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Stevie Hammell hopes he’s made it back in the nick of time to help ‘Well in their end-of-season scrap after fearing his season was finished.

The legendary left-back, who has played over 500 times in Claret and Amber, has missed most of the season with relapses of a groin tear he picked up in Iceland back in July.

That has restricted him to just seven domestic games during the whole campaign, and he has been forced to watch on as his teammates struggled in the SPFL Premiership.

There were even points during his injury he feared his campaign over.

“There were a couple of times when I thought I wouldn’t play again this season,” he admitted

[pullquote]It’s really pleasing [to be back] and it’s great to get back playing because I really missed it this season. There’s still enough in the dressing room to stay in this league. Not being able to get out there and help the boys was really frustrating[/pullquote]

“Especially the second time when I thought I’ll would just need to concentrate on getting fit for next season but the progression went really quickly from seeing the specialist, to doing gym based work and into training for a couple weeks, then under 20s games and then into first team games.

“It’s really pleasing [to be back] and it’s great to get back playing because I really missed it this season. There’s still enough in the dressing room to stay in this league. Not being able to get out there and help the boys was really frustrating.”

Speaking about tomorrow’s game against St Mirren, the former Scotland cap was in no mood to underplay the size of the match.

“it’s a huge fortnight but we’ll take it one game at a time then see where we are at the end of it.

“There isn’t anything we can do about other results. We’ll concentrate on trying to win what will be a tough game and with any luck, it will be all to play for come the following weekend.”

Ian Baraclough has told his side to expect one of the toughest matches of the campaign against St Mirren tomorrow.

The Fir Park men need to win in Paisley or risk going into next weeks’ final match at home to Partick Thistle with only a narrow chance of escaping the Play-off place.

People considered St Mirren post match games as a ‘gimmie’ following their difficult run of form prior to the league split.

However, the manager does not see that and has spent the past week hammering home the message that this weekend will be the toughest of this long campaign given Saints have taken six points from their last three matches.

Baraclough said: “St Mirren have very little to play for now apart from personal pride and contracts. It can free you up and we saw that last week at Ross County.

“We have to be right at it from minute on and that has to be maintained right up until the final whistle.

[pullquote]”We have drummed into them from day one this week that this is probably going to be the hardest game of the season. Make no mistake about that.”[/pullquote]

Momentum is key at this time of the year and the Fir Park boss will hope last Friday’s win at home to Kilmarnock will give his side a further boost.

He added: “If we were to win our last three games, and we’ve ticked off the first leg by beating Killie, then we are going to get close, but there is no guarantee that we will get over the line. All the focus has been on the next two games.

“It does nag away when you are in the position and losing games. You do wonder where your next point is coming from and start worrying about what is going on elsewhere. It’s not a nice place to be.

“Teams who perhaps thought they were safe all of a sudden have to energise their minds again. What was working for us and what isn’t now? They haven’t won for a couple of games now.

“From our point of view, we will continue to battle on and see where it takes us. Some had already written us off, but we’re using that as motivation.”

Referee for this Saturday’s SPFL Premiership clash with St Mirren at St Mirren Park is Brian Colvin.

It will be Colvin’s fourth Motherwell fixture of the 2014/15 campaign thus far.

The first was the hard-earned point at Celtic Park, when Kris Common’s disputed penalty earned the hosts a point after John Sutton had put the Fir Parkers in front.

The second was the disappointing 1-3 defeat at home to Dundee, when Henrik Ojamaa’s second-half consolation goal wasn’t enough to stop Paul Hartley’s side running out comfortable winners.

Most recently he was the man in the middle for ‘Well’s narrow 1-0 win over Partick Thistle at Fir Park back in late December, Sutton again converting a 14th minute penalty.

He also handled two during the 2013/14 season.

The first was the League Cup Third Round clash at Livingston one year ago. Bob McHugh put the Fir Parkers ahead before James McFadden made it two with a deft back-heel flick. Livi reduced the deficit late into stoppage time but it wasn’t enough as ‘Well progressed to the Quarter Finals with a 2-1 win.

The other match came three weeks after that success at Almondvale when ‘Well edged out Hearts 2-1 at Fir Park.

Ryan Stevenson gave the visitors the lead but Craig Moore scored a cracker on his league debut to level things before Shaun Hutchinson powered home a header to secure all three points.

It was two ‘Well matches the previous season, too.

The first was his first ever in charge of the Steelmen – a 3-1 win over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park. Jamie Murphy had put Motherwell in a commanding lead with two goals before the break. Nicky Law added a third with a cheeky dink over the goalkeeper before Saints pulled one back late on.

The second was a 2-2 draw with St Mirren at Fir Park. Michael Higdon opened the scoring for the Steelmen only for Connor Newton and Lewis Guy to put the visitors ahead. Step forward James McFadden with another piece of brilliance from a dead ball, curling a free kick high past Craig Samson to rescue a point.

In those seven matches, he has produced just twelve yellow cards, five of which were flashed at players in Claret and Amber, and one red for Livi’s Jason Talbot for a reckless lunge at Stevie Hammell.

He will be assisted by Stuart McMillan and Dougie Porter with Andrew Dallas on 4th Official duty.

The SPFL has today announced the betting company Ladbrokes as its title sponsor from season 2015/16, in a two-year deal which includes rights across all four leagues and 42 clubs.

The deal is the biggest ever of its kind in Scottish football and will see the nation’s professional football leagues become known as the Ladbrokes Premiership, Ladbrokes Championship, Ladbrokes League 1 and Ladbrokes League 2 ahead of the start of the new season in August.

It marks the latest in a rich history of high-profile sports sponsorship and brand associations for Ladbrokes, which plans to run a host of activations through the different rights of its SPFL title partnership.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ladbrokes to the SPFL’s growing family of key sponsors and partners and look forward to working with them from season 2015/16 at this truly exciting time for Scottish football.

“As an established and respected leading brand in its very competitive marketplace, Ladbrokes is a perfect partner for the SPFL and we have a shared vision of a positive future for professional league football in Scotland. Ladbrokes’ backing of Scottish football is hugely valued and appreciated and I say that not only on behalf of the SPFL but also for all 42 member clubs.

“Today’s announcement is the result of significant investment of energy and effort and further strengthens our optimism about the future health of the game in Scotland.

“With all that positivity comes an opportunity to tell the story of a modern, engaging and exciting Scottish football environment and we look forward to doing just that with all our partners including new title sponsor Ladbrokes.”

Ladbrokes is a world leader in the betting and gaming industry with more than 2,100 shops and a great heritage and presence across UK sport. It has recently sponsored Rugby Football League’s Challenge Cup, extended its backing of horse racing’s St Leger Festival at Doncaster and continues to sponsor The Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Welcoming the new partnership, Jim Mullen, CEO of Ladbrokes said: “We love football so we are delighted to be working with the SPFL on one of the best opportunities in British sport.

“This partnership will help to propel Ladbrokes and the SPFL to new heights and will put us at the heart of Scottish football throughout the year. Getting people engaged with great sport and making sure they share our passion is at the very core of everything we are about.

“Our customers support clubs at every level of Scottish football from the professional leagues that we sponsor to the local Sunday League stalwarts. The Scottish game deserves a committed supporter and our financial backing will help to ensure every level of the game benefits from Ladbrokes’ involvement.”

Fans should note this afternoon’s game with Hamilton Accies U20s has been postponed.

Ninety minutes before kick-off Fir Park was battered by a deluge of rain and after a pitch inspection, the referee has deemed the pitch unsuitable for play.

A date to the re-arranged fixture is yet to be decided.

 

 

 

Fir park opens it’s doors for league leader ladies in midweek showcase match.

Equality between male and female sport has always been a hotly debated topic, not always helped by sexist comments from the media suggesting female sports in some way lacks the excitement and skill of their male counterparts…but we know this isn’t true! Unfortunately though, despite the high skill level, commitment, vision and drive of female footballers, it often seems that the game doesn’t always receive backing in equal measures.

Despite women’s football being one of the fastest growing sports in the world, it seems a constant battle to receive the financial backing, dedicated media coverage and general status it deserves. Let’s look at our female national A squad who are higher ranked than the men’s team…but I bet you didn’t know that, but who would blame you, it’s not like our beautiful game is regularly showcased on the back page of our morning papers.

So let’s strip things back to basics. Ok, so we can’t hide the fact that there has to be some kind of financial backing to raise the status of women’s football, but let’s look beyond that. Women’s football needs to firstly be on a par with that of our men’s teams before anything else. Certain aspects of the game may differ but being treated the same is where I believe it starts. The simple things like training kit, equipment and facilities used are a basis for equality. Some of our female teams here in Scotland train 4 times a week, that’s more than most of out top level men’s teams…as well as manage a full time job or further education …and kids too! The sad thing is though that a lot of the clubs in Scotland who have both men’s and women’s teams playing at a high level, have little or no affiliation with their female counterparts at all.

But clubs like Motherwell FC have fully embraced being affiliated with their ladies team and offer a huge amount of support in order to ensure they are not only treated as equals, but are given the best opportunities possible to join forces and together, achieve club goals! This has really helped Motherwell ladies create a highly professional set up which is undoubtedly an attractive feature when looking to seek top level players. Motherwell FC whole heartedly supports their female counterparts in a whole host of different ways. The ladies are given full use of first team facilities for both their training nights and more! This includes the club gym, cardio and conditioning rooms and state of the art training equipment. The ladies take full advantage of this privilege on a Wednesday night when they use both cardio and conditioning equipment to ensure they are hitting cardio and muscular endurance targets before heading out to the 3G astro facility to the rear of the stadium for their skills and tactics based sessions. The use of these facilities is paramount to any professional set up to ensure players are performing at peak levels.

Motherwell FC have also supported the ladies this season in ensuring they look as professional off the pitch as they do on it! This season the club donated full training kit and match day tracksuits to all players. Sourcing funding to buy this amount of quality merchandise for any club is no mean feat. It’s fantastic to have this support and have all players affiliated with the club, proudly wearing the badge …which gives the perfect look for match day photos! Gone are the days your mum stands at the side of the park with a disposable camera trying to catch you in your best action shot! Motherwell FC have linked up the ladies team to provide them with their own professional photographers who cover their SPFL Premiership games! A huge thank you to SNS pix who have kindly agreed to support the ladies with their league and cup campaigns this season. SNS pix have already covered 2 of the ladies games so close in to the start of their season and you can see for yourself, the quality of their work is absolutely outstanding! Thank you SNS pix! Be sure to follow us on twitter: @MotherwellLFC to see match day photos.

Impressive isn’t it!? …but there’s more!!

Motherwell FC has given the ladies team the use of their first team stadium, Fir Park for selected games this season, allowing the ladies to use first team changing facilities and the pitch to play on but also allowing them to open the doors of Fir Park to the friends, families and fans of their club. Something I believe is a key factor to the success of the women’s game.

Playing in a professional stadium on a carpet surface is every players dream isn’t it? To have the eyes of the world on you..to score that world class goal and turn to face the thousands of screaming fans chanting your name!? Come on, admit it, we’ve all had that dream once or twice! Its exciting! Plain and simple! It’s the kind of thing that gives a player goosebumps. Walking down the tunnel, anticipating that first step onto inch perfect grass! It reminds you of why you give the blood sweat and tears and leave every ounce of energy you have on the training ground, knowing that come match day, the stadium is where you get to showcase your hard work.

It makes it professional! Facilities are of the highest order. Not only does it look fantastic, but as a player in those surroundings it makes you feel fantastic, which can only be a good thing for team morale but more importantly, team performance! It certainly makes all the difference in the world to a player to play on that kind of surface rather than having to avoid potholes and the latest present left by the local dog!

There is absolutely no question a professional surface raises the quality of the game. A slick passing surface allows the ball to travel at pace, smoothly across the grass. This raises the tempo of the game and in turn increases the tiki taka quick style of play which we all love to see on match day! …great for the players…great for the fans! Watching women’s football is an absolutely brilliant day out! The quality of the game can bring just as much flair, skill, determination, grit, aggression and excitement as any men’s game! Coming along to the local park, with no seating, toilets or shelter is one thing, but coming along to watch a women’s game in a 15,000 seater stadium, bovril to hand and a pitch perfect view really does make it a fantastic family day out for all! It’s a great opportunity to bring along the family and inspire our future stars into the game! Regular stadium games will attract a regular match day crowd of dedicated fans but will also create an attractive environment to bring out a whole new set of MLFC supporters and that can only be a good thing!

So thanks to Motherwell FC nows your chance to get your friends, family, uncles, aunties, nieces, nephews, granny’s and granda’s out and along to experience the passion and Well family atmosphere of the women’s game in Lanarkshire’s finest stadium! The first opportunity to see the Ladies take to the pitch will be on the evening of Wednesday13th May where they will play Edinburgh South in the league, 8pm KO. Well ladies formally invites you all to come along, cheer and support our ladies from the stands as they take to the hallowed turf of Fir Park for the first time this season! It would be great to see some first team fans there showing support to our ladies and entry is absolutely FREE! A fantastic Wednesday night out for all the family.

A huge thank you to all at Motherwell FC for your support this season, including all the first team players and staff for your continued support on social media. Motherwell FC have shown the ladies a tremendous club support and one that rightly puts our men and women on an even playing field. It’s fantastic to be working in unity to achieve club success.

Follow me on twitter @dibsy_

Extended highlights from Fir Park as goals from Erwin, McDonald and Ainsworth gave ‘Well a 3-1 win.

‘Well boss Ian Baraclough praised the resilience of his side after the 3-1 win against Kilmarnock at Fir Park.

The Steelmen had roared into a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break and were looking good to see out the match for a vital win.

However, Josh Magennis halved the deficit and there was a spell when you could almost feel the nerves inside the stadium.

However, to their credit, ‘Well were able to regain their composure, regain their ascendancy in the match and eventually added a decisive third late on to confirm the victory.

A pleased Ian Baraclough told MFC TV after the match: “We had to dig in at times, show some character and had do some of the uglier sides of the game tonight. We did that which in turn allowed us to go and play our football when the opportunity allowed for it.

“I enjoyed some of our attacking play. It can be difficult when you’re under a bit of pressure to show that sort of football, but credit to the players.

“The goals all had some nice elements to them and we do carry a threat. We’re creating chances – I think we had 19 shots tonight and that’s certainly an encouraging sign.”

[pullquote]I enjoyed some of our attacking play. It can be difficult when you’re under a bit of pressure to show that sort of football, but credit to the players.[/pullquote]

‘Well now sit three points behind Kilmarnock with two games left to play.

Ross County have the chance to extend that back to six if they beat St Mirren in Dingwall at the weekend, but Baraclough is adamant is side need to finish the season with victories to really ramp up the pressure on others in the fight.

Asked if his side needed six points from their next two, he added: “We’ve got to, otherwise tonight’s win is for nothing. Two wins gives others very little margin for error, but we’ll take it one step at a time.

“We’ve built some momentum over the last ten games, albeit with a few blips along the way; but we need to try and maintain that. I believe in the players and I think they can go and deal with it. It’ll be difficult, but they’ve got the ability

“But for now we’ll take a break over the weekend then come back in on Monday with all guns blazing towards St Mirren next weekend.”

Action pictures from this evening’s 3-1 win over Kilmarnock at Fir Park.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

[svgallery name=”kilmarnock080515″]

[tab:Match report]

Phil McGhee Fir Park

A resounding ‘Well win closed the gap on Kilmarnock to three points and ensures that the fight to avoid the play-offs goes on.

After a slow start, two goals from Scott McDonald and Lee Erwin in the latter part of the first half provided Motherwell with the perfect foundation for what should have been a comfortable and well deserved win.

But when Josh Magennis pulled one back for Killie soon after the break, ‘Well fans had to endure a few missed chances and anxious moments before Lionel Ainsworth came off the bench to make it 3-1 and put the game and the three crucial points beyond any doubt.

Knowing that it really was a ‘must win’ game, Ian Baraclough was forced to make one change from the side which drew with Ross County, Simon Ramsden coming in at right back for the injured Josh Law.

The ‘Well defence had an early escape when a Magennis’ pass somehow found its way to the unmarked Paul Cairney but from12 yards his low shot was blocked by George Long.

Not surprisingly, given the stakes, the Fir Park players were are a little nervous in possession and Killie almost made them pay after 15 minutes when Magennis had time to control the ball before firing an angled drive which Long brilliantly blocked with his feet.

It took the home side 22 minutes for their first threat on goal when Marvin Johnson, who was a constant threat on the left, curled the ball towards Scott McDonald but his header drifted harmlessly over.

In their next attack six minutes later, though, ‘Well found the target and take charge of the game.

Lee Erwin showed tremendous skill just inside the box to evade three tackles. And although Craig Samson got down well to parry the young striker’s shot on the line, McDonald nipped in to ram the ball home for his second goal in two games.

Lee Ashcroft was annoyed when he narrowly failed to head home the equaliser on the half hour mark but the Killie centre back was left bamboozled when the home side made it 2-0 seven minutes from the interval.

Lee Erwin appeared to have little options as he chased a long ball at the edge of the box closely marked by Ashcroft. But the striker twice turned his opponent before dragging the ball towards the centre of the box, finishing off a fantastic solo goal by drilling the ball across Samson to put ‘Well in the driving seat.

And a with Killie dazed McDonald almost made it 3-0 but his header from Johnson’s cross was well saved by Samson at the foot of his post.

In attempt to stave off a another crushing defeat Gary Locke made two changes at the interval and within seven minutes they had pulled a goal back.

The ‘Well defence failed to deal with a Jamie Hamill corner and after the ball had floated across the six yard box a few times, Magennis forced it home to give the visitors a lift.

The third goal which would have eased the home fans almost came on the 70th minute. Erwin’s headed flick found McDonald who rolled the ball in front of Conor Grant and his rising shot was netbound until Samson palmed the ball over.

That gave the ‘Well players a spark to their play and another swift move ended with Keith Lasley drilling his shot wide from 20 yards.

Firstly Erwin and then Johnson skied efforts over the bar as the game entered the final 10 minutes on a bit of a knife edge.

With five minutes remaing, Baraclough brought on Lionel Ainsworth and Anthony Straker just in time to see McDonald curl a 25 yard free kick just outside Samson’s right hand post.

But it was left to Ainsworth to make certain of the points in the final minute of normal time. McDonald carried the ball towrds the box before playing in the sub who stepped inside Daryl Westlake before sweeping the ball past Samson for a great finish.

John Sutton then came on for the five minutes of added on time but it was McDonald who might have added another when he raced through the expose Kille defence before forcing a fine diving save from Samson.

However, despite his heroics the Kilmarnock ‘keeper couldn’t prevent his side from slipping to their seventh consecutive defeat and gives the Steelmen hope they can get out of the bottom two.

[tab:As it happened]

 Ally Reilly at Fir Park

Great performance and an enormous three points. COYW!!!!

FULL TIME!!!

90′ | 3-1 | #MFCvKFC

Almost 4 as McDonald bursts clear but Samson stands tall and diverts it wide for a corner.

90′ | 3-1 | #MFCvKFC

Motherwell sub, Sutton on for Erwin.

90′ | 3-1 | #MFCvKFC

Ainsworth drills it past Samson after being played in McDonald!! Great goal!

GGOOAALLL!!!

87′ | 2-1 | #MFCvKFC

McDonald curls his free-kick from 25 yards just wide of the post with Samson beat!

86′ | 2-1 | #MFCvKFC

Motherwell subs, Grant and Hammell off for Ainsworth and Straker

85′ | 2-1 | #MFCvKFC

Westlake booked for a late challenge on Erwin….

82′ | 2-1 | #MFCvKFC

Erwin cuts past Ashcroft but his shot from just outside the box is high and over the bar.

Young ‘Well fans can vote now for their Man of the Match by using #MatchAttaxMOTM. #MFCvKFC

76′ | 2-1 | #MFCvKFC

Barbour is bandaged up and will continue, Johnson back on too.

75′ | 2-1 | #MFCvKFC

Sore one for Barbour an Johnson who clash heads going for a header. Both down receiving treatment.

73′ | 2-1 | #MFCvKFC

Nice bit of play by Hammell and McDonald sets up Lasley who fires well wide from 25 yards.

71′ | 2-1 | #MFCvKFC

Kilmarnock sub, Pascali off for the bearded Connolly

70′ | 2-1 | #MFCvKFC

Good save by Samson to beat Grant’s powerful shot over the bar from 15 yards. Corner….cleared by Killie.

68′ | 2-1 | #MFCvKFC

Hamill and Pearson booked. Looked like it got a bit heated between the two.

64′ | 2-1 | #MFCvKFC

Pascali booked for a late challenge on Pearson. Grant’s delivery is too deep and goes out for goal kick.

63′ | 2-1 | #MFCvKFC

McDonald picks the ball up on the left and crosses high to Erwin but he can only head wide. Awkward chance.

Tonight’s match attendance at Fir Park is 3,986. Thanks as always for joining us. #MFCvKFC

59′ | 2-1 | #MFCvKFC

Free-kick to ‘Well in decent area, Johnson delivers and it’s nodded wide by what looked like a Killie player.No corner.

52′ | 2-1 | #MFCvKFC

Goal, Magennis pulls one back for Killie, tapping home from close range

49′ | 2-0 | #MFCvKFC

Killie free-kick in a good wide position,taken short then cleared by Lasley

46′ | 2-0 | #MFCvKFC

Johnson and Lasley get the second 45 underway. COYW!

Half-time | 2-0 | #MFCvKFC

Two Killie subs, McKenzie and Clingan off for Obadeyi and Kiltie.

HALF TIME | #MFCvKFC

Motherwell 2 – 0 Kilmarnock

42′ | 2-0 | #MFCvKFC

Johnson whips in a deep cross which McDonald gets his head to but can’t generate enough power to beat Samson.

41′ | 2-0 | #MFCvKFC

Samson called into action again, this time getting his foot onto Johnson’s powerful low drive. All Motherwell now!

39′ | 2-0 | #MFCvKFC

Hammell does superbly to release Erwin, who shows enough strength and finishes past Samson to make it 2-0!!!!

GGGOOOAALLL!!!

36′ | 1-0 | #MFCvKFC

Great bit of wing play from Johnson as he skips past Barbour but his drive cross has nobody on the end of it.

35′ | 1-0 | #MFCvKFC

Good play down the left wing leads to a ‘Well corner but Miller and Cairney combine to clear the danger.

30′ | 1-0 | #MFCvKFC

Ashcroft has a free header 6 yards out but somehow fails to hit the target!

26’| 1-0 | #MFCvKFC

Samson can only beat Erwin’s powerful shot out to McDonald who was on hand to tap in from 2 yards!!! 1-0!!

GGOOOAALLLL!!!

17′ | 0-0 | #MFCvKFC

Strong, strong claim for a penalty there! Westlake appeared to move his arm towards to the ball to clear from Grant.

16′ | 0-0 | #MFCvKFC

Magennis gets a low shot away from a tight angle which ricochets off Hammell.Long does excellently to get a foot on it!

9’| 0-0 | #MFCvKFC

Erwin wins a corner off Pascali…great Conor Grant delivery but nobody on the end of it.

2′ | 0-0 | #MFCvKFC

Big chance for Cairney who gets on the end of a low cross but Long is equal to it and O’Brien mops up!

2′ | 0-0 | #MFCvKFC

Ball falls nicely for Cairney about 25 yards out and he tries his luck. Thankfully it whizzes well wide.

Kick-off | 0-0 | #MFCvKFC

Hamill and McKenzie get the game underway. COYW!!

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Ian Baraclough:

“The win drags us closer to Kilmarnock. What happens in those situations, all of a sudden players get edgy, make decisions that you probably wouldn’t do normally, fans get edgy.

“I feel as though we are a side that are in the ascendancy but it’s all to play for. There are two massive games now for both us and Kilmarnock and it gets us closer and they know we are on their tails.”

Kilmarnock manager Gary Locke:

“We knew if we got a result tonight we were okay. The fact that Motherwell have beaten us, we are right in the mix.

“No point feeling sorry for ourselves, we have got to make sure we respond. We have been on a terrible run and we have to rectify that next week.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”231″]