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[tab:Match report]

Phil McGhee at Fir Park

Motherwell emerged from a hard physical battle with three well-earned points from a solid team performance. 

The Steelmen showed great determination responding to Kyle Lafferty’s opener, with first half goals from Ryan Bowman and Louis Moult. And while the former gave the Jambo’s defence a torrid afternoon and thoroughly deserved his first league goal, Moult’s sublime finish was a worthy winner and a terrific way to mark his 40^th goal in claret and amber.

Following his impressive performance after coming off the bench last week, Bowman was given a starting place alongside Moult for the first time this season and on this showing It would be difficult to break up the pairing.

Trevor Carson, returning from suspension, had a couple of crucial saves – but following a routine save after three minutes play broke to the other end.

After out muscling Scotland defender Christophe Berra, Bowman’s ball into the box found Frear, but despite his goal bound effort rattling off Michael Smith’s arms, local referee John Beaton waved aside strong appeals for a penalty.

To be fair the referee also ignored Hearts’ claims after nine minutes when Bowman needlessly pushed Rafal Grzelak to the ground 12 yards from goal. The Hearts’ fullback was clearly aggrieved and when he blocked Chris Cadden’s promising break a minute later he earned himself the first yellow card of the afternoon.

With both sides exerting a physical presence, the flow of play was broken up until the 20^th minute when ‘Well enjoyed their best spell.

Ben Heneghan’s long ball found Bowman’s head and after a neat exchange with Moult, the  former Gateshead striker was denied the opener when Jack Hamilton blocked his angled drive.

A couple of minutes later, Bowman turned provider, feeding Andy Rose on the bye-line but his ball across the face of goal found no takers.

Then on the half hour and out of nothing the Edinburgh side opened the scoring. Kyle Lafferty was allowed to drift infield before rifling a low grounder just inside Carson’s right hand post from 30 yards.

That temporarily stunned the Fir Parker’s until they conjured up an equaliser eight minutes from half-time. Richard Tait’s deep cross found Moult beyond the far post and when he headed the ball back across goal, Bowman dived between two defenders to nod the ball beyond the ‘keeper.

Four minutes later, ‘Well were in front with an early contender for goal of the season. Frear laid the ball in front of Moult at the edge of the box and instinctively he curled the ball over Hamilton and under the ‘keeper’s bar for a superb finish.

That pulsating end to the first half continued after the break and after 57 minutes Jamie Walker carried the ball towards the home goal before unleashing a dipping drive, but Carson was his equal diving high to his left to finger tip the ball beyond his post.

Within a minute, ‘Well appeared to have extended their lead when Frear’s floated ball across goal was met by Moult and when he placed his header beyond Hamilton, the ball looked to have crossed the line before Berra headed it clear – but once again an assistant referee failed to signal a goal as play raged on.

As the midfield battle became more physical, Alan Campbell replaced Frear after 66 minutes.

The Fir Park side did have the ball in the net in the 74^th minute but it was correctly ruled out. Cadden’s free kick found Heneghan and his header back across a packed goalmouth ended with Bowman forcing the ball over the line, but the ‘Well central defender was flagged offside.

Motherwell then doggedly protected their one goal advantage with Cédric Kipré and Carl McHugh outstanding in particular, allowing Hearts only one effort on goal – a curling shot from Walker which dipped over the bar.

Other than that ‘Well were in control as they made it two convincing consecutive home wins.

[tab:As it happened]

 Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

FT: Motherwell 2 – 1 Hearts

Big win for the Steelmen and thoroughly deserved!! COYW!!!

FULL TIME!!!

There will be two minutes added on

90′ | 2-1
‘Well break away but Fisher opts to hold up play and wins a free-kick out wide. Good play.

79′ | 2-1
And a Motherwell change, Moult off for Fisher.

79′ | 2-1
Hearts sub, Randall and Walker off for Moore and Buaben
77′ | 2-1
Walker is booked for pulling back Cadden.

74′ | 2-1
‘Well have the ball in the net after Heneghan nods Cadden’s cross across goal and Bowman taps it in but the flag goes up!

71′ | 2-1
Hearts have a free-kick in a good area after Kipré is booked for a foul on Walker.

67′ | 2-1
Motherwell sub, Frear off for Campbell

65′ | 2-1
Tait’s cross into the box is nodded past the post by Moult

62′ | 2-1
McHugh slides in Moult but Hamilton makes the shot while the offside flag is raised.

60′ | 2-1
Hearts sub, Stockton off for Goncalves

59′ | 2-1
Drama as Moult’s goalward header is cleared by Berra. Looked over the line but linesman not having it!!

57′ | 2-1
Superb save by Carson as he beats away Walker’s brilliant effort from 20 yards!

47′ | 2-1
Early corner as Rose’s cross is knocked out by Randall, Hearts break and Frear is booked.

Hearts get the second half underway. COYW!!!

HT: Motherwell 2 – 1 Hearts

Louis Moult’s 40th Motherwell goal gives the Steelmen the lead at the break.

42′ | 2-1
WHAT A GOAL!! Moult curls a beauty into the top corner from 20 yards. ‘Well back in front!!

GGGOOAAALLL!!!

37′ | 1-1
Bowman brings the Steelmen level heading home from Moult’s header back across goal!

GGGOOAALLL!!!

30′ | 0-1
Goal – Lafferty fires a low shot past Carson from 25 yards to give Hearts the lead

22′ | 0-0
Rose gets on the end for Bowman’s header but from a really tight angle, can’t steer his shot on target.

21′ | 0-0
Best chance of the game so far as Bowman breaks clear of the defence but Hamilton parries his left-footed shot to safety.

10′ | 0-0
Grzelak booked for taking down Cadden as he broke free down the right.

4′ | 0-0
‘Well fans call for a penalty as the ball is fired off the Heart’s defender’s hand but it’s not given.

2′ | 0-0
From that corner the ball breaks to the edge of the box but Randall’s effort floats into Carson’s hands.

1′ | 0-0
Early corner for ‘Well but Hearts breakaway and Randall’s shot is deflected wide for a corner.

Cadden gets the game underway. COYW!!!

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson:

Hearts interim manager Jon Daly

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”328″]

The Signing Zone continues for the 2017/18 campaign and there’s a unique chance for ‘Well fans tomorrow afternoon.

Along with new signings Deimantas Petravičius and George Newell, supporters can meet Steelman – the clubs mascot.

Located in the Well Shop, the Signing Zone was a hit last season and got off to a great start last weekend.

Each week, two different players take their seats as the season progresses and as the fan engagement programme here at Fir Park continues to develop.

Share your pics on twitter @motherwellfc using #MFCSigningZone or facebook.com/motherwellfc

The club shop is situated at the Cooper Stand and is open from 9.30am

The fifth issue of ‘Steelmen’ matchday magazine is on sale ahead of Motherwell’s league clash with Hearts.

And the programme, with a new fan-orientated approach for the 2017/18 campaign, comes with some exciting new features.

‘Scouting Report’ looks at some of the key men for Jon Daly’s Hearts side, while writer Eddie Ferguson looks back on the career of Bert McCann in his feature piece ‘Bert McCann: Lynchpin of the “Babes”.

‘Made in Motherwell’ is an exciting new feature which uncovers some of the best local musical talent, while this weeks ‘Final Word’ column comes from the Scottish Sun’s Kenny Millar.

Cover star Trevor Carson speaks in depth about his time with the club so far, his aims and hopes for the season ahead and just what it takes to be a goalkeeper.

With six pages of kids content, there’s plenty for all ages in tomorrow’s matchday magazine as Steelman teams up with Louis Moult to teach us how to take a freekick like the forward, and Gaël Bigirimana is put on the spot for some quick fire questions.

Updates from Stephen Robinson, Carl McHugh, the MFC Community Trust and the Well Society all feature in issue number five, which is available to buy around the ground tomorrow for just £3.

You can also order back editions or take a season-long subscription to the magazine by visiting the website of our publishers – Curtis-Sports – CLICK HERE.

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.

	Motherwell V Hearts
	Saturday 26th August 2017
	3.00pm
	Fir Park, Motherwell
	Available on the gate or purchase in advance from Ticket Office.

Admission prices are as follows: 

Elliott Frear looked ahead to Motherwell’s clash with Hearts this weekend as he spoke to the broadcast press at Fir Park.

Following last Saturday’s win, the Englishman admitted him and his teammates are feeling positive.

And the winger, who is nearing his return from injury, also reflected on his time here in Scotland so far.

[pullquote]Once you get that first win [in the league] that breeds confidence throughout the team.[/pullquote]

He said: “Once you get that first win [in the league] that breeds confidence throughout the team.”

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.”

You can watch Motherwell number 11 speak to the press in full on MFC TV’s Official YouTube channel.

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson believes there is momentum among the squad as his side prepare for the visit of Hearts on Saturday afternoon.

And following a disappointing first half against Ross County, the Northern Irishman admitted he was pleased with how his side responded in the second 45.

Speaking to the press this morning, Robinson looked ahead to the fourth league fixture of the season, and the third at Fir Park.

[pullquote]Winning games of football obviously gives you confidence and belief so there’s a lot of belief in the squad.[/pullquote]

He said: “We’d won five out of six before Saturday 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.”

Motherwell Football club has agreed a new short sponsorship deal with Usave Utility Brokers.

The new partnership will see Usave’s logo appear on the front of each of the first team shorts for the 2017/18 season.

Usave’s goal is simple: to obtain the best possible utility pricing for commercial entities. Whether it’s gas, electricity, water or telecoms, customers can be assured that as a result of years of experience in the industry, solid relationships built with both providers and brokers and technologically robust market analysis tools, the pricing they obtain for any company will be the best possible.

In the coming weeks and months, Usave will be getting in contact with businesses in and around the Motherwell area to tell them their story, where they’ve come from and where they’re going as a company.

With this in mind, and for all new business concluded with Motherwell-based businesses, the club will receive an introducer’s fee from Usave. This will provide the club with an additional revenue stream which can be used for reinvestment in the club.

[pullquote]We believe that this an exciting opportunity for businesses to save money by utilising Usave’s experience of utility pricing and with the money being re-invested in the club, it is a win-win situation.[/pullquote]

Usave’s Managing Director Tony Hale said: “We look forward to a very fruitful and profitable relationship with the Steelmen in the coming weeks and months and wish Motherwell Football Club all the very best for the season.

“There’s a certain synergy between both Usave and Motherwell Football Club in that the future looks bright for both organisations. With each week that passes, Usave brings on yet more clients while in the case of Motherwell, increased fan participation and ownership in the shape of the ‘Well Society can only be a good thing.

“I am incredibly grateful for the work of Suzanne Reid and her team behind the scenes at the club in getting this sponsorship deal off the ground. We are delighted and honoured to be sponsors along with the likes of McEwan Fraser Legal and BetPark and we are very excited about what the future holds.”

Motherwell FC’s Head of Commercial and Marketing Suzanne Reid said: ‘The football club would like to extend our thanks to Usave for their support. We believe that this an exciting opportunity for businesses to save money by utilising Usave’s experience of utility pricing and with the money being re-invested in the club, it is a win-win situation.

You can reach Usave Utility Brokers at their offices. Tel: 01236 550037 and email: info@usavebrokers.com or visit their website www.usavebrokers.com.

Motherwell FC is delighted to confirm defender Cédric Kipré has extended his Fir Park contract by an extra year.

The former PSG and Leicester City defender has made an impressive start to life in North Lanarkshire, posting a number of man-of-the-match outings as the Steelmen have recorded six wins in the opening eight matches.

The 20-year old had initially signed for one year, but has already extended that by a further year, until the summer of 2019.

Kipré said: “I’m very happy here and to be honest I was surprised to sign a new deal so quickly.

“It makes it better that people around the club are very happy with me and the fans are as well – so that pushes me to do my best.

[pullquote]It makes it better that people around the club are very happy with me and the fans are as well – so that pushes me to do my best.[/pullquote]

“I want to make sure I stay in the team and do my very best every week. I speak with the manager a lot and what I like about him is that he takes care of everyone, so I look forward to working with him for another season.”

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson added: “We’re absolutely delighted Cédric has signed an extended deal as his progress so far has exceeded our expectations.

“We brought him to the club after seeing potential in him, given he is still just 20-years old, but he has really taken to life in Scotland and is enjoying himself.

“The key for Cédric is to continue to improve, continue to show the same sort of progress and if he does that, he’ll have an extremely bright future in the game.”

‘Well midfielder Chris Cadden has been called up to the Scotland U21 squad ahead of the Under-21 UEFA Championship Qualifier.

And following his superb start to the 2017/18 season, Cadden will feature for his country as they take on the Netherlands.

The call-ups have been coming thick and fast for the young Steelman, who was first picked back in August 2016.

Cadden, who has four goals and two assists in eight appearances this term, is part of the 22-man squad to face the Dutch on September 5.

Everyone at Motherwell FC would like to congratulate Chris on his call-up and wish him, and the squad, all the best for the Qualifier.

With this weekend’s league encounter with Hearts just around the corner, why not enjoy the clash in style with our superb hospitality packages?

Our offers are on sale now for the fourth fixture of the Ladbrokes Premiership campaign, as Stephen Robinson’s men look to capitlise on last week’s win over Ross County.

With a number of options, including Centenary Suite and Millennium suite hospitality, there is something for everyone to suit different price ranges.

Season Ticket holders can upgrade to hospitality for just £45.

If you’re not a season ticket holder you can enjoy hospitailty from £80 in the Centenary Suite of from £75 in the Millennium Suite.

For more information, please contact: hospitality@motherwellfc.co.uk or phone 01698 333 333.