| 2 | Rangers | 27 | 15 | 10 | 2 | 25 | 55 |
| 3 | Celtic | 26 | 17 | 3 | 6 | 22 | 54 |
| 4 | Motherwell | 26 | 12 | 11 | 3 | 22 | 47 |
| 5 | Hibernian | 27 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 12 | 42 |
| 6 | Falkirk | 27 | 11 | 6 | 10 | -3 | 39 |
Motherwell’s match at Tynecastle on Christmas Eve will now kick-off at 1pm.
Stuart McCall’s men will face the Jambos at the earlier time after both clubs agreed to the switch today.
Four days later ‘Well will take on Dunfermline at Fir Park as 2011 draws to a close.
‘Well boss Stuart McCall expects a tough test against a somewhat rejuvenated Aberdeen when the teams lock horns at Pittodrie tomorrow.
A tough test against Rangers aside, the Dons have won their previous two home games against Dunfermline and Dundee Utd, scoring seven goals in the process.
Games between the two teams have been exceptionally tight in the last year with only the odd goal separating the sides.
And former Scotland International McCall reckons ‘Well will have to replicate some of the form the team displayed the last time they were in the Granite City.
–WATCH McCALL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-
For a truly unforgettable occasion, Motherwell FC are delighted to offer the perfect destination, a choice of tempting cuisine and sparkling entertainment this winter.
Christmas parties at Fir Park are always a night to remember and this year will be no different. We’ve all the ingredients for a great party; high quality catering, lively entertainment and excellent service.
Enjoy a fabulous three-course meal in the Centenary Suite then afterwards, dance the night away with the live band and entertainment.
All this for an unbelievable £30 per person*
We have FOUR fabulous nights still available:
Demand has already been high so to avoid disappointment, confirm your place now. Phone Wilma or Diane on 01698 338008/338062 or email commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk.
*A £10 deposit is required before the night itself.
The Under 19s return to action looking to bounce back after last week’s disappointing Cup exit at the hands of Hamilton Accies.
The young Steelmen side crashed out of the SFA Youth Cup last Friday but the side are desperate to put that right against St Mirren.
Head of Youth Development Gordon Young said, “We are now playing teams for a second time and if we have beaten a team, we are looking to see how far we have come since. If we have lost, we are looking at home much we have improved.
“The last game against St Mirren, certainly for one half at least, we played really well so the challenge for the players is there.”
-WATCH GORDON YOUNG’S FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-
Pictures from the 3-2 defeat by Hamilton Accies U19s in the Scottish Football Association Youth Cup at Bathgate’s Creamery Park.
These pictures and more are available to buy now over a variety of products on motherwellpics.com.
[svgallery name=”hamiltonaccies111111″]
Motherwell travel north to Pittodrie on Saturday hoping to continue their good run of away form against Craig Brown’s Aberdeen.
Stuart McCall’s men have already won on the road at St Mirren Park, Broadwood, East End Park, Tannadice, Easter Road and the Caledonian Stadium this season but will face a tough task against a somewhat rejuvenated Aberdeen side.
Tickets for the match are available on the gate at Pittodrie priced at:
| ADULTS: | £23 |
| CONCESSIONS: | £17 |
| UNDER 12s: | £9 |
Just one bus will run to Aberdeen on Saturday, leaving from Wishaw at 9.30am picking up in Motherwell at 10am and stopping in Stonehaven on route, returning direct to Motherwell and Wishaw directly after the game.
There are still seats available and anyone wishing to travel should contact Jim Frame on 01698 299650 or Anne Sim on 01698 470601 as soon as possible.
By car
The stadium is located to the North of the city near the harbour and is well signposted for travelling fans.
Head North on the A90 towards Aberdeen and then join the A956. Follow this road through the city and you will eventually come to the stadium on your right.
If travelling from the West, follow the A96 into Aberdeen and turn left on to Machar Drive (A978) at the roundabout. Proceed along the A978 and then turn right on to King Street. The stadium will be clearly visible on the left.
There is a large car park at the ground but this is for pass holders only. Street parking is available in the side streets around the stadium and on the esplanade along the sea front, which is on the other side of the golf course.
By bus
Several operators run buses to Aberdeen, departing every hour from Buchanan Station in Glasgow city centre.
Further information and timetables are available online at www.citylink.co.uk.
By train
Aberdeen station may be a 25 to 30 minute walk from Pittodrie but travelling by train remains a popular and affordable way of getting to the Granite City.
Upon leaving the station, turn left, walk across the bridge and then turn right on to Union Street. Walk down to the road end, where you will reach Castle Gate. Proceed through the Castle Gate and on to Park Street, which eventually becomes Golf Road. The stadium will be clearly visible on the left.
Further information and timetables are available online at www.scotrail.co.uk.
[mappress]
10-man Motherwell crashed to a cruel Cup defeat at home to Hamilton Accies despite equalising twice during the match.
Former Everton defender Adam Cummins was red carded after just eleven minutes; the scouser was sent packing for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity when he brought down James Martin on the edge of the area.
By the letter of the law, referee Nick Walsh was correct but the 18-year old can feel hard done to as it was more a clash of legs than a trip as the defender tried to recover against his pacy opponent.
Andy Ryan put the visitors ahead some fifteen minutes later when he capitalised on some good work down the left to fire home from close distance.
Both teams traded chances but the score was the same as the teams broke for the half-time interval.
‘Well started the second half on the front foot and brought themselves level just nine minutes in. Darren Brownlie worked space for himself on the right flank and his terrific ball across the face of goal evaded everyone until Steve Hetherington arrived late at the back post to slot home from a few yards out.
Accies got their noses back in front again shortly after; Ciaran Johnston did well to run the channel and found himself in space inside the box. From the angle, he managed to trundle a shot past Ross Stewart in the home goal and Ryan was there to smash home from under the bar for his second of the afternoon.
Despite looking jaded after playing an hour with a man less, Motherwell continued to battle away and actually looked like the team most likely to score. After some excellent saves from Jonathan Grier, ‘Well eventually got it back to level terms for a second time when defender Ewan Murray soared to head home a Josh Watt corner from the left.
It was anyone’s game at that stage but it would be the New Douglas Park men who would eventually grab the game’s winning goal with just seven minutes left to play.
With Motherwell pushing for a winner, Accies won the ball in the middle of the park and immediately broke on the counter attack. James Martin burst forward, drawing defenders towards him before slipping in Andy Ryan on the edge of the area. The impressive striker took one touch to compose himself before drilling the ball beyond Stewart and into the net for his hat-trick.
It was harsh on Motherwell, who fought hard despite being a man down. Focus will quickly shift towards next week’s game with St Mirren, scheduled to take place next Friday afternoon back at the Creamery Park, kick-off 1pm.
Motherwell: Stewart, Brownlie, Murray, Cummins, Francis-Angol (Leitch – 87mins), Hetherington, Carswell, Mboa Mekongo (Moore – 76mins), Watt, McGachie, MacDonald (Lynch – 21mins)
Subs Not Used: Muir, Green, Asghar
Goals: Hetherington (54), Murray (70)
Booked: Mboa Mekongo, Hetherington
Sent Off: Cummins
Motherwell have today re-signed 29-year old former midfielder Stephen Hughes on a short-term contract.
Hughes, a former Scotland International, was previously at Fir Park during the Mark McGhee era at the club, playing over 70 times in Claret and Amber.
He left in the summer of 2009 to join Norwich City and although he enjoyed back-to-back promotions with the Canaries, his second season was dogged by injuries.
He joined up with the squad last month in an attempt to get fit but his performances in training and during bounce games have convinced ‘Well boss Stuart McCall to sign him up, initially until 3rd January 2012.
[pullquote]The team are doing really well just now so the challenge is there for me and the other boys in the fringes to push them, keep them on their toes, and try and win a spot in the starting eleven.”[/pullquote]
Motherwell-born Hughes began his career with Rangers and has also had spells with Leicester City and Milton Keynes Dons.
Speaking exclusively to MFC TV, Hughes said, “I am delighted; the manager was good enough to let me come in and train with the boys and it is great for me to get something sorted even though it is short-term.
“The team are doing really well just now so the challenge is there for me and the other boys in the fringes to push them, keep them on their toes, and try and win a spot in the starting eleven.”
-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH STEPHEN EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-
Are you interested in sponsoring your favourite player’s boots? If so, act quick because half the team have been snapped up already.
Stephen Craigan, Michael Higdon, Shaun Hutchinson, Nicky Law and others have already gone…
As a boot sponsor, your name or company name will be listed in the matchday magazine and on the official club website. In addition, your name will be announced alongside that of your chosen player at every single match throughout the whole season!
It’s fantastic exposure for any small business or as a special gift to the ‘Well fan in your life!
At the end of the campaign, you will be invited to the annual sponsor’s evening. Mix and mingle with Motherwell stars from the past and present before your chosen player presents you with his signed boots in a commemorative box.
The evening also includes a fabulous three-course meal, an intimate Q & A with the management team, as well as MC entertainment from Fir Park favourite, Mr. Tam Cowan.
For more information or to sponsor a player’s boots please contact 01698 338008 or email (including your contact telephone number) commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk.
To find out who is still available to sponsor – CLICK HERE
Motherwell Reserves came from behind to beat St Mirren 4-3 at Dalziel Park this afternoon.
Saints took the lead early on when Jon McShane swivelled to rifle home a twenty-yard shot low into the far corner. The visitors doubled their advantage shortly after, David Barron’s low effort deflecting off Jonathan Page and into the net.
However, Motherwell hit back midway through the half; Gary Smith sprung the offside trap, latching on to a lovely Jamie Pollock pass over the top of the defence, before drilling home from close range.
The Steelmen drew level when the attacking trailist, one of three playing for ‘Well, got on the end of a terrific Jordan Halsman cross from the right to bullet home a header from about eight yards out. Incredibly, within sixty seconds, Motherwell got their noses in front and what a sublime goal it was.
It was created by Ross Forbes, the midfielder dinking an exquisite sixty-yard ball over the top of the Saints’ backline into the path of Stuart Carswell. The youngster cut inside his marker before lashing an unstoppable drive into the top left hand corner, leaving Graeme Smith absolutely helpless.
In an enthralling first-half, St Mirren, shocked at throwing away a two goal advantage, managed to get themselves level before the break and again it came from another wicked deflection. Barron and Nigel Hasselbaink combined just inside the area before eventually cutting the ball back for Joe McKee. The on-loan Burnley midfielder had taken up a good position and he was rewarded when his low shot spun off the unlucky Page and into the net.
The second half was less eventful in terms of goals, yielding just one, which would prove the winner for ‘Well. Ross Forbes released substitute Adam Cummins down the right flank and his tantalising cross to the far post was gobbled up by Gary Smith who rose above Barron to head past Smith.
Motherwell: Trialist, Halsman, Page, Trialist, McKinnon, Forbes, Pollock, Hughes, Carswell, Trialist, Smith
Subs: Howarth, Lawless, Cummins
-WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS ON MFC TV-
