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    Motherwell U20s 1 – 1 Hearts U20s

  • Archive

    TV: Law pleased with recent form

  • Archive

    Statement from the Board: SPL Vote

  • Archive

    Nicky Law scoops March award

  • Archive

    Moore celebrates ‘Phenomenal’ month…

  • Archive

    McCall is March’s Manager of the Month

  • Archive

    Under 20s face Hearts on Tuesday

  • Archive

    McCall backs smoke outdoors campaign

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Caledonian Stadium

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    TV: Season’s best for Johansson

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    Motherwell U20s 1 – 1 Hearts U20s

    Motherwell U20s were denied all three points as Hearts scored late on to earn a draw at Fir Park tonight.

    The Steelmen had gone ahead midway through the first-half when Kallum Higginbotham fired home from distance.

    ‘Well hit the post on two occasions but were unable to extend their lead and we punished late on when Billy King fired home the leveller with just four minutes left to play.

    Jonatan Johansson picked a slightly more experienced ‘Well side than the one who lined up and won in the Highlands last midweek. Five players came in – Hollis, Kerr, Cummins, Higginbotham and Erwin, replacing Stewart, Ferguson, Neill, Cadden and Shirkie.

    Hearts were certainly less experienced but, despite that, it was they who looked livelier early on and almost took the lead after thirteen minutes.

    Billy King found some space 20 yards out and unleashed a vicious, swerving shot which beat Lee Hollis before crashing clear off the cross bar.

    Motherwell were a little fortunate to escape again ten minutes later when a David Smith cross from the left was missed by Saunders but Sam Nicholson could only lash over from close range.

    Hollis was called into action on the half hour mark when he reacted well to keep out a 20-yard free kick from Denis Prychynenko after Adam Cummins conceded a foul on the edge of the area.

    Motherwell weathered the early storm and looked more potent as an attacking threat. Paul McCafferty had the hosts’ first effort at goal, striking high and wide after a terrific spell of possession.

    That being said, it was still slightly against the run of play when the Steelmen got themselves ahead nine minutes from the interval. There looked to be little danger when Higginbotham picked up a loose ball 25 yards out, but he had other thoughts and his well-struck shot beat Mark Ridgers and ended up in the net off the keeper’s right hand post.

    It could’ve been 1-1 at the break if hadn’t been for the heroics of Hollis once again. This time he did well to stay big and beat away a close range effort from David Smith, with Cummins completing the clearance to keep the lead intact as the half time whistle blew.

    After both sides had a couple of half chances early in the second half, with David Smith shooting wide for Hearts and Kerr’s header being deflected for a corner at the other end, Motherwell had two glorious chances in a minute to double their lead.

    McHugh was sent clear in the left edge of the box and his stinging shot produced a stunning save from Ridgers, who tipped the ball on to the post. The keeper was at it again a minute later, this time to deny Paul McCafferty low at his front post, again getting a finger to the ball and on to the post again.

    With just over five minutes left Dom Thomas made a surging run down the left but he was to be denied by another wonder save from Ridgers, who had kept his side in the game up until this stage of the second half.

    And, as often happens, Hearts punished ‘Well for the missed chances with a late equaliser. Hollis did well to save initially from Billy King but he had no chance when the ball was worked back to midfielder who beat the keeper with a low shot from 15 yards out.

    It was the last action of the game, one in which Motherwell will be disappointed they didn’t hold out for a win after a much improved second half performance.

    Motherwell: Hollis, Kerr, Leitch, Cummins, Saunders, Carswell, McCafferty, Erwin, McHugh, Higginbotham, Thomas.

    Subs not used: Stewart, Neill, Johnstone, Shirkie, Higgins

  • Archive

    TV: Law pleased with recent form

    Nicky Law declared himself satisfied with his recent form after collecting March’s Clydesdale Bank Player of the Month award this afternoon.

    The former Sheffield United and Rotherham midfielder enjoyed a magnificent month, including a double at Dens Park against Dundee.

    That, and his performances against Hearts, Aberdeen and Hibs prompted the presentation of the trophy today – his first personal award in professional football.

    Law was delighted to receive the recognition and told MFC TV: “It was a nice surprise when the manager told me late last week that both he and I had won awards.

    [pullquote]I am pleased to have played a little part in an excellent month for the team.[/pullquote]

    “I am delighted with it. It’s my first individual award [named in League 2 Team of the Year on two occasions] as a player and more importantly, I am pleased to have played a little part in an excellent month for the team.

    “Everything went right for us. We lost to Dundee Utd and Ross County at the end of February and looking at our fixtures, there were some real tough ones in there.

    “But credit to the lads and the management, we put a string of results together and it gives us a good chance of finishing in the European positions come the end of the season.

    “The big task for everyone at the club is to try and finish the job in the remaining five games, all of which will be really tough.”

    -WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV

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    Statement from the Board: SPL Vote

    Motherwell Football Club today expressed its disappointment at the outcome of today’s (Monday) SPL reconstruction vote.

    Twelve clubs met at Hampden this morning, including Motherwell Chief Executive Officer Leeann Dempster and Derek Weir.

    The proposals required eleven votes in favour to be approved.  Ten votes in favour were received, with two against.  The proposals were not therefore approved.

    Despite reservations on certain aspects of the proposals, based on the available information, Motherwell FC opted to vote yes as the club is in favour of change and, on balance, believed the proposal to be better than the status quo.

    A number of potential compromises were discussed, including phasing the changes and an amendment to the voting requirement around league structure – allowing for a 9-3 vote on future issues.

    Unfortunately and surprisingly, this amendment was also defeated in principle on a show of hands, with the same two clubs voting against.

    Despite what has often been said, the club believe it is simply not possible to cherry pick the “best bits” of this proposal as many of the proposed changes are inter-dependant on others.

    Whilst we are frustrated with the outcome of today’s meeting, and can only speculate as to why clubs are prepared to block a proposal that includes many positive changes for the Scottish game, which have been the subject of many months of discussion, we need to respect their decision and move on.

    The club do not subscribe to the view that rejection of this proposal in itself means the beginning of the end of the game in Scotland.

    We would ask all those associated with Motherwell FC to get behind the club and allow us to continue with the positive progress we have made in a number of areas, both on and off the park.

  • Archive

    Nicky Law scoops March award

    Nicky Law has been named Clydesdale Bank Premier League Player of the Month for March.

    Law was in great form as ‘Well went unbeaten throughout the month with three wins and one draw.

    The Steelman began March with a trip away to Hearts and Law had a large part to play in Dylan McGowan’s own goal in a 2-1 win for ‘Well.

    The energetic midfielder then helped his team to a 0-0 draw in Aberdeen before putting in an impressive performance in a convincing 4-1 win against Hibernian at Fir Park.

    Law then finished off the month in style with two goals as Motherwell defeated Dundee 3-0, a result which helped ‘Well consolidate second position in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

    It was Law’s driving force from midfield together with his goals throughout Motherwell’s unbeaten run that led the panel to pick him as the Clydesdale Bank Premier League Player of the Month.

    A panel of Scottish football experts chose the award winners from a shortlist which included the top three fans’ nominations from Clydesdale Bank’s football website, www.cbfootball.co.uk.

  • Archive

    Moore celebrates ‘Phenomenal’ month…

    On-loan striker Craig Moore has won the Irn-Bru Phenomenal First Division Young Player of the Month award for March.

    The pint-sized hitman has been on loan at Cowdenbeath and has enjoyed fantastic success during the month.

    The 18-year old, who recently penned a new two-year deal at Fir Park, hit five goals in six starts for the Blue Brazil, netting against Dumbarton, Hamilton, Airdrie, Morton and Partick Thistle respectively.

    [pullquote]The move has worked out well so far, I feel sharp, and I am looking forward to getting back to Motherwell for pre-season in the summer ahead of the new season.[/pullquote]

    It would have been seven goals for the striker but his two goals against Partick Thistle at Central Park was chalked off as the match was abandoned with just twenty minutes left to play due to heavy fog.

    Moore will spend the rest of the season with Colin Cameron’s men and he said: “I am enjoying playing competitive football in the First Division, rather than the Under 20s and I want to play my part in helping Cowden to secure a safe position in the table.

    “The move has worked out well so far, I feel sharp, and I am looking forward to getting back to Motherwell for pre-season in the summer ahead of the new season.”

    Other youth players on loan are Steven Hetherington (Airdrie Utd), Josh Watt (Raith Rovers), Nicky Devlin (Stenhousemuir), Adam Asghar (Dumbarton) and Dominic Green (Partick Thistle).

  • Archive

    McCall is March’s Manager of the Month

    Stuart McCall has been named Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League Manager of the Month for March.

    He received the award after the Steelmen won three and drew one of our four games during the month.

    Having ended February with a win over champions-elect Celtic, McCall’s side beat Hearts 2-1 at Tynecastle before a battling draw with Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

    The Fir Pakers then went on a scoring spree, a James McFadden-inspiring a 4-1 victory over Hibernian at home before thrashing Dundee 3-0 at Dens Park.

    In their first game during April, McCall’s side were held to a 2-2 draw by St Mirren to sit three points clear of third-placed Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

    It’s the third time McCall has collected the award. His first two came at the start of last season, winning it for July / August 2011 then again in October 2011.

    A panel of Scottish football experts chose the award winners from a shortlist which included the top three fans’ nominations from Clydesdale Bank’s football website, www.cbfootball.co.uk.

  • Archive

    Under 20s face Hearts on Tuesday

    Motherwell Under 20s return to home action when they face Hearts at Fir Park on Tuesday night.

    Jonatan Johansson will be desperate for his young side to build on last Tuesday’s excellent three points against Inverness in the Highlands.

    Hearts sit comfortably in mid-table, nine wins from 22 matches so far this term.

    The last time the teams met was at a rain-soaked Tynecastle back in November.

    The Steelmen raced into an early lead courtesy of goals from trialist Axel Bossekota and striker Craig Moore. But a Billy King goal and an excellent hat-trick Jamie Walker gave the home side all three points in a 4-2 win.

    The match will kick-off at Fir Park at 7pm.

    PRICES:

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    Season book holders or Well Society membership: £1
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  • Archive

    McCall backs smoke outdoors campaign

    Motherwell Football Club has joined forces with NHS Lanarkshire to raise awareness of the dangers of second hand smoke.

    Motherwell manager Stuart McCall met with Dr Soong Tan, a consultant physician in respiratory medicine and Dr Carol Dryden, a consultant paediatrician with special interest in respiratory paediatrics, at Fir Park recently to remind people that second hand smoking means breathing in other people’s tobacco smoke.

    All were there to support the NHS Lanarkshire campaign which aims to reduce children’s exposure to second hand smoke by encouraging those smokers who are not ready to try quitting, to only smoke outdoors and make their homes and cars smoke free zones.

    Dr Tan, who is based in Wishaw General said: “Scotland has led the UK in banning smoking in public places which has produced significant health benefits for adults.

    “We should lead the way again in reducing smoke exposure to children especially in cars and homes.

    “Children are particularly vulnerable to cigarette smoke as their lungs are still developing and I’m delighted that Motherwell FC is helping us to promote a healthier environment for our children.”

    This was echoed by Dr Carol Dryden, who is also based in Wishaw General Hospital.

    She said: “Children who are exposed to second hand smoke are more likely to suffer from poorly controlled asthma, asthma attacks, chest infections and ear infections.

    “Second hand smoke is dangerous to health because it contains a mixture of more than 4000 chemicals and 40 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer.

    “Children and babies often don’t have the choice or can’t move out of the way of second hand smoke and we’re appealing to smokers to help us to help them live healthier lives.”

    Taking some simple steps can help you make your home or car smoke free, bringing immediate benefits to you and those living with you.

    For example:

    • Discuss your plans with your family and friends and ask for their support.
    • Get your kids to design no smoking signs for your home/car.
    • Ask visitors/passengers to smoke outside.
    • Make sure cigarettes are out of sight.
    • Remove ashtrays from the home – put them at the back door or outside.
    • Be positive and remind yourself why you have made the e­ffort to keep your home smoke-free.

    Supporting the initiative, Motherwell manager Stuart McCall said: “Any initiative which helps young people stay fit and healthy, will always receive my backing.

    “Most youngsters are well aware of the damage smoking does to them and take steps to avoid it – especially those who enjoy taking part in sports.

    “I’d like to think smokers would respect and understand this take steps to prevent young people being exposed to second hand smoke to help them fulfil their potential.”

    If you want help and support to stop smoking, you can call 08452 17 77 07 or text “Advice” to 81066.

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Caledonian Stadium

    Extended highlights from Tulloch Caledonian Stadium as Motherwell U20’s come back to defeat Inverness Caley 2-1

    -WATCH THE FULL HIGHLIGHTS ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    TV: Season’s best for Johansson

    A delighted Jonatan Johansson reckons today’s win in Inverness was the best his side have managed this campaign.

    In what has been a largely disappointing campaign for the young Fir Parkers, a young ‘Well side containing four Under 17s in the starting line-up came from behind to beat their more experienced counterparts.

    Bob McHugh cancelled out Nick Ross’ opener before Stuart Carswell drilled home the winner with a stunning shot from the edge of the area.

    [pullquote]To come away with the three points is fantastic especially when you consider how inexperienced we were today.[/pullquote]

    The 106-times capped former Finland striker was upbeat and told MFC TV after the match: “This is the happiest I’ve been after a game because we played a lot of good stuff against a really good team; the boys did me proud today.

    “The experienced players were fantastic and I said to them before the game if they encouraged the younger ones, they would respond and that is what happened today.

    “[Stuart] Carswell scored a wondergoal and he has that in his locker. We’ve seen him do that against Dundee as well so has a great strike on him. It was a fantastic goal but the only downside is we’ll never hear the end of it!

    “To come away with the three points is fantastic especially when you consider how inexperienced we were today.”

    -WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-

    MFC TV