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  • Archive

    TV: McCall revels in ‘Well victory

  • Archive

    Partick Thistle 1 – 5 Motherwell

  • Archive

    Remembering Phil O’Donnell

  • Archive

    TV: McCall looks ahead to Jags test

  • Archive

    McLean in charge against Thistle

  • Archive

    Firhill Ticket Information

  • Archive

    2013/14 Half Season Ticket

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Pittodrie

  • Archive

    Aberdeen win in pictures

  • Archive

    TV: McCall hails battling Steelmen

  • Archive

    TV: McCall revels in ‘Well victory

    Stuart McCall was delighted with his side after they recorded an impressive 5-1 win away at Partick Thistle.

    Despite going behind early in the match, the Steelmen roared back and were 3-1 ahead at the interval – the goals coming courtesy of Keith Lasley, Zaine Francis-Angol and the impressive James McFadden.

    Lionel Ainsworth and John Sutton capitalised on defensive mishaps to add a fourth and fifth after the break, bringing 2013 to a satisfying conclusion.

    [pullquote]We knew they would create chances but we hoped we would so similar and we were clinical; that was the key today.[/pullquote]

    The day before his third anniversary as ‘Well boss, McCall paid tribute to the clinical nature of ‘Well’s attacking play saying: “Few would have envisaged that result after wee Lawless came back to haunt us with a great opening goal.

    “They started well to be fair, and it took us a wee while to get a grip of the game.

    “We said prior to the match that it was likely to be an open game. We knew they would create chances but we hoped we would so similar and we were clinical; that was the key today.

    “We were perhaps a little fortunate to go in 3-1 ahead at the break because Thistle really contributed to a really good first half. But it was much better from us in the second half and, all in all, it’s a good day’s work.”

    -WATCH STUART’S INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Partick Thistle 1 – 5 Motherwell

    [tab:Match report]

     Gavin McCafferty at Firhill

    Motherwell signed off 2013 in style with a clinical 5-1 win over Partick Thistle at Firhill this afternoon.

    Former Steelmen winger Steven Lawless opened the scoring, but any hope Thistle had of claiming their first Premiership win at Firhill was extinguished before an end-to-end first half finished.

    Keith Lasley quickly equalised before Zaine Francis-Angol scored an excellent solo goal and McFadden lobbed home before the break. Lionel Ainsworth and substitute John Sutton added to the scoring to secure an impressive victory for Stuart McCall’s side.

    The recalled McFadden also hit the bar as Motherwell again showed they have put their William Hill Scottish Cup defeat by Albion firmly behind them.

    With Shaun Hutchinson suspended and Fraser Kerr missing with a tight hamstring, McCall had to reshuffle his back four with Stuart Carswell at right-back.

    And the makeshift defence was cut open in the eighth minute as Thistle worked their way forward after Gabriel Piccolo had cut out Simon Ramsden’s ball forward.

    Kris Doolan played in James Craigen in the left channel and he cut the ball back for Lawless to steer into the bottom corner.

    Both sets of fans joined in applause for Phil O’Donnell, who died exactly six years ago while playing for Motherwell against Dundee United.

    Thistle kept up the pressure and Lawless almost doubled his tally with a 25-yard strike that Dan Twardzik pushed wide before Piccolo headed not far away from the corner.

    But Motherwell were level in the 15th minute. McFadden took the ball in from a throw-in, turned his man and slipped the ball into the path of Lasley, who placed the ball inside the far corner.

    The goalmouth action was relentless. Lawless played in Kallum Higginbotham but Twardzik raced off his line to block, and seconds later a Francis-Angol cross fell for Iain Vigurs but the midfielder could not head on target.

    Francis-Angol soon caused even more damage in the 21st minute after some sharp build-up play down the left with Steven Hammell at its heart. The former Tottenham trainee cut inside Stephen O’Donnell and squeezed a right-footed shot inside the near post – his first senior goal.

    Thistle made a change in the 27th minute when another former Motherwell player, Ross Forbes, came on for Christie Elliott with Higginbotham moving to the right.

    Doolan came close with a curler but Motherwell extended their lead in the 36th minute.

    There appeared little danger but Henri Anier pounced on a loose ball midway inside the Thistle half and lofted a pass forward for McFadden. The Scotland hero beat Piccolo for strength and skill and lobbed the ball over Scott Fox and into the corner of the net.

    McFadden and Forbes had spectacular volleys tipped over at either end as the second half started in similarly action-packed fashion.

    Thistle pressed but Motherwell moved further ahead in the 56th minute. Aaron Taylor-Sinclair appeared to have thwarted a Motherwell attack but he gifted possession to Lasley, who played in Ainsworth to slot the ball into the corner for his third goal in three games.

    McFadden powered a header against the bar following a Vigurs cross just before Sutton netted in the 65th minute when he ran on to a long ball from Vigurs and steered the ball home.

    McFadden played Ainsworth through two minutes later but Fox came off his line to block the shot and the former Everton player curled just wide from 25 yards as Motherwell threatened to embarrass the Jags.

    Thistle came closer to a seventh goal though but Twardzik slid to clear to deny Doolan a consolation after Hammell’s short backpass.

    It was an excellent day’s work for McCall’s men who now face a St Johnstone side full of confidence after a thumping win over Dundee United.

    [tab:As it happened]

     Alastair Reilly at Firhill

    FT: A superb 3 points and a great team performance. Hard to pick a man of the match from that! #ptfcvmfc

    FT: Partick Thistle 1 – 5 Motherwell

    90mins: Lawson fires a shot away with his left foot from 25yards straught at Fox #ptfcvmfc

    89mins: Late corner for The Jags….wasteful again #ptfcvmfc

    86mins: Bannigan booked for a foul on Lawson #ptfcvmfc

    83mins: Strange moment as Twardzik gets caught out but manages to slide in on Higginbotham to clear off the line #ptfcvmfc

    81mins: Corner to Thistle….Ramsden deals with it. #ptfcvmfc

    79mins: Motherwell sub, McFadden off for McHugh. Another great performer today! #ptfcvmfc

    77mins: McManus with a Cruyff turn inside the Thistle box. Fires just past too! #ptfcvmfc

    74mins: Motherwell sub, Carswell off for Lawson. Carswell absolutely outstanding at right back today! #ptfcvmfc

    71mins: Just wide from McFadden! Did well to cut in from the right and his curling effort goes just past #ptfcvmfc

    67mins: Should have been 6! Ainsworth through 1 on 1 but Fox does well to deny #ptfcvmfc

    65mins: SUTTON makes it 5! Comical defending from Piccolo as the ball hits off him and Sutty finishes with style 1-5 #ptfcvmfc

    GGGOOOOAAALLLL!!

    64mins: Faddy see’s his header from Vigur’s ball in crash off the bar! #ptfcvmfc

    63mins: Higginbotham booked for clattering down Lasley #ptfcvmfc

    60mins: Partick sub, Lawless off for Baird #ptfcvmfc

    57mins: Motherwell sub, Anier off for Sutton #ptfcvmfc

    56mins: Ainsworth slots home from a narrow angle after Lasley slid him in! 1-4 #ptfcvmfc

    56mins: GGGOOOAAAALLL!

    54mins: Great chance for Anier as he raced onto a slack backpass. Not direct enough and Thistle get back to clear #ptfcvmfc

    52mins: Twardzik has to react quickly to tip over a great Forbes effort from 30 yards #ptfcvmfc

    48mins: Good defending from Hammell to deny Forbes at the back post. From the corner, Twardzik gathers with ease #ptfcvmfc

    46mins: McFadden almost bursts the net with a volley from 20 yards. Good save from Fox #ptfcvmfc

    46mins: Partick get the second half underway #ptfcvmfc

    HT: Teams are back out for the second half #ptfcvmfc

    HT: Partick Thistle 1 – 3 Motherwell

    41mins: Great chance for Craigen as he gets on the end of Lawless’ superb ball in. Heads wide though! #ptfcvmfc

    35mins: A moment of magic from McFadden as he latches on to Anier’s pass and clips it over Fox from just inside the box! 1-3 #ptfcvmfc

    35mins: GGOOOAAALLLL!

    34mins: Corner to Thistle now…headed well wide by Balatoni #ptfcvmfc

    32mins: Forbes fires it straight off Lasley #ptfcvmfc

    32mins: Free-kick in a dangerous position just 18 yards out for Thistle. #ptfcvmfc

    31mins: Corner to Motherwell after Fox very nearly claws it into his own net. Thistle clear the danger #ptfcvmfc

    30mins: Decent effort from Doolan as Jags hunt for an equaliser. His effort always looked like going over though #ptfcvmfc

    26mins: Partick sub, Elliot off for Forbes #ptfcvmfc

    21mins: Francis-Angol does well to cut inside on the left and when he finds himself inside the box, he cooly slots past Fox. 1-2 #ptfcvmfc

    21mins: GGOOAAALLL!!!

    19mins: Twardzik with another fine save to deny Higginbotham, ‘Well counter and from Francis-Angol’s cross, Vigs heads wide #ptfcvmfc

    15mins: Lovely reverse ball from McFadden to find LASLEY inside the box and he fires it below Fox to make it 1-1 #ptfcvmfc

    15mins: GGOOOAAALLLLL!

    14mins: Another corner to ‘Well….finds the head of McFadden but his header is blocked #ptfcvmfc

    11mins: Stunning save from Twardzik to deny Lawless a second from all of 25 yards #ptfcvmfc

    10mins: “One Phil O’Donnell”

    7mins: GOAL – Lawless opens the scoring from 10 yards from a cutback. #ptfcvmfc

    6mins: Ainsworth wins ‘Well a corner which Balatoni heads clear. #ptfcvmfc

    3mins: Vigurs booked already for a wild challenge on Higginbotham. Piccolo heads wide from the free-kick #ptfcvmfc

    1min: Early corner for Thistle….acrobatics inside the box from Piccolo but misses the ball. #ptfcvmfc

    1min: Lasley and McFadden kick off #ptfcvmfc

    The teams emerge from the tunnel…. Handshakes over, it’s time for the action!#ptfcvmfc

    [tab:Reaction]

    Partick Thistle manager Alan Archibald:

    “The second-half performance was unacceptable. We had a go in the second half and left ourselves wide open.

    “We started the game very well, made a number of chances and got the goal, but I thought Motherwell were more professional and precise, and individual errors cost us.

    “It’s probably naivety, after we scored the one we kept on trying to get more. We probably should have got another one but Motherwell went up the park and capitalised on our mistakes.

    “They didn’t have to work hard for their goals whereas we had to cut them open to get our chances.”

    Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

    “I thought we were a bit fortunate to go in at half-time 3-1. Thistle started the game really well, wee Lawless got a terrific goal for them and I thought he was coming back to haunt us.

    “But we got some really good footballing goals. It’s a big park, they like to play, so I thought it would be an open game, which it was. And we were just clinical.

    “The second half was difficult for Thistle, they had to come at us and we defended strongly and picked them off on the break. We could have had more after that but they certainly played their part in the first half.”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”174″]

  • Archive

    Remembering Phil O’Donnell

    Motherwell Football Club remembers our captain, Phil O’Donnell, who sadly and so tragically passed away six years ago today.

    A Motherwell Cup-winning legend, Phil died on the 29th December 2007 during a match with Dundee United at Fir Park.

    His untimely and tragic death had a massive impact on the club and he is still fondly remembered and much missed by everyone, including our supporters, who are once again planning a tribute by applauding during the tenth minute of today’s match with Partick Thistle to celebrate his life.

    Today, the thoughts and prayers of everyone at Motherwell Football Club are with Eileen, Megan, Christopher, Olivia and Luc and the rest of Phil’s family and friends, as we cherish a true gentleman and family man taken way before his time.

    Phil O’Donnell, brave as a lion, may you forever rest in peace.

  • Archive

    TV: McCall looks ahead to Jags test

    ‘Well boss Stuart McCall expects an extremely tough test against Partick Thistle tomorrow.

    The Steelmen will travel to the Glasgow’s west end for the first time in ten years on the back of three consecutive away wins in the SPFL Premiership [at Kilmarnock, Ross County and Aberdeen].

    However, the Jags have shown they’re a match for just about everyone in the league, particularly on their own patch, and the Fir Park boss is well aware of their capabilities.

    [pullquote]Our main focus is on how we play. We’ve had a variety of different performances on the road, even in recent weeks, and we will go there trying as hard as we can to keep our decent run of form going.[/pullquote]

    In a wide-ranging interview on MFC TV, the Fir Park boss said of tomorrow’s opponents: “I’ve seen their last few games; they certainly should have won at Kilmarnock and against Inverness on Boxing Day, on chances created, they will certainly feel disappointed not to have picked up all three points.

    “They are playing well even though the results they’ve had and where they are in the table don’t quite marry up.

    “They have a number of really talented players who we will need to keep an eye on including three in particular that we know well [Forbes, Lawless and Higginbotham].

    “But, as always, our main focus is on how we play. We’ve had a variety of different performances on the road, even in recent weeks, and we will go there trying as hard as we can to keep our decent run of form going.”

    -WATCH STUART’S FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    McLean in charge against Thistle

    Referee for this Sunday’s SPFL Premiership clash with Partick Thistle will be Steven McLean.

    McLean, the brother of former ‘Well defender Brian, is handling his third Motherwell game of the current campaign – his other two won’t live long in the memory.

    The first was back in November when a depleted Steelmen crashed 4-0 at home to Dundee United.

    One month later, as ‘Well were hurting from a Scottish Cup exit, he was the man in the middle for Celtic’s 5-0 win at Fir Park.

    He is a very familiar face to most Motherwell fans having taken charge of six matches last term too.

    His first was the exceptional 5-1 success over Inverness CT back 12 months ago. Henrik Ojamaa, Adam Cummins, Omar Daley and a Jamie Murphy double completed the rout.

    His second was perhaps even more memorable as Motherwell came back from 2-0 down at Easter Road to win 3-2. A Doyle double had the home side in a commanding position but a Murphy brace and a late Bob McHugh winner handed the Steelmen all three points.

    Third was the New Year fixture against today’s opponents Celtic when a brave ‘Well went down 1-0 after Tom Hateley had missed a second half penalty.

    Fourth was the instantly forgettable 2-0 defeat at Rugby Park in February whereas the fifth was a comfortable 3-0 win at Dens Park – Michael Higdon heading home before a Nicky Law double sealed the three points.

    His last was the season finale at McDiarmid Park as the Steelmen went down 2-0 to a Saints side that won the race for Europe ahead of Inverness and Ross County.

    His overall record in charge of Motherwell reads nine wins, five defeats and zero draws from fourteen matches. In those games, ‘Well have scored 29 and conceded 24. 37 cautions have been dished out, 23 flashed at those wearing Claret and Amber. Four people have been sent off, two for ‘Well (Fraser Kerr and Keith Lasley in the same match against Killie last year).

    He has had an extremely busy start to the season already – handling thirteen SPFL Premiership matches in the first twelve weeks.

    He has also had two League Cup matches, both at the Falkirk Stadium, and two Europa League Qualifiers – Omonia Nikosia’s 1-2 defeat by Romania’s Astra Giurgiu and Serbian side FK Vojvodina’s 2-2 draw with Bursaspor.

    Recently, he also handled the Europa League Group game between Standard Liège and IF Elfsborg Boras.

    McLean will be ably assisted by Alan Mulvanny and Raymond Whyte with John Beaton on fourth official duties.

  • Archive

    Firhill Ticket Information

    Tickets for Sunday’s match against Partick Thistle will be available on the turnstiles at Firhill.

    Admission is priced at:

    ADULTS:    £20 
    CONCESSIONS:                        £14
    JUVENILE:    £5
    • Concessions are listed as Over 65s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation card.
    • Juveniles are listed as Under 16s.
    • Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Sharon or John McCaskie on 07745494631 / 07711 992161 or email disabledfans@motherwellfc.co.uk.
  • Archive

    2013/14 Half Season Ticket

    The club is urging ‘Well fans to guarantee their seat for the remainder of the season by buying a 2013/14 Half Season Ticket.

    By purchasing a Half Season Ticket, fans can ensure they will definitely play a part in this season’s story, as the Steelemn look to consolidate their top-six and battle for the European places against some of the best teams the Scottish Premiership has to offer – starting with the Inverness CT match on 4th January.

    There are some great value prices in all areas of the stadium and none more so than for a Juvenile half season ticket, which works out at just £4 per game.

    Whether it is for an adult or child a half year season ticket makes a great Christmas present for any ‘Well fan and as with 2013/14 season tickets; remember, up to two under 16s go free with a full paying adult or OAP in the Cooper Stand.

    You can save almost 64% on what you would pay on a similar ticket by paying at the gate each week.

    As a Season Ticket holder, you can use it to earn a host of discounts in a number of well-known businesses throughout Lanarkshire has also been extended.

    The likes of M&D’s, Tony Macaroni, Hamilton Palace, Knockhill Racing and Esporta all return and join a 35 strong list which already contained the likes of McDonalds, KFC, Pizzahut, LivingWell Health Club, Evans Halshaw and many, many more.

    What better time of the year to save some money than now with Christmas not far away. Take advantage of these great offers in the knowledge that the seat is yours for what promises to be an exciting finish to the campaign.

    There are three easy ways to book your seat and enjoy all the fun in 2014.

    1. Phone our Box Office enquiry line on 01698 333333

    2. Pop into the Fir Park Ticket Office

    3. Buy online at motherwellbuyonline.co.uk

    2013/14 Half Season Ticket Prices:

    PHIL O’DONNELL STAND PRICE
    Adult £195
    Concessions* £110
    Juvenile (16 and under) £40
    Family (x1 Adult & x1 Juvenile) £195
     
    DAVIE COOPER STAND PRICE
    Adult £150
    Concessions* £90
    Juvenile (16 and under) £40
    Family (x1 Adult & x2 Juvenile) £150
    EAST STAND PRICE
    Adult £140
    Concessions* £80
    Juvenile (16 and under) £40
    Family (x1 Adult & x1 Juvenile) £140

    *Please note, concessions are applicable to over 60s and full-time students with a valid matric card.

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Pittodrie

    Extended highlights from Pittodrie as Lionel Ainsworth’s 49th minute goal gives ‘Well a 1-0 win.

    -WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Aberdeen win in pictures

    Action pictures from the 1-0 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie in the SPFL Premiership.

    Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

    [svgallery name=”aberdeen261213″]

  • Archive

    TV: McCall hails battling Steelmen

    Stuart McCall praised the character of his team after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

    The only goal of the game had come on the break; Henri Anier raced forward as the Dons were caught short following a corner, and he squared for Lionel Ainsworth to stroke home at the back post.

    The home side saw most of the ball, but only really made Dan Twardzik work twice in the ninety minutes, blocking twice from McGinn.

    The win maintains Motherwell’s five-year unbeaten run at Pittodrie and the former Scotland midfielder was quick to pile praise on his side.

    Speaking to MFC TV, he said: “We had a hard couple of weeks after going out of the cup and lesser teams would have crumbled after what had happened.

    [pullquote]”It’s a good boost to come and take three points from what is a difficult place to come to.[/pullquote]

    “But I said at the time that we have some good strong characters in the dressing room and those are the times you have to stand up and be counted.

    “We were getting flak, which was rightly deserved at the time, but those are the times you have to show a bit of steel and character. It gets a monkey off our back in terms of having not beaten a side in the top six this season.

    “It’s a good boost to come and take three points from what is a difficult place to come to.

    “Aberdeen started well and we were forced to dig in a bit but, the longer we went on, the better we started to play and we started to get on the ball a bit.

    “It was a hard-earned three points and I’m not saying we didn’t deserve them but we’re certainly thankful for them.”

    -WATCH STUART’S FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV

    MFC TV