom Murphy and Alan Cunningham with George Salmond on fourth official duties.

  • Archive

    Saunders relieved at goal justice

    Steven Saunders was delighted to grab a goal against Hibs, although he insists it has come two months late.

    The Scotland international defender scored a perfectly good goal the last time these two sides met at Easter Road in November, but it was disallowed by ex-association referee Dougie McDonald.

    [onlymembers]This time there was no doubt about the veracity of Saunders’ goal as he bulleted a near-post header past Graeme Smith.

    “Against Hibs at Easter Road I scored and it was given offside when it wasn’t, so it was about time I scored!” The highly-rated defender smiled.  “This makes up for it a bit.”

    “To score a goal at any time is good for a defender, but we are more delighted with the clean sheet as that is what you are looking for playing at the back.

    “The boys give me a bit of gip for not scoring often enough because of my height and my jump but for me it is about keeping clean sheets and playing well.”

    It was a highly eventful afternoon for the 19-year old, who conceded a penalty as well as getting his name on the score-sheet.

    Referee Alan Muir was left with no choice but to point to the spot as the former Queen’s Park youth handled in the box following a Danny Galbraith save.

    Thankfully Marouane Zemamma wastefully launched his penalty kick over the bar, ensuring Saunders wasn’t punished and meaning Motherwell claimed their first SPL win since November last year.

    “My foot gave away and I put my hand up and it was a silly mistake that I won’t make again,” Saunders said candidly.

    “That is our first win since beating St. Johnstone back in November and it was good for us to get a win again. We have a couple of games in hand and we need to carry on picking up points.”[/onlymembers]