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    Hamilton Accies win in Pictures

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    Hamilton Accies 0 – 1 Motherwell

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    McGhee – Searching for consistency

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    Fan Information: vs Hamilton Accies

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    Club launch the ‘Hutchison Award’

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    TV: Highlights from New Douglas Park

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    TV: Craigan – A complete performance

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    Hamilton U20s 0 – 3 Motherwell U20s

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    TV: Highlights from Fir Park

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    Partick Thistle win in pictures

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    Hamilton Accies win in Pictures

    Action images from today’s 1-0 win over Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park.

    Snaps courtesy of SNSPix

    [svgallery name=”accies050316″]

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    Hamilton Accies 0 – 1 Motherwell

    [tab:Match report]

     Phil McGheeat New Douglas Park

    A solitary goal from Louis Laing just before half-time was enough to give ‘Well a long overdue victory at New Douglas Park and lift the side to within a point of a top six place.

    It was a happy return for Mark McGhee who was the last Motherwell boss to record a win at Hamilton in 2009. It might have been more emphatic as ‘Well passed up a number of good chances including a Louis Moult penalty eleven minutes from time.

    However, the Fir Park side did enough, especially in the first half to merit a win and set themselves up for the visit of Dundee United on Friday looking to make it three consecutive wins.

    Not surprisingly the ‘Well boss stood by the same line-up and formation which served him well against Partick last week. And that led to positive start from Motherwell, who had the best of the first half in terms of possession and chances.

    After nine minutes in the first of three early Accies bookings, Antons Kurakins clattered into Moult and McDonald’s curled free kick wasn’t far beyond Michael McGovern’s post.

    Chris Cadden then worked his way along the goal line before setting up McDonald but his effort lacked conviction.

    There was little action around Connor Ripley’s goal until 25th minute when Michael Devlin’s downward header rebounded from the foot of the ‘keeper’s post.

    Most of the play was towards the home goal and after 36 minutes McGovern was at full stretch low to his left to palm away Stephen Pearson’s low measured shot.

    From Hammell’s corner Moult’s header was blocked in front of goal and as the ball bounced around the six yard box McDonald’s effort on goal was also blocked.

    The pressure on the home goal continued towards the interval and after cutting in from the right Johnson had a drive at goal. McDonald cut across the six yard box to get a touch only to see the ball rebound from the post.

    ‘Well we’re finally rewarded two minutes from the interval with the opening goal. Another Hammell corner found Moult. This time though, after his firm header was blocked on the line, the ball rebounded as far as Laing who lashed it high into the net from eight yards for the winner.

    The Fir Park men started the second where they left off the first and a great ball from Moult set McDonald through, but McGovern quickly came out to bravely dive at his feet and smother the danger.

    A tempting cross from Johnson then eluded everyone in front of goal but McDonald at the back of the area collected the ball before drilling his shot into the side netting.

    At that stage a second Motherwell goal looked on the cards but gradually the second half became a game of safety first for both teams as players were chased and closed down.

    Accies had a rare opportunity to test Ripley with a 22 yard free kick but Carlton Morris whipped his effort well over to leave the ‘Well ‘keeper untested and with a clean sheet.

    At the other end a smart exchange with McDonald at the corner of the box set up Moult but his drive was straight at the Hamilton ‘keeper.

    With eleven minutes remaining ‘Well’s top scorer had the perfect opportunity to add to his tally and ease the nerves when Cadden tumbled in the box as McGovern slid in to take the ball.

    After a lengthy delay as the ref spoke to the ‘Well manager and the Accies kit man, after a dug-out altercation, Moult’s low spot kick was touched away by McGovern to make it a tense final ten minutes.

    However, with Kieran Kennedy on to bolster the defence, Motherwell comfortably saw out the game for another crucial win over their Lanarkshire and relegation rivals.

    [tab:As it happened]

     Ally Reilly at New Douglas Park

    Long overdue win at New Douglas Park and richly deserved three points for the Steelmen!!!

    FULL TIME!!!

    93′ | 0-1
    30 seconds remain….

    90′ | 0-1
    Four minutes added on.

    86′ | 0-1
    Motherwell sub, Moult off for Kennedy

    84′ | 0-1
    Last Accies sub, Diaby on for Lyon

    80′ | 0-1
    Cadden was brought down by McGovern and the keeper dived low to his right to save from Moult after a long wait.

    Saved by McGovern!!

    PENALTY TO MOTHERWELL!!

    …. Morris takes and curls it well over the bar.

    68′ | 0-1
    Danger. Accies have a free-kick about 25 yards out in a central area….

    64′ | 0-1
    Accies sub, Crawford makes way for Brophy

    55′ | 0-1
    Hamilton Accies sub, Kurtaj off for Docherty

    49′ | 0-1
    Slack Accies defending allows Moult in. He threads it though to McDonald but McGovern reads it and saves at the Aussie’s feet.

    46′ | 0-1
    Early chance as the ball is floated in to the back post where it is met by the head of Johnson but it loops well over.

    Motherwell get the second 45 underway. COYW!!

    Both teams are back out for the second half

    HT: Hamilton Accies 0 – 1 Motherwell

    LOUIS LAING lashes in the opener from a corner. 1-0 to The Steelmen!!!

    GGGOOOOOAALLLLLLL!!!!!!!

    44′ | 0-0
    Off the post! McDonald diverts Johnson’s shot onto the woodwork from 5 yards!

    37′ | 0-0
    Hammell takes the ball on his chest and it sits up nicely for a shot. He obliges but fires it straight at McGovern from distance

    35′ | 0-0
    McGovern is forced into action, diving low to his left to palm away Pearson’s placed shot.

    34′ | 0-0
    Imrie collects a slack pass out of defence and plays it wide to Kurtaj. His strike is gathered by Ripley.

    32′ | 0-0
    Great chance for Imrie! Would have bet on him bursting the net but can’t hit the target from just inside the box.

    31′ | 0-0
    Johnson uses his pace to chase a lost cause. He pulls it back to Pearson but he can’t get his feet right and Accies clear.

    30′ | 0-0
    Johnson gets on the end of Moult’s flick and volleys at goal. Just wide and linesman’s flag goes up anyway.

    26′ | 0-0
    Ball falls to Imrie about 30 yards out. He lashes at it but slices it well wide of the goal.

    25′ | 0-0
    Moult gets into space in the box and puts it into a dangerous area at the back post but Cadden can’t quite get there.

    24′ | 0-0
    Lucas gets his head on the corner but thankfully Lasley is there to clear his goalbound effort

    24′ | 0-0
    Good ball in from Irmie has to be dealt with by McManus who sticks it out for a corner.

    22′ | 0-0
    Cadden skips past Kurakins and finds McDonald but he is tightly marked by Lucas, who scrambles it clear.

    17′ | 0-0
    Imrie gets in behind the Motherwell defence but can’t pick anyone out with his square ball.

    10′ | 0-0
    Another booking and another wild challenge, this time from Kurtaj on Moult.

    McDonald tries his luck and is unlucky as it curls just past the post.

    8′ | 0-0
    Kurakins with a wild challenge on Moult. He is booked and ‘Well have a free-kick in a good area, 25 yards out.

    7′ | 0-0
    Gordon grabs a handful of Johnson’s shirt as he broke away and enters the ref’s book. Yellow.

    1′ | 0-0
    Corner is worked short and it falls to Johnson who balloons it into Sainsbury’s car park.

    Accies get the action underway, and already it’s a corner to Motherwell.

    Out come both sides, usual strips for both #HAFCvMFC

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Mark McGhee:

    Coming Soon…

    Hamilton Accies Manager Martin Canning

    Coming Soon…

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”267″]

  • Archive

    McGhee – Searching for consistency

    Mark McGhee hopes his side can build on last week’s win against Partick Thistle and pick up their first win at New Douglas Park in nearly seven years.

    The Steelmen haven’t recorded a victory in South Lanarkshire since McGhee was boss back in 2009, a comfortable end-of-season 0-3 success.

    However, after already ending one perceived ‘hoodoo’ with a win at Celtic Park back in December, the Scotland assistant rejects all notions of a ‘bogey’ ground.

    Instead, he wants his players to play with an intensity and an aggressiveness befitting a local derby.

    Asked about the ‘Well’s record at Hamilton during the pre-match news conference, McGhee said: “There’s no such thing as a bogey ground; it’s about the teams you are playing against and your own team. We look forward to going there.

    “One of the things I think is important to be said is that our boys train a lot on artificial pitches and really enjoy it. So the pitch isn’t a factor.

    [pullquote]It’s about finding some consistency, taking the performance we had last week and reproducing it. If we can do that, it will be a hard game for Hamilton.[/pullquote]

    “As much as I’m not an advocate of artificial pitches, we look forward to going there and playing on it. At least we know the surface is consistent.”

    Returning to Motherwell’s record at Hamilton, he added: “It’s not really relevant. In terms of what’s going to happen on the day, it has no significance.

    “It was 3-3 the last time, we are two very well matched teams. I don’t think there is anything between us, whatever the result is there will still not be anything between us.”

    McGhee, whose side beat Partick Thistle 3-1 on Saturday, added: “We are capable of winning, they are capable of beating us, we know that. We are capable of a great performance, like we saw last Saturday, but we are also capable of being rubbish.

    “It’s about finding some consistency, taking the performance we had last week and reproducing it. If we can do that, it will be a hard game for Hamilton.”

  • Archive

    Fan Information: vs Hamilton Accies

    ‘Well fans should read the following information ahead of Saturday’s Lanarkshire Derby at New Douglas Park.

    • Tickets for the match will be available on the gate priced at £22 for adults and £12 for concessions.
    • Visiting fans that plan to drive to the match can make use of the free parking facilities adjacent to Caird Street, just a five-minute walk from the ground.
    • For fans travelling by rail, Hamilton West station is served by trains from both Motherwell and Glasgow and is within walking distance of the ground. Upon leaving the station, turn left and follow the path, which leads straight to the stadium.
    • Motherwell fans have been allocated the traditional North Stand behind the goals. Fans should enter via turnstiles 7 – 12. An overspill area will be available if required, with a total allocation in excess of 2,500.
    • With a large pay-on-the-day number expected in the away end, visiting fans are encouraged to arrive at the stadium early to make entry as speedy as possible and cut down on potential queuing. Random searches will also be carried out, so please allow for as much time as is possible to ensure you don’t miss any of the action.
    • Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes, is prohibited within any area of New Douglas Park.
    • As always, we would ask and encourage our fantastic fans to enjoy the game and back the team with as much passion as possible, but also adhere to any Police or Steward requests on where to hang banners as well as taking a seat within the designated viewing area as opposed to the walkways or stairs.
    • Motherwell club officials will be in the away stand before and during the game if you should need any assistance.
  • Archive

    Club launch the ‘Hutchison Award’

    Motherwell FC is pleased to announce the creation of the ‘Hutchison Award’, designed to recognise improved standards and community engagement amongst two Motherwell squads.

    Majority Shareholder Les Hutchison is putting up a trophy and a £5,000 prize to the most improved Under 20 player who has also given back to the community. The judging panel will be Mark McGhee, Stephen Craigan and Charlie Bennett with the award being made each June.

    In addition, there will be a second similar award of £1,000 for the most improved Ladies player who has also given back to the community. The judging panel will be David Gibson, Linda Gibson and Charlie Bennett with the award being made each November to match the ladies season.

    Speaking of the newly-created annual award, Mr Hutchison said: “I am keen to make sure all players at Motherwell FC follow the lead of our fantastic first team squad, who play with passion but remember those in the community who are less fortunate.

    [pullquote]“These awards also pull together the key elements of player development and community involvement, which are cornerstones of the new strategy at the club.[/pullquote]

    “Hopefully this will act as an incentive for our Under 20s and senior Ladies team to not only perform at their best with their boots on, but also get involved in some of the other projects the Motherwell FC Community Trust carries out on a day to day basis, helping the local community in Lanarkshire.”

    Under 20s boss Stephen Craigan added: “Les has been a terrific support since his arrival and we speak regularly about the progress of the group. The clubs’ strategy going forward places a great deal of emphasis on the Under 20s and polishing players ready to progress into the first-team picture.

    “The Hutchison Award will be a carrot for the lads to not only improve as players, but as people.”

    Motherwell FC Community Trust General Manager Charlie Bennett commented: “We are really pleased the Hutchison Award recognises the work of the Ladies Team as positive role models for young girls in our communities.

    “Players within the team have given up their own time to contribute to many of our programmes including keeping young girls safe and promoting positive lifestyles.

    “This is a unique award in women’s football and one which will benefit local communities greatly.”

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from New Douglas Park

    Extended highlights from New Douglas Park as Wes Fletcher, Jack Leitch and Dylan Mackin score in a 3-0 win for the Steelmen.

  • Archive

    TV: Craigan – A complete performance

    Stephen Craigan hailed the 0-3 win at New Douglas Park as amongst the best his young side have produced this campaign.

    ‘Well went into the match against the current second-placed team knowing they would have a challenge on their hands, but met it head on.

    After a goalless first-half, second half strikes from Wes Fletcher, Jack Leitch and Dylan Mackin ensured the win and set-up the young Steelmen for their big Sunday Semi Final against Ross County in the Youth Cup.

    “There were so many things to be pleased about, particularly the way we managed the game” Craigan said afterwards.

    [pullquote]“It was probably the most complete performance we’ve had all season.[/pullquote]

    “First half, we edged it and created the better chances of the two teams. Second half, we were perhaps more clinical.

    “At different stages of different games we’ve played well in parts, but today, throughout the ninety minutes, we were consistent and carried a threat.

    “We came here knowing we would have to match their desire and attitude, and I felt we did. After that, it was the quality at the top end of the pitch that made the different, in particular Wes Fletcher who was terrific.

    “All round, I am absolutely delighted with the performance.’

  • Archive

    Hamilton U20s 0 – 3 Motherwell U20s

    The Under 20s kept up their excellent run of form with a fine 0-3 win against Hamilton at New Douglas Park this afternoon.

    The win means Stephen Craigan side have now gone five without defeat and pulled themselves to within seven points of fifth placed St Johnstone, with a game in hand and a match against the Perth Saints next midweek.

    After a fairly low-key first-half, ‘Well stepped it up in the second half with goals from Wes Fletcher, Jack Leitch and Dylan Mackin securing all three points against the SPFL Development League’s second place team.

    With a Youth Cup Semi Final in store this Sunday, ‘Well listed several changes to the team who have played regularly over the last few weeks.

    Kieran Kennedy, Jack Leitch, Dom Thomas and Wes Fletcher all started to give a more experienced look to the visitor’s squad.

    And it was the Steelmen who made a positive start, Allan Campbell firing a shot over the bar from distance before former ‘Well man Alan Martin did superbly well in the Accies goal to deny Fletcher at the back post.

    Motherwell continued to set the agenda and a Thomas shot was again well held by Martin before Ross MacLean got up above Rico Quitongo to loop a header at goal, but it dropped the wrong side of the right hand post.

    MacLean was almost in again two minutes later, after an excellent Luke Watt pass, but his first touch let him down and the chance was gone.

    Accies’ first sight of goal came on the 22nd minute when Ronan Hughes struck a long-range effort at the ‘Well goal but it sailed high and wide of target.

    It was the Fir Parkers who finished the half stronger, with a Barry Maguire effort from a corner going wide and a Jack Leitch shot forcing Martin into another low save low to his left.

    Craigan’s men made a positive start to the second period too, Thomas shooting over after some excellent set-up play from Fletcher.

    Accies’ Redmond hit the side net when he might have squared it across goal, but it was ‘Well who started to exert their authority and eventually took a deserved lead on 63 minutes.

    Fletcher held the ball up on the right, before knocking it back for MacLean to whip into the area. Accies’ clearance landed at Robbie Leitch who cannoned a low shot off the base of the post. Fletcher was first to react and slotted the rebound into the net.

    Three minutes later and ‘Well doubled their advantage. Fletcher was again the man stretching the game, and when he squared it for Thomas, the winger dribbled round two challenges before pulling it back for Jack Leitch who slammed home from close range.

    It was almost three shortly after as the Fir Parkers threatened to run a mock. Fletcher was again involved, hassling the Accies defence before winning it deep in enemy territory. He rolled it back for Thomas, who hit a low shot off the post and wide.

    Thomas had another effort from distance before ‘Well did make it 0-3 with five minutes left on the clock.

    Thomas was the man with the assist again, dancing his way around players in the penalty box before cutting it back. Sub Davie Turnbull’s strike was well blocked by Martin, but it spun out to Mackin who tucked it home despite the Accies keeper’s best efforts.

    It rounded off an excellent afternoon for Craigan’s side, who now travel north to Dingwall on Sunday hoping to book their place in the Youth Cup Final for the first time in almost three decades.

    Motherwell: Long, Watt, McMillan, Maguire, Kennedy, Campbell, MacLean, J. Leitch (Hastie – 82mins), Fletcher (Mackin – 76mins), Thomas, R.Leitch (Turnbull – 76mins)

    Subs Not Used: Morrison, Moore, Falconer, Livingstone

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Fir Park

    Extended highlights from Fir Park as Louis Moult and Marvin Johnson score in a 3-1 win for The Steelmen.

  • Archive

    Partick Thistle win in pictures

    Action images from today’s 3-1 win over Partick Thistle at Fir Park.

    Snaps courtesy of SNSPix

    [svgallery name=”thistle270216″]