Motherwell go up against Hearts in the Ladbrokes Premiership tomorrow afternoon in the second of three consecutive home games.
And the Steelmen head in to the encounter on the back of their first win of the season – a 2-0 win over Ross County last weekend.
Stephen Robinson was happy to see his side get off the mark in the league and feels that three points will boost the confidence of his side ahead of tomorrow’s game.
“We’d won five out of six before Saturday,” the manager said. “So now we’ve won six out of eight and that builds a little bit of momentum.
“Winning games of football obviously gives you confidence and belief so there’s a lot of belief in the squad.”
He added: “We know that our first half performance wasn’t up to what we expected on Saturday but we turned that around and the boys responded and that’s the good thing.”
The manager will be boosted by the returns of Carl McHugh and Trevor Carson from suspension, while Elliott Frear faces a late fitness test.
And the winger, who has been a loss to the Fir Parkers over the past couple of weeks, admits the team is brimming with confidence.
He said: “Once you get that first win [in the league] that breeds confidence throughout the team.
[pullquote]Winning games of football obviously gives you confidence and belief so there’s a lot of belief in the squad.[/pullquote]
“Hearts are a big team so it’ll be tough but we’ve done our research and [in training] we’ve been working hard and we’ll be ready for Saturday.”
He added: “It’s been a step up for me coming from the Conference to here and so far the football has been the big difference – but I’m settled up here.”
And, with two goals to his name this season, the Englishman will be keen to return to the starting eleven and maintain his fine form.
Cédric Kipré, who penned a one-year extension to his contract, and new signing Deimantas Petrivičius will also be available for selection tomorrow afternoon.
Opponents Hearts will arrive at Fir Park for their fourth consecutive away game of the season due to the on-going renovation works at Tynecastle, and Jon Daly’s men will be hunting for their second victory in the Ladbrokes Premiership this term.
Daly took over at the club as interim boss and his team arrive at Fir Park tomorrow afternoon on the back of a hard-fought draw against Rangers last weekend.
Despite going close, the encounter ended goalless and means the Irishman has lost just once at the helm when Hearts were defeated 4-1 at the hands of Celtic.
With one win each on the table and just one place separating the Steelmen and the Jambo’s in the top flight- there are similarities between the two sides ahead of the clash on Saturday.
Both clubs have new managers, both are filled with new players and, with a new season and new objectives ahead, it culminates in what could be a very interesting encounter at Fir Park.
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Motherwell V Hearts |
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Saturday 26th August 2017 |
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3.00pm |
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Fir Park, Motherwell |
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Available on the gate or purchase in advance from Ticket Office. |
Admission prices are as follows:
ADULTS |
£23/£19 |
CONCESSIONS |
£16/£15 |
JUNIOR |
£12/£9 |
FAMILY |
£29/£24 |
- Cheaper price is for John Hunter Stand
- Juniors are 15 and under
- Family ticket is one adult and one junior
- Concessions are listed as over 60, 16-18 and over and full time students
- Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Darren on 07722 912666 or email darren@mfcdsa.com.
If you can’t make it to tomorrow, don’t miss the action by tuning in to mixlr.com/motherwellfc for live commentary or follow the match on Twitter @MotherwellFC
You can see the match highlights on MFC TV’s YouTube channel, as well as full reaction and a match report right here on the official website.