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  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Rugby Park

  • Archive

    Kilmarnock win in Pictures

  • Archive

    McGhee: Good value for the win

  • Archive

    Kilmarnock 1 – 2 Motherwell

  • Archive

    Motherwell Inside #2: Paul Matthew

  • Archive

    Preview: Kilmarnock vs Motherwell

  • Archive

    Get fixtures on your Apple calendar

  • Archive

    Tait: We’re well prepared

  • Archive

    McGhee: New season, new start

  • Archive

    ‘Well to face Airdrie in the Irn Bru Cup

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Rugby Park

    Lionel Ainsworth and Marvin Johnson give Motherwell a winning start to the 2016/17 campaign.

  • Archive

    Kilmarnock win in Pictures

    Action images from today’s 1-2 win over Kilmarnock in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

    Snaps courtesy of SNSPix

    [svgallery name=”kilmarnock060816″]

  • Archive

    McGhee: Good value for the win

    ‘Well boss Mark McGhee felt his side were good value for the three points as they won 2-1 against Kilmarnock.

    The Steelmen travelled to Rugby Park on what was a tough afternoon of football littered with injuries and stoppages.

    But moments of class from Lionel Ainsworth and Marvin Johnson shone through and sealed the win for Motherwell on the first day of the league season.

    Speaking to MFC TV, McGhee said: “I thought the first half was fairly straightforward; I thought we deserved the lead and I thought we played well.

    [pullquote] I thought the first half was fairly straightforward; I thought we deserved the lead and I thought we played well.[/pullquote]

    “The second half was interrupted a bit by an awful lot of head injuries and people going down and physio’s going on.”

    He added: “We got the second goal early in the half that gave us that cushion and to lose the goal when we did, they’re going to put us under pressure.”

    Kilmarnock, who saw their manager sent to the stands after 10 minutes, made it a nervy final ten minutes when they pulled a goal back, and McGhee admitted they played well.

    He said: “They worked hard today so you’ve got to give them credit. They worked their socks off in the first-half closing us down and getting up to us, but we showed at times a little bit of composure to get through that and then punch back.

    [pullquote]You’ve got to see games out and defensively I felt we did, the goalkeeper was terrific.[/pullquote]

    He added: “You’ve got to see games out and defensively I felt we did, the goalkeeper was terrific – he took an injury, dislocated his toe and the doc put it back and he got on with it.”

    The pitch at Rugby Park had recently been narrowed and shortened, but the ‘Well manager said it didn’t impact on the game and instead added that the artificial turf plays more of a part.

    He said: “I’m not complaining about the pitch but it does change the nature of the game – it’s a difficult surface.”

    Speaking about the two goals, he added: “I think that’s the standout thing about the game – the two goals.

    [pullquote] I think that’s the standout thing about the game – the two goals.[/pullquote]

    “Lionel’s finish was sublime and Marvin Johnson getting on the end of a fantastic cross from Chris Cadden, a header that was reminiscent of Thierry Henry or Les Ferdinand or any of these great forwards – he’s headed it with such conviction.

    Carl McHugh suffered a bad head injury and had to leave the park just after half-time, and the manager said: “I’m concerned that there’s a chance he won’t be available on Wednesday night, he’s got a horrific gash on the side of his head that the doc has stitched up.

    “But we’ve learned already that Carl McHugh is one of these boys that regardless of that if the doc can stitch it up and put some sort of cover on it, he’ll want to be out there on Wednesday night.”

  • Archive

    Kilmarnock 1 – 2 Motherwell

    [tab:Match report]

     Phil McGhee at Rugby Park

    Goals from Lionel Ainsworth and Marvin Johnson either side of half-time made it a perfect start to the new season for the Steelmen.

    However, having been in control for most of the game, the Fir Park men survived a frantic finale after Martin Wilson pulled a goal back for Kilmarnock.

    ‘Well kicked off the new SPFL season with four players; Richard Tait, Ben Heneghan, Craig Clay and Carl McHugh, making their league debut in claret and Amber. And they made major contributions as the visitors made a confident start.

    With a holding four in midfield, Lionel Ainsworth was deployed through the middle to support lone striker Scott McDonald.

    And with Kilmarnock boasting half a dozen new faces in their line-up, the opening exchanges found both sides trying to find their feet and new teammates on the artificial surface.

    The first chance came ‘Well’s way after seven minutes when prompted by McDonald’s through ball Chris Cadden wriggled into the box but his left foot finish lacked any power.

    Just 12 minutes into the new season Killie boss Lee Clarke was sent to the stand by Craig Thompson just in time to watch a speedy break from Ainsworth set up the unmarked McDonald but he volleyed the ball into the pitch and wide of target.

    Marvin Johnson then had a couple of attempts at goal the first a scorching left foot drive which skimmed narrowly over the bar before he curled a 20 yard free kick wide of Jamie MacDonald’s goal.

    While Motherwell had the bulk of the play in the opening half hour the only threat to their goal came from a Steven Smith free kick which Craig Samson, on his first return to Rugby Park, was happy to watch sail over his cross bar.

    In the 38th minute the Fir Park side almost sneaked the lead with what would have been a bit of a fluke. Clay’s close in drive was on target until it was blocked by Gary Dicker in front of his ‘keeper but the rebound ricocheted off the ‘Well midfielder and was racing over the line until MacDonald made an incredible reflex save – surely one of the stops of the season already.

    There was nothing fortunate when the ‘Well goal did arrive 90 seconds later though. McDonald sent Ainsworth racing towards the box and with the delicate of touches he lifted the ball over the advancing MacDonald and under the ‘keeper’s bar for a quality finish.

    A minute later and with ‘Well pressing for a second Ainsworth found Johnson on the left and his low angled drive was blocked by the ‘keeper’s legs.

    However, within 20 seconds of the restart Johnson made it 2-0 nodding home Richard Tait’s cross to claim his fourth goal of the season and put Mark McGhee’s men in the driving seat.

    The home side immediately sent on Kris Boyd and the veteran striker’s first touch was a bouncing shot which Samson did well to beat away low to his left.

    The Motherwell physios were then overworked as McHugh had to be replaced after a nasty clash of heads with Willie Boyle. Treatment for Samson and McDonald then followed as players tangled and tumbled on the hard artificial surface.

    Killie were then susceptible to the counter attack and after 74 minutes a lightening break saw Ainsworth release Johnson but his sprint from the halfway line was matched by Smith who blocked the threat 8 yards from his goal.

    Three minutes later Boyd came close to pulling a goal back with a terrific free kick but his strike was matched by Samson who threw himself low to his left to turn the ball behind.

    The ‘Well goal was finally breached nine minutes from time when Greg Taylor crossed the ball into a packed box where Martin Smith’s glancing header carried the ball past Samson.

    The Steelmen defended in numbers after that and survived a few nervous moments with the referee under pressure from the home fans waving aside a couple of penalty claims.

    Overall, though, it was a deserved and confident win to take into the Betfred Cup tie at Celtic Park on Wednesday.

    [tab:As it happened]

     Lewis Irons at Rugby Park

    A hard-earned three points at Rugby Park but a very welcome start to the season. COYW!

    FULL TIME!

    Kilmarnock 1 – 2 Motherwell

    90+3′ | 1-2

    Heneghan booked for a mistimed challenge on Coulibaly…

    6 minutes added on…..

    87′ | 1-2

    Motherwell sub, Ross MacLean on for Lionel Ainsworth

    81′ | 1-2

    Goal – Killie pull a goal back courtesy of a header from M. Smith.

    79′ | 0-2

    Kilmarnock sub, M. Smith on for Kiltie.

    77′ | 0-2

    Chance for Killie, free-kick from 25 yards…….drilled in by Boyd, beaten clear by Samson. Good save!

    74′ | 0-2

    Very nearly 3!! Johnson uses his blistering pace to get past Smith but his effort is turned wide for a corner.

    Today’s attendance is 4,308.

    Ref ends up doing nothing in the end.

    69′ | 0-2

    Another crazy spell there as Killie’s physios run onto the park without play being stopped then Coulibaly shoves over Samson.

    67′ | 0-2

    What a chance that is as Ainsworth springs the offside trap but can’t get enough on his poke at goal to beat MacDonald.

    66′ | 0-2

    Ainsworth with what looked like a spot of break-dancing there as he tries to clear and is fouled by Smith.

    63′ | 0-2

    Been a busy few minutes for physio @aileen_and

    61′ | 0-2

    Another head knock! This time McDonald is the victim and Smith is booked.

    59′ | 0-2

    More drama as Samson does down after a knock. Initially signalled to be subbed off but will continue.

    56′ | 0-2

    Motherwell sub, McHugh off for Chalmers. ‘Well taking no chances with that head-knock.

    55′ | 0-2

    Strong penalty shout there! Cadden had his man beaten but is hauled down. Ref not interested!!

    51′ | 0-2

    Ouch! Nasty clash of heads there involving McHugh and Smith. The Motherwell man is booed off the pitch and booked, bizarrely.

    48′ | 0-2

    Killie almost with an instant reply but Boyd’s bouncing volley is dealt with by Samson.

    48′ | 0-2

    Kilmarnock sub, MacFadzean off for Boyd

    46′ | 0-2

    Wow! Second half off to a flier! Tait gets down the right and swings in a great ball which JOHNSON heads superbly into the net!!!

    GGOOOOAALLLLL!!

    Johnson gets the second 45 underway. COYW!

    Both sides back out for the second 45

    HALF TIME’ | Kilmarnock 0 – 1 Motherwell

    42′ | 0-1

    Nearly a second! Johnson bursts away and his powerful takes a touch but bounces just wide of the post.

    40′ | 0-1

    WHAT A GOAL!!! Ainsworth is slid in and he nonchalantly chips the ball over MacDonald’s head. Exquisite finish!!

    GGGOOOOAAALLLLL!!!

    39′ | 0-0

    What a save from MacDonald as the ball cannons off Clay from close range but the keeper gets down and saves well.

    35′ | 0-0

    Addison goes close for Killie, heading a corner just over the bar.

    24′ | 0-0

    From that free-kick, Johnson’s delivery is headed away to safety.

    24′ | 0-0

    This time Motherwell get the free-kick after Cadden was blocked by MacFadzean.

    23′ | 0-0

    Ainsworth wrestled to the ground but somehow the decision goes against him.

    …..not far away! His curling strike lands on the roof of the net.

    19′ | 0-0

    Chance for Killie as Smith stands over a free-kick some 30 yards out……

    17′ | 0-0

    Ainsworth wins a free-kick about 20 yards out which Johnson curls just wide of the post

    15′ | 0-0

    Close! Johnson with a bullet of a shot from 25 yards which goes narrowly over the bar.

    13′ | 0-0

    Chance!! Ainsworth uses his pace to burst clear and clips in a ball to McDonald who drags his volley just past!

    12′ | 0-0

    Some good possession play ends with Clay’s header which lacks power and direction to trouble MacDonald

    10′ | 0-0

    Bit of drama here as Lee Clark has been sent to the stand already.

    8′ | 0-0

    First corner of the game goes Killie’s way….Hawkshaw’s delivery is headed clear by McHugh.

    7′ | 0-0

    Strong overlapping run there from Cadden gets himself into the box but Addison does enough to intercept his cross.

    4′ | 0-0

    First sniff of goal for Killie, but Coulibaly’s shot from 20 yards is harmlessly high and wide.

    Kick-off! Coulibaly gets the action underway.

    Out come both sides, it’s claret and amber for ‘Well and blue and white for Killie.

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Mark McGhee:

    “I thought the first half was fairly straightforward; I thought we deserved the lead and I thought we played well.

    “The second half was interrupted a bit by an awful lot of head injuries and people going down and physio’s going on.

    “We got the second goal early in the half that gave us that cushion and to lose the goal when we did, they’re going to put us under pressure.”

    Kilmarnock  Manager  Lee Clark:

     

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”279″]

  • Archive

    Motherwell Inside #2: Paul Matthew

    In the second instalment of the monthly Motherwell Inside feature, MFC TV catches up with Head Groundsman Paul Matthew to talk all things pitch. 

    From weeding to repairing disease on the park, the work of a groundsman is far more complex than merely cutting the grass

    And in Part 2, Motherwell Inside showcases some of the main challenges and obligations in the role.

    [pullquote]It’s my remit to basically make sure the pitch is in the best possible condition it can be, throughout the year, not just from one game to the next game. [/pullquote]

    Paul said: “It’s my remit to basically make sure the pitch is in the best possible condition it can be, throughout the year, not just from one game to the next game.

    “And that includes whatever comes on the pitch, whether it’s first team games, other games or friendly games.”

    He added: “What we’re doing is having a knock on effect with other clubs… From a pitch that maybe wasn’t so good in the past, other clubs are looking now and realising something is happening here.”

    For exclusive content, subscribe to MFC TV’s You Tube channel.

  • Archive

    Preview: Kilmarnock vs Motherwell

    Motherwell travel to Rugby Park to open their Premiership campaign against Kilmarnock on Saturday afternoon.

    After a strong league cup group stage, the Fir Parkers progressed to the knockout stages where they will face Celtic next week.

    But the league has been the focus point for Mark McGhee and his side in pre-season, as they work hard to prepare for the curtain raiser this weekend.

    Strikers Louis Moult and Jacob Blyth will remain side-lined as the pair work hard to recover from their relative injuries.

    However, with Scott McDonald, Marvin Johnson and Chris Cadden in fine goal-scoring form in recent weeks, the Steelmen still have plenty of options at their disposal.

    The trio all struck in the cup clashes against East Stirlingshire and Stranraer and will hope to extend their purple patches going in to the first game of the league season.

    New signings Ben Heneghan, Richard Tait and Carl McHugh will likely make their debuts in the Scottish top flight, while trialist Craig Clay could be in line to keep his place in McGhee’s starting line-up.

    Craig Samson, who has looked assured in the league cup so far, will be confident of continuing to fend off the pressure from Dean Brill, who arrived this summer and is hungry to challenge for the number one jersey.

    Summer signing Richard Tait has enjoyed a solid start to life in Claret and Amber since returning north of the border from Grimsby.

    The Galashiels-born right back was with Nottingham Forest before joining Tamworth. He played almost 200 games with the Lambs before spells with Cambridge and Grimsby, where he was part of the promotion winning side who stepped up to League 2 via the Playoffs.

    He joined the Steelmen on a three-year deal back in June and since being handed the number two jersey, the 26-year-old doesn’t look like he’s planning on giving it up soon.

    Speaking to the press ahead of the league opener on Saturday, Tait said: “I think everyone’s excited for the first league game to come, the competitive games have already started with the cup, so it’s been nice to play in them and play in games that you need to win, so that should hold us in good stead for the first league game on Saturday.”

    The 26-year-old also admitted that a poor run in the cup could hamper your chances as the league starts.

    [pullquote]I think our performances so far will hold us in good stead for Saturday and I think we’ll go there with confidence.[/pullquote]

    He said: “In terms of confidence, if you’re not performing well in the cup you could go in to the league season thinking ‘we need to get a win somewhere’, but I think our performances so far will hold us in good stead for Saturday and I think we’ll go there with confidence.”

    Having signed for the club back in June on a three year deal, the Scotsman admitted that he has enjoyed his time here so far.

    The full-back said: “It’s been terrific so far; I’m really enjoying it.

    “Pre-season has been tough but it’s been enjoyable at the same time and it’s a lot easier when you enjoy it.”

    He also added that the experience of his defensive partners is helping him and fellow new-signing Ben Heneghan.

    He added: “For me and Ben, anything that McManus and Hammell say to us we’re going to take it in and we’re going to use it, so it’s great to play alongside players with that experience and we can only learn from it.”

    Saturday’s opponents required a 4-1 play-off final victory over Championship side Falkirk to keep their Premiership status intact last season, but under the guidance of Lee Clark and Lee McCulloch will be hoping for greater success this term.

    But it hasn’t been the greatest start to life in 2016/17, with a couple of poor results in the Betfred Cup leaving Killie second placed in Group H and tumbling out of the competition early.

    The last time out, Lee Clark’s side went to penalties against Albion Rovers, where they lost 5-3 on penalties at home.

    While it hasn’t been the best of starts for the club, they have certainly shook things up over the summer, introducing no fewer than 11 new signings on one day.

    ‘Well boss Mark McGhee insists that the volume of new additions won’t phase the Steelmen though.

    Speaking to the press this morning he said: “We’ve done our due diligence – we know who they are and what foot they kick with, we know what they can do and what they can’t do.

    “What we then do is take all that information and try and distil that in to a picture for Saturday that will be fairly accurate as to how they’ll come out and play.”

  • Archive

    Get fixtures on your Apple calendar

    Motherwell fans who use Apple products are now able to download this Season’s fixture’s to their device.

    Taking advantage of Apple’s iCal app, which is the default calendar app across all of Apple’s devices, this season’s fixtures and match information like ticket prices and travel details will be automatically added.

    If there are any fixture changes, these will automatically be updated.

    To subscribe to the Calendar, simply click this link webcal://bit.ly/2axPrRH from your Apple iPhone, iPad, MacBook or iMac and follow the on screen prompts.

    Note: You may experience issues if your ios software has not been updated.

    You can unsubscribe from the Calendar at any time by going to Settings>>>Mail, Contacts and Calendars>>>>Subscribed calendars>>>>Motherwell Season 16/17>>>Delete Account

  • Archive

    Tait: We’re well prepared

    ‘Well defender Richard Tait believes that the Betfred Cup has given the Fir Parkers good preparation for Saturday’s league opener.

    Mark McGhee’s men travel to Rugby Park, and the summer signing admitted everyone in the squad is excited.

    Speaking to the press this morning, he said: “I think everyone’s excited for the first league game to come, the competitive games have already started with the cup, so it’s been nice to play in them and play in games that you need to win, so that should hold us in good stead for the first league game on Saturday.”

    [pullquote]I think our performances so far will hold us in good stead for Saturday and I think we’ll go there with confidence.[/pullquote]

    The 26-year-old also admitted that a poor run in the cup could hamper your chances as the league starts.

    He said: “In terms of confidence, if you’re not performing well in the cup you could go in to the league season thinking ‘we need to get a win somewhere’, but I think our performances so far will hold us in good stead for Saturday and I think we’ll go there with confidence.”

    Having signed for the club back in June on a three year deal, the Scotsman admitted that he has enjoyed his time here so far.

    [pullquote]Pre-season has been tough but it’s been enjoyable at the same time and it’s a lot easier when you enjoy it.[/pullquote]

    The full-back said: “It’s been terrific so far; I’m really enjoying it.

    “Pre-season has been tough but it’s been enjoyable at the same time and it’s a lot easier when you enjoy it.”

    He also added that the experience of his defensive partners is helping him and fellow new-signing Ben Heneghan.

    He added: “For me and Ben, anything that McManus and Hammell say to us we’re going to take it in and we’re going to use it, so it’s great to play alongside players with that experience and we can only learn from it.”

    Get Motherwell’s fixtures on your iPhone by clicking here: webcal://bit.ly/2axPrRH

  • Archive

    McGhee: New season, new start

    ‘Well manager Mark McGhee insists the opening games in the league will not reflect on how clubs will do this season.

    Instead, the manager believes it will be a couple of weeks of settling in to the new campaign.

    Speaking to the press ahead of the curtain raiser against Kilmarnock, McGhee said: “I think that every season is the same, only different.

    “Each club in the Scottish Premiership starts again, even Celtic to a degree, they’ve got a new manager and new players, Rangers have come up they’ve got a few new players, so it’s not like there’s a total continuity.”

    [pullquote]We finished fifth last year and we were doing quite well, but it’s not a case of just rolling on from that – we start again.[/pullquote]

    He added: “We finished fifth last year and we were doing quite well, but it’s not a case of just rolling on from that – we start again.

    “Now that might mean that we finish fifth or even fourth, but we don’t know that sitting here today.

    “In the early part of the season we’re all establishing ourselves, seeing if the signings we’ve made are good and if they fit in and just getting to know how we’re going to do.”

    Addressing Saturday’s opponents Kilmarnock, the ‘Well boss spoke of their eleven new additions.

    [pullquote]We’ve done our due diligence – we know who they are and what foot they kick with, we know what they can do and what they can’t do.[/pullquote]

    He said: “We’ve done our due diligence – we know who they are and what foot they kick with, we know what they can do and what they can’t do.

    “What we then do is take all that information and try and distil that in to a picture for Saturday that will be fairly accurate as to how they’ll come out and play.”

    When asked about the situation surrounding star forward Marvin Johnson, the manager shed some light on the recent bid from down south, which he described as “well below” what would be required to secure the Englishman.

    [pullquote]I’d be amazed if Oxford have the amount of money in their coffers that would be required to get Marvin out of here.[/pullquote]

    He said: “We had an approach and offer from Oxford and we respect the approach but, firstly, I’d be amazed if Oxford have the amount of money in their coffers that would be required to get Marvin out of here.

    “Secondly, if Marvin is ever going to leave here in the short or medium term then his ambitions will be in a bigger league – and that’s not a criticism of the club it’s more about the league they’re playing in.”

    [pullquote]He’s an outstanding athlete, he’s an outstanding player, he’s got an outstanding attitude towards training, towards playing and towards his team-mates.[/pullquote]

    He added: “I was at Brighton vs Lazio, I know it’s a friendly, but I could’ve dropped Marvin into that game and for me he’d probably be the best player on the pitch, so Marvin could go to the Championship and play at that level without any doubt in my mind.

    “He’s an outstanding athlete, he’s an outstanding player, he’s got an outstanding attitude towards training, towards playing and towards his team-mates.”

  • Archive

    ‘Well to face Airdrie in the Irn Bru Cup

    Motherwell U20s have been drawn against Airdrieonians in the second round of the Irn-Bru Cup.

    SPFL Officials Neil Doncaster and Iain Blair made the draw at Hampden Park this afternoon, live across social media, pulling a Lanarkshire Derby from the hat.

    For Stephen Craigan and his U20 side, they face another home tie after overcoming Edinburgh City 2-1 on Tuesday night.

    North Section
    Brechin City v Cove Rangers
    Arbroath v East Fife
    Peterhead v Brora Rangers
    Turriff United v Montrose
    Elgin City v Heart of Midlothian U20s
    Aberdeen U20s v Forfar Athletic

    South Section
    Stranraer v Spartans
    Partick Thistle U20s v Queen’s Park
    Albion Rovers v Hamilton Academical U20s
    Motherwell U20s v Airdrieonians
    Cowdenbeath v Celtic U20s
    Rangers U20s or University of Stirling v Stenhousemuir