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    Dundee 2 – 0 Motherwell

  • Archive

    Fan Information: vs Dundee

  • Archive

    Dundee: A closer look

  • Archive

    Agyeman promoted to the Under 20s

  • Archive

    McGhee: Expecting Dundee at their best

  • Archive

    Heneghan: Got to be at our best

  • Archive

    Motherwell FC will remember

  • Archive

    Cadden signs contract extension

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    Last time at Dens Park

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    Beaton in charge at Dens Park

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    Dundee 2 – 0 Motherwell

    [tab:Match report]

     Lewis Irons at Dens Park

    Motherwell suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Dundee in the Ladbrokes Premiership, on an afternoon of controversy and disappointment.

    Motherwell were incorrectly denied a clear goal when Dee stopper David Mitchell ran the ball across his line and were punished by a late Cammy Kerr strike in the first half, which swayed the momentum of the game and contributed to a poor second half showing.

    Mark McGhee named two changes from the side that recorded a 4-1 win over Ross County last weekend. Lee Lucas missed out due to injury but was replaced by the returning skipper Keith Lasley, while youngster Jack McMillan was replaced by experienced full-back Stevie Hammell.

    And it was a dominant first period for Motherwell after the game settled down. Louis Moult fancied his chances from range within the opening five minutes, but his ambitious effort was off target and didn’t trouble Mitchell.

    Some neat passing allowed Jamie Kerr a good opportunity inside the Motherwell box after eight minutes, but from a tight angle he flashed his effort across goal.

    It took over ten minutes for the game to settle somewhat, and the Steelmen enjoyed a good spell of possession deep in Dundee’s half. Cadden teed up Tait who swung a cross on to the head of Scott McDonald, who directed it on target but was halted by the linesman’s flag.

    Mitchell did well to tip an in swinging Lionel Ainsworth corner on to the crossbar, and McGhee’s men didn’t quite get the luck they needed as it bounced too high for McManus who struck it on the half-volley over the bar.

    The pressure was maintained and just minutes later Scott McDonald tried his luck from range, but he too struck too high and Mitchell remained fairly untested after the first 20 minutes.

    There was a huge decision to be made for the officials in the 25th minute, as David Mitchell was caught off guard from a lofted Scott McDonald cross, which had him scrambling back towards his goal and as he gathered it, the keeper ran the ball over his own line sending the travelling ‘Well fans in to disarray as the linesman didn’t flag for a goal and play went on.

    Lionel Ainsworth was denied a sure goal by an impressive block from … after cadden’s low, drilled cross landed at the wingers feet – but his first time effort crashed against the defender and it remained 0-0, when in truth it could have been two and most certainly should have at least been one for the Fir Parkers.

    Completely against the run of play and in crushing fashion, Cammy Kerr gave Dundee the lead with just minutes left in the first half.

    McGhee replaced Stevie Hammell with Jack McMillan at the break before withdrawing Ainsworth and Lasley for youngsters Thomas and MacLean.

    The second half was largely scrappy, with neither side creating too many clear cut chances. The best opportunity fell Dundee’s way just before the 70th minute, when Holt had time to attempt a shot from inside the area, which flashed wide of Samson’s far post.

    In a scrappy half with next to no chances created, Dundee grabbed their second of the match and all but sealed the three points. Wighton got in behind the Motherwell defence before cutting the ball back to Haber who slotted it past Samson from close range.

    Almost immediately down the other end, Stephen  McManus should have pulled one back as the ball broke to him inside the box after Mitchell fumbled, but the centre-back blazed it high over the bar.

    David Mitchell was forced in to a double save in the 85th minute, as Craig Clay’s effort was plamed before McDonald’s header was eventually gathered by the Dundee stopper.

    But it wasn’t to be for Motherwell, on an afternoon where a controversial decision denied the Fir Parkers the lead and ultimately changed the game.

    [tab:As it happened]

     Lewis Irons at Dens Park

     

    FT: Dundee 2 – 0 Motherwell #DFCvMFC

    5 minutes added on.

    84′ | 2-0
    Another good chance there as Clay’s shot is beaten away by Mitchell then McDonald heads straight at him

    82′ | 2-0
    Chance to nick a goal back there as Mitchell fumbled to McManus but he fires over the bar.

    79′ | 2-0
    Goal – Wighton gets in behind the defence and cuts it back to Haber who slots it home. 2-0 to Dundee.

    67′ | 1-0
    Dundee break away and a loose ball falls to Holt who fires just wide from the edge of the box.

    58′ | 1-0
    Double Motherwell sub, MacLean and Thomas on for Ainsworth and Lasley

    56′ | 1-0
    Gomis hobbles off and is replaced by Williams

    54′ | 1-0
    McManus booked for fouling Gomis on the edge of the box.

    51′ | 1-0
    Great save from Samson who palms Haber’s close-range header onto the bar!

    50′ | 1-0
    Wighton tests Samson with a good effort from 20 yards but the ‘keeper palms it over the bar.

    Both sides are back out and Dundee get the second 45 underway…

    Motherwell sub, McMillan on for Hammell

    HT: Dundee 1 – 0 Motherwell #DFCvMFC
    40′ | 1-0
    Goal – Unbelievably Dundee take the lead with their first dangerous attack of the game. 1-0 to Dundee through Kerr.

    33′ | 0-0
    Chance! Cadden with a great low cross to Ainsworth whose shot from 12 yards is blocked by O’Dea!

    24′ | 0-0
    Motherwell spurred on by that injustice and McDonald goes close with a header from close range.

    21′ | 0-0
    Woah! Incredibly bad decision there as McDonald’s shot goes well into the net but linesman somehow doesn’t see it.

    17′ | 0-0
    McDonald drops the shoulder to beat Vincent but his effort on goal is way off. Still 0-0.

    16′ | 0-0
    Off the bar! Ainsworth’s cross causes Mitchell all sorts of problems and he has to palm it onto the woodwork!

    8′ | 0-0
    Close! Kerr overlaps and from a tight angle takes on the shot which fizzes inches past the far post.

    6’ | 0-0
    Moult advances but has little options and opts to go for a shot which is way off target.

    Lasley gets the game underway. COYW!!!

    Both teams emerge from the tunnel, Dundee in pink and dark blue, Motherwell in all white.

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Mark McGhee:

     

    Dundee  Manager  Paul Hartley:

     

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”295″]

  • Archive

    Fan Information: vs Dundee

    ADULTS:    £22 
    CONCESSIONS       £17
    UNDER 13    £10
    • Concessions are listed as 65 and over and juveniles under 16
    • Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Sharon or John McCaskie on 07745 494631/ 07711 992161 or email disabledfans@motherwellfc.co.uk 

    • The Motherwell Support will be housed in the Shankly Stand (behind the goals)
    • Pay at the gate turnstiles are 33-34 with a contingency gate if necessary.
    • Dens park is a completely no smoking stadium with no facility to leave the stadium to smoke during the game or at half time. This also applies to e cigarettes.
    • The club cannot allow surfing flags however flags can be draped over the seating area at the front of the stand (four rows) that are cordoned off for the game. These must be able to be secured and the stewards will be on hand to assist.
    • Bus parking is Neish Street ( across the road from tannadice)

    By car

    Click here for Directions (if on iPhone, this link will open up your maps app for Sat Nav)

    The stadium is located less than 200 yards from Tannadice, home of their city rivals Dundee Utd, and is well signposted for travelling fans.

    Head towards Perth on the A9 and then follow the A90 into Dundee, leaving at the junction with the B960 to turn right on to Clepington Road (signposted Football traffic).

    Continue along Clepington Road for one mile and go through a roundabout before turning right on Arklay Street. The stadium will be clearly visible.

    Street parking is available on numerous streets around the ground.

    By bus

    Several operators run buses to Dundee, departing every hour from Buchanan Station in Glasgow city centre.

    Further information and timetables are available online at www.citylink.co.uk.

    By train

    Dundee station is over two miles away from the ground, although frequent bus services run throughout the city.

    Further information and timetables are available online at www.tpexpress.co.uk.

  • Archive

    Dundee: A closer look

    Motherwell travel to Dens Park in the Ladbrokes Premiership tomorrow, looking to follow up from the important three points picked up against Ross County last weekend.

    The Steelmen currently occupy ninth spot in the table and are just two points off the top six, but Mark McGhee and his side also sit just three points ahead of Dundee, highlighting the tight nature of the league.

    Dundee earned a hugely important win over Hamilton to set them up nicely for this clash, having strung together six defeats on the bounce prior to that 1-0 victory last weekend.

    And it proved to be a big six points, not just for tomorrow’s opposition but for the entire table, with a mere six points separating sixth and 12th.

    Both the Dee’s wins have come away from home this term, with Paul Hartley’s side picking up just two points on their home turf in 12 games. But the Steelmen will be wary of the task at hand on Saturday after failing to break the Dark Blues resistance in the 0-0 draw at Fir Park back in late August.

    Other examples of the clubs defensive capabilities were on show in their hard-fought 1-0 and 2-1 defeats to Celtic and Rangers respectively, where both sides of the Old Firm scraped narrowly past Paul Hartley’s men at Dens Park.

    Mark McGhee knows that his side must prepare for Dundee at their best tomorrow afternoon, and admitted that it will be a tough test.

    He said: “Dundee aren’t any different to the rest of us in this league, I’ve seen Dundee play poorly but I’ve seen them play well, I’ve seen the same with Inverness, Ross County, Partick Thistle.

    “We’ve got to go in to every game thinking whoever we’re playing will play well, that they’re capable of it and that day they will play well – that way we won’t be taken by surprise.

    “Dundee have that in them, they’re at home and the first goal is really important I feel.”

    Keith Lasley and Stevie Hammell both trained this week as the experienced duo look to recover for the trip to Dundee, but Carl McHugh is still out of action due to concussion.

    Scott Bain is fit to return to action for the home side after the keeper missed the 1-0 victory over Hamilton, while Kevin Gomis and Nicky Low are set to return to fitness as well. Mark O’Hara and Faissal El Bakhtaoui will remain sidelined for Hartley’s side.

     

    ‘Well defender Ben Heneghan has enjoyed a stellar start to his Motherwell career, forming a solid partnership with veteran centre-back Stephen McManus.

    Yet another impressive display was on show last weekend as the English centre-back limited the chances for prolific County striker Liam Boyce so he remained on seven league goals for the season so far.

    Ahead of the Dundee clash, the 6ft 4 defender insists it is important to get another big three points on the board this weekend.

    He said: “I think the team played really well on Saturday, it was a positive result and we need to build on that.

    “Obviously we know we’ve got to start getting the points on the board and a positive result on Saturday will hopefully push us on.

    “To be honest I think it was just the second half against Inverness where we were really poor, but we built on it on Saturday with a good performance.”

    He added: “Cadds and Lionel did really well and Lee coming in I thought he was class. I think it helped having wingers on either side, for my personal performance I like having a winger on either side but we play like the manager says and it was a positive result – that’s what matters.

    “After a loss everyone’s head goes a bit but you just know that the next game is around the corner and you have to build on it – the next day you’re in training, you’re getting ready for that next game and we done it right and it showed.”

    [pullquote]Dundee are not going to be an easy game so we’ve got to bring our A-game, be the best we can be, take it to them, win the game and hopefully have a nice break.[/pullquote]

    Despite Dundee’s position in the table, the English defender knows it is important for everyone in a Motherwell shirt to be at their best.

    He said: “We need the three points on Saturday, Dundee are not going to be an easy game so we’ve got to bring our A-game, be the best we can be, take it to them, win the game and hopefully have a nice break.

    “We’ve had a few not so good results, but you’ve just got to build on it. There’s only 12 teams in the league so it’s very close – Celtic are obviously up there but everyone else is still fighting for it so we just have to focus on the three points.”

    The change in pace is something Ben admits he is still adjusting to. He said: “There’s been a lot of breaks, I’m not used to it to be honest I’m used to Saturday-Tuesday every week but it’s good for recovery and you can get a bit more training in as well so I’ll take the positives from it.”

     

    Today’s visitors Dundee arrive on the back of a 1-0 win over Hamilton Academical, where a goal from Paul McGowan was enough to secure three points at the SuperSeal stadium.

    The 2016/17 season represents an opportunity to return the club to a top half finish.

    Appointed in 2014, the ex-Hearts midfielder got off to a brilliant start to his Dee managerial career – guiding the club to the Championship title followed by a sixth placed spot in the top flight in the 2014/15 season.

    ‘Well fans need no reminder that that was the season the club slumped into the Premiership play-offs and survived in stunning fashion by beating Rangers 6-1 on aggregate.

    Last season though, Dundee finished eighth as the Steelmen surged to fifth, and tomorrow’s match could bear fruit towards both sides aspirations of a top six finish.

    For the Dark Blues though, it won’t be plain sailing after they lost a number of key players from their squad.

    Midfielder Greg Stewart departed the club for Birmingham City in a £500,000 deal and will be taking with him a large chunk of Dundee’s goal-threat.

    Last season, the 26-year-old scored nine league goals from his left-sided role and was his clubs second top scorer – the creative attacker also notched 15 assists.

    The season before that though, when the Dee clinched a top-half finish, the Scotsman scored 13 in the league and assisted 10.

    But perhaps an even bigger loss was the departure of Kane Hemmings, who left the Ladbrokes Premiership for English League One side Oxford United.

    Scoring 22 goals last season was not only huge for Dundee but left the Englishman as the second top scorer in the league, only behind Celtic’s Leigh Griffiths.

    Such impeccable goal-scoring form meant the 25-year-old forward only lasted one year north of the border after making the switch from Barnsley in 2014.

    Two such important players will always be hard to replace, but with the captures of Faissal El Bakhtaoui from Dunfermline and Michael Duffy on loan from champions Celtic, Paul Hartley may have found a source of goals for his side.

    But so far this season it has been 28-year-old Scottish forward Rory Loy who has proven will be able to lead the line after the departure of Hemmings.

    After signing from Falkirk last summer, the striker scored nine in the league last season, but has already scored two this term, in the form of a brace against Ross County.

    Both Mark McGhee and Paul Hartley will be confident in their sides chances this weekend, after drawing earlier this season. In the three games last term the ‘Well won once, drew once and lost once – making this one tough to call for the neutrals.

    With a big season ahead for Paul Hartley and his side and with both sides looking to move up the table, they will both be coming in to today’s match fired up for the occasion, which will prove to be a tough test for both sides.

     

  • Archive

    Agyeman promoted to the Under 20s

    Motherwell FC is today please to confirm Alfredo Agyeman has been promoted to the Under 20s squad.

    Agyeman is a Ghanaian-born Italian who has been in sensational form for the Academy Under 17s; so much so he was a late substitute against Hibernian for Stephen Craigan’s side last month.

    And now the former Holyrood Secondary pupil has turned sixteen, the club have rewarded him with a professional contract and he will train with the rest of the Under 20s on a daily basis, competing with the likes of James Scott, Dylan Falconer, Ryan Watters and Dylan Mackin for a spot in the side.

    Speaking of his progress and promotion, Under 20s boss Stephen Craigan said: “I’m in constant contact with the Academy staff about the progress of players and the feedback we’ve had on Alfie has been extremely positive.

    “He will take time to get used to the rigours and demands of full-time professional football, particularly as he’s still so very young, but we have high hopes for him.

    “He’s quick, can score and most importantly, has a real desire to learn and improve.”

    [pullquote]This is another example of the pathway we have between the Academy and the full-time professional teams at Under 20s and first-team level at Motherwell and hopefully gives further inspiration to every youth player in our system.[/pullquote]

    Academy Director Scott Leitch added: “This is another example of the pathway we have between the Academy and the full-time professional teams at Under 20s and first-team level at Motherwell and hopefully gives further inspiration to every youth player in our system.

    “Over the last year we’ve seen the likes of Ross MacLean, Allan Campbell, Jake Hastie, Jack McMillan and David Turnbull, all Academy graduates, appear in first-team squads as well as Chris Cadden cementing himself as one of the best young players in Scotland.

    “Alfie will join the likes of Jordan Armstrong and James Scott as first-years, working under the tutorship of Stephen Craigan, who is doing a magnificent job with the Under 20s.”

  • Archive

    McGhee: Expecting Dundee at their best

    ‘Well boss Mark McGhee knows his side have to expect Dundee at their best on Saturday when his side travel to Dens Park.

    With mixed results in recent weeks, the manager is well aware that any side in the league can play well or poorly on the day.

    Speaking to the press this morning, McGhee admitted it was hugely important to bounce back to winning ways against Ross County and hopes the run can continue into the weekend.

    He said: “We played well against Hearts, we played well against Celtic but we didn’t get good results of course – but because of the nature of the opposition it tends not to affect your confidence quite as much.

    “The Inverness game was neck and neck until the last half hour where it was like a balloon was popped and that was hugely disappointing, so it was just making sure that we were a bit more robust than that mentally against Ross County. We started the game really, really well then we got the first goal which was very important.”

    [pullquote]We’ve got to go in to every game thinking whoever we’re playing will play well, that they’re capable of it and that day they will play well – that way we won’t be taken by surprise.[/pullquote]

    He added: “It wasn’t too long between the matches, it was only a couple of days so it wasn’t like a week or it wasn’t the international break and we had two weeks to fester, it was a case of getting in the next day and knowing that we were better than that, let’s get up to training, let’s get on with it, get together again and go out and batter, to the best of our ability, Ross County.”

    Dundee currently sit bottom of the Ladbrokes Premiership on nine points, but a win on Saturday could lift them to ninth.

    McGhee said: “Dundee aren’t any different to the rest of us in this league, I’ve seen Dundee play poorly but I’ve seen them play well, I’ve seen the same with Inverness, Ross County, Partick Thistle.

    “We’ve got to go in to every game thinking whoever we’re playing will play well, that they’re capable of it and that day they will play well – that way we won’t be taken by surprise. Dundee have that in them, they’re at home and the first goal is really important I feel.”

    [pullquote]When I came here a year ago he was the one I targeted and he’s done everything I’ve asked of him. We’re delighted with him, I’m delighted for him and we’re starting to see him develop on and off the pitch.[/pullquote]

    On the day Chris Cadden penned a new deal with the club, Mark McGhee expressed his delight at securing the star’s future until 2019.

    He said: “It’s thoroughly deserved. He signed a contract back in March and he deserves a new deal – he’s playing every week, he’s starting most weeks and he’s applying himself.

    “When I came here a year ago he was the one I targeted and he’s done everything I’ve asked of him. We’re delighted with him, I’m delighted for him and we’re starting to see him develop on and off the pitch.”

    He added: “He’s just got to keep improving cause I still think there’s aspects of his play that he can work really hard on. At the moment he’s most effective on the outside but I still think he can develop his game in a 360 degree basis and play in the centre of the park where I think he could be a great asset.

    “He needs to add some goals, he’s got goal potential and I see that every day in training, but he’s still young and he’s still working at it and he’s still developing so I’m sure he’ll keep improving.”

  • Archive

    Heneghan: Got to be at our best

    ‘Well defender Ben Heneghan insists it is important to get another big three points on the board this weekend.

    The Steelmen travel to Dens Park for a clash with bottom of the table Dundee, but Ben is well aware of the difficulty of the task at hand.

    Speaking to the press this morning, the 23-year-old admitted the squad need to keep their momentum going following the 4-1 win over Ross County last weekend.

    He said: “I think the team played really well on Saturday, it was a positive result and we need to build on that.

    “Obviously we know we’ve got to start getting the points on the board and a positive result on Saturday will hopefully push us on.

    [pullquote]Obviously we know we’ve got to start getting the points on the board and a positive result on Saturday will hopefully push us on.[/pullquote]

    “To be honest I think it was just the second half against Inverness where we were really poor, but we built on it on Saturday with a good performance.”

    He added: “Cadds and Lionel did really well and Lee coming in I thought he was class. I think it helped having wingers on either side, for my personal performance I like having a winger on either side but we play like the manager says and it was a positive result – that’s what matters.

    “After a loss everyone’s head goes a bit but you just know that the next game is around the corner and you have to build on it – the next day you’re in training, you’re getting ready for that next game and we done it right and it showed.”

    [pullquote]Dundee are not going to be an easy game so we’ve got to bring our A-game, be the best we can be, take it to them, win the game and hopefully have a nice break.[/pullquote]

    Despite Dundee’s position in the table, the English defender knows it is important for everyone to be at their best.

    He said: “We need the three points on Saturday, Dundee are not going to be an easy game so we’ve got to bring our A-game, be the best we can be, take it to them, win the game and hopefully have a nice break.

    “We’ve had a few not so good results, but you’ve just got to build on it. There’s only 12 teams in the league so it’s very close – Celtic are obviously up there but everyone else is still fighting for it so we just have to focus on the three points.”

    The change in pace is something Ben admits he is still adjusting to. He said: “There’s been a lot of breaks, I’m not used to it to be honest I’m used to Saturday-Tuesday every week but it’s good for recovery and you can get a bit more training in as well so I’ll take the positives from it.”

  • Archive

    Motherwell FC will remember

    As we do every season, Motherwell FC will commemorate Remembrance Day by wearing special poppy shirts against Dundee on Saturday.

    The Steelmen have a close relationship with the Armed Forces and in particular The Royal Regiment of Scotland (both 1 & 2 SCOTS) who receive 30 season tickets for soldiers in Scotland and four season tickets for each of the soldier’s families.

    Although the poppy has been the subject of much debate over the last week, the club choose to wear one every November simply out of respect to anyone who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty anywhere across the world.

  • Archive

    Cadden signs contract extension

    Motherwell FC is today delighted to confirm Scotland U21 star Chris Cadden has extended his contract at the club.

    Cadden, 20, has been a tremendous performer for Mark McGhee’s side since cementing a regular place in the starting eleven almost one year ago.

    Since then, the Academy Graduate has gone from strength to strength and has agreed to extend his deal until the summer of 2019.

    Speaking on his new contract, Cadden said: “I am so pleased to have this all sorted now.

    “I am more than happy to stay and continue to develop at Motherwell, a club I’ve been involved with for almost all my life.

    [pullquote]“I want to work hard for the team, the club, the supporters and also for the manager, who I am indebted to for giving me a chance and believing in me.”[/pullquote]

    ‘Well boss Mark McGhee added: “Chris has performed unbelievably well and has shown an outstanding level of consistency for such a young player.

    “Not only that, he’s imposing himself on games and is one of the most dangerous and explosive attacking forces in the division. You need only look at last Saturday’s game to see the sort of impact he can make.

    “We’re delighted he has agreed to extend his stay with us and we will continue to try and develop him both personally and professionally.”

    Chief Operating Officer Alan Burrows commented: “We have worked on this extension almost from the day the Summer Transfer Window closed, as we recognise what an asset Chris is to the club.

    “His new deal rewards Chris for his performances, but also protects the club.

    “His rise from the Academy to first-team regular epitomises the direction of travel at Motherwell and is very much our model going forward.

    “Everyone at Fir Park will work hard to ensure there are more young players who go on the same journey with hopefully similar success.”

  • Archive

    Last time at Dens Park

    Motherwell take on Dundee this weekend in the Ladbrokes Premiership, looking to follow up on an impressive 4-1 victory over Ross County last weekend.

    We take a look at the last time the Steelmen travelled to Dens Park ahead of the second clash between the two sides in the league this season, following the goalless draw at Fir Park in late August.

    A highly controversial 88th minute penalty denied Motherwell all three points back in January when the ‘Well made the trip north.

    But it was also the afternoon when Chris Cadden scored his first goal for the Fir Parkers.

    Having raced into a 1-2 half-time advantage thanks to goals from Chris Cadden and Stephen Pearson either side of Paul McGowan’s close-range strike, the Steelmen failed to add to their lead and were punished with just minutes remaining.

    The Dark Blues went all the second half without really testing Connor Ripley’s goal and it looked as if the Steelmen were going to hold on for what would’ve been a big three points.

    However, with just two minutes left, match official John Beaton, who takes control again on Saturday, harshly awarded a penalty when Cadden and Kevin Holt both tangled for the ball. Kane Hemmings was in no mood for mercy, coolly slotting home the resulting kick to earn his side a share of the spoils.

    Marvin Johnson’s cross from the left missed everyone and landed at the feet of Cadden who took a good touch before volleying home his first ever goal for the Fir Parkers high past Bain.

    Unfortunately, ‘Well couldn’t hold their lead for long as Paul Hartley’s side hit back inside two minutes. Great play by Greg Stewart released McGowan in the inside right channel and after it held up perfectly in the wind, he controlled the pass before hooking the ball home from a tight angle.

    Motherwell regained their composure and only a terrific Bain save denied Lasley after the skipper’s free-kick bounced through and almost into the net, but for the outstretched arm of the former Alloa stopper.

    Soon after that, and down the other end, Stewart went on a mazy run and crossed from the right for Rory Loy, but somehow his shot came back off of the underside of the bar from just a few yards.

    Then, in 13 minutes, Stewart was again involved with a darting run into the box, skipping by several Motherwell challenges, only to see his eventual shot saved by Ripley.

    It was end-to-end stuff and Motherwell twice almost got in front when McDonald found himself with the freedom of the six-yard box but his shot on the spin was straight at Bain.

    However, it was Pearson who eventually put the Steelmen back in front with another excellent goal in 23 minutes. The veteran midfielder burst through the Dundee defence, played a one-two with Moult, before drifting past Darren O’Dea and angling in his seventh goal of the campaign.

    Both teams created chances as the snow-ridden first half raged on. Bain had a stinging long-range shot that forced Ripley to turn over. At the other end, Moult’s curler looked to be sneaking into the corner, but again Bain scrambled across his goal to turn it around.

    The second half was dominated by Dundee but the visitors defended doggedly to limit their clear-cut chances while trying to hit on the counterattack.

    Harkins did go close to snatching an equaliser with a couple of typical flashes of skill, chipping over from right of the goal then volleying wide from the other side.

    For all Dundee had the ball, it was ‘Well who had the best chance. McDonald’s bursting run from midfield started the chance and when his slid ball found Pearson on the left, ‘Well were in at goal. When Pearson pulled it across goal, Moult slammed home for what he thought was his 14th of the campaign, but the assistant’s flag thwarted him.

    The game was heading for a finish when Dundee were afforded the chance to level in controversial circumstances. Moult had headed clear a Dundee corner with Cadden and Holt competing for the loose ball just inside the area. Incredibly, John Beaton pointed to the spot, much to the dismay of the Motherwell players. Cadden was even booked for the challenge.

    Kane Hemmings stood up to take it and slammed it hard down the middle with Ripley going to his right to earn his side a point.

  • Archive

    Beaton in charge at Dens Park


    Referee for Saturday’s Ladbrokes Premiership clash with Dundee at Dens Park is John Beaton.

    John will be handling his second Motherwell match of the campaign so far – after overseeing the 2-0 loss at Parkhead last month – and took charge on three occasions last term.

    The first was a 2-2 draw with Dundee back in late January as the official takes charge of the same fixture this weekend. 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.

    And the last time Beaton officiated a Motherwell match was the penultimate game of last season, when a brace from Stephen Pearson and a goal from skipper Keith Lasley secured all three points away to Ross County, as well as a fifth placed finish in the league.

    His overall record in charge of Motherwell matches reads five wins, four defeats and three draws from eleven matches. ‘Well have scored twenty-one and conceded seventeen.

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

    John will be ably assisted by Alan Mulvanny and Ross Haswell with Scott Millar on Fourth Official duties.