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    McCall lauds McHugh’s attitude

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    Aberdeen win in pictures

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    Motherwell 1 – 0 Aberdeen

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    McCall hungry for success

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    Hammell hoping for home comforts

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    “Convert for Cash” Challenge returns

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    Officials appointed for Dons clash

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    McCall gutted at Cup exit

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    Hibs defeat in pictures

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    Motherwell 2 – 2 Hibs (6-7 pens)

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    McCall lauds McHugh’s attitude

    Stuart McCall has hailed the character of Bob McHugh after watching the young striker score his first SPL goal for the club to secure 1-0 win over Aberdeen.

    The 20-year old suffered the midweek heartbreak of seeing a perfectly legitimate goal chalked off against Hibernian – one which would have surely seen the Steelmen progress to the quarter-final of the Scottish Communities League Cup.

    Yet, McHugh showed the mental fortitude to come off the bench on Saturday and score a splendid solo goal to ensure all three points stayed in North Lanarkshire.

    And McCall was keen praise the Motherwell academy product:  “He should’ve scored the winner on Tuesday but he hasn’t let that get him down.

    “He is a strong boy and quick. He has been working hard in training and working on his finishing, and I am delighted for him.

    “I’m relieved and delighted after the disappointment of Tuesday night, we were unfortunate to go out of the cup with Bob McHugh’s goal being disallowed and it’s ironic he gets the winner today.”

    [pullquote]He (McHugh) is a strong boy and quick. He has been working hard in training and working on his finishing, and I am delighted for him[/pullquote]

    The ‘Well gaffer was also keen to praise his side as a defensive unit, after putting a run of nine goals conceded in three games to bed with a fine clean sheet against Craig Brown’s charges.

    It’s was something which the boss admitted he had worked on during the week, and was delighted to see his ‘Well side putting up the barricades and getting back to the kind of frugal defensive display which was so prominent earlier in the campaign.

    “We have been critical of the defending,” McCall conceded. “We had a meeting about it yesterday and we knew we had to defend better as a unit.

    “Defending is a team thing and I thought the central two did well against their big strikers, while the full backs made some crucial blocks which meant big Darren didn’t have much to do.

    “It wasn’t the greatest game. If you take the Old Firm out of it along with Hearts who have a big squad there isn’t much between the teams. You look through every team and they can all beat each other on their day.”

    Michael Higdon also had his part to pay in a gruelling team effort. The big striker was forced to feed off scraps during a difficult afternoon, but put in a diligent shift with and without the ball – while helping keep the physically imposing Dons side at bay from set pieces.

    While some fans gave the former St Mirren man some stick, McCall is conscious of what The Steelmen’s top scorer brings to the team.

    “I have seen this ever since I was a boy when I went to Leeds and I used to hear Terry Yorath get a lot of stick,” the 47-year old recalled. “There always seems to be a boo-boy. If I am a supporter of a club I can’t understand it.

    “Higgy has just got to get on with it, we are all in it together at Motherwell as players, staff and fans and we need to stick together and get behind each other.

    “You pay your money – but for the benefit of the team we had to keep him on. We are a small team at set pieces. We had Steven Hammell picking up Scott Vernon and Tom Hateley picking up Andrew Considine. If you then take Higdon off we could have been undone.

    “We miss Hutchinson and Saunders and if we would have kicked ourselves if we had lost a goal from a set piece if we had taken him off.”

  • Archive

    Aberdeen win in pictures

    Pictures from the 1-0 win over Aberdeen in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Fir Park.

    These action shots and more are available to buy online at motherwellPICS.

    [svgallery name=”aberdeen240911″]

  • Archive

    Motherwell 1 – 0 Aberdeen

    [tab:Match report]

    Kris Jack at Fir Park

    Bob McHugh’s first SPL goal proved to be decisive as Motherwell beat Aberdeen 1-0 in a rather lacklustre affair.

    The young forward’s strike seven minutes from time was the only moment of real quality in a game which was scrappy and bereft of many clear chances.

    This game was set up to be an interesting battle, based on the recent history between both sides, with The Dons’ last visit to Fir Park mainly remembered for the altercation between former Chairman John Boyle and former gaffer Craig Brown.

    Three points for Motherwell would see them hoping to pull away from Hearts in 3rd place, while a win for Aberdeen would see them start to pull away from the foot of the table.

    Both teams crashing out of the Scottish Communities League Cup on penalties in midweek meant there was added spice to an already potentially fiery match.

    Stuart McCall named an unchanged starting XI from Tuesday night while Aberdeen made four changes. Yaoule Mawene , Rory Fallon, Isaac Osbourne and Robert Milsom all came in at the expense of Rory  McArdle, Josh Magennis, Peter Pawlett and Darren Mackie.

    Jamie Murphy looked lively as early as the first minute, cutting in from the left and angling a drive just wide of Gonzalez’s far post.  Ryan Jack was the first to trouble Darren Randolph at the other end after drifting in from the right, but his tame effort was smothered comfortably.

    Tom Hateley played a slick ball in behind Andy Considine to Chris Humphrey, but the winger’s cross was deflected in to David Gonzalez’s arms.  Darren Randolph then had to palm away a good effort from Scott Vernon after good link up play down the left between Milsom and Considine.

    Nicky Law responded, making a dart up the East Stand side, latching on to a great ball from Hammell – but his effort was too close to the keeper. 

    The best chance of the half up to that point fell to Chris Humphrey. Michael Higdon sent him clear through the middle, an unfamiliar position for the Jamaican to be in. After fighting off the last defender he rounded Gonzalez, only to smack the bar from a tight angle.  From there, the game became sloppy and a little turgid, with little in the way of goalmouth action. Neither side seemed capable of playing an incisive ball, despite some decent build-up.

    As the second half began, a foul on Murphy led to a great chance for the opener. Hateley’s flighted free kick to the back post was headed brilliantly towards the top corner by Tim Clancy. Only the crossbar kept the ball out, before a foul was given and the danger was gone.

    A quick Lasley and Law corner caused a flurry of excitement in the box, which found its way back to the waiting Law, however he was once again crowded out. 

    Clancy then had to look lively to prevent Vernon getting a shot in at the other end, making a composed challenge on the byline.

    Murphy then could have rounded Gonzalez when played in by Lasley, but he took too long to gain his composure. The ball was worked to Humphrey who crossed for Murphy to head straight at the Dons keeper. Vernon similarly headed straight at Randolph a few moments later.

    Second half sub Pawlett’s first involvement in the game was a woeful cross ball that floated over, after Vernon had done well to send him free.  His second was a horrendous tackle on Darren Randolph, as the big keeper tried to clear the ball just outside the box. A deserved booking was dished out, to cheers from the Well faithful.

    A massive shout for a penalty fell on deaf ears when Gonzalez failed to collect Hammell’s lofted free kick. As the ball bounced around, Clancy went down under a challenge from the goalkeeper but no spot kick was awarded. Omar Daley replaced Humphrey on the hour-mark as Motherwell attempted to unlock the Dons defence.

    But Darren Randolph was becoming the busier goalie, and had to punch Pawlett’s corner out from under the bar. He then had to have his wits about him, saving well from point blank range from Vernon.  He then held a thumping effort from the edge of the box from Vernon once more.

    Brown brought on Megginson for Rory Fallon on 75 minutes as McCall swapped Murphy with McHugh.  Scott Vernon was soon replaced by Josh Magennis as Brown changed his attacking options in search of a winner.

    However, it was McCall’s sub that made the most of his late opportunity.

    A long ball from Steve Jennings to Bob McHugh saw him pip Ricky Foster in the chase. As the Aberdeen captain slipped, the little striker ran free and cut in to the box, before shimmying past Arnason and blasting low in to Gonzalez bottom corner.

    It had taken 83 minutes for the game to come to life, but the diminutive McHugh’s goal was worth the wait.

    As a spectacle, it was far from a classic, but the dramatic 1-0 win for Motherwell is all that matters to the Claret and Amber support.

    [tab:As it happened]

    Graham Barnstaple at Fir Park

    Game over – three points secured it wasn’t pretty but we got there.

    84mins – Bob McHugh’s first SPL goal – good time to get it!! Robs Foster, cuts in and smashes home from about 25 yards. Ya beauty!

    84mins – GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!l McHugh makes it 1-0, Page on for Law.

    83mins – Another Dons change – Magennis for Vernon.

    75mins – Change for both sides Murphy off, McHugh on, Megginson for Fallon.

    68mins – Humphrey off Daley on, and a Clancy booking.

    66mins – Pawlett booked for late tackle on Randolph, only on 7 minutes and it’s his second offence!

    63mins – Crowd is 4348.

    61mins – Murphy header from Humphrey cross goes straight to the keeper.

    58mins – Aberdeen change – Pawlett coming on for Clark.

    47mins – Clancy’s looping header come off the underside of the bar.

    45mins – Teams are out for second half and we are under way again….

    Half time – 45 minutes that won’t live long in the memory!

    41mins – Law run from midfield ends with a 20 yard shot easily saved by Gonzalez.

    26mins – Humphrey robs Considine at the edge of the box rounds Gonzalez but from a tight angle could only hit the bar.

    20mins – After 20 minutes this game badly needs a goal to liven it up, a lot of nice passing but little in front of goal from either side.

    19mins – Law then cuts in off left but his shot doesn’t really trouble Gonzalez who makes a comfy save.

    18mins – Scott Vernon in space at the edge of the box and his shot pulls out a full length save from Randolph.

    14mins – Humphrey cross deflected by Foster straight into arms of his keeper Gonzalez.

    1min – The match gets underway.

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

    “It’s a great win and I’m delighted after that disappointment when were unfortunate to go out of the cup.

    “It was ironic that Bob got the goal after scoring the other night; without bleating on about it again, that should have stood, but it didn’t affect him and it was a great finish.

    “He’s strong and quick but he doesn’t have a left foot so when he cut in on his left foot today I was expecting a goal kick to Aberdeen!

    “It was a difficult game and it’s always a battle; I was thinking that a draw would probably be a fair result but we hit the bar twice and got the better chances, although there wasn’t a lot in it.

    “Looking at this league, any team can beat any team on their day; it wasn’t the greatest game but I think we just about edged it.”

    Aberdeen manager Craig Brown:

    “I don’t think we deserved to lose but I didn’t think we deserved to win. The teams cancelled each other out in a stalemate type of game, and that’s what I think the result should have been.

    “We conceded a soft goal – credit to Motherwell and Bob McHugh for taking their chance and for a good substitution, but we’re obviously disappointed that they scored from our corner with a breakaway.

    “An individual error cost us and that’s been the case in one or two games, and we’ve had very little good fortune.

    “Motherwell hit the bar twice but that’s the first time anyone’s done that against us this season – we’ve hit the bar five times and the post twice, when we make an error we get punished, and we haven’t had any good fortune at all.

    “I thought our performance was solid enough; there wasn’t great flair about the team but it was a workmanlike, solid, conscientious display.”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”71″]

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    McCall hungry for success

    Stuart McCall has backed his side to return to winning ways with a victory over struggling Aberdeen this weekend.

    The Steelmen have suffered three consecutive defeats and exited the Scottish Communities League Cup in cruel fashion, with Hibs emerging 7-6 victors on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw.

    But McCall saw enough positives in the ‘Well performance to infuse him with confidence ahead of the visit of Craig Brown’s Dons.

    “I’ve now watched the game another twice and we played some great attacking football,” the former Everton midfielder praised. “We scored a goal which should legitimately have been given and we should be in the next round.

    “If we can have the same performance, attacking-wise, against Aberdeen then I’ll be more than happy.

    [pullquote]They had a disappointment in midweek, going out of the cup, and I’m sure they’ll be coming here desperate to make amends for that[/pullquote]

    “We watched over the chances today with the lads and we showed great desire and determination, even in extra-time.  Hibs have had one-shot in extra-time and I think we’ve had about six good chances.

    “We’ll look to put in the same type of performance this weekend and try to get the three points. There’s certainly no doom and gloom or despondency. As I say, we played some really good stuff.”

    While the gaffer is undeniably enthused by his side’s attacking fluency on Tuesday night, he also admits that the Steelmen have to tighten up.

    After a remarkable start to the campaign which saw the club keep clean sheets in their first four matches, ‘Well have now conceded nine goals in three outings.

    And the manager has challenged his stars to cut out any carelessness:  “We had a great start to the season, with not conceding a goal in four matches, but we’ve got sloppy recently.

    “There’s no doubt we need to be tighter defensively as a group, because at the moment teams are not working hard to score against us.

    “[We’ve worked on] Concentration, communication, we’ve had a few sloppy back-passes in the last couple of games and being tighter as a unit. But it’s not all about defenders – it is midfield, tracking runners, set-pieces; everything goes into tightening up.”

    Aberdeen have had a difficult week, having crashed out of the League Cup at the hands of Second Division basement boys East Fife.

    However, McCall is wary of the threat posed by the former Scotland boss and his Dons squad.

    “We managed to get victories over them twice last season and it would be nice to continue that trend,” he continued. “They had a disappointment in midweek, going out of the cup, and I’m sure they’ll be coming here desperate to make amends for that.

    “Little things can change a season, twists and turns of fate. Aberdeen have some very good players, and they have brought good players in. Maybe it’s taking them a little while to gel – but we’ll focus on what we do, and we need a big performance.”

  • Archive

    Hammell hoping for home comforts

    Steven Hammell hopes to thrive in a boisterous atmosphere at Fir Park on Saturday, as Craig Brown and Archie Knox return to Lanarkshire with Aberdeen.

    It will be the second time Brown and Knox have visited their old stomping ground, and the first time since a somewhat overblown confrontation between the ex-Scotland boss and former Chairman Mr Boyle, made headlines across Scotland.

    And while there is little animosity between the players and their former manager, Hammell confessed he is looking forward to a raucous atmosphere in the stadium – while also admitting he is keen to prove a point to the pair.

    “I’m not going to lie, it is always disappointing to see your manager leave,” a typically honest Hammell said.

    [pullquote]You can definitely feel it from the stands and it helps you if they (the fans) channel it in the right way and get right behind the team.[/pullquote]

    “When they come back, whoever they are, you do want to show them that the team they left is a decent team, and we believe a better team.

    “That’s to be expected because they left to go there, so when they come back I’m sure the atmosphere will be tastier than usual. We know what to expect but once you cross the white line nothing changes.

    “You can definitely feel it from the stands and it helps you if they (the fans) channel it in the right way and get right behind the team.

    “It`s one of the fixtures you look for when you see the games, home to Aberdeen. It will be a difficult game, knowing Craig and Archie well they will have their team well drilled and organised.

    “We need to be at it from the first whistle and if the fans can get right behind us, it really can help.”

    Despite the inevitable spotlight which will fall on Brown’s return to Motherwell, Hammell insists that gaining a positive result is the only thing that matters.

    The ‘Well have lost their last three matches and gallingly exited the Scottish Communities League Cup on penalties in midweek, despite turning in a fluid attacking display and having a perfectly good Bob McHugh goal erroneously chalked off for offside.

    As one of the senior players in a young squad, 29-year old Hammell has backed his team-mates to respond from the cruel blow and get back to winning ways on Saturday.

    “The three home games we had, we were looking to get three wins” the former Southend man rued. “It hasn`t turned out like that so it’s important we get back to winning ways.

    “It will be interesting to see how the boys react after extra-time and penalties but we are all fit lads and we are ready for it.

    “Seeing Bob McHugh’s disallowed goal in the last couple of minutes of extra-time, which was well onside, makes it a bit harder to take. We felt we did enough and if that goal stood we would have gone through. But it`s gone now. Everything is just geared to getting three points tomorrow.”

  • Archive

    “Convert for Cash” Challenge returns

    The Cash Converters “Convert for Cash” challenge returns this Saturday when Aberdeen visit Fir Park and you can win £100.

    It’s on STEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELMEN!!

    The event that pits home fan against away fan, confronted by the site of our very own gaffer Stuart McCall, is back again.

    Faced by a life-sized statue of Stuart McCall, fans must run round him 3 times, before composing themselves to score past our mascot, Claret, EITHER from the edge of the box (the £100 ball) or the penalty spot (the £50 ball).

    Enter at the Cash Converters SPL Facebook page by CLICKING HERE.

    In addition, Cash Converters will also be donating £150 per challenge to their official charity for the 2011/2012 season, Dreams Come True.

    For your chance to win £100 in the “Convert for Cash” challenge against Aberdeen, enter your details at the Cash Converters SPL Facebook page now: CLICK HERE.

    The Facebook page will also give you the chance to win a whole host of other prizes, including tickets and exclusive, money-can’t-buy experiences. Simply “Like” the page, and get entering.

    The draw will close at 10.00am on Friday September 23rd

    *Please note: You must be aged over 18 to take part, and proof of age will be required on the day. You must also already possess a match ticket.

    The game explained

  • Archive

    Officials appointed for Dons clash

    Referee for this Saturday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Aberdeen at Fir Park will be Alan Muir.

    It will be Muir’s second Motherwell match of the campaign after previously taking charge of Celtic’s 4-0 win two weeks ago.

    He managed four matches last season too, having overseen the 1-1 draw with St Mirren in Paisley last November, January’s 2-0 home win over Hibs, February’s 6-0 capitulation at Ibrox and at Celtic Park as an unfamiliar side crashed to a 4-0 defeat with Stuart McCall resting players ahead of the Scottish Cup Final.

    He’ll be a familiar face to Motherwell fans having handled three games the season before last as well.

    A 4-0 defeat by Celtic in Glasgow eighteen months ago was instantly forgettable. He also took charge of the 3-2 extra-time with over Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Co-operative Insurance Cup Fourth Round and the lively 2-2 draw against Dundee United back in late November 2009.

    In all those games he has produced 36 yellow cards, 17 of which were shown to a player in claret and amber, and two red cards, the first given to former defender Paul Quinn for a professional foul on David Fernandez in a 1-0 defeat to Killie and the most recent to Michael Higdon, then an opposition player, in that game with St Mirren last November.

    The 36-year-old has taken charge of four SPL games in this campaign, including Kilmarnock’s 1-1 draw with Dundee Utd, Rangers’ 2-0 win at McDiarmid Park and, most recently, St Mirren’s 2-1 success at Easter Road and the aforementioned 4-0 reverse at Celtic Park.

    Alan will be ably assisted on the day by Brian McGarry and Graham McNeillie, with Greg Aitken on fourth official duties. Referee observer is Brian Cassidy and the SPL delegate is Frank Coulston.

  • Archive

    McCall gutted at Cup exit

    Stuart McCall was left ‘bitterly disappointed’ by Motherwell’s exit from the League Cup, as the Steelmen succumbed 7-6 on penalties to Hibs after an utterly enthralling 2-2 draw.

    Despite the cruel defeat there was a marked improvement in the ‘Well’s performance from the weekend, with McCall’s side coming within four minutes of a place in the quarter-final.

    Indeed, if it wasn’t for an erroneous linesman’s flag – as Bob McHugh had his 116th minute goal wrongly chalked off – Motherwell would still have been likely to go on and claim the victory.

    The Steelmen boss was happy to get a response, if not the desired result.

    [pullquote]I’m bitterly disappointed to be not in the next round of the Cup – to make it even sorer Bob McHugh’s goal was onside. I’ve seen it again and it looks as though it was a yard onside[/pullquote]

    “I thought in extra time we made chances to win the game,” Rued McCall. “I’m bitterly disappointed to be not in the next round of the Cup – to make it even sorer Bob McHugh’s goal was onside. I’ve seen it again and it looks as though it was a yard onside.

    “I thought we didn’t start great and Hibs started well but once we got into our stride we played some great stuff. We just needed to get that third goal.

    In fairness to Hibs they deserved to take it to extra time, Darren Randolph had two or three excellent saves.

    “My worst four games last season were followed by our four best games, therefore I had no doubts there would be no question about the commitment after the weekend. Both teams went at it and we had chances to get the third just before half time.”

    The former Everton and Rangers midfielder was typically reluctant to criticise the assistant referee who disallowed Bob McHugh’s strike, but admitted ‘pain’ while watching the goal back.

    Michael Higdon – while not interfering with play – was coming back from an offside position as the ball was delivered, but young McHugh was clearly onside as the delivery was whipped in.

    The ‘Well boss sighed: “That’s football, I know how tough it is to be a referee or a linesman.

    “I thought the ref handled the game well, but it just adds to the pain when you see the goal again. But there are lots of positives; it could’ve ended up another 6-6 in as open a game of football as you’ll see.”

    The Motherwell boss also took a moment to single out Garry O’Connor for special praise.

    The former Locomotiv Moscow striker hasn’t always been in the headlines for the right reasons this campaign, but showed his class with a bustling performance and composed finishing.

    McCall admits the player proved his quality, but has charged his own players to cut out the errors which handed the Scotland interational his chances.

    “O’Connor is an International striker and he showed what he was capable of,” he continued. “But an individual error shot us in the foot just like Saturday, and if we want to win games we need to cut those out.”

  • Archive

    Hibs defeat in pictures

    Pictures from the penalties defeat by Hibernian in the Scottish Communities League Cup at Fir Park.

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

    [svgallery name=”hibs200911″]

  • Archive

    Motherwell 2 – 2 Hibs (6-7 pens)

    [tab:Match report]

    Kris Jack at Fir Park

    Motherwell crashed out of the Scottish Communities League Cup to Hibernian  after a hugely entertaining game was decided on penalties, following an enthralling 2-2 draw.

    A Garry O’Connor double either side of goals from Keith Lasley and Michael Higdon sent the game to extra time before the cruel lottery of spot-kicks saw ‘Well crash out.

    True to his word, Stuart McCall stuck with the same eleven which were defeated 3-0 against St Johnstone in disappointing fashion at the weekend.

    Hibernian made three changes to the side which surrendered a two-goal lead to Dunfermline. Graham Stack, Isaiah Osbourne and Calum Booth made way for Mark Brown, Ian Murray and David Wotherspoon.

    The fans in attendance would have been hopeful of a repeat of the magnificent 6-6 all game of May 2010 and, remarkably, it was to be a game of just as many chances as the 12-goal thriller.

    Hibs were first to attack when Leigh Griffiths was put through by Martin Scott. Coming from an angle, Randolph made a neat stop with his feet to prevent the opener.

    Besides that effort, the opening exchanges offered little in the way of goalmouth action. Griffiths had a 35-yard free kick deflected wide, while Nicky Law tried to get in behind the Hibs defence on a couple of occasions to no avail.

    Hibs deservedly took the lead on 19 minutes. Griffiths took on Stephen Craigan on the left flank before playing a telling ball to the penalty spot for O’Connor to prod home.

    Hateley then delivered a smashing ball in to the corridor of uncertainty, which Higdon couldn’t quite reach as he slid in between two defenders.

    Motherwell were getting back into the encounter and only a desperate Sean O’Hanlon clearance at the back post prevented an equaliser. Lasley sent Humphrey free on the left and his whipped ball across goal was brilliantly cleared by the former MK Dons defender.

    The Steelmen did get their leveler on the half-hour mark. Hateley’s corner kick was knocked down by Higdon and Keith Lasley swept home; the talismanic midfielder stroking the ball in to the bottom-corner from around the penalty spot.

    Humphrey had a half-shout for a penalty when he looked to be felled in the box by Murray. The ref was decisive in his opinion that the ball was won and no spot kick was given.

    Nicky Law gave Brown his first real test when Higdon’s knockdown fell to Murphy. His quick feet released the former Rotherham man, whose 20-yard effort was tipped round the post for a corner.

    Motherwell then took the lead in glorious fashion. A free kick between Law and Lasley saw the English midfielder reach the edge of the box. His cutback was then dispatched with power in to the bottom left corner by Higdon, for his first goal at Fir Park.

    Murphy and Higdon both brought out decent saves from Brown as ‘Well looked to increase the lead. Murphy hit a stinging volley that was punched clear before Higdon had time to bring the ball down at the back-post, only to be denied by Mark Brown’s knee.

    The second half began at a slightly less frantic pace than the first, but Hibs almost equalised when Scott found space in the box, but fired straight at Randolph when it looked easier to score.

    Moments later Griffiths and the ‘Well keeper seemed to be competing for the TV cameras’ attention as a thunderous effort from the Hibees forward produced a sensational one-handed stop from the Irish international.

    Indeed the popular goalie was proving to be the bane of Leigh Griffiths’ night, also denying the former Dundee man in a one-on-one confrontation.

    Lasley and Humphrey carved out an opportunity for Higdon on 62 minutes, with the Jamaican’s inviting cross being headed over by the impressive former St Mirren striker.

    O’Connor thought he had levelled the tie after capitalising on a slack Jennings backpass. Griffiths played his strike partner in, but the ref adjudged he had punched the ball in to the net and booked him for his troubles.

    The ‘Well goal was leading a charmed life as the action raged from end-to-end, but Humphrey was continuing to give Murray a torrid time. A lung bursting run down the right ended with a cutback to Lasley, whose powerful drive flew inches over the bar.

    Hateley was next to try his luck, running onto a nicely weighted Jamie Murphy pass. His shot was too tame though, and trickled comfortably wide.

    Humphrey was replaced by Daley with ten minutes left after pulling up with an injury. His impact was almost immediate, latching on to Higdon’s knockdown, before having his shot deflected wide.

    His second touch was a crucial block on the edge of the box, leading to Palsson testing Randolph from distance.

    Just as Motherwell were looking to see the game out, Hibernian equalised with just four minutes to go. Craigan was caught in possession on the halfway line allowing Griffiths to release O’Connor, who finished past the onrushing Randolph – the goal sent the game to extra time.

    Bob McHugh came on for Steve Jennings as extra time began. The young forward set up the Well’s first attempt of the period, laying off for Law, who had Brown at full stretch again.

    Another swerving ball in from Hateley had no takers as the home side kept pressing to regain their lead. Law then sent Murphy through on Brown but his dinked effort was grabbed by the keeper.

    It was soon Junior Agogo’s turn to bring out a fine stop from Darren Randolph. After working space on the edge of the box, he fired in a goal-bound effort, matched magnificently by the diving save.

    At the start of the second half of extra-time young Bob McHugh did well to race clear of his man at the halfway line. He made it to the 18-yard line and teed up Lasley who fired wide from the edge of the box.

    Griffiths was once more foiled by Randolph from a 30-yard free kick as the two continued their enthralling running battle.

    Down at the Cooper end, Murphy could only steer wide at the back post from Hateley’s delivery. Murphy then got to the byline, finding Nicky Law with a cross – but his shot from just inside the box blazed over.

    Then, amid the drama, there was a cruel twist. The lively McHugh thought he’d grabbed the winner with a diving header, as did the Well faithful. However the diminutive striker was flagged for offside – despite the pictures showing that he was indeed onside and the goal should have stood.

    Law could have wrapped the game up after Daley’s incisive ball had him one-on-one with Brown, but the former Well stopper made the save to keep the game level.

    That was to be the last action before the game went to penalties.

    O’Connor, Higdon and Palsson all showed excellent composure to slot home their penalties before Jamie Murphy’s effort was stopped by Brown’s shins.

    The Hibees scored their next two kicks, through Agogo and Griffiths, while Hateley and Forbes kept ‘Well in a nerve-wracking contest. And, with the game on the line Motherwell were thrown a lifeline, as Calum Booth’s effort was kept out by Randolph.

    Excellent spot kicks followed by McHugh, O’Hanlon, Wotherspoon, Clancy, Hammell and Towell as the contest entered sudden-death and – as is the cruel nature of penalties – there had to be a villain. It was to be Nicky Law, arguably Motherwell’s player of the season so far, who had his kick saved by Brown, giving Colin Calderwood’s side a 7-6 win on penalties in a real cup classic.

    [tab:As it happened]

    Graham Barnstaple at Fir Park

    PENALTIES: Towell scores, Law sees his effort saved , Hibs win 7-6 on pens

    PENALTIES: Wotherspoon makes it 6-5, Hammell keeps it going

    PENALTIES: O’Hanlon scores, Clancy makes it 5-5

    PENALTIES: Randolph saves Booth’s pen, McHugh scores to make it 4-4

    PENALTIES: Giffiths makes it 4-2, Forbes keeps us in it – come on Darren

    PENALTIES: Agogo scores for Hibs, Hateley makes it 3-2

    PENALTIES: Higdon scores as does Palsson for Hibs 2-1, Murphy’s saved

    PENALTIES:  O’Connor scores – Higdon for us

    Pens being taken at Cooper End, O’Connor up first

    Full time – Pens here we come – what a game, it has had everything, great advert for Scottish game.

    119mins – Law denied by Brown again, as Forbes replaces Lasley.

    116mins – McHugh has ball in the net from a close range header but flagged offside.

    116mins – Don’t how players are coping but I am suffering from cramp as Murphy shoots into side netting.

    115mins – We go on break and McHugh sets up Lasley but he drags his 18 yards shot wide.

    105mins – Hibs replace sub Galbraith with Booth as we get underway again, and Hibs start with a corner.

    105mins – Half time in extra time – Pens looming??

    103mins – This is going from end to end its not good for the nerves, as Randolph saves from Agogo.

    99mins – Law released Murphy but Brown reads his attempted dink over him to palm the ball away.

    94mins – Law denied by diving save by Brown at expense of corner.

    90mins – Well change ahead of Extra Time – McHugh comes on for Jennings.

    Full time – We are headed for Extra time, it’s been a great game so far, with Hibs probably just edging it over 90 minutes, all to play for.

    90mins – Two minutes being added on before we head to Extra Time.

    87mins – 2-2, Craigan doesn’t deal with a long ball – O’Connor goes through to poke ball past advancing Randolph – no more than they deserve I am afraid.

    81mins – An injured Chris Humphrey limps off to be replaced by Omar Daley.

    80mins – Tonight’s crowd is 3909 – who have been well entertained.

    74mins – Hibs make a change with just over 15 to go, Agogo on for Murray, meaning a bit of a re-shuffle for Hibees.

    72mins – Only the keepers have stopped this being another 6-6 tonight!! Great stuff, although heart in mouth sometimes for a non neutral.

    70mins – Humphrey bursts down the right cut back for Lasley but he strikes a shot just over.

    67mins – Out of jail there, Hibs had ball in the net but O’Connor spotted using his hand and getting a yellow for his troubles.

    65mins – Humphrey could be the key here for us tonight, he is a great out ball and is leaving Murray for dead when he gets the ball.

    63mins – Lasley sends Humphrey to bye-line but his cross is headed narrowly over by Higdon

    60mins – We are riding our luck a bit here, Griffiths once again denied by Randolph after he had shrugged off Clancy to go clean through.

    54mins – Stunning 25 yard shot from Griffiths is only matched by the save from Randolph low at his right hand post; same start as first half.

    51mins – Scott sent clean through but takes too long and is denied by Randolph.

    45mins – 2nd half underway, Hibs make a change with Sproule off and replaced by Danny Galbraith

    Half time – What a contrast from the first twenty mins to the last 25mins, didn’t see comeback coming after 20 minutes.

    43mins – Two more saves for Brown, first from Muprhy then Higdon low down at his far post – a half of two halves!

    40mins – GOOOOAAALLLLL – 2-1 Well, Lasley sends Law clear and his cut back is side footed in by Higdon from about 12 yards out, fans happy.

    39mins – Brown makes a full length save to keep out a bending shot from Nicky Law.

    33mins – Wee half shout for a penalty there with Humphrey tumbling under pressure from Murray as he cut in from the right, nothing given.

    30mins – GOOOOAAAAAALLLL – 1-1, Hateley corner headed down by Higdon for Lasley to strike home from about 15 yards out.

    30mins – Brown finally called into action as he smothers a Humphrey cross at his near post – things are looking better.

    28mins – A bit of pinball from a Hateley corner sees Higdon and Humphrey both have shots blocked.

    24mins – A Hateley cross into the six yard box corridor of uncertainty is just missed by Higdon on the slide – closest we have come.

    22mins – Randolph saves us from being two down as he somehow manages to stretch to palm away a Griffiths lob, Well fans getting frustrated again.

    21mins – Hibs have now had five attempts at goal and we have still to find a way of testing Mark Brown after 21mins.

    20mins – Goal Hibs, Griffiths cross from right is met at front post by Gary O’Connor to toe it past Randolph, sad to say a deserved lead.

    12mins – A 35 yard free from Griffiths is deflected for a corner – bags of confidence to try that….

    2mins – Almost one down on the break but Leigh Griffiths tamely hit Scott’s pass at Randolph.

    1min – Hibs kick off and we are shooting towards the South Stand where the Hibs fans are housed in top tier.

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

    “Hibs started well and we didn’t, but once we got going and into our stride we played some smashing stuff. We needed that third goal after coming in at 2-1 at half-time.

    “There’s no doubt that Hibs deserved to take it to extra-time, as Darren Randolph made two or three excellent saves.

    “We had chances to win the game in extra time.

    “I’ve seen Robert McHugh’s goal and he was a yard onside and that adds to the pain, but that’s football. I understand how tough a job linesmen and referees have and they handled it well tonight.”

     Hibernian manager Colin Calderwood:

    “We showed terrific guts to come back in that situation; we lost the game for 20 to 25 minutes after we got the lead but the way we started the game, we should have got to half-time ahead.

    “As the second half was going on we looked as if we were maybe exposed a wee bit. The players went for it and it was more or less simplicity in the end – when we did that we were better.

    “We had tried too many extravagant balls and ignored easy passes but when we went back to that, were able to move the ball quickly and looked as if we had energy in the team, and we’d have felt aggrieved or anxious if we hadn’t scored in that second half as we created chances.”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

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