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  • Archive

    Helen Templeton’s Blog #4

  • Archive

    Sign for Men Utd now… Take the test!

  • Archive

    Collum to officiate Lanarkshire derby

  • Archive

    The Colours of our Scarves exhibition

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Hamilton

  • Archive

    Hamilton defeat in pictures

  • Archive

    TV: McCall angered with Cup exit

  • Archive

    Hamilton Accies 0 – 0 Motherwell

  • Archive

    Christmas Parties at Fir Park

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    TV: Twardzik eyes derby success

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    Helen Templeton’s Blog #4

     Follow ‘Dibsy’ on Twitter 

    Ladies team

    Last weekend saw Motherwell Ladies take on Hamilton Caledonian at Hamilton Palace sports ground on a day that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the Costa Del Sol!

    A positive attacking start from the ‘Well saw plenty of chances created. However a lack of composure in front of goal allowed Hamilton to counter effectively and create chances of their own. Indeed, it was the hosts who took a one-nil lead with a shot in from their right winger.

    ‘Well responded quickly with an equaliser. At 1-1, Motherwell were beginning to take more control of the game, but Hamilton were still creating chances and putting the opposition back line under pressure and got their noses in front again from the penalty spot. Motherwell again responded quickly to equalise though and take the game to a stale mate at half-time.

    As the second half kicked off, Motherwell came out looking menacing, whatever was said at half time must have done the trick!

    With more chances being created with slick interlinking play between defence and midfield and midfield and attack saw Motherwell push on scoring goals number 3, 4, 5, and 6 before Hamilton could come up with a response.

    It wasn’t to be Hamilton’s day though, as Motherwell clearly weren’t finished making their point. Some tactical substitutions from the visitors proved the quality right through the squad with substitutes coming on to play their part in the next 2 goals. A fine second half display gave the Well fans something to really smile about, Hamilton Caledonian 3 – Motherwell Ladies – 8.

    Coach Graeme McArthur was delighted to get back to winning ways and said: “We showed good fight despite being behind twice in the game and to kick on and take control of the game whilst experimenting with a new shape made today an even greater victory. We now have a weekend off before going into our next fixture on October 5th with Bishopton, which will allow us to work further on the new shape.”

    Under 15s

    The Under 15s were in action last weekend, playing a tough league fixture against Rangers. The closely fought match ended up finishing 5-4 in Rangers’ favour, but Coach Adam Shaw was certainly not disheartened by the young ‘Well performance.

    He said: “Although we lost the game, there were many positives to take from the way we played. It was a very high tempo game right from the off and both teams were creating plenty of chances; it was end to end stuff. To use that old cliché, it was definitely a game of two halves.

    “I felt we dominated the first half and Rangers were in control during the second. The girls worked so hard and kept up with the pace, right into the closing stages of the game, Rangers scored their winner with only minutes remaining. We may have walked away with a loss, but I was so impressed with the attitude and performance from the girls. Spirits are still high in training this week and we believe as a squad that we can become even better in the next few months of the season.”

    Under 9s

    The Under 9s and under 11s travelled to a festival in Kilwinning last weekend. The girls produced outstanding form winning most of their games. Coach Laura Daley was exceptionally pleased at the team’s ability to work so well together and to demonstrate a high level of experience, holding shape and tracking back when out of possession.

    Laura added: “Brooke Wilson, one of our youngest players at the entire club at only six years old, scored 2 goals. We are so proud of her work rate and confidence in front of goal.”

    The Under 9s are back at K Park in East Kilbride on Sunday, 12noon – 1.30pm

    Under 11s

    The Under 11s team fought hard in their tournament, winning one game and unfortunately losing 4, as their first encounter with grass parks was tough on the legs and the style of football they are used to playing. The girls worked really hard but learned some tough lessons. They have however been straight back into training this week and have been working hard, ready for their upcoming fixture this weekend away to Gartcairn Girls.

    Good luck to everyone at Motherwell competing this weekend.

    So far you have heard all about the exciting things going on at Motherwell FC, but I thought it would be interesting to let get to know some of the people behind the scenes a little bit closer.

    This week’s Player focus sees Linda Gibson talk about her time at Motherwell so far and lets us into a few wee secrets about the woman between the sticks.

    Full name: Linda Gibson

    Nickname: Gibby/Gibson

    Age: I’m afraid this not up for discussion, its top secret, has been for many years. (Aye good one Gibby! We all suspect a 40th party invite soon)

    Position: Goalkeeper

    Trademark phrase: “Failing to prepare, is preparing to fail.”

    Favourite football team: Well, obviously its Motherwell! If I had to pick another, I’d pick the Scotland’s Ladies National Team.

    Best sporting memory: Winning the league title (3rd Division at the time) with Hamilton Accies reserves, a team with hearts of lions. It was the last game of the season 1st vs. 2nd for the title and we emerged with a 3-2 victory! A day I will never forget.

    Sporting idol: Abby Wambach

    Your role at Motherwell FC: I’m girl’s Performance Centre manger here at Motherwell; the job you only dream of and I love every second of it.

    I heard you are a coach, tell me about that: I also do coaching at the club at times too. I help coach the Under 9s, Under 11s and I am also a goalkeeping coach, helping out with our Under 15s goalkeepers. I love being involved in the coaching side too. It’s such a buzz. I love to see the girls improve on a weekly basis and watch them turn into wee superstars, knowing I helped somewhere along the line. I also learn a few new things myself from the kids which I try to replicate at training and in games.

    What have you enjoyed the most since being in your new role: I enjoy everything in my job. It’s a great feeling to part of something so special here and watching these kids have an opportunity that I never had growing up. They get the best of facilities and treatment here as it’s an elite professional set up. I enjoy seeing them have so much fun while getting educated too. I enjoying watching the kids grow in ability and confidence as the weeks go on. I know one day I will be watching some of them play for their country…I can’t wait.

    What is your vision for the development centre and where do you see it being in 5 years time: In 3 weeks, our numbers have doubled in size at Under 9s and Under 11s, so we are doing incredibly well so far. In 5 years time the influx of participants should be so huge that we will have to move facilities again to accommodate our highly talented players. In 5 years time, I definitely see our first team competing in the Scottish Women’s Premier League. With the quality of players we have and hope to attract, there is no question about that. We will have players from our elite girl’s performance centre progressing through our fully functioning player pathway and playing at the top level and hopefully into the national set up. We are all very proud here at Motherwell of one of our own who has already achieved this accolade, Alise Stewart you are a star.

    You are out just now with a long term injury, what happened: I was at training and I had a collision with one of our former players. it’s the hardest thing because I miss playing so much for the team I love, but I still attend every training session and every game to support the ‘Well girls and cheer them on from the side lines.

    When do you hope to be back between the sticks: I am so excited to say I am able to start back training in the next two weeks. So it will be a challenging pre-season for me and one I very much look forward to.

    How do you find watching instead of playing: It’s very difficult because I’m a very “vocal” goalkeeper (I’m sure some of my team mates will agree) and not being about to have the same input from the back as I do from the side is difficult. When I watch the match, I sometimes find myself wondering on the pitch or jumping up and down on the sidelines. I’m sure the girls still hear me from the sidelines anyway. (Yes Gibby, we do…we definitely do!)

    Which opponent do you look forward to playing the most and why: Claremont because my sister plays for this team and growing up she was my role model. We played together for years and now we play against each other, so it’s a bit of rivalry. Although we won 9-1, 3-1, 3-3 in the last 3 games, she still loves me the same, which is a bonus.

    What’s your most embarrassing moment on the footy field: Hmmm, I do have a few, admittedly. There was one time I was shouting (politely) at the ref and called him babe! Or the time I went to kick the ball and a dog ran on the park and stole it. I also went to shout ‘Man on!’ to a team mate but instead shouted “Mum on!”…I think my mum thought she was getting some game time.

    When was the last time you scored a goal in a game: Eh, I save them not score them, Dibsy!

    Tell me a secret no one knows about one other person in the ladies teams: Big Dougs (Captain Ainsley Douglas), for the size of her, is afraid of heights…

    Who’s the funniest person in the team: Apart from me, I would say Natalie Stewart. She’s “the perfect neighbour” and always makes people laugh.

    If Motherwell Ladies went on big brother, which teammate would be voted off First and who would win: Voted off first would be difficult because they would all make good viewing and the public would be very entertained, I know that. (Especially if our changing room banter is anything to go by!). To win would have to be Toni Mason. She’s one of the most genuine, entertaining characters I have ever met and I’m sure the public would vote her as the winner.

    Give me one sentence to describe your hopes for next season: To win this league, which I’m very confident we shall both with the calibre of players we have at the moment and are looking to attract in the coming months.

    Thanks for the interview Gibby, Good luck with the rehab and we look forward to seeing you in between the sticks sometime very soon.

  • Archive

    Sign for Men Utd now… Take the test!

    Rivals on the pitch, Men United off it. That’s the story of Well’s Lanarkshire derby with Hamilton Accies tomorrow.

    We’re urging fans of both clubs to back Men United v Prostate Cancer as part of a quest to raise awareness about the most common male cancer in Scotland.

    We’re throwing our weight behind the exciting campaign, the brainchild of Prostate Cancer UK, for the 2014/15 season, starting with our Scottish Premiership clash against the Accies.

    Stuart McCall will sport the iconic Man of Men pin badge on the sidelines during the afternoon, and there will be added information in the matchday publications, and via social media and the website, together with a collection by the charity’s volunteers before Saturday’s game.

    And McCall noted: “I’m signing for Men United because cancer impacts on everyone. The big task for everyone: players, the staff and fans talking about a diseased that kills one man every hour.

    “First things first, you need to get on the Prostate Cancer UK’s website and take a quick test to find out what you really know. If you like sport, you stats, then you’ll love their Men United test.”

    Former Scotland and Manchester United legend Denis is amount the one in the eight men affected by the disease. He’s has been joined at Men United by former Scotland rugby skipper Chris Cusiter, comedian Fred MacAulay, actor Damian Lewis and entertainer Stephen Fry to name just a few of the stars forming a 190,000 squad.

    He said: “Having previously been diagnosed with prostate cancer I know that individuals don’t beat cancer, determined and dedicated teams do. We can and will beat prostate cancer – but only if we unite for the fight. I’m proud to have signed for Men United, and would encourage all Scots to join me in doing the same. Together we can win this.”

    prostatecanceuk.org/menunited

    #MenUnited

  • Archive

    Collum to officiate Lanarkshire derby

    Willie Collum will take charge of Saturday’s Scottish Premiership meeting with Hamilton Accies at Fir Park.

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

    The first was at Rugby Park in late August, the home side running out comfortable 2-0 winners. The game didn’t pass without controversy, with Stuart McCall left frustrated at a number of decisions involving Manual Pascali and a missed handball in the box.

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

    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.

    The last was 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 to Hearts 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, thirteen defeats and five draws from twenty-six matches (in all competitions).
    In those games, Motherwell have scored 37 and conceded 46.

    52 players have gone into the book, 24 wearing Claret and Amber, while five 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, Henrik Ojamaa in that game at Caley fifteen months ago and, most recently, Fraser Kerr down at Rugby Park.

    Willie Conquer and Graham Chambers will run the lines with Bary Cook on fourth official duties. The referee observer is George Smith and the SPFL Delegate is George Douglas.

  • Archive

    The Colours of our Scarves exhibition

    Supporters Direct Scotland (SDS) will be visiting Motherwell FC this Saturday with its Colours of our Scarves exhibition.

    SDS will be at Fir Park Stadium at 1:30pm behind the Davie Cooper Stand on the day that Hamilton Academical FC visit for the SPFL Premiership game.

    The exhibition, which features photographs by the world renowned football photographer Stuart Roy Clarke, captures the shared passion, excitement, lows and highs experienced by the fans of Scottish Football as part of Supporters Direct Scotland’s Anti Sectarian programme.

    Over the course of the 2014/15 season, Supporters Direct Scotland will be visiting every Scottish league ground across the country – delivering a photographic exhibition aiming to canvas opinion on sectarian issues in local communities.

    The project will also engage with local schools and councils to host discussions and focus groups in order to allow communities to have their say on the issue of sectarianism, now and in the past – as well as suggesting ways in which it can be tackled.

    The issue of sectarianism in Scotland is one that has been discussed and debated, with countless attempts to address the issue seeing varying levels of success from Governments, Charitable organisations, Football clubs and independent bodies.

    Sectarianism itself is a deep rooted cultural issue that dates back generations and effects society as a whole.

    Sectarianism has traditionally been perceived to manifest itself through football supporters at football matches and football related events through language, song and actions which in some cases has led to violence and unfortunately even murder.

    Supporters Direct Scotland through the creation of The Colour of our Scarves programme with Scottish Government funding will attempt to help play a part in addressing the issue.

    The programme will collect much needed research through a nationwide campaign of educational workshops and visual displays. The Colour of our Scarves will work in partnership with all senior Football clubs across Scotland and football’s national governing body.

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Hamilton

    Highlights from New Douglas Park as ‘Well exit the SPFL League Cup 6-5 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Hamilton defeat in pictures

    Action pictures from this evening’s 6-5 penalty defeat by Hamilton Accies in the League Cup.

    Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

    [svgallery name=”hamilton240914″]

  • Archive

    TV: McCall angered with Cup exit

    Stuart McCall is starting to believe his side are cursed in the cups after they bowed out of the League Cup at Hamilton.

    A controversial red card for on loan Derby defender Mark O’Brien hindered ‘Well, who eventually lost 6-5 on penalties at New Douglas Park.

    The Steelmen had the better chances, particularly after the dismissal of Accies’ Stephen Hendrie midway through the second half, as Michael McGovern produced a stunning stop to deny Iain Vigurs and both Josh Law and Lionel Ainsworth hit the frame of the goal within seconds of each other.

    O’Brien was booked during half-time for a challenge on Eamonn Brophy seconds before the interval – despite the fact Craig Charleston did not give a free-kick or produce a card – and then sent off 10 minutes into injury-time for what the referee decreed was a body check.

    The game went to penalties and teenager Craig Watson scored the crucial spot-kick for the Accies after McGovern had saved from Simon Ramsden.

    [pullquote]The second yellow card is an absolute joke. It’s barely a foul and if that’s a yellow card I’m Dutch. You always think referees look to even things up and that decision swung the balance of the game.[/pullquote]

    Speaking about O’Brien’s first booking, McCall said: “I’ve never seen that in my entire life. O’Brien makes a tackle and the referee blows for half-time.

    “We all came off the park and go in the dressing room, and the fourth official comes and says he wants to have a word with Mark O’Brien, after being harangued coming off the park. And then he calls him in and books him.

    “Why didn’t he book him on the park? And I thought here we go, this is going to be typical. And the second yellow, he body-strengths him off the ball.

    “The second yellow card is an absolute joke. It’s barely a foul and if that’s a yellow card I’m Dutch. You always think referees look to even things up and that decision swung the balance of the game.

    “But for an unbelievable save from Vigurs, we would have gone through.”

    When asked if he was starting to think his side were cursed in the cup after winning just four out of 20 ties, he said: “When we hit the bar and post, I genuinely thought that myself, it’s not going to be our night. Credit to Accies, they are a very good side and we’ll need to quickly pick ourselves up for the game on Saturday at Fir Park.”

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Hamilton Accies 0 – 0 Motherwell

    [tab:Match report]

    Motherwell’s dismal Cup form continued when they were knocked out of the League Cup on penalties at New Douglas Park.

    There was little between the sides in a fiercely contested clash, but luck deserted the Fir Parkers.

    It was a cruel cup exit with Stuart McCall’s men looking the more likely to score and having no luck when the bar and post were rattled in quick succession in extra time.

    While Accies had the better of the first half, Motherwell controlled most of the second, especially when Accies’ Stephen Hendrie was sent off.

    However, when Mark O’Brien was harshly shown a second yellow card in extra time, it left both teams level in every aspect, ultimately only separated after 12 penalty kicks.

    Even then it was close as John Sutton, Stepehn McManus, Henrik Ojamma, Jack Leitch and Josh Law expertly converted their spot kicks, before Simon Ramsden’s kick was saved by Michael McGovern leaving Craig Watson to ram his penalty past Dan Twardzik and send Accies into the quarter finals.

    Stuart McCall made two changes from the side that performed so well at Celtic Park, Lionel Ainsworth and Jack Leitch coming in at the expense of Zaine Francis-Angol and Simon Ramsden.

    Not surprisingly it was a frenetic start on Accies plastic pitch with the ball moving from one end to the other with neither side able slow the game down.

    After 15 minutes a good break from ‘Well found Ainsworth heading down the right, but his final ball across the box was too far ahead of the inrushing Josh Law.

    Mark O’Brien then had to make a sliding challenge just outside his six-yard box to deflect Eamonn Brophy’s strike at goal.

    An inswinging corner from the home side had Dan Twardzik firmly punching the ball out from under his cross bar. The Fir Park ‘keeper then produced the first save of the match after 26 minutes when he leapt high to his left to spectacularly hold a rising shot from Brophy.

    Motherwell mustered their first attempt on the home goal eight minutes later but at the end of a series of passing Leitch, from 30 yards, screwed his shot off target.

    As the ‘Well players started to find their feet on the artificial surface more of the play headed towards McGovern’s goal and the ‘keeper was relieved to watch Mark O’Brien power his header over the cross bar from ten yards.

    Ten minutes after the break ‘Well passed up a great chance for the opening goal. Vigurs’ long clearance from an Accies corner sent Ainsworth racing clear but after making his way to the goal line his cross failed to find the waiting John Suton and Law.

    Two minutes later Ainsworth’s drive from the edge of the box deflected off the arm of an Accies defender but referee Craig Charleston waved aside appeals for a penalty.

    The game was turning Motherwell’s way and Ainsworth becoming more involved. And his next pass was perfectly weighted for Sutton but Ziggy Gordon intervened to scoop the ball behind for a corner.

    The pressure on the home side increased twenty minutes into the half when Accies were reduced to 10 men after Stephen Hendrie pulled down Ainsworth to earn his second yellow card.

    It just looked a question of when ‘Well would find the opener. And when Vigurs’ low corner found Sutton in the six-yard box he should have done better than slide his shot two yards wide.

    With 15 minutes remaining ‘Well produced their best move and chance. Leitch found Kerr out on the right and his cross was touched on by Sutton into the path of Vigurs whose thumping volley seemed certain for a wonderful goal until McGovern matched it with a stunning stop.

    After 77 minutes, Vigurs made way for Henrik Ojamma. Within minutes of his arrival he was teed up by Law but from 20 yards, the Estonian dragged his shot wide of goal.

    In the last chance of the 90 minutes Ainsworth’s floated free kick found Sutton but his header drifted over the bar.

    Both ‘keepers had comfortable saves at the start of extra time, before the Hamilton goal had an amazing escape.

    A smart one-two sent Law through but after he fired the ball past the advancing McGovern, it rebounded from the cross bar. With the ‘keeper stranded Ainsworth fired the loose ball towards goal only to see it strike the post and rebound past an inrushing defender and Law.

    Motherwell were then reduced to 10 men when Mark O’Brien was harshly shown a second yellow. That forced Stuart McCall to re-organise his back four sending on Simon Ramsden for Ainsworth.

    That left both teams level for the remaining 20 minutes of extra time but with neither side able to break the deadlock it came down to a dramatic penalty shoot out.

    [tab:As it happened]

     Ally Reilly at New Douglas Park

    It’s all over. Accies win 6-5 on pens

    Accies pen 6: Watson….Scores!

    Motherwell pen 6: Ramsden… SAVED

    Accies Pen 5: Imrie….scores

    Motherwell pen : Law scores!!

    Accies Pen 4: Longridge..scores.

    Motherwell Pen 4: Leitch…scores!!

    Accies Pen 3: Devlin…Scores

    Motherwell Pen 3: Ojamaa……SCORES!

    Accies Pen 2: Crawford…scores.

    Motherwell Pen 2: McManus….SCORES!!

    Accies Pen 1: Gillespie…..Scores in off the bar!

    Motherwell Pen 1: Sutton…….SCORES!

    Nervous.

    ET FT: Still 0-0 so penalties it is! #HAFCvMFC

    3 minutes left until penalties….#HAFCvMFC

    ET 21: Ojamaa’s powerful front post cross is plucked out the air by McGovern #HAFCvMFC

    Second half of extra time is underway… #HAFCvMFC

    ET HT: Hamilton Accies 0 – 0 Motherwell #HAFCvMFC

    ET 14mins: Motherwell sub, Ainsworth off for Ramsden #HAFCvMFC

    ET 11mins: RED CARD: O’Brien gets his second booking and he’s off! Looked soft #HAFCvMFC

    ET 8mins: Decent effort from Lyon who drills a low shot from distance just wide. #HAFCvMFC

    ET 5mins: Law hits the bar, falls to Sutton who fires it back into the path of Law but he cant convert!! What a chance #HAFCvMFC

    ET 4mins: Laws cuts it back to Leitch on the edge of the box and he is unlucky to see his shot curl just wide #HAFCvMFC

    ET 2mins: Ojamaa wins a free-kick in a great area…Ainsworth opts to deliver but McGovern gathers with ease #HAFCvMFC

    Firs half of extra-time is underway #HAFCvMFC

    FT: Hamilton Accies 0 – 0 Motherwell….to extra-time it goes #HAFCvMFC

    2 minutes added on #HAFCvMFC

    89mins: Free-kick to ‘Weill in a wide area….Sutton’s header loops just over! #HAFCvMFC

    84mins: Accies sub, Redmond off for Imrie #HAFCvMFC

    83mins: Greatfootball by ‘Well and as the ball falls to Ojamaa just ouside the box, his left footed shot flies inches wide! #HAFCvMFC

    79mins: Motherwell sub, Vigurs off for Ojamaa #HAFCvMFC

    78mins: Accies sub, Neil is off for Lyon #HAFCvMFC

    77mins: Routine save from Twardzik to deny a soft Crawford shot from distance #HAFCvMFC

    75mins: INCREDIBLE save from McGovern who somehow gets a hand to Vigur’s powerful close range volley :O #HAFCvMFC

    71mins: Great chance for Sutty who slid in to meet Vigurs’ low corner but it flies just past! #HAFCvMFC

    69mins: Accies sub, Andreu off for Watson #HAFCvMFC

    65mins: RED CARD! Hendrie is given his marching orders for a second booking #HAFCvMFC

    61mins: Neil flies into a header leading with his elbow. Nothing given, Lasley, temporarily forceed off for treatment #HAFCvMFC

    59mins: Vigurs booked for dissent as yet again ‘Well have a strong handball claim turned away! #HAFCvMFC

    57mins: Brophy gets on the end of a front post cross but can only poke the ball wide #HAFCvMFC

    56mins: Great chance for ‘Well to break but the ball seemed to take an age to settle for Ainsworth to get a touch on it. Accies recover.

    54mins: Redmond is booked for hacking down Leitch #HAFCvMFC

    Leitch and Lasley get the second 45 underway. COYW! #HAFCvMFC

    The teams are back out for the second half #HAFCvMFC

    HT: Hamilton Accies 0 – 0 Motherwell #HAFCvMFC

    45mins: Hendrie is booked for Accies #HAFCvMFC

    44mins: O’Brien heads Vigurs’ free-kick delivery over the bar #HAFCvMFC

    41mins: McManus is booked for a barge from behind. #HAFCvMFC

    38mins: Andreu volleys well over on his left foot from 25 yards #HAFCvMFC

    35mins: Corner to ‘Well….free header for Sutton but he heads well over! #HAFCvMFC

    34mins: Patient build-up play from ‘Well eventually finds its way to Leitch whose awkward half volley isn’t far wide #HAFCvMFC

    27mins: Acrobatic save from Twardzik to deny Andreu’s shot from distance… #HAFCvMFC

    25mins: Looked like a foul on Lasley but ref waves play on. Fortunately Crawford fires his long range shot well over #HAFCvMFC

    23mins: Lovely one two by Law and Lasley but as Law prepares to shoot, the ball gets caught under his feet and the chance is gone #HAFCvMFC

    20mins: Accies win a corner. From the delivery, ref says Twardzik was fouled and play is stopped #HAFCvMFC

    16mins: Great chance for Crawford after he is slid though 1 on 1 but O’Brien gets back to clear! #HAFCvMFC

    15mins: ‘Well counter but Ainsworth’s ball into the box has no takers. #HAFCvMFC

    14mins: Decent spell of pressure from Accies but Andreu can’t get enough power in his header to trouble Twardzik #HAFCvMFC

    11mins: Great defending from McManus who throws himself in front of Longridge’s shot from the edge of the box #HAFCvMFC

    Second delivery is swept clear by the Accies defence #HAFCvMFC

    8mins: Law forces a corner,which Andreu heads wide for another one. #HAFCvMFC

    6mins: First sniff of a chance for Accies but the through ball for Hendrie runs out of play for a goal kick #HAFCvMFC

    5mins: Accies with the bulk of the ball in the opening 5, but no real chances as yet #HAFCvMFC

    Out come the teams, ‘Well fans in great voice already. COYW!!! #HAFCvMFC

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

    “I’ve never seen that (O’Brien’s first booking) in my entire life. O’Brien makes a tackle and the referee blows for half-time.

    “We all came off the park and go in the dressing room, and the fourth official comes and says he wants to have a word with Mark O’Brien, after being harangued coming off the park. And then he calls him in and books him.

    “Why didn’t he book him on the park? And I thought here we go, this is going to be typical. And the second yellow, he body-strengths him off the ball.

    “The second yellow card is an absolute joke. It’s barely a foul and if that’s a yellow card I’m Dutch. You always think referees look to even things up and that decision swung the balance of the game.

    “But for an unbelievable save from Vigurs, we would have gone through.”

    Hamilton Accies manager Alex Neil:

    “It’s good to be in the next round.

    “I’ve got about seven first-team players out at the moment.

    “I had three 18-year-olds playing towards the end with 10 men and one of the 18-year-olds pops up and scores the winning penalty, so you couldn’t really write the script.

    “For the last year and a bit everything seems to be really falling into place.

    “One thing about us is we’ve got huge energy in the squad. We’re doing well at the moment, we’re proving a hard nut to crack.”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”202″]

  • Archive

    Christmas Parties at Fir Park

    For a truly unforgettable occasion, Motherwell FC are delighted to offer the perfect destination, a choice of tempting cuisine and sparkling entertainment this winter.

    Christmas parties at Fir Park are always a night to remember and this year will be no different.

    We’ve all the ingredients for a great party; high quality catering, lively entertainment and excellent service.

    Enjoy a glass of Champagne on arrival then a fabulous three-course meal in the Centenary Suite before dancing the night away with our live band and disco.

    On the menu will be:

    • Lentil & Vegetable Soup or Duck and Orange Pate
    • Roast Turkey Tornadoes with trimmings or Roast Sirloin of Beef
    • Vegetarian option –  Roast Vegetable tartlet with Goats Cheese
    • White Chocolate & rum torte
    • Tea, coffee & Mints

    All this for an unbelievable £29.95 per person.

    We have five fabulous nights  available:

    • Saturday, 6th December
    • Friday, 12th December
    • Saturday, 13th December
    • Friday, 19th December
    • Saturday, 20th December

    Click here to book online.

    If you would rather not book online, phone the Commercial Team on 01698 338008 / 338062 or email commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk to secure your seat.

    £10 per person deposit to confirm booking. Non returnable after End of October, and cannot be used as part of full payment.

    Outstanding balance to be paid by 15th November.

  • Archive

    TV: Twardzik eyes derby success

    Goalkeeper Dan Twardzik hopes ‘Well can capitalise on recent results and progress in the League Cup tomorrow.

    The former Bayern Munich youngster, who also spent time with Karlsruher and Calcio Como in Italy, has played every minute for the Fir Parkers this season and has already enjoyed some highs and lows in his first few months.

    Now the Czech-born former German Youth International wants Motherwell to put recent Cup disappointments behind them when they face on-form Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park tomorrow.

    [pullquote]Everyone in the dressing room is aware of just how important a game this is for the club and the fans.[/pullquote]

    “Everyone in the dressing room is aware of just how important a game this is for the club and the fans,” he told the press at Motherwell’s pre-match news conference.

    “Hamilton are flying at the moment and it would be great if we could beat them tomorrow.

    “I’ve been told, in recent years, Motherwell have had some problems in the Cups but there is always a time when you can change things like this.

    “Given this game is a derby and we can take confidence from recent results, now is the best time to do that.”

    MFC TV