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  • Archive

    TV: Goals from Tannadice

  • Archive

    TV: Ojamaa happy to contribute

  • Archive

    TV: McCall pleased with a point

  • Archive

    Dundee Utd draw in pictures

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    Dundee Utd 1 – 1 Motherwell

  • Archive

    Duo head out on loan

  • Archive

    TV: McCall looking for Tannadice repeat

  • Archive

    Jennings was December’s best

  • Archive

    Motherwell live on ESPN

  • Archive

    TV: The goals from Fir Park

  • Archive

    TV: Goals from Tannadice

    Motherwell come from behind to earn a draw after Michael Higdon cancelled out a Stephen Craigan OG for a share of the spoils.

    -WATCH THE GOALS ON MFC TV-

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    TV: Ojamaa happy to contribute

    Estonian Henrik Ojamaa was pleased to contribute after creating Motherwell’s equaliser for Michael Higdon this afternoon.

    The former Derby County and RoPS forward was the game changer, coming on in place of Omar Daley to change the whole tempo of the match.

    And Ojamaa is adamant that more is to come when he gets fitter and sharper as the weeks go on.

    “I thought the whole team did well to come back from behind, it showed a lot of character,” he said.

    “There was only one team who were going to get the three points at the end and that was Motherwell. We maybe lacked a bit of composure in the final third but I was really pleased I could help the team put an end to the losing streak

    “I am really enjoying my football. The tempo of the game is really good – all the teams are physical and it is physical. That’s the way I like to play and when I get into the swing of things and get sharper, I hope to make a bigger impact.”

    -WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-

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    TV: McCall pleased with a point

    ‘Well boss Stuart McCall was pleased with his side after they fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 at Tannadice.

    The home side had much the better of the first half and went ahead through a Stephen Craigan OG.

    However, they were unable to extend their lead thanks to the brilliance of Darren Randolph and the Steelmen fought their way back into the match, dominating most of the second half.

    “I thought we moved the ball well but Dundee United were certainly the stronger team in the first half,” admitted McCall.

    “Big Darren (Randolph) has had a few good saves. Daly and Mackay-Steven are a big threat going forward, but we still felt we could create opportunities, and it gave us great promise for the second half.

    “I thought it was a great test of character for the guys. I’m happy with a point and we fully merited it, the second half was more like the performances we’ve been producing on our travels this season, so after two disappointing away games, where we’ve not played well, the second half was excellent.”

    -WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH THE MANAGER ON MFC TV-

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    Dundee Utd draw in pictures

    Pictures from the 1-1 draw with Dundee Utd in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Tannadice.

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

    [svgallery name=”dundeeutd210112″]

  • Archive

    Dundee Utd 1 – 1 Motherwell

    [tab:Match report]

    twitter Kris Jack at Tannadice

    A Michael Higdon goal four minutes from time earned Motherwell a 1-1 draw in a lively game at Tannadice.

    ‘Well had trailed for most of the match after a Stephen Craigan own goal had put Dundee United ahead in the 27th minute.

    However, a super substitute performance from Henrik Ojamaa, helped Motherwell to their first SPL point of 2012.

    The welcome return of Steve Jennings after injury and suspension was a boost to Stuart McCall’s side as they looked to bounce back from three league defeats in a row. Those games also saw Motherwell draw a blank in each of them, but the familiar sight of Michael Higdon, Jamie Murphy and Omar Daley in attack was installed in the hope of providing some much needed goals.

    Peter Houston’s side had one change from the starting XI that lost to Celtic last time out, with Stuart Armstrong coming in for Willo Flood. The ever dangerous Jon Daly led the Dundee United front line, supported by Gary Mackay-Steven and Johnny Russell.

    The blustery conditions in the City of Discovery threatened to spoil the game, much like it had when the sides drew 0-0 at Fir Park in December. The swirling wind made controlling the ball in the middle of the park difficult in the early battles, but didn’t deter either side from playing attacking football.

    The first effort on goal came from a Tom Hateley free kick, when Keith Lasley was fouled on the edge of the box. The right back’s dipping drive bounced in front of Pernis, but the United keeper palmed the ball away from danger.

    In reply, former Airdrie man Gary Mackay-Steven burst through the ‘Well midfield to bear down on Darren Randolph’s goal but his effort was blasted well over when he should have hit the target.

    Play quickly swung back down the other end as the Steelmen had two great opportunities to test Pernis. Omar Daley worked some space on the edge of the box, cut in and fired in a shot which had the sting taken off it by a deflection. Steven Hammell then floated a free kick to the back post, but it was just too deep for Higdon to connect with.

    Chances were being created for both sides and Jon Daly almost scored his obligatory goal against Motherwell when he headed over from Paul Dixon’s bouncing cross.
    Another Hammell delivery was taken off of Higdon’s head by the outstretched hand of Pernis before John Rankin brought a fantastic save from Darren Randolph after good play by Jon Daly.

    It was a brilliant save that prevented a certain goal, but the Irishman’s cleansheet was to be broken a few minutes later.

    Dixon burst down the left wing before sending a low cross into the box which was poked into the net off the boot of Stephen Craigan.  It was a blow to Motherwell, who didn’t deserve to be behind, but hadn’t done enough in front of goal to merit a lead of their own.

    It was almost two but for the reflexes of Darren Randolph who made another vital save as Johnny Russell sprinted through on goal. The big keeper spread himself well to save with his feet to keep the score at 1-0.

    As the half came to an end, Nicky Law had a rare shot at goal and Mackay-Steven rippled the side netting  with a drive form the edge of the box but neither side could force another goal to add to Craigan’s unfortunate opener.

    The second half began with the weather still making the flight for the ball somewhat unpredictable. ‘Well were the first to threaten, when Law played in Higdon, whose lay off to Murphy was deflected for a corner from the young strikers shot.

    The game was being played in midfield with few chances being created, when Henrik Ojamaa was brought on for Daley. Within minutes of his introduction, Motherwell’s shape changed, as did their fortune.

    Jamie Murphy was able to manoeuvre in the box from Ojamaa’s flick on, only to see his effort saved by Pernis at his front post. Steven Hammell then curled a free kick wide after the Estonian was brought down outside the box. Pernis then was the grateful recipient of a shot from Murphy, after a good 1-2 with Lasley.

    It was all Motherwell at this point and Lasley was unlucky to see his cross headed wide by Dillon, when it could easily have been turned in to his own net. Murphy and Higdon then spurned chances for an equaliser, when the young forward had a shot deflected wide, before the former St Mirren man headed wide when he should have at least tested the keeper.

    John Rankin was then thwarted once more by Darren Randolph, when his first time shot was batted out by the goalie. This save spurred Motherwell on and on 86 minutes, they levelled. Ojamaa, latched on to a ball down the left hand side and held off Dillon, before firing in a low cross along the six-yard line. Michael Higdon peeled off Gavin Gunning and with his left foot, blasted a first time shot past Pernis to score his tenth of the season.

    Indeed, Motherwell could have had a great opportunity to snatch a late winner, when the lively Ojamaa darted between two Dundee United defenders and looked to be fouled as he went for the ball. However, referee Stevie O’Reilly knocked back his appeal.

    Motherwell left Tannadice content with the point, and happy to be back amongst the goals. Attention will now turn to Tuesday night’s game against Dunfermline at Fir Park, as they look to regain third place in the SPL.

    [tab:As it happened]

    twitter Alan Burrows at Tannadice

    Full Time: Dundee Utd 1 – 1 Motherwell

    90mins – United have one last effort – a speculative effort from Robertson that goes miles wide.

    88mins – Penalty shout there. Ojamaa skips in between two United defenders and hits the deck. No penalty from O’Reilly!

    86mins – Made by Ojamaa – Runs the channel – his cut back finds the big man and he buries for his 10th of the season,

    GOOOOOOALLLLLLLL Higdon!!!!! GET IN THERE!

    84mins – Great chance for Higdon again. Terrific reverse pass plays the big man in but he snatches at it and it goes way over.83mins – Great save again from Randolph – Shot from Rankin just on the edge of the area.

    80mins – Swanson comes on for McKay-Steven!

    77mins – Great chance for Higdon… Ball across by Hateley finds the big striker. Heads wide from about five yards out.

    75mins – United sub – Richie Ryan is on for Stuart Armstrong.

    74mins – Great play by Ojamaa to keep the ball in. Cross into the box is laid off by Higdon for Murphy. Shot deflected wide for a corner.

    71mins – Crowd announced as 5969

    68mins – Great ball from Nicky Law almost leads to an equaliser. Utd somehow get it clear for a corner which is cleared

    66mins – Former ‘Well man Gunning comes in on place of Nielsen who was on a yellow card.

    65mins – Good bursting run from Ojamaa is halted by Nielsen – free-kick at the edge of the area. Hammell takes but it goes wide.

    62mins – Half decent low shot from Murphy is gobbled up by Pernis at the second attempt.

    61mins – Craigan booked for dissent

    61mins – Omar Daley goes off and is replaced by Estonian U21 International Henrik Ojamaa.

    51mins – Ball into the box by Law. Teed up by Higdon for Murphy but shot is blocked wide by Robertson. Corner from Hateley is cleared

    50mins – Poor start from both teams. Weather isn’t helping though – wind is at its strongest just now.

    45mins – The second half gets underway – Motherwell get it going and just in time, the wind and rain gets up again.

    43mins – Robbie Nielsen booked for a crude foul on Omar Daley over on the left touchline. Free kick for ‘Well!

    41mins – Tame effort from Jon Daly from distance thankfully drops well wide of Randolph’s post.

    40mins – Gary MacKay-Steven flashes a shot inches wide of the post. Again it comes from a Well mistake. Shooting ourself in the foot.

    36mins – Daly flashes a header wide with Daley careless in midfield. Craigan and Hutchinson do well to stop the striker getting to the ball.

    34mins – Half decent effort from ‘Well – Ball towards Higgy – header tee up for Nicky Law who smashes a low shot at goal but saved Pernis.

    33mins – Another great save by Randolph – this time with his foot. Shot from the edge of the box by Armstrong (I think)

    31mins – Great build-up play between Jennings and Murphy. Ball falls to Higdon but he doesn’t get a hold of it and Pernis saves.

    30mins – Keith Lasley shot from distance is comfortably held by Pernis in the United goal. Good reaction from ‘Well!

    28mins – Run down the left by Dixon with Jenno on the chase. Ball across the face and Russell / Craigan go in. Ball squirms in at near post

    GOAL – Dundee United – Either Russell or Stephen Craigan OG!

    24mins – Incredible save from Randolph. Low shot from Rankin from just inside the area – Great hand by the big GK then up to collect.

    23mins – Great ball from Hammell almost finds Higgy at the back post but it is taken off his head by a super Pernis punch.

    19mins – I hope it is warm wherever you are folks as it is absolutely freezing in Dundee.

    18mins – Long throw by Nielsen is cleared by the Steelmen defence who are holding firm against the United attacks so far (just at times)

    16mins – Good ball across goal from Stuart Armstrong. Daly gets up above Hammell but header goes over the bar,,,, thankfully!

    12mins – Decent Well move. Law and Higdon combine on the edge. Tee up Omar Daley but his low shot is weak and easy for Pernis to catch.

    9mins – Good block by Stephen Craigan in front of his own goal. Bursting run and low ball across the face by Rankin – The skipper clears!

    6mins – Bursting run on the counter by M-Stevens. Shot from distance sails into the Eddie Thompson Stand behind the goal.

    4mins – Good strike by @TomHateley6 – low save down to his right and the ball is eventually cleared. Good start for ;Well!

    4mins – Free-kick for ‘Well just outside the box… Hateley to take but the ball is blowing about!

    3mins – Couple of shots from @Jamiemurphy89 and Michael Higdon are blocked by the United defence…

    1min – Corner for United inside the opening 30 seconds. Motherwell get it clear!

    Kick-Off – Dundee United to kick-off! C’mon the Well!!!!!!!!!!

    [tab:Reaction]

    Dundee Utd manager Peter Houston:

    Coming Soon

    Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

    “It was a test of character for the lads after going behind, but they had a go and we deserved the point.

    “I was pleased how we started the game. We had a few chances and moved the ball well.

    “But United were stronger in the first half and Darren Randolph had to pull off a few good saves.

    “United are a strong side going forward and they really showed that in the first half.

    “However, I always felt we could get back in. Henrik Ojamaa made a difference when he came on and the second half performance was excellent.”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”85″]

  • Archive

    Duo head out on loan

    Youngsters Jordan Halsman and Gary Smith have both departed the club on short-term loan deals.

    Halsman, who has played twice for the first-team – starting his first game against Clyde in the Scottish Communities League Cup earlier this campaign – has joined Second Division side Albion Rovers on a 28-day loan.

    The 20-year old has previously had experience of going out on loan, spending time at both Annan Athletic and Dumbarton

    Also departing is striker Gary Smith. The 20-year old, who was the U19s league top scorer back in 2009-10, has found first-team action hard to come by with Michael Higdon, Jamie Murphy, Bob McHugh, Omar Daley and, most recently, Henrik Ojamaa all vying for a starting berth.

    [pullquote]These guys work hard during the week and it’s good to have a game on a Saturday to focus on.[/pullquote]

    The former Queen’s Park youngster, who has made four first-team appearances from the substitute’s bench, including making his Europa League bow against Icelanders Breidablik, has also had experience out on loan – spending six months at Dumbarton last season. He will spend an initial month at Ochilview.

    ‘Well boss McCall said “With no reserve league it’s important our lads are getting competitive football.

    “We’ve already had the likes of Steven Lawless at Albion Rovers, Ross McKinnon at Dumbarton and Steven Howarth at Alloa and it has worked well for them.

    “These guys work hard during the week and it’s good to have a game on a Saturday to focus on.”

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    TV: McCall looking for Tannadice repeat

    ‘Well boss Stuart McCall is hoping for a repeat of the 3-1 victory Motherwell recorded the last time they were in Dundee.

    The Steelmen face Peter Houston’s men on the back of three league defeats which has seen the Fir Parkers drop out the top three for the first time this season.

    And the former Scotland midfielder is hoping to recapture some of the early season form, including an impressive win at Tannadice back in October.

    He said: “Two of my best games in charge at Motherwell have came at Tannadice; the 2-2 draw in the Cup last year was a great performance and then to bring them back for the replay in what was probably the biggest game of the season and we won 3-0.

    “Then, this season, to go there when they were in decent form and win 3-1 was excellent and something we will be looking to try and repeat tomorrow, hopefully.”

    -WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-

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    Jennings was December’s best

    Midfielder Steve Jennings has been named the Cash Converters Player of the Month for December.

    Despite sitting out the Hearts match through suspension, the Scouser was excellent in games against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park and St Mirren at Fir Park.

    It’s the second time the former Tranmere Rovers man has scooped the gong; he was the recipient in the November poll too.

    He said, “I am pleased to have won the award again and thank you to those who voted and Cash Converters.

    “Our main focus is getting back to winning ways and hopefully that starts this Saturday against Dundee Utd.”

    The award was presented to Steve last Saturday by Ricky Mullen, who voted for Steve at the Cash Converters SPL Facebook page.

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    Motherwell live on ESPN

    Two Motherwell matches have been selected for coverage on broadcasters ESPN in the coming months.

    The first is ‘Well’s match with Rangers on Saturday 31st March – the date of the match remains the same but kick-off will now be 12 noon.

    The second is in early April when Motherwell visit Easter Road. The game has been moved back a day to Sunday, 8th April with a 12.30pm kick-off.

    >> FULL FIXTURE LIST

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    TV: The goals from Fir Park

    All the goals as Motherwell Reserves draw 3-3 with Fleetwood Town at Fir Park  with goals coming from Bob McHugh and a Gary Smith brace.

    -ALL THE GOALS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-

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