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  • Archive

    Summer pitch renovations begin

  • Archive

    Ticket Information: Last two games

  • Archive

    Beaton’s in charge at Dingwall

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Fir Park

  • Archive

    McGhee – Dissapointed after good start

  • Archive

    St Johnstone defeat in pictures

  • Archive

    Motherwell 1 – 2 St Johnstone

  • Archive

    Well fans: Thank you

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Excelsior Stadium

  • Archive

    Motherwell U20s 1 – 2 Celtic U20s

  • Archive

    Summer pitch renovations begin

    Motherwell’s summer pitch renovations have began with contractors Souters Sports hard at work since Sunday morning.

    Head Groundsman Paul Matthew worked wonders during the 2015/16 campaign, with Fir Park widely recognised amongst the best pitches in Scotland.

    Such was the quality of the work, ‘Well were able to go the whole season without losing a single match to the weather, despite the wettest winter on record; the first time that’s been the case for over a decade.

    However, Paul’s hard work, care and attention masked difficulties beneath the surface and the focus of the summer work is concentrated on improving drainage. 67 eight-inch deep sand slits are being introduced across the entire pitch, connecting to the existing lateral drains.

    [pullquote]We’ve been slightly fortunate that we can start a week earlier than we might have, and our colleagues at Souters Sports have been hard at work for the past few days, trying to meet the tight deadlines we’ve set them[/pullquote]

    The pitch will then be power harrowed, with new fibre reinforcement added for the first time in a number of years, further improving stability before re-seeding in around two weeks time.

    Head Groundsman Paul Matthew: “Although we managed to get every game on as scheduled during the campaign, it was a real struggle at times. Over December and January, we had several inches of rain, which really took its toll, and only a collective effort from everyone at the club made it possible.

    “With such a short window for renovations, it will be extremely difficult for all Groundsmen to have their pitches prepared for the new early season start.

    “However, we’ve been slightly fortunate that we can start a week earlier than we might have, and our colleagues at Souters Sports have been hard at work for the past few days, trying to meet the tight deadlines we’ve set them.

    “From my point of view, I’d also like to acknowledge the support of the football club in striving to improve the surface all the time. We all work very hard in here to give our players the best possible platform for every match at Fir Park, and we hope to make it even better during 2016/17.”

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  • Archive

    Ticket Information: Last two games

    ‘Well fans, please note ticket Information for the last two SPFL Premiership matches of the 2015/2016 season.

    Ross CountyTickets for the Ladbrokes Premiership match with Ross County at the Global Energy Stadium on Wednesday 11th May (7.45pm KO) will be available on the gate with admission prices:

    ADULTS:    £20 
    CONCESSIONS:                                       £12
    JUVENILE    £10
    • Concessions are listed as Under 18s, Over 65s and full time students.
    • Juveniles are listed as Under 16s

    —————

    CelticTickets for the Ladbrokes Premiership match with Celtic on Sunday 15th May at Celtic Park (12.30pm KO) are available now from the Fir Park Ticket Office priced at:

    ADULTS:    £26 / £23 
    CONCESSIONS:                                       £17 / £14
    JUVENILE:    £10 / £7
    • Concessions are listed as 65 and over and Under 16s
    • Juveniles are listed as 13 & under
    • The Cheaper priced ticket is for restricted view
    • Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Sharon or John McCaskie on 07745 494631/ 07711 992161 or email disabledfans@motherwellfc.co.uk
  • Archive

    Beaton’s in charge at Dingwall

    Referee for Wednesday’s penultimate SPFL Premiership clash with Ross County at the Global Energy Stadium is John Beaton.

    John will be handling his third Motherwell match of the campaign so far, the first being a 2-2 draw with Dundee back in late January. The Steelmen were on course to take all three points when Chris Cadden and Stephen Pearson had the visitors ahead, but a controversial late penalty from Kane Hemmings levelled things up at 2-2.

    His other ‘Well game was also in the Highlands, when McGhee’s men all but secured top-six with a terrific 1-2 win at the Caledonian Stadium.

    It was role reversal this time though with Motherwell scoring late on; Marvin Johnson’s ‘last kick of the game’ winner added to Lionel Ainsworth’s opener in what turned out to be a vital three points in the race to finish in the top half.

    Those games came on the back of two games last season too.

    The first was a 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock at Fir Park in March 2015 when Scott McDonald’s free-kick earned ‘Well a share of the spoils.

    The other was the instantly forgettable 2-0 loss to Hamilton at New Douglas Park a month later, when a large visiting support watched Jason Scotland and Ali Crawford score to give the South Lanarkshire side the win.

    His overall record in charge of Motherwell matches reads four wins, three defeats and three draws from ten matches. ‘Well have scored eighteen and conceded fourteen.

    Thirty-two players have gone into the book during those games, sixteen of them wearing Claret and Amber, with just two red card: Joe Shaughnessy in a League Cup tie against Aberdeen in 2013/14 and Darryl Westlake last season, in the aforementioned 1-1 draw with Killie at Fir Park.

    John will be ably assisted by Alastair Mather and Ralph Gordon with David Lowe on Fourth Official duties.

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Fir Park

    Highlights from Fir Park as Motherwell sign off the home season with a 1-2 defeat to St Johnstone.

  • Archive

    McGhee – Dissapointed after good start

    ‘Well boss Mark McGhee was left disappointed his side lost the game after making such a bright start.

    The Fir Parkers were on the front foot, took an early lead and have several chances to extend that in a high tempo first 20 minutes.

    However, Saints hit back before going ahead in a topsy-turvy first half.

    Saints shaded a fairly uneventful second forty-five, to run out 1-2 winners and all but secure fourth spot.

    [pullquote]But they thoroughly deserve their lap of honour, even though it was a disappointing day, they put in a great effort even to get within touching distance of fourth spot.[/pullquote]

    McGhee said: “I was disappointed with today as I thought we made a lot of chances in the first half, even at 1-0, to finish it and didn’t take them. The second half was a tired and disjoined slog; a typical end-of-season sort of second half.

    “But they thoroughly deserve their lap of honour, even though it was a disappointing day, they put in a great effort even to get within touching distance of fourth spot.

    “Mentally, it’s been a tough one. It took so much for us to get away from the bottom and then again into the top six. However, we will go again this week with the aim of finishing as strongly as possible.”

  • Archive

    St Johnstone defeat in pictures

    Action images from this afternoon’s 1-2 defeat to St Johnstone at Fir Park.

    Snaps courtesy of SNSPix

    [svgallery name=”stjohnstone070516″]

  • Archive

    Motherwell 1 – 2 St Johnstone

    [tab:Match report]

     Phil McGhee Fir Park

     Motherwell hopes of overtaking St Johnstone  and claiming fourth place were dealt a blow as the Perth men came from behind to claim the points.

    The final  home game of what has turned out to be an enthralling season turned into a disappointing afternoon for the Fir Park fans.

    Motherwell’s perfect start through a Scott McDonald goal looked to set them up for another home win but goals from Steven MacLean and Danny Swanson before half-time turned the game and points the  visitor’s way.

    With Stevie Hammell suspended, Marvin Johnson played a more defensive role on the left side, where he used his pace to great effect. And with Lionel Ainsworth supporting Scott McDonald and Louis Moult up front the Fir Park men had plenty of attacking options.

    That resulted in a perfect,  if rather fortunate  start going a goal up within four minutes. Moult sent the ball down the right channel with Chris Cadden in pursuit. But after Zander Clark raced to the edge of his box to the ball clear he was caught by the young ‘Well midfielder. While everyone waited for referee Greg Aitken to blow for an infringement, McDonald nodded the loose ball into the unguarded net for his 14th  of the season.

    Enjoying the freedom on the left Johnson had a couple of deep surging runs and after 14 minutes a terrific run and cross picked out Ainsworth but he slashed his volley wide of target.

    ‘Well’s luck continued a minute later when following a smart free kick from Saints, Liam Craig’s low shot cracked off the face of the post with the home defence quick to react and block the rebound.

    Keith Lasley, only included as the club appealed his red card at Aberdeen, probably wished he had been elsewhere as Danny Swanson’s heavy collision left the ‘Well captain grounded for several minutes.

    After 24 minutes Johnson was again the architect cutting along the goal line before laying the ball back to McDonald but his angled drive raced across the goal face and wide of target.

    Saints, though, were playing with great determination to hold onto fourth spot and after producing a couple of interventions Connor Ripley got down to smother David Wotherspoon’s shot with Graham Cummins waiting for a slip.

    The Perth side grabbed an equaliser in the 34th minute. Brian Easton swept in a cross from the left which eluded Stephen McManus and Cummins in the centre but the unmarked Steven MacLean nipped in behind them to direct the ball past Ripley to make it 1-1.

    The Steelmen might have restored their lead four minutes before half time when Cadden’s strength took him to the goal line but his inviting cross a yard in front of goal was just in front of Moult.

    But it was Saints who took the lead two  minutes from the break. Wotherspoon’s corner ended on the far side of the box where the unmarked Swanson calmly steered the ball between Ripley and his right hand post.

    Within four minutes of the restart McDonald came close to repeating his first half feat, tuning smartly on Johnson’s throw in only to see his volley dip just wide of Clark’s right hand post.

    At the other end Ripley was at full stretch to beat away Wotherspoon’s powerful 12 yard drive.

    Probably still feeling the effects of his first half grounding, Lasley made way for Joe Chalmers allowing Johnson to push further forward. That substitution was quickly followed by another, Dom Thomas a standout in the Youth Cup win at Hampden, getting 30 minutes to see if his trickery could help turn the game ‘Well’s way.

    However, shots high and wide from Cadden and Johnson respectively, were the only real threats on Saints’ goal.

    In injury time  McDonald’s weak trundled effort summed up the the home side’s energy as they ended their home campaign with a defeat.

    [tab:As it happened]

     Ally Reilly at Fir Park

    FT: Motherwell 1 – 2 St Johnstone

    There will be four minutes added on.

    87′ | 1-2

    An absolutely laughable attempt at simulation there from Fisher. Embarrassing stuff.

    83′ | 1-2

    Motherwel sub, Leitch on for Johnson

    MATCH ATTAX | Young ‘Well fans can vote now for their Man of the Match. Tweet us with your name, age, choice and #MatchAttaxMOTM.

    79′ | 1-2

    St Johnstone sub, Swanson off for Scobbie

    75′ | 1-2

    Johnson with a shot from range but he can’t get it on target. Into the final 15….

    74′ | 1-2

    St Johnstone sub, Cummins off for Kane

    70′ | 1-2

    Cadden down receiving treatment. Ref misses the foul……..

    66′ | 1-2

    Pearson take a booking for a foul on Swanson then the refs misses a tug on Pearson which would have seen Fisher sent off.

    59′ | 1-2

    Second Motherwell sub of the afternoon, Thomas on for Ainsworth.

    57′ | 1-2

    Set-piece corner sets Pearson free in the box but he can’t get his cross right, which hits the top of the bar and goes out.

    55′ | 1-2

    Strong hands from Ripley to save form Wotherspoon who was threaded though on goal.

    53′ | 1-2

    Motherwell sub, Lasley makes way for Chalmers

    50′ | 1-2

    Up the other end, Shaughnessy’s header clips the top of the bar and is just over.

    49′ | 1-2

    McDonald inches away from a brilliant goal as he drops the shoulder and fires away a shot from 25 yards which goes just wide!!

    Motherwell get the second 45 underway. COYW!

    HT: Motherwell 1 – 2 St Johnstone

    44′ | 1-2

    Goal – Saints have turned it around, Swanson unmarked at the back post and slots it past Ripley.

    42′ | 1-1

    So close! Cadden gets away from Craig and fires it in across the face of goal but no ‘Well man can take advantage!

    38′ | 1-1

    Fisher booked for obstructing Johnson as he broke down the left…

    36′ | 1-1

    St Johnstone sub, Brown on for the injured Davidson.

    34′ | 1-1

    Goal – MacLean brings Saints level with a good finish from a deep Easton cross from the left.

    24′ | 1-0

    Good chance for McDonald. Again Johnson is involved, cutting it back but the Aussie slices his shot wide of the post.

    22′ | 1-0

    The Captain returns to action after some treatment from @stokesay16

    20′ | 1-0

    Pause in play as Lasley receives treatment for a head knock.

    17′ | 1-0

    Chance for Cadden! Moult nods it down to him 8 yards out but cant’ get enough power in it to trouble Clark.

    16′ | 1-0

    Off the post from Craig! Saints work a set-piece and his shot from 25 yards comes off the base of the post.

    15′ | 1-0

    What a goal that would have been!! Johnson skins Wotherspoon and curls it into Ainsworth who volleys just past from the edge!

    11′ | 1-0

    Decent chance for Cummins as he gets on the end of Craig’s cross but there is no conviction in his header and its easy for Ripley

    4′ | 1-0

    Cadden pressures Clark into a sliced clearance which leaves McDONALD to nod into the empty net! 1-0!!

    GGOOAALL!!

    St Johnstone get the game underway. COYW!

    Out come the teams, usual colours for both sides. #MFCvSJFC

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Mark McGhee:

     

    St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright

     

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”272″]

  • Archive

    Well fans: Thank you

    Motherwell FC today thanked their fans for working with the club to stay off the pitch at the end of the game.

    As a part of the SPFL Commission, the club had to demonstrate clearly that it would prevent another pitch incursion, which the commission deemed as ‘unacceptable conduct’ when reviewing the Play-off Final of 31st May 2015.

    As we detailed in a statement back in March 2016 and again at the start of this week, the threat posed to the club in the event of another incursion was potentially significant, possibly even material.

    We had to take an extremely visible presence during and at the end of the game, something that fans hopefully know is not the norm at Fir Park.

    We understand some of our supporters may have felt the actions were severe and that it spoiled their enjoyment of the game, and for that we apologise. With the risk, we were almost damned if we do, and very much damned if we didn’t.

    However, we would like to once again sincerely thank the fans for their cooperation in ensuring the requirements of the commission were met this afternoon.

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Excelsior Stadium

    Highlights from the final Development League game of the season, as Motherwell lose 1-2 to Celtic.

  • Archive

    Motherwell U20s 1 – 2 Celtic U20s

    Motherwell Under 20s signed off their 15/16 campaign with a 1-2 defeat to Celtic at Excelsior Stadium this afternoon.

    A first-half double from Hoops front man Calvin Miller was enough to cancel out a fine David Turnbull volley and give the Development League champions all three points.

    The game was a typical end of season fare with little in the way of chances until the 25th minute when Celtic took the lead.

    Regan Hendry collected the ball on the edge of the box and had a snapshot which flashed across Long, struck the far post, came back off the other post and fell into the path of Miller who made no mistake with the finish from six yards.

    With little between the sides, Motherwell were back level seven minutes later.

    Dom Thomas’ cross was headed clear by Kelleher only as far as Turnbull who showed great technique to volley low into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

    Celtic were back ahead, though, ten minutes later through Miller again.

    Mark Hill’s pass was deflected into Miller who showed a great piece of skill to get past Maguire and produced a fine curled finish into the far corner.

    Motherwell arguably had the two best chances of the second half.

    The first fell to Josh Moore who got on the end of Falconer’s ball into the box and although the winger got enough power in his header, he couldn’t quite direct it past Doohan who saved well.

    Moore was also involved in a good chance for Falconer. He won the ball on the counter and although he was tackled, managed to ping the ball through to the pint-sized striker who opted to go for power but ended up firing just over the bar from 18 yards.

    Despite the defeat, Motherwell finish the season in sixth place. Added to the Youth Cup success, it’s been a very impressive debut season for Stephen Craigan.

    Motherwell: Long, McMillan, Ferguson, Maguire, Livingstone, Moore (MacLean – 85), Campbell, Turnbull, Thomas, Leitch, Falconer

    Unused subs: Morrison