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    Motherwell U20s 4 – 3 Falkirk U20s

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Easter Road

  • Archive

    Hibernian draw in pictures

  • Archive

    TV: Mixed emotions for McCall

  • Archive

    Hibernian 3 – 3 Motherwell

  • Archive

    TV: McManus eyes more goals

  • Archive

    TV: McCall experts Easter Road tester

  • Archive

    Away Day Guide: vs Hibernian

  • Archive

    McLean in charge against Hibs

  • Archive

    Stewart starts for Scotland Under 19s

  • Archive

    Motherwell U20s 4 – 3 Falkirk U20s

    Dom Thomas grabbed all four goals as Motherwell U20s edged out Falkirk 4-3 at the Excelsior Stadium this evening.

    The Steelmen went behind early on but two goals from Thomas had them ahead at the interval. The hosts were pegged back by Ryan Blair but Thomas quickly fired them in front again with his hat-trick goal.

    The Bairns hit back for a second time when Olumide Durojaiye pounced on a slip by Ross Stewart to prod home a corner but Thomas would have the last word, picking up on a rebounded shot to smash home the winner with seven minutes left on the clock.

    Jonatan Johansson made two changes to the side that lost to Hearts seven days ago. Ross Stewart returned from International duty with Scotland U19s to take his place between the sticks, Max Currie dropping to the bench.

    And, after his red card last week, Danny McNulty dropped out and was replaced by 16-year old Luke Watt, brother of former ‘Well youngster Josh.

    The hosts made a positive start, forcing four successive corners, but Falkirk just about managed to defend them all. And, after seven minutes, it was Stevie Crawford’s side who had the first chance on goal, full-back Liam Dick could only direct his header straight at Stewart.

    It was a warning shot the young Steelmen failed to heed as, with their next attack, Falkirk opened the scoring.

    Blair Alston slipped in Lewis Small and the midfielder kept his composure to tuck it beyond Stewart into the far corner.

    Motherwell immediately went on the hunt for an equaliser and Shirkie’s half-volley was blocked before Cadden’s cutback for Steven Higgins would have brought about a goal but for a last ditch block by Bairns keeper Graham Bowman.

    The visiting keeper was in great form, blocking a stinging shot from both Thomas and Higgins, sandwiched either side of a Paul McCafferty shot that flashed just wide of the far post.

    However, he was powerless to stop the leveler from Thomas. The little winger collected a flick from skipper Cadden, switched it onto his left foot before curling a cracking shot into the far corner.

    It was a deserved leveler at that stage and Johansson’s men got it and it was another stunner from Thomas. The 17-year old winger collected a McCall pass before curling a beauty high into the top right hand corner with Bowman at full stretch.

    There was still ten minutes to play before the break and ‘Well had further chances to score; McCafferty smashed a shot high over the bar and Cadden had another effort straight at Bowman.

    Cadden also had the first effort of the second half, getting on the end of a McCafferty pass, but his effort lacked power. Seconds later, Thomas almost had his treble but again, ballooned his effort high over the crossbar.

    Falkirk had struggled to get into things but Stewart had to look smart to deny Michael Martin, the ‘keeper having to turn his low shot around the post for a corner.

    The Fir Parkers could have increased their lead when Higgins raced onto a Shirkie flick-on but he fired straight at Bowman.

    It would prove a crucial miss as Falkirk got level shortly after and there was a real touch of fortune about the build-up, but Blair’s finish was quality.

    Durojaiye completely miss-hit a shot that was heading towards the corner flag, but it turned out to be an excellent pass for his teammate. The midfielder coolly lifted the ball over the outrushing Stewart to level things up.

    However, Motherwell quickly put that disappointment behind them as Thomas grabbed his third of the evening just minutes later.

    He jinked past two on the edge of the area, played a neat give and go with Higgins before calmly tucking it past Bowman. An excellent goal to seal his treble!

    It stayed that way until the 80th minute when Falkirk leveled for a second time. A corner from the right looked to be bread and butter for Ross Stewart, who was enjoying a very decent evening, but he spilled it, allowing Durojaiye to prod home from a few yards out.

    Astonishingly, Dom Thomas took just three minutes to add his, and Motherwell’s, fourth to win the game. Bowman flapped at Paul McCafferty’s deep cross from the right, allowing Higgins in. The little striker’s shot was blocked, spun out to Thomas who blasted home despite Ryan McGeever’s best attempts to block it on the line.

    ‘Well could have added a fifth before the end, Shirkie firing wide before substitute Dylan Mackin fired both over and straight at Bowman, but 4-3 it remained as ‘Well moved to within six points of leaders Celtic.

    Motherwell: Stewart, Watt, Ferguson, Hall, Neill, McCall (Johnstone – 63mins), McCafferty, Cadden, Shirkie, Thomas, Higgins (Mackin – 86mins)

    Subs Not Used: Currie, McMillan, Leitch, MacLean

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Easter Road

    Extended highlights from Easter Road as ‘Well once again come from behind to rescue a point against Hibernian.

    -WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Hibernian draw in pictures

    Action pictures from the 3-3 draw with Hibernian at Easter Road in the SPFL Premiership.

    Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

    [svgallery name=”hibs080314″]

  • Archive

    TV: Mixed emotions for McCall

    Stuart McCall admitted to mixed emotions after his side’s 3-3 draw with Hibernian this afternoon.

    The Steelmen had raced into a commanding two-goal lead with excellent goals from John Sutton and Lionel Ainsworth and looked to be cruising towards the three points.

    However, a Hibs goal just before the break changed the complexion of the match and the home side controlled most of the second period, eventually equalising through Michael Nelson and going ahead thanks to substitute Paul Heffernan.

    It looked then as if ‘Well would lose to a bottom six opponent for the first time this campaign but the Fir Parkers, who have already picked up sixteen points from a losing position, dug in once again and got themselves level thanks a close-range John Sutton header in the dying seconds.

    [pullquote]If you said after 30 minutes we were going to get a point I would have been really disappointed. After 85 minutes, if you said we were going to get a point I would have been delighted.[/pullquote]

    McCall conceded he was relieved to take a point but that was tinted with a little frustration at throwing away a two-goal advantage.

    Speaking to MFC TV he said: “If you said after 30 minutes we were going to get a point I would have been really disappointed.

    “After 85 minutes, if you said we were going to get a point I would have been delighted. I think Hibs started well and got a lot of set plays in the box – but we scored two fantastic goals.

    “If we had not lost the goal before half-time we could have gone on to control it better but it gives them a lift and at 2-1, they’ve nothing to lose.”

    -WATCH STUART’S INTERVIEW IN FULL ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Hibernian 3 – 3 Motherwell

    [tab:Match report]

    John Sutton scored a dramatic injury-time equaliser to earn Motherwell a 3-3 draw in a thrilling match at Hibernian.

    The striker headed in his second goal of the afternoon in the dying stages following a goalmouth scramble.

    Paul Heffernan thought he had netted the winner for Hibs in the 79th minute as the home side responded to going two down after just 29 minutes.

    Sutton opened the scoring before Lionel Ainsworth notched a brilliant individual effort.

    Jordan Forster gave the hosts hope moments before the break with a headed effort and Michael Nelson levelled in the second half with a contentious effort that referee Steven McLean adjudged to have crossed the line (television evidence would prove the officials correct).

    Hibs started this thrilling contest brightly but fell behind in the 12th minute a little against the run of play.

    James McFadden played in Ainsworth, down the left flank and the forward’s low pass across goal was placed into the net by the unmarked Sutton at the back post.

    Hibs had a chance to test Lee Hollis after 20 minutes when the Motherwell goalkeeper could only partially clear a backpass.

    Paul Cairney picked up the ball on the edge of the box and found Danny Haynes after Stephen McManus failed to cut out the delivery – but Haynes shot over on the half-volley 15 yards from goal.

    Motherwell doubled their advantaged in the 29th minute with a brilliant individual effort from Ainsworth.

    The on loan Rotherham forward accepted a pass from Iain Vigurs, effortlessly nutmegged Nelson and darted goalwards before curling a sublime 18-yard effort into the top corner of the net from 18 yards.

    It looked at that point as ‘Well would cruise onto a comfortable win, the visitors had looked comfortable but Hibs managed to reduce their arrears two minutes before the break through Forster.

    Cairney’s corner eventually came back to him and he lifted a delivery into the six-yard box that was headed in by the defender.

    Hibs could have been level just seconds later but Hollis brilliantly turned a James Collins effort from 12 yards around the post.

    The hosts started the second half brightly and created two good chances.
    Collins curled a first-time effort off the post with the outside off his boot from a Ryan McGivern pass and could only bounce the rebound into the arms of the grounded Hollis.

    Haynes then blasted over from an angle inside the area in the 49th minute after being set up inside the box by Cairney.

    McFadden created a chance for himself after 72nd minutes, shooting wide from inside the area after driving past Sam Stanton and Paul Hanlon in a forceful run from midfield.

    The home side levelled in the 76th minute in controversial circumstances.

    Nelson met Cairney’s corner at a congested back post and the defender’s downward header bounced off the underside of the bar. Motherwell thought they had successfully cleared the danger but referee McLean rightly awarded a goal.

    Hibs stormed ahead in the 79th minute through Heffernan, just four minutes after he came on.

    The former Killie front man began the counter-attack charge with a pass to Stanton inside his own half, Cairney drove at the Motherwell defence after being found by Stanton and teed up the substitute – who lifted a shot over Hollis.

    The drama was not over there though, with Sutton earning the visitors a point with his second goal.

    Iain Vigurs dribbled into the area and Williams palmed his low shot back out into the danger area. Sutton’s initial shot was blocked by the scrambling Hibs defence, it fell for substitute Craig Moore who lashed his effort off Chris Cadden, which spun the ball into the air where John Sutton bravely put his head to confirm a deserved point.

    [tab:As it happened]

     Alan Burrows at Easter Road

    FT: Hibernian 3 – 3 Motherwell #HFCvMFC

    90+2mins: Corner to Hibs……headed clear by Lasley #HFCvMFC

    90+1mins: SUTTON pulls it back to 3-3 with a header, after a scramble! #HFCvMFC

    GGGOOOAAALLL!!!

    3 minutes added on #HFCvMFC

    84mins: Hibs sub, Cairney off for Handling #HFCvMFC

    79mins: GOAL! Heffernan makes it 3-2 after a break away #HFCvMFC

    76mins: GOAL! Hibs equalise through a Nelson header. Hit the bar and crossed the line 2-2 #HFCvMFC

    75mins: Hibs sub, Haynes off for Heffernan #HFCvMFC

    74mins: Another ‘Well sub, McFadden off for Cadden #HFCvMFC

    72mins: McFadden goes on a mazy run but loses his balance as he pulls the trigger and pulls it just over #HFCvMFC

    70mins: Motherwell sub, Craig Moore on for Ainsworth #HFCvMFC

    69mins: Corner to Hibs…..Hollis comes out and gathers #HFCvMFC

    66mins: Hibs sub, Harris on for Stevenson #HFCvMFC

    62mins: Corner to ‘Well… Ainsworth’s delivery is punched clear by Williams #HFCvMFC

    49mins: Cairney slides the ball through to Haynes but he lacks composure and blazes it well over the bar #HFCvMFC

    47mins: Collins hits the post with a clever effort with the outside of his boot. Hollis is alert and gathers the rebound #HFCvMFC

    McFadden and Lasley kick it off #HFCvMFC #COYW

    Teams are back out for the second half #HFCvMFC

    HT: Hibernian 1 – 2 Motherwell #HFCvMFC

    45+1 mins: Another Hibs corner. Piling on the pressure here….Forster misses a free header! #HFCvMFC

    44mins: Hollis to the rescue with a great stop to deny Collins from 8 yards! #HFCvMFC

    42mins: GOAL! Forster pulls one back with a header from 10 yards 1-2 #HFCvMFC

    29mins: Oh my goodness, that’s a moment of pure quality from AINSWORTH! Nutmegs Nelson the curls it in beautifully from 18 yards! 2-0

    GGOOOAAALLLL!!

    24mins: Decent delivery to the front post for Collins who gets in front of Hutchinson but can only head wide #HFCvMFC

    21mins: Ball breaks to Haynes inside the box but on the swivel, he hooks his shot well over #HFCvMFC

    Hibs have looked more dangerous in the opening 10 minutes but it’s the ‘Well who have the lead here. #HFCvMFC

    12mins: SUTTON makes it 1-0! A great little through ball by McFadden played in Ainsworth who squared it for Sutton who tapped in! #HFCvMFC

    GGGOOOAAALLL!

    6mins: First sight of goal for Ainsworth. Cuts inside from the left wing however his shot is aimed right at Williams #HFCvMFC

    5mins: Haynes springs an offside trap but thankfully Reid gets back and gets the block in as he tried to pick out Craig #HFCvMFC

    4mins: Forster and Cairney combine down the Hibs right wing and get a cross in. Hollis gathers #HFCvMFC

    2mins: McManus leaps well to head clear Hibs’ first corner of the game #HFCvMFC

    Cairney and Craig get the game underway #HFCvMFC #COYW

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

    “If you said after 30 minutes we were going to get a point I would have been really disappointed.

    “After 85 minutes, if you said we were going to get a point I would have been delighted. I think Hibs started well and got a lot of set plays in the box – but we scored two fantastic goals.

    “If we had not lost the goal before half-time we could have gone on to control it better but it gives them a lift and at 2-1, they’ve nothing to lose.”

    Hibernian manager Terry Butcher:

    “It’s very sore, we’re very disappointed.

    “It was a tremendous comeback, great character, that’s been spoilt by an unbelievably soft ball.

    “We’ve had umpteen chances to clear the ball and we’re going to work all this week on throw-ins, for and against, and clearances because it was schoolboy defending. I’m bitterly disappointed we can’t defend a throw-in.

    “It was a bizarre game and I think that sums up our season, Jekyll and Hyde.”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”183″]

  • Archive

    TV: McManus eyes more goals

    Stephen McManus hopes to keep up his scoring form against Hibernian tomorrow afternoon.

    The 31-year old netted the winner the last time the teams met back in early November, his fifth career goal against the Easter Road club.

    He’s not scored more against any other side throughout his eleven-year career and hopes he can continue that when the teams meet for the third time this season.

    The 26 times capped defender told the broadcast press at ‘Well’s weekly news conference: “I’ve been fortunate to score a few goals against Hibs in my career but I’d be happy just to win the game tomorrow.

    [pullquote]I’ve been fortunate to score a few goals against Hibs in my career but I’d be happy just to win the game tomorrow.[/pullquote]

    “I’ve only missed one game since my debut against Hibs in the first game of the season and enjoyed every minute of it.

    “I came up here just to play regularly but feel I’ve brought something to the team. I’ve been playing well and hopefully I’ll continue playing that way.

    “Last Saturday was a big win for us as it stopped the rot from the two defeats. We know it will be a tough game at Easter Road, it always is, but we’ve beat them twice this season and we’ll got there full of confidence.”

    -WATCH STEPHEN’S PRESS CONFERENCE IN FULL ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    TV: McCall experts Easter Road tester

    ‘Well boss Stuart McCall expects a stern test from Hibs as both teams battle for a top six spot.

    The Steelmen can confirm their place in the top half of the table for the fifth consecutive season if they can avoid defeat at Easter Road.

    Hibs, led by former Steelmen gaffer Terry Butcher, are very much in the mix too, placed just three points behind St Johnstone.

    McCall expects a reaction after the Leith side’s home defeat to Dundee United seven days ago and warned his players they need to be on top of their game if they’ve to take anything from what is always a very difficult fixture.

    [pullquote]As we had a good performance last weekend against Hearts, we were very disappointing in our last two away fixtures so we need to improve massively to get anything from Easter Road.[/pullquote]

    Speaking to the gathered press at ‘Well’s post match press conference, the Fir Park boss said: “I am sure, after last week’s result and having read Terry’s post match comments, Hibs will be right up for it.

    “Likewise, as much as we had a good performance last weekend against Hearts, we were very disappointing in our last two away fixtures so we need to improve massively to get anything from Easter Road.

    “If you look back to the last time we were there, it was glorious sunshine played on a bowling green of a pitch. None of them will be the case tomorrow that’s for sure, and we need to be prepared for any condition.

    “We’ve managed to win both previous matches 1-0 and both have been tight; I suspect it might be like that again tomorrow. We need to get back to keeping clean sheets again and that’s the aim for tomomorrow.”

    -WATCH STUART’S PRESS CONFERENCE IN FULL ON MFC TV

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Away Day Guide: vs Hibernian

    Easter Eoad

    Hibernian Football Club

    HibsEaster Road
    12 Albion Place
    Edinburgh

    Tel: 0131 661 2159
    Web: www.hibernianfc.co.uk

    Opened: 1893
    Capacity: 20,421
    Sat Nav: EH7 5QG
    Distance from Fir Park: 40.0 miles (0 hr 50 mins)

    Tickets

    ADULTS:    £22 
    CONCESSIONS:                        £12
    • Concessions are listed as Over 65s, Under 18s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation card.
    • Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Sharon or John McCaskie on 07745494631 / 07711 992161 or email disabledfans@motherwellfc.co.uk.

    By car

    The stadium is located to the East of the city and is one of the more difficult grounds to find in the SPL.

    Follow the M8 until its end and then take the A720 South, joining the A701 towards the city centre. Upon reaching the city centre, head left on to the A900 (signposted Leith), leaving at the junction with the B1350 to turn right on to London Road.

    Then take the fourth left at the crossroads on to Easter Road, followed by the fourth right on to Albion Road. The stadium will be clearly visible ahead.

    If travelling from the South, follow the A1 into Edinburgh before turning right on to the B1350 (London Road). Then turn right at the crossroads on to Easter Road, followed by the fourth right on to Albion Road.

    Street parking is available on numerous streets around the ground.

    By bus

    Several operators run buses to Edinburgh, departing every hour from Buchanan Station in Glasgow city centre.

    Further information and timetables are available online at www.citylink.co.uk.

    By train

    Waverley station is served by trains from Glasgow and is within walking distance of the ground.

    Upon leaving the station, cross Princes Street and head for Leith Walk, which is directly opposite the exit. Follow the road for approximately 1/4 mile and turn right on to the B1350 (London Road). Then turn left on to Easter Road and take the fourth right on to Albion Road. The stadium will be clearly visible ahead.

    Further information and timetables are available online at www.scotrail.co.uk.

    [mappress]
  • Archive

    McLean in charge against Hibs

    Referee for this Saturday’s SPFL Premiership clash with Hibs at Easter Road will be Steven McLean.

    McLean, the brother of former ‘Well defender Brian, is handling his fifth Motherwell game of the current campaign – two of the four 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.

    Thankfully, he was the man in the middle for our 5-1 win at Firhill in late December and, most recently, the controversial 2-2 draw with Aberdeen at Fir Park.

    ‘Well were holding out in the face of intense Aberdeen pressure and looked to be holding on for the win, but a late (and deserved, it has to be said) Russell Anderson equaliser levelled things up.

    It looked a clear handball, and a foul on Jack Leitch on the line, neither of which were given unfortunately.

    Steven 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 just over 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 ten wins, five defeats and one draws from sixteen matches. In those games, ‘Well have scored 36 and conceded 27. 44 cautions have been dished out, 27 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 season – handling nineteen 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.

    He also handled the Europa League Group game between Standard Liège and IF Elfsborg Boras.

    McLean will be ably assisted by Andrew McWilliam and Douglas Ross with Des Roache on fourth official duties.

  • Archive

    Stewart starts for Scotland Under 19s

    Ross Stewart started as Scotland U19s beat Switzerland 4-2 at Livingston’s Energy Asset Arena this afternoon.

    The 18-year old goalkeeper was named in the first eleven ahead of Mark Hurst and played for the majority of the match, before being replaced by the St Johnstone player midway through the second period.

    The Swiss made the best possible start when a defensive slip allows Gregory Karlen in on goal and he finished with a low strike beyond the Steelmen stopper.

    Gary Oliver equalised for Ricky Sbragia’s side with a close-range header only for Diego Zoller to put his side back in front just before the half hour, robbing Stephen Hendrie and coolly slotting home.

    It was that way at the interval but the Fraser Aird leveled thing for the Scots early in the second half before Adam King fired the home side ahead with a low strike from just inside the box.

    As the game ticked towards its conclusion, Cammy Smith secured the win with a fourth two minutes from time.

    Scotland: Stewart, Kidd, McKenna, Burgess, Hendrie, Petrie, Aird, King, Oliver, Cummings, Nicholson

    Subs: Hurst, Halkett, McLennan, Sinnamon, Lindsay, Telfer.