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    TV: Derby delight for Baraclough

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    Motherwell 4 – 0 Hamilton Accies

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    TV: ‘Well boss to use fans as inspiration

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    Murray’s in charge of derby clash

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    TV: All about the three points for Law

  • Archive

    1932 League Winning Jersey

  • Archive

    Vacancy: Head Groundsman

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from St Mirren Park

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    St Mirren U20s 1 – 5 Motherwell U20s

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    Convert for Cash Returns

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    TV: Derby delight for Baraclough

    ‘Well boss Ian Baraclough was delighted after his side beat Lanarkshire rivals Hamilton 4-0 at Fir Park.

    The win was Motherwell’s first over Accies this season after three successive defeats to their near neighbours in league and cup matches.

    Baraclough savoured the result, while praising goalscorers Lionel Ainsworth and John Sutton as well as the contribution of Marvin Johnson.

    “I’m really pleased for the amount of work that the fellas have gone and put in,” the former Sligo boss said.

    “To be honest I felt as though it was coming, it wasn’t just bravado last week saying that we’d be okay, we would be fine and the results would start to come. Tonight was everything that you wanted it to be.

    “The first 15 minutes was a bit slack, I thought they got a foothold in the game, but after 20 minutes I thought we got a hold of the ball, we asked questions of their back four, we played in the right areas and we got the reward for the way we started the second half as well.

    [pullquote]I think it will give everybody a massive boost, because we felt that’s all that was needed, the end product, the final touch.[/pullquote]

    “People like Lionel Ainsworth and John Sutton I’m particularly pleased for, because they’ve had to endure sitting on the bench and coming off the bench and feeling as though they’re a little bit out of it.

    “But I’ve said it all along that it’s a squad game. When your time is right, go and make an impact, and those two have gone and made an impact tonight.

    “It was a game that we felt he could go and make a massive impact in wide areas. Marvin on one side, Lionel on the other, go and get at their full-backs and exploit the space in behind as well, but also when Marvin is crossing the ball, Lionel get into the back post.

    “We say to our wide men that there’s 10 or 15 goals a season just to get a tap-in at the back stick, and he’s put himself in a position and gone and put it away as well.

    “I think that’s a sweet one for the supporters, they’ve had to put up with a fair bit this season so far, three defeats against your near neighbours is hard to swallow, but tonight they can enjoy themselves and over the weekend they can have a look at the newspapers, and look towards the final eight games with a bit of renewed positivity in the hope that we can replicate that.”

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Motherwell 4 – 0 Hamilton Accies

    [tab:Match report]

    Phil McGhee Fir Park

    Motherwell recorded their biggest win over Hamilton in 35 years to continue the recent run of improved form.

    If Friday morning in Lanarkshire was spent in hopeful pursuit of a solar eclipse, the evening was more productive for Motherwell fans as they watched the Fir Parkers record their most emphatic result and performance of the season against their county rivals.

    In a fabulous second half, two goals inside a minute at the start from Lionel Ainsworth set Motherwell up for three points,with John Sutton coming off the bench to grab himself a brace in the final 10 minutes.

    Ian Brraclough’s decision to recall Lionel Ainsworth for his first start in eight games was fully justified in the end with the winger’s two goals and overall contribution fully meriting him the man of the match.

    But the confidence and desire throughout the Fir Park side augurs well for the remaining eight games and the fight to move clear of the bottom.

    In a promising and positive opening spell from the home side, the Accies goal was put under immediate pressure. And inside three minutes a free kick 20 yards from goal provided the first chance. Josh Law managed to get his effort over the wall but the ball bounced tamely into Michael McGovern’s arms.

    A swift break from Hamilton ended with Grant Gillespie curling a shot over George Long’s was a reminder why ‘Well had conceded nine league goals to Accies this season.

    After a couple of long range efforts from the visitors, though, Motherwell took control and came close to a goal after 18 minutes. Marvin Johnson fed the ball to Scott McDonald but his inviting cross across goal found no takers before the ball drifted narrowly beyond the post.

    After that the Accies goal came under a series of attacks that should have brought the opening goal.

    Firstly, a blistering run from Ainsworth propelled the winger into the box but his finishing shot was straight at the ‘keeper. Two minutes later Lee Erwin latched onto a loose ball in the box and after his first shot was blocked the striker was grounded by Michael Devlin at the corner of the six yard box, amid appeals for a penalty, not given by Calum Murray.

    A few minutes later it was Johnson’s turn to demonstrate his pace on the other wing, haring into the box before sweeping the ball into the six yard box but as Erwin waited to tap the ball home, Jesus Garcia Tena slid in to get a crucial touch to divert the ball beyond the ‘Well striker and the post.

    It was an open game, though, and on the half hour mark Dougie Imrie came within a few inches of an opener with a terrific swerving volley which clipped the outside of the post.

    It took ‘Well only three minutes into the second half to finally make the breakthrough. Stephen Pearson was fouled 40 yards from goal and the quick thinking Keith Lasley rolled the ball in front of Ainsworth who took one touch before unleashing a ferocious strike high into the net.

    Before the home fans could fully celebrate ‘Well doubled their lead. Johnson’s pace and cross from the left exposed the Accies defence and although Erwin failled to make contact in front of goal, Ainsworth arrived at the back of the six yard box to lash the ball high past McGovern to make it 2-0.

    Accies efforts to get back into the game and end their miserable run of eleven games without a win were hindered when Darren Lyon was shown a straight red card for a lunging challenge on Johnson.

    As ten man Hamilton chased a goal, ‘Well and Ainsworth should have added to their tally.
    A terrific pass from McDonald sent Ainsworth racing clear but his angled drive slipped past the advancing ‘keeper and the post.

    That was McDonald’s last piece of action making way for John Sutton who took only two minutes before nodding Ainworth’s delightful cross into net from two yards.

    Sutton then grabbed his second from the penalty spot when Ziggy Gordon tripped Erwin inside the box as Motherwell fully avenged their two heavy defeats from Accies this season and left the fans looking forward to a weekend.

    [tab:As it happened]

     Ally Reilly at Fir Park

    FULL TIME’ | 4-0 | #MFCvHAFC

    90′ | 4-0 | #MFCvHAFC

    Very nearly 5 but McGovern gets enough on Erwin’s close-range shot to get it away for a corner.

    85′ | 4-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Motherwell sub, Dom Thomas is on for Johnson

    Incidentally, in between making graphics for quick-fire goals, Ainsworth was subbed off for Moore.

    83′ | 4-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    It’s 4!!!! Sutton slots home from the spot to pile on the misery for Accies!!!

    GGGOOOAALLLL!!!

    PENALTY!!

    80′ | 3-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Ainsworth clips the ball across goal who nods home from close range. 3-0!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    GGOOOAALLL!!!

    77′ | 2-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Motherwell sub, Sutton on for McDonald.

    75′ | 2-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Almost the Ainsworth hat-trick as he broke away but dragged his shot agonisingly past the post.

    74′ | 2-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Hamilton Accies sub, Longridge on for Redmond.

    71′ | 2-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Another good chance for Hasselbaink as he gets on the end of MacDonald’s cross. Gets it all wrong and shoots wide.

    66′ | 2-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Hasselbaink almost makes an instant impact as his tame looking shot almost deceived Long. Thankfully it went just past

    65′ | 2-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Hamilton Accies sub, Scotland off for Hasselbaink.

    64′ | 2-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    RED CARD!! Lyon is sent off for a terrible challenge on Johnson!!

    63′ | 2-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Garcia Tena booked for a lazy challenge on Erwin.

    60′ | 2-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Great tracking back from Pearson to snuff out the danger from Imrie allowing Long to easily gather the tame cross

    53′ | 2-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Almost a hat-trick for Ainsworth!! McGovern just does enough to claw his top corner-bound shot then clear from Erwin

    49′ | 2-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    …from the restart, Johnson gets a great cross in and he fires home from a tight angle!!! 2-0!!!

    49′ | 2-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    A blistering minute from Ainsworth! Rattles on intot the top corner from 25 yards then…

    ANOTHER GOALLLL!!!

    GGOOOAAAALLLL!!!

    Second Half | 0-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Lasley and Johnson get the second half underway.

    Half Time’ | 0-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Stalemate at Fir Park as the first half ends Motherwell 0 – 0 Hamilton Accies

    44′ | 0-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Hearts in mouths as Law tried to clear from Scotland but almost curled it into his own net :O

    35′ | 0-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Yet another ‘Well corner..cleared and Accies counter. ‘Well recover and Straker makes the clearance.

    34′ | 0-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    McDonald’s free-kick is fired straight into the wall.

    34′ | 0-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Free-kick for ‘Well, in a similar position to where McDonald scored from against Killie.

    30′ | 0-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Ooft. Would have been a stunner from Imrie but his volley from 20 yards hits the outside of the post.

    28′ | 0-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Irmie is booked for a wild looking challenge on Keith Lasley.

    27′ | 0-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Glorious chance for Erwin as Johnson crosses to him but Tena gets a vital touch to it and clears for a corner

    25′ | 0-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Erwin has a great first touch in the box and looked to have been fouled by the defender. Ref has a good look, says no

    24′ | 0-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Another ‘Well corner. This time McManus gets a head to Ainsworth’s delivery but Gordon takes the sting out it.

    23′ | 0-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Ainsworth bursts though the Accies defence but can’t get enough direction on his shot to trouble McGovern.

    19′ | 0-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    McDonald gets a sniff of goal after being played in by Johnson. From the angle, his cross/shot is just wide.

    17′ | 0-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    McManus’ clearance falls at the feet of Crawford who again shoots over the bar, this time with a curled effort.

    15′ | 0-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Action has slowed down a little. Crawford is forced to shoot from range and watches it sail well over the bar.

    10′ | 0-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Crawford gets the break of the ball in midfield and plays in Gillespie who fires over the bar from 18 yards.

    7′ | 0-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Space opens up for Gordon on the right wing and as he cuts in, Lasley has to make the tackle and clear the danger

    5′ | 0-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Corner to Motherwell, Devlin gets to the delivery ahead of McManus and McGovern gathers.

    3′ | 0-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Free-kick to ‘Well about 25 yards out….Law strikes it but it is straight at McGovern, bouncing just in front of him.

    2′ | 0-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Early chance for Accies as Crawford picks the ball up deep and drives forward.Gets a shot away but it’s simple for Long

    1′ | 0-0 | #MFCvHAFC
    Gillespie and Scotland get the game underway #COYW!!!!

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Ian Baraclough:

    “It feels nice. It feels like we’ve got something for the amount of work we put in.

    “The players have gone and given it absolutely everything every day and we don’t leave anything to chance, the lads have been switched on and it’s reward for them.

    “If you look at the two goal scorers they’ve been disappointed, they’ve not been involved all the time. They’ve both gone and played their part tonight in a very big way and that shows you that everyone is pulling in the right direction.

    “We’ve put in a performance that has probably made people stand up and take note and we go into the weekend with a smile on our faces. We can let the other teams see if they can now reply.”

    Hamilton manager Martin Canning:

    “In the first half there wasn’t much between us, but in the second half we’ve switched off, made individual mistakes, and it’s cost us.

    “In the second half everything that could go wrong went wrong. We tried to make the changes to get ourselves back in the game and I thought we still had a couple of opportunities at the other end, but it wasn’t to be on the day.

    “All I can do is continue to work hard, and the players and staff will do the same. We’re confident we can turn it around.

    “We have lost key personnel but that excuse has got to stop now. The boys in the dressing room have got to take responsibility and stand up.”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”225″]

  • Archive

    TV: ‘Well boss to use fans as inspiration

    ‘Well boss Ian Baraclough says the fans are his inspiration ahead of tonight’s local derby with Hamilton at Fir Park.

    The Fir Parkers have lost both league matches against their nearest geographical opponents, and both made for painful viewing for the Steelmen faithful.

    Now, as well as wanting to win three points to put pressure on the teams in and around ‘Well in the table, the former Sligo boss also wants to repay the supporters faith.

    Asked about his desire to win the match, Baraclough said: “We have got to for the sake of our supporters and the sake of ourselves, we want three points. It’s a home game and we want to make sure the supporters enjoy their weekend.

    [pullquote]We have got to for the sake of our supporters and the sake of ourselves, we want three points. It’s a home game and we want to make sure the supporters enjoy their weekend.[/pullquote]

    “It’s three crucial points against our local rivals and a team that we have not done fantastically well against this season.

    “There’s the carrot for us that we reverse those defeats and take ourselves into next week on the up.

    “I think over the past few weeks we have given them [the fans] something to back us with. I always talk about the beating of the drum. We get them to beat that drum and be supportive. But it’s up to us to get them going and give them something to be vocal about.

    “I think our energy and intensity in games, and the way we have passed the ball at times and created chances, is all coming together and improving. If we carry on in the same vein then the points will follow.”

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    Murray’s in charge of derby clash

    Referee for tonight’s SPFL Premiership Lanarkshire Derby with Hamilton at Fir Park is Calum Murray.

    Murray is an experienced whistler with well over fifteen years in the top flight and this is his fourth ‘Well match of the campaign.

    The first being the opening day success of St Mirren, the win coming courtesy of Lee Erwin’s first senior goal in a 1-0 success.

    The second, in early December, was also at Fir Park but was a 0-1 reverse to Champions Celtic. Anthony Stokes scored the game’s only goal, but 10-man ‘Well had a great chance to nick a point late on through Erwin but he sent his header wide of the post.

    Most recently, he handled the disappointing 3-2 defeat at the Global Energy Stadium. ‘Well, buoyed by several new faces, went down to three stunning goals despite strikes from Conor Grant and Fraser Kerr.

    Somewhat surprisingly though, that Saints game earlier in the campaign was his first in North Lanarkshire for eighteen months.

    He only took charge of one ‘Well match last term, that was the 2-0 defeat at McDiarmid Park – Stevie May and Nigel Hasselbaink on the score sheet.
    Previous to that, it was February 2013 and a 3-0 for Stuart McCall’s side over Inverness (Michael Higdon double and a Nicky Law strike) at Fir Park.

    Murray took charge of another two Motherwell matches that same campaign, the instantly forgettable 2-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox in the Scottish Communities League Cup and the 3-2 victory over Ross County at Fir Park.

    Back in 2011, he also handled the Scottish Cup Final between Motherwell and Celtic at Hampden.

    His overall record in charge of the Steelmen is fairly mixed. Of the 24 games he has taken charge of, Motherwell have won ten, drawn four and lost ten. The Fir Parkers have scored 31 whilst 33 have hit the back of the ‘Well net.

    70 players have seen yellow on those sixteen matches, 36 of which were shown to a player wearing Claret and Amber.

    Three players has been sent for an early bath, Bob Malcolm in the famous 1-0 win over Celtic back in early 2008, Jim Goodwin, for a second bookable offence, in that match this term and Simon Ramsden in the defeat to Celtic before Christmas last year.

    Calum will be ably assisted by Alan Mulvanny and Graham McNeillie with Kevin Graham on fourth official duties. Bryan Robertson is the Referee Observer and Richard Gray is the SPFL Delegate.

  • Archive

    TV: All about the three points for Law

    Josh Law is far more concerned with getting three much-needed points for Motherwell than dishing out vengeance on Hamilton.

    Motherwell have lost nine goals without reply in two Scottish Premiership games against their neighbours this season while also suffering a League Cup defeat on penalties at New Douglas Park.

    The defeats have been the low points of a season that has not been short on disappointment but Motherwell have shown real signs of improvement in recent weeks and can move four points ahead of bottom club St Mirren when they host Accies on Friday night.

    [pullquote]We will approach it like any other game, we are not out for revenge or anything but we desperately need the win so we will be looking to get our first win against them.[/pullquote]

    Law, who has been playing at right-back in recent weeks, said: “We have had a couple of beatings off them to be honest and obviously the League Cup loss earlier in the year.

    “We will approach it like any other game, we are not out for revenge or anything but we desperately need the win so we will be looking to get our first win against them.

    “The two games haven’t gone how we wanted them to but we have a few fresh players who didn’t experience that and we are all just keen to get on with it.

    “It’s a must-win game, all the games are at this stage of the season in the position we are.”

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    1932 League Winning Jersey

    MFC TV

    In 1932, Motherwell F.C. won the Scottish League Championship under the guidance of legendary manager Sailor Hunter.

    This is arguably the Club’s finest hour and the shirt worn on that day is now synonymous with the famous Claret and Amber.

    In a new partnership with COPA, one of Europe’s biggest manufacturers of Retro Football shirts, we have designed a new jersey based on the one worn by the League Winning side. The shirt itself is a close replica of the original with the added bonus of the famous MFC script crest which would be worn on our shirts in future years.

    The shirt which is made from 100% cotton, encapsulates the essence of Motherwell F.C. and comes in a stylish COPA gift box is available to purchase online and in store at The Well Shop now.

    Click here  to visit MotherwellDirect

  • Archive

    Vacancy: Head Groundsman

    Motherwell FC is on the hunt for a new Head Groundsperson.

    This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant contribution at one of the country’s top football clubs.

    The ideal candidate should have a minimum five years practical experience and have not only a get up and go attitude but, importantly, be a decision maker with a working knowledge of stadium pitch management.

    This is a great opportunity to continue the excellent improvements made by Mikey Ellis over the last few years.

    You will need excellent qualifications and experience in turf industry as well as organisation skills and a good eye for detail.

    This is a high profile role and applicants must be resilient, assertive, flexible and able to work under pressure. The ability to establish relationships and communicate effectively with people at all levels is essential.

    If you are interested in applying please email your CV and covering letter to amarshall@motherwellfc.co.uk

    Salary: £26,000
    Closing Date for applications: 1st April 2015

    Motherwell Football Club is an equal opportunities employer.

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from St Mirren Park

     Extended highlights from St Mirren Park as the Under 20s beat Saints 5-1 in the SPFL Development League.

    MFC TV

  • Archive

    St Mirren U20s 1 – 5 Motherwell U20s

    Motherwell U20s returned to winning ways in spectacular style, winning 1-5 at St Mirren Park this evening.

    Mark O’Brien and Bob McHugh gave the Steelmen a commanding first-half lead, before Kieran Sadlier reduced the deficit on the stroke of half time.

    However, it wouldn’t deter Jonatan Johansson’s men, who went on to win handsomely, with further goals coming from Craig Moore and a Dom Thomas double.

    ‘Well made four changes to the side that lost narrowly to St Johnstone last midweek. Jack McMillan, Stuart Carswell, Ben Hall and Dylan Mackin dropped out, replaced by Fraser Kerr, Jack Leitch, O’Brien and Moore.

    And Motherwell took the lead after just seven minutes; however, it wasn’t the first chance of the game.

    Saints stopper Mark Fodden brilliantly turned around Moore’s close range header, but he was powerless to stop the next effort when, from the resulting corner, Mark O’Brien bulleted home Dom Thomas’ cross.

    Kerr almost made it two with another header from a Thomas corner, whilst Saints’ first effort of the game came through Lewis Morgan, but his long-range effort sailed high over the crossbar.

    Motherwell continued to press but it was Saints who were presented with a great opportunity to level when referee Stephen Brown adjudged Luke Watt to have pushed Sadlier in the area. Former Ross County Yoann Arquin stepped up, but he screwed it wide of the post, and bizarrely though an advertising board!

    Dom Thomas had couple of half chances with shots from distance before Bob McHugh doubled the Steelmen’s advantage after 36 minutes.

    Luke Watt was the architect, sending a lovely ball over the top in between the Saints’ backline and Fodden. McHugh nipped between both, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball into an empty net.

    It looked at that stage as if ‘Well might run away with the game, particularly when Nathan Thomas came close to adding a third, only to be stopped by an excellent defensive block.

    However, Saints got back into the game seconds before the half-time interval. Callum Ball sprung the offside trap and hared into the box. He was thwarted by the diving Brett Long, but still was able to prod it back to Sadlier who smashed home from an acute angle.

    Undeterred, ‘Well made a positive start to the second period and McHugh was unlucky not to add a third with a low shot just wide, before Ross MacLean thundered a long-range shot that forced Fodden to parry.

    Saints’ goal was leading a charmed life and they had Jordan Stewart to thank for an excellent clearance on the line, when he got back behind his keeper to somehow deny McHugh a brace.

    However, a third looked inevitable and when it came, it was a thing of beauty.

    McHugh’s turn took two out the game, before dinking it forward to Jack Leitch whose deft back heel flick for the supporting Moore was exquisite, allowing the striker to race in on goal. His powerful shot was parried by Fodden, only for Dom Thomas to smash high into the net from close range.

    The Steelmen sensed blood and went for more goals, Fodden having to look smart to deny both Leitch and Nathan Thomas from distance, but again, he was helpless to stop ‘Well adding a fourth.

    Leitch’s quick-thinking free-kick played Moore in over the top, and he unleashed a stunning strike high into the top corner to confirm the win.

    If goals three and four were out the top drawer then goal five, some six minutes later was, well, the opposite. McHugh and Thomas combined down the left and when the latter eventually sent a cutback for his wing partner, Thomas Reilly blocked his shot before Mark William’s attempted clearance cannoned off the 19-year old and squirmed past the despairing Fodden.

    It was a goal that summed up a miserable night for the Buddies. Johansson would have been delighted with his side, who returned to winning ways in convincing style.

    Motherwell: B. Long, Watt, Ferguson, J. Leitch, O’Brien (McMillan – 47mins), Kerr, N. Thomas (Higgins – 79mins), Moore, McHugh, D. Thomas, MacLean

    Subs: Currie, McNulty, McCall, Mackin, Anderson

  • Archive

    Convert for Cash Returns

    The infamous Cash Converters “Convert for Cash” challenge is back for Friday’s visit of Hamilton Accies.

    Faced by two giant inflatable footballs, fans must dribble the balls with their hands around a slalom course and, cross the goal-line to take home £150.

    For your chance to take part and win this fantastic prize, enter your details at the Cash Converters Football Facebook page now: CLICK HERE.

    The Facebook page will also give you the chance to Convert Your Seat and get within touching distance of the Well stars in the dugout. Simply “Like” the page, and get entering. CLICK HERE TO WIN SOME GREAT PRIZES.

    Entries will close at midday on Thursday 19th March 2015.

    *Please note: You must be aged over 18 to take part, and proof of age will be required on the day. You must also already possess a match ticket.

    Cash Converters