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Despite creating numerous chances, a late Dundee equaliser forced ‘Well Under 20s to settle for a 1-1 draw at the Excelsior Stadium.

The Steelmen had gone ahead when Dylan Mackin forced the ball over the line from close range.

Stephen Craigan’s side had created numerous chances both before and after that strike, but failed to take any of them.

And when Josh Skelly levelled things up with two minutes left on the clock, it left ‘Well kicking themselves at dropping two points.

The Fir Parkers were able to name several experienced players in the side, including Craig Samson, Louis Laing and Wes Fletcher.

David Ferguson, Luke Watt, Chris Cadden, Dom Thomas and Dylan Mackin could also count on first-team experience.

Motherwell started the game positively and after a couple of half chances for Fletcher, Laing could and perhaps should have opened the scoring after nine minutes. The former Sunderland and Notts Forest defender got on the end of a Thomas corner, only to prod a shot straight at Kyle Gourlay.

Shortly after, Gourlay was again in action, saving from Wes Fletcher before Watt shot wide and Thomas curled over. Fletcher had another turn and shot saved by the visitor’s goalkeeper as ‘Well continued to push.

It took until the 25th minute for Dundee to register a shot at goal, but Sam Dryden’s long-range hit flew high over the bar.

John Black went much closer just sixty seconds later though, when his half volley was expertly turned around the post by Samson. From the resulting corner, Kerr Waddell’s cross found Aussie midfielder Jesse Curran, but his header was straight at the ‘Well stopper.

Motherwell were soon back on the attack though and again it was Fletcher, this time played in by Cadden, only to pull a low effort inches wide of the far post.

Dundee were still in the hunt though and had their second free header with the space of seven minutes, but Waddell could only flash it wide from the penalty spot.

Just before the break, Cadden turned terrifically well inside the area only to watch as Gourlay palmed out his low cross. The rebounded landed at David Ferguson, but he dragged a low shot off target.

Much like their first-team counterparts last weekend, Dundee came out the traps at the second half, and Samson had to again look smart to deny Black, this time palming a low shot wide for a corner.

Motherwell continued to look the more threatening of the two teams though and half time sub Allan Campbell flashed a volley at goal, only for it to deflect wide on route. When the corner came across, it fell fortuitously for Robbie Leitch, but Gourlay was on hand to comfortably stop his low shot.

After missing a couple of chances, Fletcher turned provider on the 70th minute, running the channel before cutting it back for Mackin on the edge, only for his shot to be again blocked by the stubborn Dee rear-guard.

Three minutes later, it was again Fletcher who passed up a chance to score, combining well with the vibrant Dom Thomas before smashing it over from six yards out.

However, it wasn’t long before ‘Well finally got the goal their chances merited. Sub David Turnbull, who had come on for Leitch, burst clear down the right before sending a low ball into the area. Fletcher picked up, but his shot was blocked, spinning towards Dylan Mackin who took a touch before thumping home his seventh of the campaign.

With eight minutes left on the clock, Motherwell passed up a glorious chance to secure the three points. Fletcher burst away from his marker on the left, leaving the Dundee defence in his wake. Cutting in, he had Thomas, unmarked, screaming for a square ball, but the former York man took it on himself with Gourlay blocking with his legs.

Three minutes later, Thomas almost netted after a brilliant solo run, but could only fire over the crossbar from about 20 yards out.

And Motherwell would be made pay for all those missed chances when Dundee levelled things up with just two minutes left on the clock. Skelly collected down the right flank, leaving him one on one with Maguire. After wriggling clear, cutting in on his left foot, he smashed it hard past Samson to rescue a point for his side.

Motherwell: Samson, McMillan (Livingstone – 46mins), Maguire, Laing, Ferguson, Watt (Campbell- 46mins), Cadden, R. Leitch (Turnbull – 66mins), Thomas, Fletcher, Mackin

Subs: Morrison, Moore, Hastie, Falconer

Motherwell U20s are back in action tonight (Wednesday) when they take on Dundee at the Excelsior Stadium.

After last week’s postponement, Stephen Craigan’s men will be looking to build on their previous form, a 2-0 win over Partick Thistle and a 1-0 win over Kilmarnock in the Youth Cup.

Dundee sit bottom of the table but are only 4 points off the Steelmen, after a good win last week against high-flying St Mirren.

The match will take place at the Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie, with kick-off at 6pm.

Stars from the first team squad visited the Children’s Ward at Wishaw General Hospital this afternoon.

Scott McDonald, Louis Moult and Liam Grimshaw visited Ward 20 and gave out Motherwell FC goody bags, which were kindly donated by the MFC Community Trust and The Well Shop, spreading some Christmas cheer to the young kids.

Motherwell FC would like to thank the hospital’s staff, who do a wonderful job and are an inspiration to all.

There are a limited amount of seats left for our Christmas Party Night on Friday 18th of December.

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 fabulous three-course meal in the Centenary Suite before dancing the night away with our live band and disco.

On the menu will be:

Starter

Fresh Winter Vegetable Soup served with continental bread roll

Or

Fresh orange juice

Main

Roast Turkey Crown with traditional trimmings

Or

Burgandy Roast Beef with a claret jus

Dessert

White chocolate and raspberry gateaux with fresh cream

*Tea and coffee on request (with mince pies)

All this for an unbelievable £29.95 per person.

To book, phone 01698 338008/338062 or do so online by clicking here.

Tonight the Club will be holding an open signing session in the Centenary Suite for fans wanting their newly purchased 2016 calendar autographed by the first team squad.

It’s your chance to meet with your heroes at our annual event, which will take place in the Centenary Suite as usual between 6pm and 8pm.

You can purchase the calendar prior to the event at the ‘Well Shop and take it along with you or you can buy one at the event on the evening.

There will also be an option to buy other Christmas gifts, including Tunnel tiles, Flexi-Tickets, vouchers and Cooper Bricks.

With Christmas fast approaching, The Well Shop are on hand to provide the perfect presents for our supporters this festive period.

To make your spend that little bit easier, The Well Shop will be holding a special 10% sale on Sunday 13th December from 11am – 4pm.

The sale gives you the ideal chance to get your hands on a wide range of official club merchandise and gifts at reduced prices for a limited time only, at The ‘Well Shop and at the Online Store.

The 2015/16 home and away are available, as well as the latest Macron training wear and fashion, official club leisure wear, pyjamas, Bawbags boxers and much more.

There is also an extensive range of stocking fillers as the countdown to Christmas gets underway.

This discount also applies to products already reduced in the sale so you could even pick up a previous seasons Puma replica shirt for £4.50!!

Visit The ‘Well Shop this Sunday to take advantage of this special limited offer.

Extended highlights from Fir Park as goals from Scott McDonald, Louis Moult and Stephen Pearson give the Steelmen a 3-1 win over Dundee.

Mark McGhee lavished praise on his side after an impressive performance was rewarded with all three points against Dundee.

First-half goals from Scott McDonald and Louis Moult put the Steelmen on a solid footing in what was a dominant opening forty-five.

Dundee reduced the deficit midway through the second half and put on some pressure, but ‘Well soaked it up and secured the win with a late Stephen Pearson winner.

‘I was delighted with the performance,” McGhee told MFC TV after the match.

“We started in similar fashion to the Hearts match and that was pleasing; to retain that level of consistency is exactly what we’re searching for.

[pullquote]“I thought we were terrific during the first-half and deserved our two goal lead. It’s important you get goals during the good periods, as you put so much energy into it.[/pullquote]

“Second half, as you would expect, they came onto us, but we saw it though and held out to win.”

McGhee also took time to praise youngster Ben Hall, who picked up the Man of the Match award on his first-team debut.

The 18-year old Northern Irishman was given the nod in the heart of the back four and didn’t disappoint, turning in an excellent performance alongside Stephen McManus.

The manager continued: “From the very first header after just a few seconds, that set the tone for his performance; he was terrific.

“For such a young lad to be playing against what is a talented forward line, he did so well. I have to say though, he wouldn’t have been in a position to even make his debut had it not been for someone like Stephen McManus.

“Stephen McManus was magnificent today, as a leader and example to a boy like that, he talked and encouraged him through the game which is just fantastic. Ben will learn so much from playing with such a good player.”

Action images from today’s 3-1 win over  Dundee in the Ladbrokes Premiership at Fir Park.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

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[tab:Match report]

 Phil McGhee Fir Park

An excellent performance helped ‘Well to a 3-1 win over Dundee at Fir Park this afternoon.

Two first half goals from Scott McDoanld and Loius Moult rewarded ‘Well for a terrific opening forty-five.

However, after Gary Harkins pulled one back for Dundee midway through the second half the Steelmen had to work hard to retain their lead before Stephen Pearson’s last minute strike wrapped up the points

Having recorded only one victory between them from their last seven games, both sides were eager to regain their winning form and that ensured a competitive and entertaining affair for the fans.

The ‘Well boss gave 18 year-old Ben Hall a starting place in central defence. The Northern Ireland teenager made a very impressive debut and a couple of early interventions against a very attack minded Dundee helped settle him alongside the solid and experienced Stephen McManus..

However, it was Motherwell, for the second consecutive home game, that snatched the early lead.

Loius Moult with a brilliant turn and pass released Marvin Johnson and after his drive was blocked by Paul McGinn, he was fouled by the Dee defender as they chased the rebound.

Josh Law’s resultant free kick was cleared only as far as Pearson, who immediately slid the ball through to the unmarked McDonald who calmly stabbed the ball beyond the helpless ‘keeper from eight yards to make it 1-0.

Play was pretty even after that until around the half hour mark when the visitors’ goal was put under some sustained pressure.

A sweeping move in the 27th minute between Stevie Hammell and McDonald ended with the latter picking out Pearson and his low shot was sneaking inside the post until Scott Bain at full stretch palmed the ball round the post.

A minute later a tempting cross from Johnson was met by Moult and his glancing flew past Bain only to rebound from the ‘keeper’s post. Liam Grimshaw latched onto the rebound but his effort was palmed over the bar by Bain.

The Dundee ‘keeper was finally beaten again and Moult rewarded with his ninth goal of the season when the striker rose to meet Law’s inswinging corner and send his header high into the net.

Connor Ripley was forced to make his first save ten minutes from the break throwing himself to his left to turn Kane Hemmings angled drive from six yards behind his goal. The ‘Well ‘keeper then had to race from his line to slide and block the ball at the egde of his area with Hemmings homing in.

There was still time for another home effort on Bain’s goal before the break with the ‘keeper happy to see Grimshaw’s 20 yard drive dip over his crossbar.

Not surpringly Paul Hartley’s men started the second half in a determined fashion with ‘Well required to do some solid defending.

On the hour, though, and with almost a replay of the second goal, Law’s corner found Moult but his glancing header sent the ball just wide. Minutes later Moult came close again with a clever chip from outside the box but the ball floated over the bar and onto the netting.

It was end to end action and Ripley had to react quickly to beat away Hemmings thumping effort from 12 yards. The ‘Well ‘keeper was helpless, though, after 68 minutes when Dundee pulled a goal back, Gary Harkins’ shot from 10 yards taking a slight deflection as it raced beyond Ripley to make it 2-1.

The scores should have been level five minutes later but from five yards Greg Stewart sent his diving header wide of a begging target.

The Taysider’s almost immediately paid for that miss when Law’s free kick was curling low inside the post until Bain threw himself across goal to claw the ball off the line.

That save ensured a tense final ten minutes with ‘Well holding off an eager Dundee until a third goal in the final minute settled the game.

David Clarkson,who came off the bench for his first appearance since August, made his way to the goal line before driving the ball across where amidst a packed goal Pearson’s touch directed the ball into the net to round off a great afternoon’s work for McGhee’s men.

[tab:As it happened]

 Ally Reilly at Fir Park

Big three points for the Claret and Amber men. Really encouraging performance, topped off with three goals.

FT: Motherwell 3 – 1 Dundee

93′ | 3-1
Motherwell sub, Dylan Mackin is on for goalscorer @louismoult . Great shift from Moulty!

There will be 4 minutes added on.

91′ | 3-1
Pearson claims it but hard to tell. Looked like an own goal but 3-1 to the Steelmen!!

GGGOOOAALLLL!

86′ | 2-1
Ainsworth curls in a great ball to Moult whose diving header loops over the bar.

Young ‘Well fans can vote now for their Man of the Match. Use #MatchAttaxMOTM within your tweet.

82′ | 2-1
Motherwell sub, Clarkson on for Johnson

72′ | 2-1
Good chance there for Calder but thankfully the substitute can’t get enough curl on his shot and it goes wide.

76′ | 2-1
Bain has to scamper across his line to palm Law’s free-kick from 20 yards to safety

74′ | 2-1
Great chance for Stewart as he got on the end of McGowan’s cross. Perhaps Harkins put him off, but he heads wide from 8 yards.

68′ | 2-1
Goal – Harkins pulls on back for Dundee, getting on the end of Hemmings’ low cross.

67′ | 2-0
McGowan booked for a rash challenge on Johnson as he raced away from him

65′ | 2-0
Ball breaks kindly to Moult about 20 yards. With better options he opts for a lob, which is inches over the bar.

And a Dundee sub, Low off for Calder

63′ | 2-0
Motherwell sub, McDonald off for Ainsworth

60′ | 2-0
Similar chance to the one Moult scored earlier but this time he nods it wide of the post.

59′ | 2-0
McDonald booked for pulling down Stewart about 30 yards from the Motherwell goal…

58′ | 2-0
Dundee sub, Harkins on for Loy.

56′ | 2-0
Irvine booked for a late tackle on Stevie Hammell…

Second half is underway. COYW!!

Very positive opening 45 from the Steelmen! Very much in command and playing some real good stuff.

HT: Motherwell 2 – 0 Dundee.

46′ | 2-0
Great run by Grimshaw down the right to get into the box but his final ball lets him down, firing it straight to Bain.

45′ | 2-0
Great tackle by McDonald allows Pearson to set up Grimshaw. His left footed shot curls just over the bar from 18 yards.

42′ | 2-0
Hemmings races through on goal but Ripley is alert and beats him to the ball, allowing Lasley to sweep it clear. Good save!

41′ | 2-0
Dundee sub, Konrad on for Etxabeguren

36′ | 2-0
Good chance for Hemmings as he gets the ball on his favoured foot inside the box but Ripley is equal to it and beats it away

31′ | 2-0
Moult nods in Law’s front post corner to stick the Steelmen 2 goals ahead!!

GGOOOOAALLL!!!!!!!

28′ | 1-0
Grimshaw follows it in and sees his shot deflected onto the bar! 2 great chances!!

28′ | 1-0
Off the post from Moult! Great ball in by Johnson finds the strikers head but it comes crashing back off the post.

27′ | 1-0
Great ball from Hammell finds McDonald who smartly picks out Pearson. Bain does well to tip it away for a corner!!

21′ | 1-0
Stewart’s corner sets up an acrobatic effort from Hemmings but it’s well over Ripley’s bar.

17′ | 1-0
Very positive start from the Steelmen. Plenty of good play, just as they search for a second.

Ball falls to Pearson on the edge of the box and he shows excellent awareness to slide in McDonald who slotted home!

GGOOOAAALLLL!!!!

3′ | 0-0
Nice bit of play down the left from ‘Well as lets McDonald cut inside but his square ball across goal has no takers.

Hemmings and Loy get the Action underway. COYW!!!

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee:

Coming Soon…

Dundee manager Paul Hartley:

Coming Soon…

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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