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    Matchday Live: Inverness

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    Inverness Magazine Preview

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    TV: Black expects fired up Caley

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    TV: Game of the day for Law

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    Murray in charge against Inverness

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    Highlights from Newtongrange

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    TV: Johansson thrilled with comeback

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    Hibernian U20s 1 – 4 Motherwell U20s

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    TV: Highlights from Rugby Park

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    TV: McCall rues missed chances

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    Matchday Live: Inverness

    Motherwell return to Fir Park this afternoon for the BBC Live clash with Terry Butcher’s Inverness CT.

    TEAMS:

    Motherwell are without the suspended Keith Lasley and Fraser Kerr for the visit of Inverness.

    Steven Saunders played another 90 minutes in a midweek under-20 match, with the defender continuing his comeback from a knee injury.

    Inverness will still be without captain Richie Foran, who has missed the last two games with a knee injury.

    Long-term injury absentees Simon King and Chris Hogg remain on the sidelines for the Highlanders.

    TICKETS:

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

    ADULTS: £22 / £18
    CONCESSIONS: £15 / £14
    JUVENILE: £12 / £9
    FAMILY: £28 / £24

    • Concessions are listed as Over 60s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation card.
    • Juveniles are listed as Under 16s.
    • Family tickets consist of 1x Adult and 1x Juvenile.
    • The cheaper priced ticket is for the East Stand only.

    TRAVEL:

    There are no anticipated travel problems in and around Fir Park is clear. A parade planned for Wishaw might make roads around 1 / 2pm very busy. Fans travelling from that area are advised to use Shields Road.

    WEATHER:

    It will be a cloudy day in North Lanarkshire. It will be a crisp afternoon, temperatures settling at around 7 degrees at kick-off.

    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.

    All the pre, during and post match chat will be on our Facebook page. You can also follow match updates on Twitter and join in the debate on our Foursquare and listen out for Stuart McCall’s pre-match thoughts on Audioboo.

    After the match, the official website and MFC TV will bring you reports, pictures, reaction and highlights.

  • Archive

    Inverness Magazine Preview

    Another jam-packed edition of the 68-page Steelmen Matchday Magazine returns against Inverness Caley this weekend.

    ‘Well boss Stuart McCall and Captain Keith Lasley both return with the regular columns.

    The feature interview is with defender Simon Ramsden. The former Bradford City man looks forward to a busy schedule that could shape Motherwell’s season.

    But that’s not where the features stop!

    There is a 13-page section dedicated to our visitors, Inverness.
    Kris Jack goes through four players to watch from opponents, as we as a player-by-player breakdown of their squad, including three former Steelmen.

    Caley captain, and former ‘Well front man Richie Foran is the man in the spotlight in our opposition Q&A and Liam Morrison gives us a fans-eyed view of Caley’s season so far.

    We also have a scout report from the Highland clubs’ last match with Celtic last weekend that the Glasgow club eventually won 3-1.

    The features and big names keep coming…

    In our Interview Alumni section, we caught up with former defender Brian Martin. ‘Buff’ looks back on his successful time at Fir Park and recalls one or two funny stories with the dad of a current ‘Well star.

    Gavin McCafferty returns with his From the Press Box feature and talks about league reconstruction and new signing Kallum Higginbotham is the latest to give his top five’s in the iPlayer

    Graham Barnstaple’s Cult Heroes this week focuses on popular winger Peter Marinello who graced Fir Park in the 1970s.

    But wait, there’s more! We take a look back at last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Kilmarnock and the Under 20s midweek win at Hibs. There are ten tough questions in our Quiz, the latest news section as well as an in-depth statistical look at referee Calum Murray.

    We have the latest from The Ticket Office, the Commercial Department, and update from the Well Society as well as the latest stats, facts and figures for the 2012/2013 campaign.

    The programme is available for £3 and is currently on sale from the Club Shop as well as the usual sellers located in and around the ground pre-match.

    You can also order back editions or take a season-long subscription to the magazine by visiting the website of our publishers – Curtis-Sports –http://www.curtis-sport.com/

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    TV: Black expects fired up Caley

    Assistant boss Kenny Black is certain ‘Well will have to be at their best against a pumped up Inverness.

    ‘Well have won both matches between the sides this season.

    The first at Fir Park back in September, a 4-1 success for the home side, was perhaps a little flattering for McCall’s men.

    However, the 5-1 win at The Caledonian Stadium two months later was arguably Motherwell’s best performance of the season.

    Black is certain that will be motivation enough for the Highlanders going in to tomorrow’s second versus third clash.

    [pullquote]Terry will be pleased with their performances and certainly we are aware of the players they have that can cause us problems.[/pullquote]

    “We’re desperate to get back on track after a disappointing result last week,” he said.

    “Inverness will be looking to do the same after Wednesday.

    “We’ve came out on top of the two games we’ve played against them this season, but I’m sure Terry will be looking to address the balance tomorrow.

    “I went up to the game (versus Kilmarnock), and how they never managed to win was unbelievable. They created so many chances and got sucker-punched with the late equaliser.

    “Over the last few weeks they’ve not had the best of results, but their form has been good.

    “Terry will be pleased with their performances and certainly we are aware of the players they have that can cause us problems.

    “They’re shown incredible consistency, and that is a tremendous credit to the players and staff.

    “As always though, we will concentrate on our own game and hopefully set the agenda.”

    -WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV

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    TV: Game of the day for Law

    Midfield maestro Nicky Law reckons tomorrow’s Fir Park clash against Inverness is the SPL’s match of the weekend.

    Caley are second in the SPL with the Steelmen one point behind in third.

    There’s added spice from the previous two matches with ‘Well winning handsomely both at Fir Park and the Caledonian Stadium; former ‘Well management duo of Butcher and Malpas will certainly have their troops fired up.

    Although the Highlanders have hit a sticky spell in recent weeks in terms of results, their performances have still been of a high standard.

    The 24-year old former Sheffield Utd and Bradford City man expects a tough match.

    [pullquote]It’s second against first and arguably game of the day, so it is one we’re looking forward too.[/pullquote]

    “It’s second against first and arguably game of the day, so it is one we’re looking forward too,” he told the broadcast media at ‘Well’s weekly news conference.

    “We always have good games against them, and they are always tough. I’m sure tomorrow will be no different.

    “People think we’ve had a good season, but they’re a point ahead of us, so that’s a demonstration of how good they’ve been, especially considering they have probable one of the lowest budgets in the league.

    “When we played them here, 4-1 probably flattered us. They played well and missed a penalty and the game was probably closer than the scoreline suggested. Everything just clicked for us that day. In the league, their consistency has been superb, and they do not concede much, apart from us so far.

    “They’re a big threat with the three stand out players of the season so far in Shinnie, Doran and McKay. I’m sure tomorrow won’t be as high scoring as the last two games have been with maybe just the odd goal in it.”

    -WATCH THE FULL PRE-MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV

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    Murray in charge against Inverness

    Referee for Saturday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Inverness at Fir Park is Calum Murray.

    The experienced Murray has already taken charge of two Motherwell matches this campaign, the instantly forgettable 2-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox in the Scottish Communities League Cup and the 3-2 victory over Ross County at Fir Park.

    Motherwell fans will also be familiar with the 45-year old; he handled three ‘Well game last season.

    The first was a 2-1 win at Pittodrie with goals from Michael Higdon and Omar Daley.

    The second was a 1-1 draw with St Mirren last December, Michael Higdon grabbing

    Motherwell’s goal and the last was the 3-2 win over St Johnstone, Keith Lasley and a Henrik Ojamaa double separating the sides.

    He was the man in the middle four times the previous season, including the Scottish Cup Final last May.

    His overall record in charge of the Steelmen is fairly decent. Of the 20 games he has taken charge of, Motherwell have won nine, drawn four and lost seven. The Fir Parkers have scored 28 whilst 27 have hit the back of the ‘Well net.

    58 players have seen yellow on those fourteen matches, 31 of which were shown to a player wearing Claret and Amber. Only one player has been sent for an early bath, Bob Malcolm in the famous 1-0 win over Celtic back in early 2008.

    Calum will be ably assisted on the day by Gordon Middleton and Francis Andrews with Barry Cook on fourth official duties.

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    Highlights from Newtongrange

    Extended highlights from Newtongrange as a treble from Bob McHugh and a late Josh Watt goal gives Motherwell an impressive 4-1 victory over Hibernian.

    -CLICK HERE TO WATCH HIGHLIGHTS-

    MFC TV

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    TV: Johansson thrilled with comeback

    Under 20s boss Jonathan Johansson paid tribute to his side after coming from behind to beat Hibs 4-1 at Newtongrange.

    The home side took the lead after just thirteen minutes when Caldwell scored from just inside the area.

    But a Bob McHugh hat-trick and a late Josh Watt cross-cum-shot rounded off the result of the season so far against a side battling for second.

    Johansson was thrilled with the way his side played the conditions to record such a convincing victory.

    [pullquote]Before the game I saw the pitch and was worried about how it would go, but I am proud about the way we played and the way we fought.[/pullquote]

    He told MFC FC: “I’m delighted with everything about the game.

    “Before the game I saw the pitch and was worried about how it would go, but I am proud about the way we played and the way we fought.

    “The pitch was not ideal, but it’s part of the players learning process to be able to play on all surfaces.

    “We had to go more direct, and although we were a little bit naive in the beginning the more the match went on, the more we got into it. It was a battle, but one we fought well.

    “Bob did great with his hat-trick, but for me Lee Hollis, when the game could have gone either way, pulled out some fantastic saves and really shone.”

    -WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ONLY ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV

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    Hibernian U20s 1 – 4 Motherwell U20s

    A Bob McHugh hat-trick helped Motherwell U20s pick up all three points in a super 4-1 win against Hibs at Newtongrange.

    The hosts took the lead on the thirteenth minute but a treble from the in-form McHugh and a late Josh Watt goal secured just the fourth victory of the campaign.

    Jonatan Johansson made eight changes from the side that played well but lost against Celtic in Glasgow three weeks ago.

    Out went Stewart, Kerr, Cummins, Hetherington, Carswell, Daley, Higginbotham and Moore and were replaced by Hollis, Devlin, Murray, Ashgar, Leitch, McCafferty, Shirkie and McHugh.

    Indeed, only Saunders, Francis-Angol and Watt kept their place for the match, which would be played on a very heavy, bobbly pitch at Newtongrange.

    It was a fairly even opening to the match with both teams struggling to get any rhythm.

    It was the hosts who posted the first opportunity of the match on twelve minutes; Dean Horribine’s low shot deflected just wide of the post. The midfielder was to prove vital a minute later though as it was his forward pass that paved the way for the opening goal.

    Euan Murray’s attempted clearance cannoned off Ross Caldwell, allowing the striker a free run at Hollis. The Bellshill-born 19-year old kept his composure to stroke it beyond the outrushing ‘Well keeper and into the net.

    ‘Well had to weather a bit of a storm and Pa Kujabi almost doubled the advantage on the 20th minute. However, the Gambian was thwarted by the first of many excellent Lee Hollis saves at the expense of a corner.

    As the first-half wore on Motherwell were growing into things, and McCafferty signaled intentions with a bouncing shot from the edge that forced a smart save from Sean Murdoch.

    With ten minutes left until the interval, Asghar must have though he had brought his side level with a curling shot from the edge that landed just the wrong side of the post, courtesy of a slight deflection off a Hibs defender.

    Motherwell would draw level from the resulting corner.

    A well-worked move came to an end with a lovely reverse ball into the left channel by Watt had McHugh. Opening up his body, he coolly tucked it past Murdoch and into the net.

    Hibs had an incredible opportunity to get themselves back ahead just two minutes later, but Caldwell, normally ruthless, missed a glorious opportunity. Kujabi got himself to the touchline and his square ball across the face found the young striker but instead of grabbing his brace; he blazed it over when a goal seemed certain.

    It was the last real chance of the first-forty five, but it was the Steelmen, through Scotland cap Steven Saunders, who posted the first chance of the second. An out-swinging corner from Josh Watt landed at the feet of the former Queen’s Park man, but his half volley flew high over the bar.

    After that early scare, Hibs began to exert their authority. Forster close-range headed flew over the bar from close range, Jack Leitch hooked another header off the line and Kujabi fired wide of target after finding himself with acres of time and space inside the area.

    The game changed with the introduction of Lee Erwin, the striker making his return after six-months on the sidelines.

    The Scotland Youth International showed a hunger and desire to pull Motherwell up the park, and he was to play an influential part in the Steelmen taking all three points.

    His first piece of action shortly after coming on was to almost set-up strike-partner. A lovely mazy run, leaving three in his path, eventually spun to McHugh, but the shot was fizzed wide.

    Kujabi had a driving run of his own shortly after but he lacked composure and fired a shot over the bar from the edge when he should have worked the ‘keeper.

    At this stage, it was all Hibs and Hollis was again in top form to deny Gold’s near post flick after Kujabi’s whipped cross towards the near post.

    It was to prove a vital block from the former Airdrie man as the Steelmen went ahead somewhat against the run of play. A corner eventually worked its way out to Watt on the right. His deep, hanging cross found Saunders who prodded it down for McHugh to smash home from a few yards out.

    Feeling a little aggrieved, Hibs went in search of an equaliser but found Hollis again in super form.

    In fact, it was Motherwell who sensationally added a third and fourth. McHugh completed his hat-trick, collecting a fantastic Erwin pass to slot beyond Murdoch before a Josh Watt cross-cum-shot in the dying seconds looped over the keeper and in to add an exclamation point to the win.

    In truth, the scoreline flattered the young Steelmen side, but with a season full of bad luck, Johansson will have been delighted to see his fortunes changes. The win lifts ‘Well above Ross County and into thirteenth in the SPL Under 20s table.

    Motherwell: Hollis, Devlin, Francis-Angol, Saunders, Murray, Asghar, McCafferty, Leitch (Johnstone 87mins), McHugh, Shirkie (Erwin 62), Watt

    Subs Not Used: Stewart, Green, Thomas, Higgins

    Goals: McHugh (35, 80, 85), Watt (89)

    Booked: Watt, Devlin

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Rugby Park

    Extended highlights from Rugby Park as a goal in each half give Kilmarnock all three points this afternoon.

    -WATCH EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV

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    TV: McCall rues missed chances

    ‘Well boss Stuart McCall wouldn’t criticise his players despite going down 2-0 away to Kilmarnock this afternoon.

    The Steelmen were on top for large spells and McCall was left scratching his head after his side passed up a plethora of chances during the first-half.

    William Gros hooked the ball off the line on three separate occasions, Simon Ramsden headed a corner off the bar, Keith Lasley missed two guilt-edge changes in front of goal and Michael Higdon headed wide from close range as the Steelmen peppered Kyle Letheren’s goal.

    But an unlucky Stevie Hammell deflection in the first-half and a Gros header in the second separated the sides, before ‘Well lost both Fraser Kerr and Lasley two red cards late in the game.

    Despite the disappointment of losing the game, the former Scotland International was trying his best to take the positives.

    [pullquote]A point today would have seen us clear in second, a point we’d have fully merited but didn’t get, but there is no doom and gloom and we’ll look forward to next Saturday.[/pullquote]

    “I’m deeply disappointed we’ve not taken anything from the game,” he said.

    “We started the first five minutes a bit rusty, which we were trying to guard against, then after that up to half-time I was delighted with how we played both offensively and defensively.

    “We got in about them and won the ball high up the pitch. We played some really good football getting into good areas and but for three or four goal-line clearances and blocks we’d have scored at least one. Even the goal summed up the first half.

    “The ball is going wide with no threat to the goal and Hammy has unfortunately deflected it past Darren.

    “A point today would have seen us clear in second, a point we’d have fully merited but didn’t get, but there is no doom and gloom and we’ll look forward to next Saturday.”

    -WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ONLY ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV