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    Win festive match tickets

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    TV: Highlights from the Excelsior

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    TV: Johansson content with point

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    Motherwell U20s 1 – 1 Falkirk U20s

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    TV: McCall gutted at Cup exit

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    Aberdeen defeat in pictures

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    Motherwell 1 – 2 Aberdeen

  • Archive

    Matchday Live: Aberdeen

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    TV: Law looks to build on recent run

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    TV: McCall is up for the Cup

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    Win festive match tickets

    Christmas is a time for giving, and this week SPL sponsor Clydesdale Bank is getting into the spirit of things with match tickets to give away.

    You have a chance to get your hands on complimentary tickets for no less than 24 Clydesdale Bank Premier League matches scheduled over the festive period.

    To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets, all you need to do is log on to their football website www.cbfootball.co.uk, click the competition tab and enter for the game(s) you’d like to go to.

    Closing date is Tuesday 18th December at 4pm. Good luck!

    Terms and conditions apply

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from the Excelsior

    Extended highlights from today’s Under 20s match with Falkirk at Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium.

    The Bairns got themselves in front early on through Lewis Small and held that lead until just after half-time when Bob McHugh netted from close range.

    -WATCH FULL HIGHLIGHTS ON MFC TV-
    (No Audio Summary)

    MFC TV

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    TV: Johansson content with point

    Jonatan Johansson was pleased with the response after going a goal down as his side earned a draw against Falkirk this afternoon.

    The Bairns went ahead early but the Steelmen fought back and deservedly drew level courtesy of a Bob McHugh goal, rounding off a wonderful nine-man move.

    ‘Well, who have only played once competitively since the middle of October, went on to enjoy large spells of possession but neither team created too much in the way of guilt-edged opportunities.

    And Johansson was satisfied with the outing despite losing that opening goal.

    [pullquote]I’m pleased with the second half and the point, particularly as we have not had a lot of football in the last six or seven weeks.[/pullquote]

    “I thought we dominated the second half and the pressing and movement was better,” he told MFC TV after the match.

    “In the first half we were too slow. We stopped the ball too often to see where we were instead of just playing it. I’ll need to see the goal again but it’s always annoying to lose an early goal from what seemed like a position we had the ball under control.

    “It’s always difficult when you have to start chasing the game because they can sit in deep and start hitting us on the counter. It’s frustrating but apart from that we defended quite well.

    “I’m pleased with the second half and the point, particularly as we have not had a lot of football in the last six or seven weeks.”

    -WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ONLY ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV

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    Motherwell U20s 1 – 1 Falkirk U20s

    Motherwell Under 20s came from behind to secure a deserved point at a freezing cold Excelsior Stadium this afternoon.

    The Bairns got themselves in front early on through Lewis Small and held that lead until just after half-time when Bob McHugh netted from close range.

    Both sides battled hard for a winner but a draw was a fair outcome in a match with very little between the teams.

    Motherwell had a number of players with first-team experience in the starting eleven. Simon Ramsden, Fraser Kerr, Zaine Francis-Angol, Stevie Hetherington and Bob McHugh could all count on game time with Stuart McCall’s side.

    However, it took the young Falkirk just six minutes to take the lead and, as has been the case for most of the season, the Steelmen will be disappointed with their defending. Liam Rowan was afforded far too much space on the right flank and his low, teasing ball across the face of goal was tucked away by Small from close range despite the best efforts of Ross Stewart in the home goal.

    Motherwell regrouped and Bob McHugh tested Bairns keeper Graham Bowman with a stinging effort from distance the brought about a smart save.

    Minutes later McHugh had another opportunity to bring the scores level. Good build-up play down the right eventually led to a curling cross from Kerr. The striker peeled off his marker in the centre but, on the stretch, could only turn his header inches of the crossbar.

    Whilst Johansson’s men were starting to take a grip of the match, Falkirk almost doubled their advantage on the counter attack. A neat ball through the middle had David Weatherston in on goal but his low shot was well turned round by Stewart at the expense of a corner.

    Falkirk got to the break ahead but not before a tight call from assistant John Gilmour denied the Steelmen a leveller.

    A corner from the left was flicked on by Fraser Kerr and McHugh hooked the ball into the net from close range. The assistant’s flag was up and the goal was disallowed. Replays certainly look as if the striker was level with both Liam Rowan and Kris Faulds who were trying to push out from protecting the posts.

    So it was with some sense of injustice that Motherwell trooped into the dressing room at the interval. That would be extinguished just four minutes after the restart as McHugh got the goal his play to that point had deserved.

    A lovely passing move involving every Motherwell player on the pitch, with the exception of ‘keeper Stewart and Jack Leitch, eventually ended at the feet of Moore on the right flank. His tantalising low ball across the face of the goal found McHugh who slid the ball home from close range.

    The Steelmen went on to have much more of the ball for the remainder of the half without creating too much in the way of clear cut chances. In fact, it was Stewart who had to look smart with a couple of decent saves to deny Leahy and Rowan.

    Craig Moore looked to be Motherwell’s main threat and had three half-chances to score late on. His first was a dragged shot wide of the post, the second a header that bounced a yard wide of the post and the third, right on the final whistle,  was a stinging effort from the edge of the box straight at Bowman who gathered at the second attempt.

    MOTHERWELL: Stewart, Kerr (Asghar 60), Francis-Angol, Neill, Ramsden (Green 46), Leitch, Hetherington, Moore, Johnstone, Bossekota (McCafferty 75), McHugh.

    SUBS NOT USED: Thomas, Shirkie

    GOALS: McHugh (49)

    BOOKED: Moore (68), Johnstone (87)

  • Archive

    TV: McCall gutted at Cup exit

    ‘Well boss Stuart McCall was left gutted as an off-form Motherwell crashed out the Scottish Cup at the hands of Aberdeen.

    The Steelmen were the better side in the first half, although the Dons could lay claim to having the better chances.

    The visitors were much improved in the second period and deservedly went into a two goal lead thanks to Rory Fallon and Joe Shaughnessy.

    Michael Higdon pulled one back late on for the Fir Parkers from the penalty spot but it wasn’t enough as the Dons held on for the victory.

    [pullquote]They defended really well but we were disappointing in the second half, there is no doubt about it.[/pullquote]

    “Just like every fan and player, I’m gutted,” he told MFC TV after the match.

    “I thought first half we controlled the game without making many chances. I knew it would be difficult to break them down as they came down with a back five and on a tight park it’s hard to find space in behind them.

    “Carswell had a shot and we had a few other opportunities but as always the first goal is important. They got it and then with the system they have got, with McGinn and Hayes playing off Fallon, they could hit us on the counter and they looked more dangerous than us.

    “They defended really well but we were disappointing in the second half, there is no doubt about it.”

    -WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ONLY ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV

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    Aberdeen defeat in pictures

    Pictures from the 2-1 defeat by Aberdeen in the William Hill Scottish Cup 4th Round at Fir Park.

    [svgallery name=”aberdeen111212″]

  • Archive

    Motherwell 1 – 2 Aberdeen

    [tab:Match report]

    Kris Jack at the Fir Park

    Rory Fallon returned to haunt ‘Well in the Scottish Cup for the second season running as his second half opener set Aberdeen on their way to the fifth round, with a 2-1 win at Fir Park.

    Joe Shaughnessy struck to double the visitor’s lead, as Aberdeen stifled all that the ‘Well could throw at them for the rest of the game.

    A late, late penalty from Michael Higdon gave the Steelmen hope, but it proved too little too late for the hosts as they crashed out of the Scottish Cup.

    There were two changes to the Motherwell starting lineup from the side which earned a 3-2 win over Ross County at the weekend. Nicky Law, who scored The Steelmen’s second in that game missed out with an ankle knock, replaced by Stuart Carswell. Darren Randolph returned between the posts from suspension with Lee Hollis’s short tenure in goal coming to an end.

    Russell Anderson missed out for The Dons, with Clark Robertson drafted into the side in his place.

    It was the Dons who were first to threaten when an early corner from a deflected Magennis shot, was headed straight at Darren Randolph by Rory Fallon.

    After that, McCall’s side began to play with confidence while keeping possession, threatening on a couple of occasions. Stuart Carswell would have burst the net had it not been for Jamie Langfield diving low to his right to keep out the young midfielders first time shot.

    Humphrey was looking lively and did well to cross from the byline having roasted Magennis, only to see Michael Higdon flash his header just over Langfield’s cross bar.

    Jamie Murphy was looking to be as impactful as he had been in the first game and had he gone down in the box when challenged from behind by Considine, he could have earned his side a penalty. However, he stayed on his feet, opting to lay off Lasley, whose shot was blocked.

    The former Scotland U21 striker then had a trademark effort sail high over the bar, having cut in from the left wing to the edge of the box. His opposite number Johnny Hayes then tried a speculative effort form 30 yards out wide on the right, but it was expertly tipped over by the returning Randolph.

    From the resultant corner Fallon once more headed right at the Irish keeper, from Clark Robertson’s delivery.

    Motherwell had played the better football, keeping the Dons hemmed in their own half for large parts of the first period, but two goals before the hour mark all but settled the tie in the away side’s favour.

    Rory Fallon, who scored twice when Aberdeen knocked the Well out at the quarter final stage last season, was on hand on 50 minutes to lash home from around the penalty spot, after Niall McGinn had broken away on the right. It was a fine finish and swung the momentum in the Reds’ favour.

    It should have been 2-0 moments later when McGinn was played through on the right by Considine, but Randolph stuck out a strong arm at his front post to deny the Northern Irishman. From the corner, Shaughnessy thought he had found the net when he poked a dropping ball goalwards, but it hit the side netting.

    However, he didn’t have to wait long to get on the scoresheet as he bagged the Dons second on the hour. Johnny Hayes, who hadn’t made much of an impact in the match to that point, bar his one effort in the first half, hared up the East Stand side unchallenged and in to the box, squaring for the right-back who found the net with ease from close range.

    The travelling support and their brass band were making all the nose noise from the top tier of the South Stand, having seen their side take a two goal lead.

    From then on, the hosts tried in vain to break down their opponents but could not breach their stubborn defence. Always looking to counter, McGinn passed up a glorious chance of a third when Randolph done well to parry Johnny Hayes effort from the edge of the box, but the little striker somehow volleyed the rebound over the bar from eight yards.

    A Shaun Hutchinson header from a corner was the closest ‘Well came to getting back in to the game in 90 minutes, but they were awarded an injury time penalty when Considine handled in the box. Michael Higdon scored via the elbow of Langfield to set up a nervy final few seconds but the Dons managed to see the match out to progress into the fifth round.

    [tab:As it happened]

    Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

    FULL TIME: Motherwell 1 – 2 Aberdeen

    90mins: Scored by Higdon. 1-2

    90mins: PENALTY TO MOTHERWELL!

    85mins: Motherwell sub, Hateley off for Kerr.

    84mins: Don’s defence has been solid. There’s just no way through.

    82mins: Eight minutes left of our Scottish Cup campaign barring a miracle.

    78mins: Half-chance there for Higdon. Header from 12 yards which lacked any power to beat Langfield.

    72mins: Motherwell subs: Francis-Angol and McHugh on for Ojamaa and Cummins

    61mins: GOAL! Shaughnessy converts a cross at the back post. 0-2

    59mins: Wow, Randolph at it again! This time he denies McGinn from close range with a big right hand. All Aberdeen here!

    57mins: McGinn finds himself through 1 on 1 with Daz with plenty of time. The big man gets a hand to it to turn it away.

    53mins: Reynolds with a superb last ditch tackle to deny Higdon from 8 yards. Looked a certain equaliser too!

    50mins: It was a ball across goal which was not dealt with by the ‘Well defence. Ball broke to Fallon who smashed it home from 12 yards.

    50mins: GOAL! Fallon opens the scoring . 0-1

    47mins: Early action. Humphrey shows off some trickery and forces Langfield to race from his line to collect his cross in front of Higgy.

    46mins: Second half underway.

    HALF-TIME: Motherwell 0 – 0 Aberdeen

    41mins: Aberdeen cross from the left. Goal gaping. Fallon heads goalwards….who comes to the rescue? The man in pink, Big Daz with a fine save!

    29mins: Woah, out of nowhere Hayes unleashes a blistering 25 yard strike. Randolph does brilliantly to tip over.

    25mins: Similar to how he scored at Pittodrie, Murphy cuts in from the left and pulls the trigger. This time it is well over.

    20mins: Almost midway through the first half, still 0-0.

    13mins: Close! A delightfully floated ball in from Humphrey finds the leap of Higdon….just over though!

    7mins: Carswell forces a good save from Langfield after some great build-up play. Was a tight angle but he did well to trouble.

    6mins: Chest and volley from Higdon well over the bar. Was worth the effort.

    4mins: Now it’s Motherwell’s turn. Higgy winning the corner….danger cleared by Aberdeen

    1min: Magennis’ shot deflected wide for the first corner of the game…..Fallon heads straight into Randolph’s hands.

    1min: Aberdeen kick-off!

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

    “I’m disappointed to be out of the cup. It wasn’t to be. Second half they were better, there’s no doubt about that.

    “We couldn’t find a way past them. I thought Mark Reynolds was outstanding at centre-back for them.

    “We’ve now got to go on and try to clinch a European place via the league.”

    Aberdeen manager Craig Brown:

    “We’ve now managed to turn it round against Motherwell. That’s four games and it’s two wins and two draws for us.

    “Between the first and the second goal we had three really good chances and their goalkeeper Darren Randolph had two saves which were world class.

    “We handled the situation exceptionally well, particularly the young boys out there. I thought they were superb.

    “It was a big blow to us when we lost Russell Anderson on Monday. To come here without Russell and to get a victory against Motherwell is very good.

    “I rate Motherwell highly. I rate Stuart McCall and I think they have a superb team.”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”128″]

  • Archive

    Matchday Live: Aberdeen

    Motherwell take on Aberdeen this evening in the William Hill Scottish Cup 4th Round (Replay).

    TEAMS:

    Darren Randolph replaces Lee Hollis in goal for Motherwell after completing a two-match suspension.

    Defender Steven Saunders is the only absentee as he continues the final stages of his rehabilitation from a knee injury.

    Aberdeen’s Clark Robertson and midfielder Stephen Hughes could recover from injury in time to feature.

    Ryan Fraser, Ryan Jack, Rob Milsom, Chris Clark, Gary Naysmith and Isaac Osbourne remain out.

    TICKETS:

    Tickets are still available on the gate at Fir Park. Admission is priced at:

    ADULTS: £12
    CONCESSIONS: £6

    • Concessions are listed as Over 60s, Under 16s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation card.

    TRAVEL:

    There are no anticipated travel problems between Aberdeen and Motherwell and the area in and around Fir Park is clear. Please be cautious of the weather which has made some roads, streets and paths hazardous.

    WEATHER:

    It will clear and very cold night in North Lanarkshire. The temperatures around kick-off will be -4 degrees Celsius (25 Fahrenheit).

    FOLLOW THE MATCH:

    Motherwell Media will bring you all the action from Fir Park. Graham Barnstaple and Kris Jack will call every kick off the ball live on MFC TV.

    You can also follow match updates on Twitter and join in the debate on our Facebook page.

    If you are heading to this afternoon’s match, remember to check in and follow the Steelmen on Foursquare and listen out for Stuart McCall’s pre-match thoughts on Audioboo.

  • Archive

    TV: Law looks to build on recent run

    Midfield maestro Nicky Law hopes the Steelmen can maintain their recent run of form when a talented Aberdeen side visit Fir Park tomorrow.

    The Fir Parkers have lost just once in the last seven matches, propelling the side up to third in the table, just four points behind leaders Celtic.

    They now face Craig Brown’s Aberdeen at Fir Park, themselves rejuvenated from last term, but Law says the squad is in confident mood ahead of the Cup replay.

    [pullquote]We know it’s a difficult game and a tough cup tie as it was at Pittodrie but as we’re at home, hopefully we’ll finish the job this time.[/pullquote]

    He told the gathered press and ‘Well’s weekly news conference: “I thought we played quite well up there in the first leg so we’re pretty confident, especially at home, that was can go on and win the game.

    “With it being a Scottish Cup tie, anything can happen in these games as you’ve seen before.

    “Aberdeen are always a tough side to play against; they’re a big side and are good from set-plays. McGinn scores them goals and they have players like Hayes who can hurt us.

    “We know it’s a difficult game and a tough cup tie as it was at Pittodrie but as we’re at home, hopefully we’ll finish the job this time.”

    -WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE-

    MFC TV

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    TV: McCall is up for the Cup

    ‘Well boss Stuart McCall today talked up the importance of the William Hill Scottish Cup on the eve of the fourth round replay with Aberdeen at Fir Park.

    The two teams meet again after the 1-1 draw at Pittodrie ten days ago with a trip to Easter Road lying in wait for the winners.

    McCall, who won the Scottish Cup three times as a player, can’t wait for the game and hopes the Motherwell support come out in numbers with prices reduced to just £12 / £6.

    [pullquote]I hope the Motherwell fans come out in force the way they did against Dundee United in the Cup replay a few years ago.”[/pullquote]

    “A cup run is important to the club,” he said.

    “We’ve got players in the dressing room who have been to Hampden three times in the last few years whereas one or two haven’t and it’s a great place to go and play football.

    “If we manage to get through against Aberdeen we have a very difficult game against Hibs but as much as it is great for the financial aspect of the club, just as players you want to go as far as you can in the cup.

    “We’ve had a good little bit of success in the Cup a couple of seasons ago and naturally we want to go and see if we can do it again.

    “I hope the Motherwell fans come out in force the way they did against Dundee United in the Cup replay a few years ago.”

    -WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV