fbpx
News

Latest News

  • Archive

    Motherwell 1 – 2 Aberdeen

  • Archive

    TV: Baraclough previews Dons clash

  • Archive

    TV: Law up for Dons battle

  • Archive

    Aberdeen hospitality still available

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Tynecastle

  • Archive

    Hearts defeat in pictures

  • Archive

    TV: Baraclough annoyed at Capital loss

  • Archive

    Hearts 2 – 0 Motherwell

  • Archive

    TV: Baraclough up for Tynecastle test

  • Archive

    Stephen Pearson: Injury Update

  • Archive

    Motherwell 1 – 2 Aberdeen

    [tab:Match report]

     Phil McGhee Fir Park

    For the second consecutive Saturday, Motherwell were left empty handed after defensive lapses cost them dearly.

    Similar to the Dundee United game, ‘Well’s performance merited a point. But after Marvin Johnson’s fifth minute goal gave them the perfect start, two cheap goals for Niall McGinn and Ash Taylor gifted Aberdeen a win they scarcely deserved.

    Ian Baraclough stood by the same starting eleven which failed to make an impression at Tynecastle on Wednesday.

    That allowed Reading’s on loan midfielder Taylor to make his home debut, leaving McDonald to play further forward and support the former Wrexham striker Moult on his first home start.

    With only one goal to their credit so far and facing an Aberdeen side yet to concede a league goal, the Fir Park fans didn’t anticipate a dramatic change to those statistics.

    However within five minutes the Dons defence had been breached as ‘Well made the ideal start after their midweek miseries.

    Connor Ripley had a comfortable save from Shay Logan as Aberdeen probed the home goal.

    Play immediately moved to the other end as McDonald released Lionel Ainsworth who sped towards the visitor’s box.

    He then laid the ball back for the Aussie striker who watched his thumping drive palmed away by Danny Ward. But before the Dons’ ‘keeper could react Johnson had latched onto the bouncing ball at the edge of the six yard box and volley it past the helpless ‘keeper.

    That opened up the game and Niall McGinn curled a shot beyond Ripley before Moult drilled a left foot drive just wide of Ward’s left hand post.

    Although the Dons had more possession, Motherwell looked comfortable until the visitors equalised with a fluked effort after 24 minutes.

    Wide on the left McGinn curled a low ball into the six-yard box aimed at David Goodwillie. Having positioned himself for a shot, Ripley was left sprawling as the ball was missed by everyone rebounding off the far post and over the goal line to make it 1-1.

    That should have been a sickening blow for the home side but they responded well. With Moult’s strong running and aggression unsettling the Dons’ defence more chances fell ‘Well’s way.

    Slack play from Kenny McLean just inside his own box set the ball up for Taylor but his well struck volley dipped narrowly over the bar. McDonald then had another thumping drive blocked at the edge of the box.

    Five minutes from half-time Logan brought down Johnson as he powered towards the penalty area. From the resultant free-kick Josh Law’s curler was sneaking inside the post until Ward got across his goal to save.

    Derek McInnes responded to his side’s lack of threat by bringing on last season’s top scorer Adam Rooney. But it was his strike partner Goodwillie who had the first chance of the half but from eight-yards he powered his head straight at Ripley.

    Although the substitution improved Dons’ attacking threat their defence remained vulnerable.

    In the 52nd minute a poor clearance from Taylor gave possession to Johnson who immediately whipped a cross towards the unmarked McDonald but Ward reacted to smother the danger.

    Five minutes later Johnson’s cross did reach McDonald but his downward header bounced just past the post.

    Moult and McDonald were forming an understanding up front and a slick exchange between them ended with McDonald rifling a low shot from fifteen yards, which Ward held at full stretch.

    After 62 minutes ‘Well had another opportunity to put the visitor’s goal under pressure but Stevie Hammell’s free-kick was cleared from the edge of the box. That sent McGinn racing down the touch line to be halted by Law.

    McGinn floated the resultant free kick just outside the six-yard box and although Ripley appeared to be impeded as he came to collect the cross, there were no home protests as Taylor headed the ball past the grounded ‘keeper to put the Dons’ ahead.

    Baraclough then sent on Dom Thomas for Johnson while Aberdeen’s response was to withdraw Goodwillie and send on former ‘Well defender Paul Quinn as they looked to hold on to their lead.

    The introduction of Thomas provided a lively finish and his in-swinging cross after 75 minutes found Moult six yards out but his brave diving header sent the ball wide. Four minutes later Thomas went it alone with a low 20 yard drive which Ward at full stretch palmed round his post.

    As ‘Well pushed for a deserved equaliser McGinn’s angled drive bounced off the post but despite pressing the Dons’ goal until the final whistle there was no breakthrough.

    [tab:As it happened]

     Ally Reilly at Fir Park

     

     

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Ian Baraclough:

    “I’m sick of coming in having lost a game on what really is a set piece. We’ve got to realise that set plays are a big part of the game and, for all our good play, you switch off for a second and you can lose a game.

    “Having said that, we’ve matched them shot for shot. We’ve had just as many attempts on goal, we’ve played a very, very good side there and come away feeling sorry for ourselves and licking our wounds.”

    Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes:

    To go behind was really disappointing. We lost a really poor goal and at times our defensive work as a team was a bit too open – and it gave Motherwell encouragement. Going forward, I thought some of our play box to box was outstanding in the first half – the movement, dominating possession, getting into good areas.”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”239″]

  • Archive

    TV: Baraclough previews Dons clash

    ‘Well boss Ian Baraclough spoke to the broadcast press ahead of the weekend’s Ladbrokes Premiership match with Aberdeen at Fir Park.

  • Archive

    TV: Law up for Dons battle

    Josh Law reckons ‘Well will need to get up for the battle if they are to outdo Aberdeen at Fir Park on Saturday.

    After a positive opening two matches, it was back to the drawing board after a midweek loss to top-of-the-table Hearts in Edinburgh.

    And the 25-year old former Alferton Town man reckons it was graft and guile that was their downfall at Tynecastle, something that cannot be repeated if they are to take anything from Derek McInnes’ men.

    Speaking to the broadcast media ahead of the match at Fir Park, Law said: “I felt we played pretty well in the first two games and deserved more from the Dundee United game than what we got.

    [pullquote]We don’t want to be in the same situation tomorrow against Aberdeen coming off on the losing side, knowing we could have done more. We’ve got to get in amongst it and try to get the three points.[/pullquote]

    “Going into Wednesday we maybe got out battled and that’s not like us and you’ve have to say Hearts deserved to win on the night.

    “We don’t want to be in the same situation tomorrow against Aberdeen coming off on the losing side, knowing we could have done more. We’ve got to get in amongst it and try to get the three points.

    “Obviously midweek was tough and it could be argued the weekend’s game will be an even bigger test, given they’re coming off a good season and have started this one well.

    “That being said, on our day I believe we’re a very good side.”

  • Archive

    Aberdeen hospitality still available

    Aberdeen visit Fir Park this Saturday and we’re putting on a fantastic lunch menu in our hospitality suites.

    It’s a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, so it’s an ideal opportunity to combine a lovely afternoon meal with a competitive SPFL Premiership game.

    The Suites are filling fast so it’s sure to be a great atmosphere.

    All hospitality packages include a ticket, match programme, team-sheet and half time refreshments.

    A former player will host the afternoon with your chance to meet first team players and club staff whilst enjoying your afternoon’s football .

    On the menu will be:

    Soup
    Cream of Tomato & Chive
    Served with continental roll & butter

    *********

    Main course
    Oven Roasted Chicken
    Succulent Breast of Chicken served with a choice of pepper or chasseur sauce
    Served with whole green beans & french fries

    *********

    Vegetarian Option
    Pasta Arrabiata

    *********

    Sweet

    Chocolate Profiteroles
    Served with fresh cream

    Tea coffee & mints

    You have a choice of three packages:

    • Centenary Claret: Arriving at 1pm prompt for meal. Full service with access to a pay bar till kick off and then again for an hour post match. All this in the comfort of our Centenary Lounge. Book now from only £60 for an adult and £45 for a child under 16.
    • Centenary Amber: Arriving at 1pm prompt for meal. Full table service with complimentary bar and then again for an hour post match. All this in the comfort of our Centenary Lounge. Book now from only £99 for an adult and £55 for a child under 16.
    • Millennium Ticket: Enjoy a lighter bite with a complimentary bar for one-hour pre & post. Soup pre-match and half time refreshments, team sheet, match day programme for only £70 for an adult and £35 for a child under 16.

    Remember, Season Ticket holders can upgrade to hospitality for just £25.

    If you would like to book a place at our fantastic Hospitality Lunch, please phone  01698 338 008 or email jennifer.reston@motherwellfc.co.uk.

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Tynecastle

    Extended highlights from Tynecastle where a Gavin Reilly penalty and a Billy King strike consigns Motherwell to a 2-0 defeat.

  • Archive

    Hearts defeat in pictures

    Action pictures from tonight’s 0-2 defeat by Hearts at Tynecastle.

    Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

    [svgallery name=”hearts120815″]

  • Archive

    TV: Baraclough annoyed at Capital loss

    Ian Baraclough gave an honest assessment of his team after the disappointing 2-0 defeat at Tynecastle.

    Although the Steelmen created several half chances, they failed to properly test Neil Alexander in the home goal.

    In contrast, the Jambos took advantage of Motherwell mistakes and punished them with two goals, one from the penalty spot via Gavin Reilly and the other from winger Billy King.

    And although the former Scunthorpe and Sligo boss thinks there are some positives he can take from the match, he gave an honest account of where he felt the game was won and lost.

    [pullquote]We weren’t good enough; second best in many areas at crucial times of the game.[/pullquote]

    He said: “We weren’t good enough; second best in many areas at crucial times of the game.

    “I felt they were physically stronger than us, particularly in the middle of the park. They showed better anticipation and were first to knock downs and second balls.

    “However, having said that, I think in terms of chances created it was fairly even but we failed to capitalise on anything we did put together in terms of balls going across the face of goal or certain position when we broke it up and didn’t counter.

    “Our decisions on the ball weren’t good enough either so there’s a lot for us to work on for this weekend and beyond.”

  • Archive

    Hearts 2 – 0 Motherwell

    [tab:Match report]

     Phil McGhee at  Tynecastle

    A goal in both halves consigned a disappointing Motherwell to a 0-2 defeat at high-flying Hearts this evening.

    After containing the Jambos for the opening thirty minutes, restricting them to very little, Scott McDonald pulled down Sam Nicholson inside the area for a penalty. Gavin Reilly converted from twelve yards to give the hosts an interval lead.

    ‘Well made a positive start to the second period and put the Jambos under some pressure, before Billy King grabbed a second with a twenty-yard shot that squirmed under Connor Ripley.

    It was a disappointing evening for the Steelmen, who failed to really lay a glove on Hearts who now sit top of the table after three successive wins.

    For ‘Well, the result leaves them in seventh spot, three points after three matches.

    Ian Baraclough made three changes to the starting eleven that lost to Dundee United four days ago. Lionel Ainsworth, Jake Taylor and Louis Moult all made their first start of the campaign, replacing Joe Chalmers, Jack Leitch and the injured Wes Fletcher. The influential Stephen Pearson remained sidelined with a knee injury.

    Hearts came out the traps flying and Nicholson fired early intentions with a flashing shot from twenty yards that skidded past the post.

    Motherwell’s first opportunity came on the eighteenth minute when Morgaro Gomis headed an Ainsworth cross at his own goal, but Alexander was well positioned to stop the own goal.

    A minute later, ‘Well were almost in when McDonald robbed Prince Bauben on the edge of his own area, allowing Moult to collect. However, the former Wrexham man could only trickle a low shot back towards the Hearts keeper.

    ‘Well had settled into the match after their shaky start and almost hit Hearts with a classic counter, but Johnson’s hooked cross was plucked by Alexander with Moult ready to head home.

    Just as it looked as if ‘Well were beginning to get the upper hand in the match, Hearts took the lead courtesy of a penalty. After dispossessing Scott McDonald thirty yards from goal, Sam Nicholson burst towards the box. As he was winding up to hit it, he was bundled to the ground by the former Aussie International with referee Brian Colvin pointing to the spot.

    Former Queen of the South man Gavin Reilly stood up and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom right hand corner, sending Ripley the wrong way.

    ‘Well’s reply was instant, Johnson’s taking on a left-footed effort from twenty yards, but Alexander was comfortable enough, holding on at his near post.

    With the majority of the 16,000 plus crowd roaring them on, Hearts continued to create though. Bauben flashed a header just wide of target and Reilly almost grabbed his second with a stinging shot that Ripley was equal too.

    With just one goal in at as ‘Well got the game going again, the Fir Parkers made a positive start to the second half and Ainsworth nearly had his side level within two minutes, flashing a low shot/cross across the face of goal, but it dropped wide with no takers.

    Motherwell had the majority of play but just after the hour, Hearts sealed the game with a second goal. A ball out to the right flank had Billy King in space. He cut back onto his left foot before lashing a shot at Ripley who allowed it to squirm under him and into the net.

    Motherwell huffed and puffed through the closing twenty-five minutes and had a Laing shot drop wide, an effort from David Clarkson sail over and a low Johnson strike in the dying seconds that was comfortably held by Neil Alexander in the home goal.

    In the end, despite numerous half chances, Hearts ran out comfortable and deserved winners. It’s back to the drawing board for Ian Baraclough, who now faces another tough challenge as Aberdeen visit Fir Park this weekend.

    [tab:As it happened]

     Ally Reilly at Tynecastle

     FT: Hearts 2 – 0 Motherwell #HMFCvMFC

    88′ | 2-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Ball falls kindly to Clarkson on the edge of the box but he volleys over the bar.

    86′ | 2-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Motherwell sub, Clarkson on for McDonald

    83′ | 2-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Hearts sub, Rossi off for McGhee

    76′ | 2-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Motherwell sub, Moult off for Thomas

    66′ | 2-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Motherwell sub, Lasley off for Leitch.

    64′ | 2-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Goal – King cuts in from the right and fires past Ripley to make it 2-0.

    59′ | 1-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Hearts sub, Juanma on for Sow.

    58′ | 1-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Taylor booked for a wild challenge on Reilly.

    55′ | 1-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Bit of Motherwell pressure but Hearts break away and Reilly tests Ripley with a long range shot.

    47′ | 1-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Great feet from Ainsworth to get past Rossi and he gets a away a great low shot/cross. No takers though!

    Second half | 1-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Taylor and Lasley get the second half underway

    HT | 1-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Half time, Hearts 1 – 0 Motherwell.

    45′ | 1-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Three minutes added on.

    …whose first time cross is too long for Ainsworth at the back post.

    44′ | 1-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Almost a glorious chance as Ainsworth is in plenty of space but McDonald doesn’t spot him and plays it to Moult…

    38′ | 1-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Hearts dominating and Reilly stings the palms of Ripley with a left-footed shot from the edge of the D.

    37′ | 1-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Very nearly 2 as Buaben is picked out in the box and his header flashes wide of the post.

    34′ | 1-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    ‘Well looking for a quick reply but Johnson’s left footed shot from 20 yards is held comfortably by Alexander

    32′ | 1-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Goal – Reilly slots it home to make it 1-0 Hearts.

    32′ | 0-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Penalty to Hearts….

    28′ | 0-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Law does enough to deflect Ozturk’s header wide of the post for a corner.

    28′ | 0-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Laing is booked for bringing down King. Another free-kick in a dangerous area…

    25′ | 0-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    The ball into the box is poor and ‘Well counter through Ainsworth. Ball is worked to Johnson whose cross is gathered.

    25′ | 0-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Hearts have free-kick in a dangerous area, after Hammell hauled down King on the edge of the box.

    19′ | 0-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Great chance as McDonald dispossesses Buaben and plays in Moult but his left footed shot is too weak to trouble.
    o
    18′ | 0-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Half chance there as Ainsworth swings in a good ball from the right. Gomis’ header has to be dealt with by Alexander

    13′ | 0-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Looks like both players will continue, thankfully.

    12′ | 0-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Stoppage in play as Laing and Reilly receive treatment for a head knock. Both doctors are on…..

    2′ | 0-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Home side looking dangerous. Sow breaks clear of the back-line but McManus recovers well, sliding the ball to safety.

    2′ | 0-0 | #HMFCvMFC
    Nicholson with the first sight of goal. His shot from 20 yards skids just past the post. Ripley had it covered, though

    Kick-off | #HMFCvMFC
    Sow and Reilly get the game underway. COYW!

    Pre-match | #HMFCvMFC
    The teams are out the tunnel at a packed Tynecastle. Should be a good one….

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Ian Baraclough:

    Coming Soon…

    Hearts manager Robbie Nielsen:

    Coming Soon…

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”238″]

  • Archive

    TV: Baraclough up for Tynecastle test

    Ian Baraclough is looking forward to sampling the Tynecastle atmosphere and knows ‘Well will have to be at their best to derail the high-flying Jambos.

    The Gorgie club have returned to the top league with a bang, beating St Johnstone and Dundee in the opening two games, scoring six goals.

    ‘Well have lost just twice in their last nine visits to Tynecastle, but this could arguably be the toughest test faced over that run.

    However, with a great win at the Caledonian Stadium and a very encouraging performance, albeit ending in defeat against Dundee Utd, means mood in the Claret and Amber camp is high.

    [pullquote]We need to be fresh, full of energy, which we are, and I’m looking forward to what will be a really good atmosphere and I think that’ll give the players a bit of incentive to go and do well[/pullquote]

    Steelmen boss Baraclough is looking forward to it and has challenged his players to once again upset the odds in front of a large, vociferous home crowd.

    He said: “Robbie Neilson’s side have started very, very well. They’ve carried the momentum through from the Championship-winning team and at home they’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

    “So we’ve got to be right on our game. We need to be fresh, full of energy, which we are, and I’m looking forward to what will be a really good atmosphere and I think that’ll give the players a bit of incentive to go and do well.

    “It’s a great stage, a great ground. I’ve never played there, but people I’ve spoken to say it’s one of the best in Scotland for atmosphere.”

  • Archive

    Stephen Pearson: Injury Update

    Motherwell FC has learned the full extent of Stephen Pearson’s injury, sustained on the opening day of the season at Inverness.

    A scan has revealed the 32-year old former Scotland International has some knee cartilage damage that will require fairly routine surgery to rectify.

    That surgery will go ahead this coming Friday (14th August).

    However, both the surgery and recovery could rule the player out for six weeks.

    The will come as a blow to Ian Baraclough but the ‘Well boss was remaining optimistic and was relieved it wasn’t more serious.

    [pullquote]These sorts of contact based injuries are, sadly, unavoidable and part of the game so we can’t do anything but get on with it.[/pullquote]

    “There was a worry when it first happened that Stephen may have sustained a cruciate ligament injury, so we’re obviously delighted that’s not been the case.

    “These sorts of contact based injuries are, sadly, unavoidable and part of the game so we can’t do anything but get on with it.

    “Stephen has started the season well, but this gives opportunities to other players to stake a claim for a spot in the starting eleven. I am confident in those who will now get their chance to stand up and take responsibility.”