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  • Archive

    Craigan: Victory is the important thing

  • Archive

    Motherwell U20s 1-0 Cumbernauld U20s

  • Archive

    Flexi-tickets now on sale

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Dens Park

  • Archive

    McGhee: First goal was crucial

  • Archive

    Dundee defeat in pictures

  • Archive

    Dundee 2 – 0 Motherwell

  • Archive

    Fan Information: vs Dundee

  • Archive

    Dundee: A closer look

  • Archive

    Agyeman promoted to the Under 20s

  • Archive

    Craigan: Victory is the important thing

    U20s manager Stephen Craigan was relieved to get through as his team huffed and puffed past Cumbernauld Colts in the Youth Cup.

    A well-organised Colts team frustrated the youngsters on a sunny morning at the Excelsior Stadium, with a Jake Hastie strike enough to secure the 1-0 victory.

    Speaking to MFC TV after the match, Craigan revealed that he felt his side were a little disjointed.

    [pullquote]Cup games are about getting through – we were nowhere near our best today, we looked a little disjointed but I’m not going to make excuses because the boys should do better than that.[/pullquote]

    He said: “Cup games are about getting through – we were nowhere near our best today, we looked a little disjointed but I’m not going to make excuses because the boys should do better than that.

    “Playing cup football though, irrespective of the performance, you want to get through to the next round.”

    The U20s boss added: “They upset us at points, they put us under pressure, but ultimately if we take our chances in the first half the game’s dead and we’re out of sight but we haven’t done that and as long as the game stays at 1-0 we keep them alive.”

    [pullquote]If we take our chances in the first half the game’s dead and we’re out of sight but we haven’t done that and as long as the game stays at 1-0 we keep them alive.[/pullquote]

    Overall though, Craigan admitted he wants more from his team going forward.

    He said: “I’m probably disappointed more than anything because I think we’re better than that. If that was the first time you came to see our U20s play you’d probably think that they’re not as impressive as people say.

    “But we have off days, they’re young boys and I think that the two games we haven’t played well this season have been Hibs away and here today. But we’ve won and that’s the important thing.”

  • Archive

    Motherwell U20s 1-0 Cumbernauld U20s

    Motherwell U20s got their Scottish FA Youth Cup defence off to a winning start, but were made to work hard by a well-organised Cumbernauld Colts.

    Stephen Craigan named a strong side for the early morning kick-off at the Excelsior Stadium, with Ross MacLean and Jack McMillan returning to the side and James Scott replacing the suspended Dylan Mackin up front for the Steelmen.

    Allan Campbell returned to his familiar central-midfield role after filling in at right back midweek and making his debut for the first-team against Ross County last weekend – and right from the off he dictated much of the play and tempo of the match.

    It was a dominant opening ten minutes from the Claret and Amber men, with Cumbernauld keeper Ross Campbell producing a fine save to deny Jake Hastie from close range and a number of opportunities being squandered in a tight, busy Colts box.

    Some terrific footwork and a flighted cross from Ross MacLean led to a opportunity for James Scott, but the striker couldn’t quite get enough on it and Campbell collected it.

    Adam Livingstone fancied his chances from range after collecting the ball out wide on the right in the 22nd minute, driving forward and cutting inside onto his left foot before attempting a powerful effort from the edge of the box, but it flew narrowly over the crossbar.

    The visitors were mostly limited to opportunities from corners, with Fraser Sheridan sending in a few threatening deliveries.

    And Colts went closest to opening the scoring from one of Sheridan’s corners – an in swinging corner leading to a bit of a scramble in the Motherwell six-yard box which PJ Morrison gathered in the end to quell the danger.

    But it was a brief spell for the visitors, as Motherwell began to relax again and eventually took the lead just minutes before half time. A clipped ball over the top from Livingstone allowed Hastie to charge through on goal and slot the ball past Campbell to open the scoring.

    The second period started much brighter yet somehow the score remained 1-0 after an several opportunities went begging for Craigan’s side.

    Hastie burst through on goal and had Scott with him for support, but the youngster went for goal instead and the save from Campbell dropped right at the feet of the striker, but, under pressure, he struck over the bar from close range.

    Scott had another opportunity just minutes later when he got on the end of a flighted cross from MacLean, but couldn’t get enough on the header and it flew wide of the mark.

    It was so nearly two and a second for Hastie when the winger was played in down the left – charging in to the box the youngster beat his man with a neat step over and fired a powerful left-footed strike across goal, agonisingly clipping the far post as went beyond for a goal kick.

    Scott was withdrawn from the action after 57 minutes of play, being replaced by Dylan Falconer who immediately got in on the action, bursting down the right side of the box and firing a low ball across goal which ran past everyone in the box.

    Davie Turnbull was next in line to have an effort on goal, this time getting on the end of tom Fry’s free kick but heading narrowly over the bar from close range.

    If Cumbernauld Colts were going to grab a goal back, it almost certainly looked like coming from a set piece, with the Motherwell defence having little to do in open play. A free kick from Pirie from around 30 yards tested Morrison who did enough to get his body behind it and save.

    The margin remained just one and in the 75th minute it seemed Motherwell could double their lead as they hit Colts with pace on the break. Hastie, picking up the ball in the right wing position, cut inside and teed up Fry who was clattered by a challenge. Fortunately the ball landed back with Hastie who took a touch and dragged a low left-footed strike wide of the post from the edge of the box.

    Connor McKenzie nearly punished the Steelmen with ten minute to go and it was the visitor’s best chance of the game. A low, dangerous ball across goal towards McKenzie could only be turned over the bar from close range.

    Dylan Falconer had to leave the field of play after coming on for Scott, limping off in the 84th minute to be replaced by Ryan Watters. And the substitute nearly sealed the game with his first touch, sending his lefty-footed, curling effort just over the bar.

    Some intricate play down the left allowed Cumbernauld Colts to get in behind the Steelmen from a throw-in, crossing the ball in to the head of Sean Brown who could only head wide from inside the box as the visitors put in a strong showing in the final ten minutes.

    Brown nearly made amends for his missed header in the 90th minute, spinning Jordan Armstrong and unleashing a half-volley towards goal but it scraped the roof of the net as it fizzed over the bar.

    Fortunately, the Steelmen managed to hold on and see out the game 1-0.

    They didn’t hit their familiar heights on a sunny morning at the Excelsior Stadium, but ultimately the youngsters defence of the cup got off to a successful, winning start.

    Motherwell: Morrison, Livingstone, Armstrong, Maguire, McMillan, Campbell, MacLean, Turnbull, Scott (Falconer – 75mins (Watters – 84mins)), Hastie, Fry

    Subs Not Used: Pettigrew, Agyemang

  • Archive

    Flexi-tickets now on sale

    Today marks the launch of the clubs two Flexi-ticket packages, offering fans the chance to save 20% on ticket prices and juniors up to 50%.

    The Flexi-ticket allows supporters to purchase either a 5 or 10 game package of match tickets to games of your choice from the remaining fixtures in the Ladbrokes Premiership season – including matches against Celtic, Rangers, Hearts and Aberdeen.

    Marketing and Fan Engagement Manager Ryan Murrant believes it is a great choice for ‘Well fans. He said: “This allows fans to choose their games and most importantly it saves them some money too.”

    [pullquote]The Flexi ticket gives a great alternative to those who didn’t go for a season ticket at the start of the season, whilst protecting the season ticket holders ensuring they always get the best value.[/pullquote]

    He added: “The Flexi ticket gives a great alternative to those who didn’t go for a season ticket at the start of the season, whilst protecting the season ticket holders ensuring they always get the best value.”

    “The flexi-ticket is a great idea and is arriving at the perfect time for a Christmas present.”

    The packages replace the season and half-season tickets for the remainder of the 16/17 campaign.

    A 10 game Flexi-ticket is available from as little as £168, which works out at just over £16 per match and with a 5 game option from as little as £84.

    Juvenile Flexi-tickets offer the chance to save an impressive 50% on ticket prices.

    How it works…

    When buying either package, you will receive a voucher printed with a barcode which when scanned at our ticket office, will entitle you to receive the match tickets you require.

    If you already know which games you want to attend then when buying the package, you can take home the tickets right there and then!

    Alternatively, on the day of each game simply pop into our ticket office to have your voucher scanned and receive your match day ticket.

    Flexi-ticket packages are available from the Fir Park ticket office right now call 01698 338 002

    Please note that Flexi-ticket vouchers can only be redeemed at the ticket office – please collect your ticket before 2.30pm (7.15pm for evening games) on match days.

    The Flexi-Tickets allow you to take advantage of all remaining MFC 2016/17 Ladbrokes Premiership home matches, tickets for other MFC games can be bought separately.

    PHIL O’DONNELL STAND 10 Game Package 5 Game Package
    Adult £208 £104
    Concessions* £140 £70
    Juvenile (15 and under) £60 £30
    DAVIE COOPER STAND 10 Game Package 5 Game Package
    Adult £182 £91
    Concessions* £108 £54
    Juvenile (15 and under) £60 £30
    JOHN HUNTER STAND 10 Game Package 5 Game Package
    Adult £168 £84
    Concessions* £98 £49
    Juvenile (15 and under) £60 £30

    *Please note, concessions are applicable to over 60s, full-time students with a valid matriculation card and, for the first time ever, 16 to 18 year olds. ‘Juvenile’ age of Under 16 is applicable as at 1st August 2016.

  • Archive

    TV: Highlights from Dens Park

    Extended highlights from Dens Park as goals from Cammy Kerr and Marcus Haber consign Motherwell to a 2-0 loss.

  • Archive

    McGhee: First goal was crucial


    ‘Well boss Mark McGhee admitted the first goal was critical as his side lost 2-0 away to Dundee this afternoon.

    With the game goalless, a controversial decision from the officials ensured the Steelmen were not awarded a goal despite Dundee stopper David Mitchell bundling the ball over his own line.

    Speaking to MFC TV, the manager expressed his disappointment at the result and touched on the importance of the match officials decision.

    He said: “We were going through a period in the game when it looked like we’d make a breakthrough.

    [pullquote]The first goal is so important in these games and I think if you make the breakthrough you go on to win the game.[/pullquote]

    “The first goal is so important in these games and I think if you make the breakthrough you go on to win the game because at that point we were starting to undermine their confidence, the crowd were starting to rumble a wee bit and we were creating chances.”

    He added: “Not to be given the goal was ludicrous, it was a shocking, scandalous decision – but then we go on and concede a goal which was just as big a crime as the referee and the linesman were guilty of.

    “It was the first half that cost us because we didn’t play as well as I would’ve hoped, down the sides especially, and then the decision not to give us the goal which I think would have sent us on to do pretty well in the game.”

    [pullquote]It was the first half that cost us because we didn’t play as well as I would’ve hoped, down the sides especially, and then the decision not to give us the goal which I think would have sent us on to do pretty well in the game.[/pullquote]

    McGhee also admitted that Dundee got their second half tactics correct, frustrating the Steelmen after riding their luck in the opening 45.

    He said: “I think in the second half Dundee did the right thing and I told the boys at half time exactly what they were going to expect – you’re going to expect the balls raining in from distance, they’re going to hook it on and turn you around – and it was absolutely the right tactics.”

  • Archive

    Dundee defeat in pictures

    Images from today’s 2-0 loss to Dundee in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

    Snaps courtesy of SNSPix

    [svgallery name=”dundee051116″]

  • Archive

    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.”