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Craig Reid is adamant there is more to come from Motherwell and says the squad aim to prove it.

The Steelmen have had an injury-ravished start to the new campaign with Steven Hammell, Simon Ramsden, Craig Moore, Zaine Francis-Angol, Paul Lawson and Iain Vigurs all missing the majority of the league campaign.

Lee Erwin and David Ferguson have joined them on the injury list this week but Reid says it’s up to those who are available to take up the challenge.

“The onus is on everyone to stand up and be counted and if you need to fill in a different position then so be it, that’s football,” the former Celtic and Morton man said.

“We’ve got to pick up our performances, raise the standard and start to get results.

[pullquote]We’ve enjoyed training this week, spirits are high amongst the players and we want to start showing everyone we’re the good side that we are.[/pullquote]

“We won the first game [against St Mirren] but weren’t at our best but that’s the sign of a good side, I suppose.

“Tannadice [against Dundee Utd] was a close game, I thought we dug in well and although it was a little backs to the wall at times, it was an unfortunate goal, there was nothing we could have done about it.

“Last Saturday [against Inverness CT] was far more disappointing with that. We set our standards here and we didn’t meet them. They scored two good goals and outplayed us at times but there’s a lot more to come from us and hopefully that starts at Kilmarnock this weekend.

“We’ve enjoyed training this week, spirits are high amongst the players and we want to start showing everyone we’re the good side that we are.”

Willie Collum will take charge of Saturday’s Scottish Premiership meeting with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

Regarded as one of Scotland’s best and most recognisable officials, Willie will be handling his first ‘Well game of the new campaign

He took charge of three during the 2013/14 season.

His first was a 3-0 win over St Mirren back in December when Lionel Ainsworth and a Henri Anier double separated the sides.

The second was at Tynecastle a few weeks later, John Sutton scoring the game’s only goal.

And, most recently, he was the man in the middle for the 2-1 win over Inverness back in May with goals coming from Sutton and a Gary Warren OG.

Willie is no stranger to ‘Well fans having been a top-flight whistler for a number of years, taking charge of six Motherwell matches the previous term too.

The first was the 1-0 defeat at Tynecastle in October 2012 when Danny Grainger’s long-range effort separated the sides.

He also took charge of both William Hill Scottish Cup clashes with Aberdeen last December.

In the first meeting at Pittodrie, Niall McGinn headed home a late equaliser to cancel out Jamie Murphy’s opener 10 minutes from time.

There would be disappointment for the Steelmen in the replay as goals from Rory Fallon and Joe Shaughnessy helped the Dons progress to the next round.

Motherwell were handed a lifeline in injury-time when Michael Higdon netted from the penalty spot, however Craig Brown’s side held firm in the final minutes.

He was also the man in the middle for the narrow 3-2 win over St Johnstone in January; Michael Higdon’s hat-trick sealing a terrific three points and also the disappointing 3-0 defeat at Ross County shortly after.

He also handled the James McFadden-inspired 4-1 victory over Hibs in March and, finally, the 4-3 defeat to Inverness Caley in the Highlands in May.

His overall record in charge of the Steelmen reads eight wins, twelve defeats and five draws from twenty-five matches (in all competitions).

In those games, Motherwell have scored 37 and conceded 44.

50 players have gone into the book, 23 wearing Claret and Amber, while four players have been dismissed – Ian Murray of Hibs at Easter Road five years back, Jerard Aafjes at Falkirk four seasons ago, Paul Dixon at the end of 2009/10 and, most recently, Henrik Ojamaa in that game at Caley fifteen months ago.

Willie Conquer and Gavin Harris will run the lines with Des Roache on fourth official duties. The referee observer is Brian Cassidy and the SPFL Delegate is Tommy McLean.

Stadium Details

Rugby Park
Rugby Road
Kilmarnock

Tel: 01563 545 300
Web: www.kilmarnockfc.co.uk

Stadium Opened: 1899
Capacity: 18,128
Sat Nav: KA1 2DP
Distance from Fir Park: 36.4 (0 hrs 41 mins)

Tickets

• Concessions are listed as Under 18s, Over 60s 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.

Travel

By car

The stadium is located close to the town centre is well signposted for travelling fans.

Follow the A71 towards Kilmarnock and then take the A759 (Dundonald Road) into the town. You will eventually come to the stadium on the left.

If travelling from the North, follow the M77, which becomes the A77 on approach to Kilmarnock. Exit on to the B7802 (Grassyards Road) and head towards the town centre.

Continue forward on to High Street, turning right at the traffic lights on to Fowlds Street. Then turn left at St Marnock Street on to the A759 (Dundonald Road). The stadium will be clearly visible ahead.

Street parking is available on numerous streets around the ground.

By bus

Several operators run buses which will take you within a five to 10 minute walk of the ground, including First service X76.

Further information and timetables are available online at www.firstgroup.com/glasgow.

The Central Branch of the Motherwell Supporters Association is running a bus. It leaves the Bentley Hotel in Motherwell at 1.30pm.

By train

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

Upon leaving the station, walk down John Finnie Street and turn right at the traffic lights on to Portland Road. Then take the second left on to South Hamilton Street and the stadium will be clearly visible ahead.

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

Motherwell F.C. and Breathing Space, Scotland’s mental health phone line have renewed their partnership for the 2014-15 season.

As well as a refreshed look on the back of the shirts this season, striking new banners and signage with the freephone number were unveiled at Fir Park last weekend.

‘Well Manager Stuart McCall said: “It’s our fourth season with Breathing Space and we’re delighted to be renewing the partnership. The new banners and signage reflect our fresh enthusiasm for promoting good mental wellbeing and raising awareness of the helpline.”

Breathing Space will be marking 10 years as a national service this November. The phone line now receives around 6,000 calls each month from Scots experiencing, low mood, anxiety or depression.

Kirsten Donald, Breathing Space National Development Officer, said: “It’s great to see a club like Motherwell F.C. once again embracing the mental wellbeing message and promoting this to football fans and the wider community. We are looking forward to working closely with Stuart and the rest of the team for the new season.”

Steelmen Captain Keith Lasley added: “I’m proud that the club is associated with Breathing Space. Getting the message out there that you can pick up the phone and talk to someone when you’re feeling low is important.”

Breathing Space advisors can listen, offer advice and signpost callers onto help in their local area. They are available 6pm – 2am weekdays and 24 hours at weekends on freephone 0800 83 85 87.

Highlights from Fir Park as the Under 20s lose 1-3 to Aberdeen in the new SPFL Development League.

Jonatan Johansson was left frustrated as sloppy goals cost his side dearly against Aberdeen this evening.

Lawrence Shankland had put the Reds ahead but Jack Leitch cancelled that out with his first of the season.

However, two Joe Shaughnessy goals, both from corner kicks, would lead to ‘Well’s downfall and the 106-times capped former Finnish International spoke of his anger at gifting a good side such an easy way to goal.

Speaking to MFC TV on Motherwell’s Official You Tube channel, Johansson said: “I am disappointed; the first half in particular was poor. We didn’t do enough to get on the ball and that’s why we had so many bad passes.

[pullquote]However, if we concede goals like we did then we’re always going to struggle. I thought all three were poor from our point of view.[/pullquote]

“We gave away the ball far too easily to a counter-attacking side, which plays into their hands. We scored a goal, but that aside we didn’t have any other real chances.

“The second half was a little bit better; we looked a bit angrier and were more aggressive in the tackle and created more chances.

“However, if we concede goals like we did then we’re always going to struggle. I thought all three were poor from our point of view. Two from corner kicks and the first was bad marking.

“We’ve got a lot to work on and that begins tomorrow.”

Motherwell Under 20s lost 1-3 at home to Aberdeen at Fir Park in the SPFL Development League this evening.

The Dons took the lead early on through Lawrence Shankland but Jack Leitch levelled the scoring shortly after. However, the Dons were back in front thanks to a Joe Shaughnessy header before the same player sealed all three points late in the game.

Jonatan Johansson was able to call on a relatively experienced team with new signings Mark O’Brien and Henrik Ojamaa joined in the starting eleven by over-aged players Lionel Ainsworth, Bob McHugh and Paul Lawson. Over and above that, Ross Stewart, Chris Cadden, Jack Leitch and David Ferguson could all count on first-team experience.

It was Motherwell who would have the game’s first shot when Ojamaa and Thomas combined to tee up Lawson on the edge of the area, but he scooped his effort high and wide of target.

Nicky Low replied quickly for the Dons with a long range shot straight at Stewart before Shankland forced the ‘Well stopper into a good low save with his feet and subsequent stop from a swerving volley.

However, he was powerless to stop the next attack as Shankland opened the scoring for Paul Sheerin’s side . The former Queen’s Park hitman had Scott Wright to thank, the midfielder jinked past a few challenges before squaring it for Shankland who smashed it home into an unguarded net.

The Steelmen were only behind for seven minutes though as Leitch levelled things. It was Leitch himself who started the move, releasing Thomas down the left flank. After cutting in, the ball ricocheted out to the skipper who curled home from twenty yards.

The game began to stretch and incredibly, with their next attack of note, the Dons got their noses in front once again. ‘Well were forced into conceding a needless corner when Morgyn Neill took the ball off the gloves of Stewart. Low’s delivery was inch-perfect for Shaughnessy who got above his marker to bullet a header home at the back post.

Jonatan Johansson was forced into a change with another defensive injury – David Ferguson was caught in a 50/50 challenge and was carried off the park, replaced by young Jack McMillan.

The game flowed back and forth, Craig Murray fired over the bar from distance and Cammy Smith should’ve made it 3-1 with a strike from just inside the area, but the hosts survived.

At the other end, McHugh had a pop from the edge but it sailed high over the bar and into the Maxim Office Park South Stand.

Motherwell started the second half on the front foot and Ojamaa teed up McHugh for a shot from the edge but once again he curled it over.

Two minutes later, the Estonian would shoot himself but his low poked effort dropped a foot or so wide of target. Ojamaa and Shaughnessy were both carded for a skirmish in the build-up , it looked like nothing more than handbags and a talking too would’ve sufficed, but after advice from the stand side assistant, both were cautioned.

Both teams continued to look dangerous on the break but it was the hosts who were creating; Ojamaa again going close after Ainsworth’s floated cross wasn’t cleared properly by Shaughnessy.

Shortly after, Thomas danced around a few tackles in the box only to watch his powerful low shot expertly turned around by Robbie Mutch in the Reds goal.

Motherwell continued their attacking intent and Ainsworth came within an inch of levelling, latching on to a loose ball only to drag his shot narrowly wide.

The home side were doing all the pressing but, typically, it was Aberdeen who extended their lead with a sucker-punch at the other end. Smith brought about a decent save from Stewart, turning around a stinging effort. ‘Well failed to properly clear the resulting corner and Shaughnessy was afforded too much time to slot home his second of the night from ten yards.

The home side continued to plug away and were so unlucky not to half the lead when Ainsworth rocketed a shot off the bar. There was a claim for a penalty when sub McLean was tugged at the rebound, but there was nothing doing from the referee.

McHugh saw a late shot blocked at the expense of a corner but that was the end of the scoring as the Dons headed back north with all three points.

Motherwell: Stewart, Cadden, Ferguson (McMillan – 36mins), O’Brien, Neill, Leitch (McCall – 73mins), Ainsworth, Lawson, McHugh, Ojamaa (McLean – 73mins), Thomas

Subs Not Used: Currie, Hall, Mackin, Higgins

The Under 20s return to action tomorrow (Tuesday) when they take on Aberdeen at Fir Park.

Jonatan Johansson’s men made a disappointing start to the campaign with a 1-0 defeat across the River Clyde at New Douglas Park two weeks ago.

The Dons, on the other hand, kicked off with an impressive 4-0 win at home to Hibernian, so it’s sure to be a tough game for the young Steelmen.

‘Well had the upper hand at home last season, winning 3-0 with goals coming from Craig Moore and a Bob McHugh double.

Kick-off at Fir Park is 6pm.

PRICES:

Adults and Concessions:
Season book holders or Well Society membership: £2
Standard: £3

Under 16s:
Season book holders or Well Society membership: £1
Standard: £2

‘Well boss Stuart McCall described his side’s performance against Inverness Caley Thistle as “absolutely rotten”.

And although the Steelmen are missing a number of key players, the Fir Park boss was in no mood to find excuses.

Caley were by far and away the better team on the day and took the lead minutes before the half-time interval when Tansey’s effort bounced past the outstretched Twardzik.

It stayed that way until the 88th minute when substitute Aaron Doran sealed the win with a curler from inside the area.

“To sum it up, it’s quite simple; we were absolutely rotten,” McCall told the press after the match.

“I thought they were very good. Basic stuff today we couldn’t do, we couldn’t pass from A to B. We’ve got a lot of work to do next week.

[pullquote]I thought they were very good. Basic stuff today we couldn’t do, we couldn’t pass from A to B. We’ve got a lot of work to do next week.[/pullquote]

“Again, we couldn’t name the side today until just before the game, but that’s no excuse, we were really poor in all departments today and I don’t think we mustered an attempt at goal if I’m honest. There were two good goals from them today, no doubt about it, Tansey and Doran with two quality finishes.

“Certainly they deserved it massively and we’ve under-performed, and we have done really, we’ve not been up at it.

“You look at big John Sutton up there, he’s not got anything to feed on, we’ve not created anything from wide areas, and all over the park they moved the ball better, controlled it better, passed it better and we were poor.

“I said at half-time that at least it could only get better because we were woeful on the ball in the first half and I don’t think we were much better second half if I’m honest. That’s probably one of the poorest performances we’ve had, certainly here.

“If you look at creating chances, possession of the ball, quality of play, it was really poor but I’m the manager and I take responsibility for that.

“We’ve got to make sure we improve, and with the character of the players in there I’m very confident we will improve, but we need to start doing it quickly. We need to find form individually, there are a lot of individuals nowhere near the level they were at last season, and we’ve got to get it up.

Action pictures from this afternoon’s disappointing 2-0 by Inverness CT at Fir Park in the SPFL Premiership.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

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