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  • Archive

    Boot Sponsorship – There’s still time

  • Archive

    Hutchinson to be banned

  • Archive

    Loan Watch – Saturday 25th February

  • Archive

    Winter’s in charge for Pars test

  • Archive

    TV: McCall proud despite defeat

  • Archive

    Celtic defeat in pictures

  • Archive

    Celtic 1 – 0 Motherwell

  • Archive

    Celtic tickets still available

  • Archive

    Hibs U19s win in pictures

  • Archive

    TV: Youths see off Hibs

  • Archive

    Boot Sponsorship – There’s still time

    There is still time to sponsor your favourite player’s boots or jersey for the remainder of the season, from only £200.

    As a sponsor, your name or company name will be listed in the match-day magazine and on the official club website! Your name will be announced alongside that of your chosen player if he is picked for first-team duties; 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 jersey.

    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, Tam Cowan.

    For more information or to sponsor a player please contact 01698 338008 or email (including your contact telephone number) commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk.

    >> Click here to see who is still available to sponsor…

  • Archive

    Hutchinson to be banned

    Shaun Hutchinson’s yellow card at Celtic Park on Saturday has taken him over the disciplinary points threshold.

    The 21-year English defender will start his one game ban from Saturday 10th March – meaning he will be forced to watch the Aberdeen match on 17th March from the stand.

    To see the latest suspension news, CLICK HERE.

  • Archive

    Loan Watch – Saturday 25th February

    Four Motherwell players were involved this weekend in the Irn-Bru Second and Third Divisions.

    Ross McKinnon’s Alloa Athletic took on Jamie Pollock’s Clyde at Recreation Park. The league-leaders’ won the game with a few minutes left on the clock when Darren Young neatly converted McKinnon’s left-wing cross to record his first goal of the season.

    Pollock, making his first start for the Bully Wee after making his debut against Elgin in midweek, lasted 86 minutes before being subbed for Stephen McDonald.

    Elsewhere, Gary Smith was on the losing side as Stenhousemuir crashed 3-1 at home to Arbroath. The 20-year old grabbed a double against Airdrie the previous Saturday but was unable to prevent the Red Lichties winning courtesy of goals from Steven Doris and a Josh Falkingham double.

    The hosts did pull a goal back in the 70th minute, Stewart Kean on hand to fire home Andy Rodgers’ cross but it wasn’t enough as Stenny stay in fourth place.

    In the same division, Jordan Halsman drew 1-1 with relegation rivals Forfar at Cliftonhill. Dale Hilson put Forfar ahead inside two minutes when he struck a spectacular effort into the top-left hand corner from Christopher Templeman’s header, but the hosts levelled three minutes later.

    Halsman crossed from the right and John Gemmell connected to send a header into the roof of the net from near the penalty spot.

    Picture: Paul Reilly, Albion Rovers FC

  • Archive

    Winter’s in charge for Pars test

    Referee for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Dunfermline Atheltic at East End Park is Brian Winter.

    Brian will be handling his first ‘Well game of the current season; indeed, his last time in charge of the Steelmen was ten months ago when Motherwell crashed to a disappointing 4-0 defeat to that.

    Previous to that, you have to go back a further year when he was the man in the middle for Motherwell dramatic final-day 3-3 draw with Rangers at Ibrox.

    It’ll be his tenth SPL game of the campaign, his most recent being Dundee Utd’s 0-0 draw with St Mirren two weeks ago.

    Strangely, despite being a category 1 official for nearly ten years and officiating in the SPL for six, the 44-year old has only ever taken charge of five Motherwell games in that time.

    The Steelmen have won two, drawn one and lost two of those games; nine goals have been scored whilst eleven have been conceded.

    Ten players have been cautioned, five of them wearing Claret and Amber, and three have been ordered off (two from ‘Well – David Clarkson and Jim Paterson – in the same game versus Kilmarnock at Rugby Park four seasons ago).

    Brian will be ably assisted by Andrew McWilliam and John McCrossan with Charlie Richmond on fourth official duty.

  • Archive

    TV: McCall proud despite defeat

    ‘Well boss Stuart McCall praised his players despite crashing to a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Celtic this afternoon.

    The Steelmen played well in Glasgow, held on to the ball for long spells and, for the final 25 minutes, caused some problems in the home penalty box.

    In the end, the match was settled by a solitary Gary Hooper goal; the only real disappointment of the afternoon for the former Scotland International midfielder.

    [pullquote]We looked a good team on the ball, we got in good areas but we just didn’t have that final strike.[/pullquote]

    “To go toe to toe with a team like Celtic, with the run they are on and the players they’ve got; I took a lot of positives out of the game,” he said.

    “I was disappointed with the goal. You can accept it if you get cut open with the players Celtic have got or a long range piledriver from Ki or Mulgrew but to lose it from a throw is hard to take.

    “Having said that it would be easy to crumble like we have in the past here but I thought towards the end of the game we looked like the team that was could score without ever really testing the goalie. We had corners, we had opportunities on the edge of the box to slide people through, balls across the goal; we went right to the end.

    “We’ve not done ourselves justice at either of the Old Firm’s grounds and I thought today we did. We looked a good team on the ball, we got in good areas but we just didn’t have that final strike. To come here and get beat one nil is no disgrace. We’ll take a lot of positives from today and we look to the next game in a positive manner.”

    -WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ONLY ON MFC TV-

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  • Archive

    Celtic defeat in pictures

    Pictures from the 1-0 defeat by Celtic in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Celtic.

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

    [svgallery name=”celtic250212″]

  • Archive

    Celtic 1 – 0 Motherwell

    [tab:Match report]

    twitter Kris Jack at Celtic Park

    A well-marshalled Motherwell side fell to a solitary second half strike from Gary Hooper, going down 1-0 to Celtic at Parkhead. 

    Hooper’s strike on the hour meant Motherwell’s recent run of four wins in a row was ended as Celtic continued there mammoth twenty game winning run.

    However, It was a very decent performance by ‘Well, and they were unfortunate to lose to the only clean cut chance their hosts had.

    Stuart McCall made one change from the team that triumphed over Hibernian in midweek, with KEITH LASLEY retaining his place after suspension, OMAR DALEY dropping back to the bench. The manager’s faith in TIM CLANCY remained, as the Irishman kept his place in defence, with STEPHEN CRAIGAN once more a defensive sub.

    Neil Lennon changed half of his team from their win over Dunfermline on Wednesday, with Samaras, Rogne, Forrest, Wanyama and Matthews all restored to their starting line-up.  Scott Brown missed out through injury, while Anthony Stokes and Emilio Izaguirre started on the bench.

    Motherwell set their stall out, stifling Celtic in the opening exchanges, and looking to burst forward when they were able. However, the first real opportunity fell the hosts’ way, when Gary Hooper opted to play a ball across the six yard line, when a shot would have been the better option. The ball was intended for Georgios Samaras, but it flew past the Greek and TOM HATELEY cleared.

    Samaras was then almost played in on DARREN RANDOLPH from Ledley’s lobbed ball, but the big keeper was alert to get there first.

    Motherwell had some good spells of possession, without really testing Forster, with HENRIK OJAMAA constantly barracking Rogne and Wilson with his persistent running. Scotland call up Charlie Mulgrew should have tested Randolph from inside the box, but his shot was deflected past by Clancy.

    Randolph was then called in to action when Samaras took the ball off Mulgrew’s foot and had a dig from the edge of the box. The ball bounced up in front of the goalie, who spilled the shot, but was alert enough to make a fine save from Hooper on the rebound.

    Attacking chances were sparse for Motherwell and they were given a good opportunity to work Forster when JAMIE MURPHY was fouled on the right wing. Hateley’s ball in found NICKY LAW at the back edge of the box, but as much as the possession and passing drew the Celtic defence out, there was no room for anyone to get a shot away.

    As the half petered out SHAUN HUTCHINSON and Hateley picked up bookings for sliding challenges at the edge of the Motherwell box, with Hutchinson’s ruling him out of the home game versus Aberdeen in a few weeks. From the Hateley foul, Randolph made a great punching save from Ki’s whipped effort.

    The second half started in much the same vein as the first half was played, with the Steelmen working hard to squeeze Celtic out and looking to cause problems going forward. James Forrest, who was very impressive in the same fixture earlier in the season, made some great room on the right hand side to play in Hooper, but the prolific striker shot well wide of the away goal. Samaras then lobbed a tame shot over Randolph’s bar form six yards after Adam Matthews had played him in.

    With Hateley and Hutchinson booked in the first half for late challenges, MICHAEL HIGDON and  Lasley were lucky to escape the same fate with crunching tackles on Mulgrew and Wanyama on the half way line. Wanyama made way for Anthony Stokes after 60 minutes, and his arrival was followed by the match winning goal. A throw in by Matthews was won in the box by Samaras, who knocked the ball in to Gary Hooper’s path, and the unmarked striker made no mistake form eight yards. It was the only concentration lapse the Motherwell defence had all game, and was ultimately the one that cost them a point.

    To prove this even further, Clancy, Hutchinson and Randolph all made great blocks, clearances and saves to prevent Celtic stretching their lead, with a fingertip stop by the Irish goalkepper to deny Forrest the pick of the bunch.

    Ojamaa was subbed for Daley, who tried to use his pace to breach the Celtic backline, but was unable to conjour up an equaliser. Instead, Celtic ran the game out with their one goal lead to record a twentieth consecutive win in the SPL.

    Motherwell now go to East End Park in their next outing against Dunfermline, looking to bounce back from today’s unlucky defeat.

    [tab:As it happened]

    twitter Alan Burrows at Celtic Park

    92mins – Full Time!

    90mins – Two minutes of time added on – One last chance perhaps?

    87mins – Low shot from Mulgrew is comfortable for Randolph. Big GK batters his kick out off Clancy but ‘Well survive.

    74mins – Omar Daley on for the booked Ojamaa. Sensible management from McCall. Not quite worked for the wee man today.

    73mins – Another half decent chance for Motherwell. Jennings picks up not far from the home box. Drags a low shot well wide though.

    77mins – Ojamaa has Motherwell’s first shot on target. Law slips him through but low near post is comfortable for Forster in the home goal.

    71mins – Forrest goes on the run, his low shot is brilliantly saved by Randolph for a corner….

    70mins – Henrik carded for going down in the box. Referee was right up with play and correct.

    61mins – First chance for Humph to run down the wing. Puts in a decent ball. No takers at the near post though… Celtic counter though

    60mins – Great block from Hutchy to prevent number two. Corner. ‘Well bring in Humphrey for Murphy before it is taken…

    58mins – Celtic brought on Stokes for Wanyama just before that goal too. Signal isn’t great…

    GOAL Celtic! Long throw bounces off Samaras into the path of Hooper. He blasts home from close range. 🙁

    55mins – First ten or so minutes of the second have matched the first-half. Celtic having most of the ball, Motherwell compact!

    48mins – Attendance today is 46,408. 329 in the away end!

    46mins – Second half gets started…

    45mins – Half Time – 0 – 0. Similar second half please!

    45mins – Hateley booked for a foul outside the box. Ki’s curling shot is turned away by Randolph and ‘Well get it clear…

    44mins – Half chance for Matthews there. Free-kick on the right, ball loops over Jenno. Header is right at Randolph who gathers.

    43mins – Motherwell are being penned in a little. Celtic are having loads of possession but the Steelmen looking stubborn.

    38mins – From the free-kick, Ki has a shot deflected just wide… Corner!

    38mins – Hutchinson booked and he can have no complaints. That’ll be him suspended for the Aberdeen game (along with Clancy)

    35mins – First real bit of attacking play from the Steelmen. Couple of balls into the area but can’t get anything from it….

    30mins – Samaras seemed to have the ball for an age inside the box there. Motherwell eventually bundle it out for a corner

    24mins – Motherwell holding tight at the minute. Home side look dangerous on the attack though. ‘Well trying to counter…

    18mins – Mulgrew fires wide before Randolph is forced into an excellent double save. Celtic turning the screw a bit now…

    16mins – Squeaky bum time in the Well defence. Ball ping-balls about for a few seconds before Mulgrew drives it just wide of the post. Phew!

    15mins – Celtic are passing the ball well in the final third but Motherwell are defending in numbers and pressing the ball…

    12mins – Henrik is taking it tough at the moment. Been smashed three times already – albeit only one of them illegally.

    12mins – Samaras has a wee half chance but Randolph is off his line quickly to smother.

    11mins – Hooper gets behind the Well defense. Drags a shot cum cross across the box but Hateley hooks clear! Phew

    8mins – Well have been doing okay thus far. Lots of the ball not really causing the home side many problems…

    1min – Match gets underway…

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

    “It makes a change from talking about a 4-0 defeat which I have done the last two times.

    “I am proud of the players, the biggest disappointment is the goal we lost. We switched off at a long throw-in and to be fair to Tim Clancy he came in and held his hands up, he lost Hooper in the flight of the ball.

    “We had a right go at them in the last 25 minutes but we didn’t test their keeper enough.”

    Celtic manager Neil Lennon:

    “It was a great performance and a great result, another three points and another clean sheet.

    “We were in the ascendancy and at 1-0 it is always a little bit tense but I don’t remember my goalkeeper having to make a save. ”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”92″]

  • Archive

    Celtic tickets still available

    Tickets for Saturday’s clash at Celtic Park will be available to buy tomorrow morning from the Club Shop in the Cooper Stand.

    The shop will sell the tickets (strictly cash only) between 10am and 1pm.

    Please note that no tickets will be on sale to away fans at Celtic Park at any time

  • Archive

    Hibs U19s win in pictures

    Pictures from the 3-0 win over Hibernian U19s in the Clydesdale Bank Under 19s League at Bathgate Thistle’s Creamery Park.

    [svgallery name=”hibsu19s240212″]

  • Archive

    TV: Youths see off Hibs

    Motherwell U19s kept up their terrific run of form by smashing three past third-placed Hibs this afternoon.

    Since returning from their mid-season training camp, the youths have disposed of Dundee United, Inverness and St Johnstone, scoring fourteen goals.

    High-flying Hibs were looking to keep tabs with Celtic and city rivals Hearts but were quickly pegged back when Lee Erwin netted after a super flowing move.

    Steve Hetherington cut the visitors open with a terrific diagonal pass that allowed Zaine Francis-Angol to collect on the left flank. He raced towards the box before squaring it to Erwin who slammed high into an unguarded net.

    Motherwell scored again six minutes after the interval and, once again, the assist came from Francis-Angol and, once again, the goal came from Lee Erwin.

    A ball over the top by the former Spurs full-back didn’t look overly threatening but when the Hibs ‘keeper Paul Grant rushed off his line and mistimed an attempted headed clearance, it allowed the Scotland U18s hitman to casually roll the ball into an empty net.

    Motherwell ended the fixture as a contest with a third with about fifteen minutes left to play. Substitutes Jack Leith and Craig Moore combined in the middle of the park to play in Josh Watt down the right flank. Cutting in, the winger’s shot was palmed away by Grant only for Moore to slide the ball home.

    Both sides had opportunities to add to the scoring but it finished 3-0 as the Steelmen continued their excellent form, moving above Rangers into fourth after the Murray Park side lost away to Aberdeen. Young’s men are now hot on the heels of today’s opponents, trailing by four points with a game in hand.

    Motherwell: Stewart, Devlin (Cummins -65mins) , Francis-Angol, Murray, Brownlie, Mboa-Mekongo (Leitch – 73mins), Hetherington, Asghar, Watt, McGachie (Moore – 66mins), Erwin

    >> Updated U19s League Table

    >> Pictures from the match

    >> TV – Match Highlights

    >> TV – Gordon Young’s Reaction

    >> TV – Goalkeeper Ross Stewart and goalscorer Lee Erwin’s Reaction