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  • First team

    Motherwell beat Hearts to record sixth straight win

  • First team

    Manager: We’re confident but Hearts are tough

  • Women

    Forfar up next for ‘Well in SWPL1

  • First team

    Need to Know: A closer look at Hearts

  • First team

    Watch a live stream of Motherwell v Hearts

  • First team

    Previewing Motherwell v Hearts

  • Reserves & Under 18s

    James Scott signs contract extension

  • Women

    Rolph urges women to build momentum

  • First team

    McHugh eyes top six incentive

  • First team

    In Numbers: Looking ahead to Hearts

  • First team

    Motherwell beat Hearts to record sixth straight win

    Motherwell beat Hearts to record sixth straight win

    Motherwell made it six league wins from six in dramatic, late fashion as they defeated Hearts 2-1.

    Not surprisingly on the back of five successive wins, Stephen Robinson named an unchanged start for the fifth consecutive game.

    Hearts aiming for their fourth win over ‘Well this season started the more forceful and inside the opening 10 minutes the towering Uche Ikpeazu had a couple of efforts driven wide of Mark Gillespie’s goal.

    Then, in their first attack the Fir Park snatched the opening goal.

    There seemed little danger when Liam Grimshaw swept the ball out to Jake Hastie. But full of confidence the teenager dragged the ball towards the box, stepped inside Scotland defender Christophe Berra before rifling a stunning left foot finish high into the net beyond Coin Doyle’s reach.

    It was almost identical to Hastie’s opener against St Mirren and similarly boosted the home side who then put the Tynecastle defence under a bit more pressure.

    Curtis Main powered through the middle of visitor’s back three only to drive his left foot shot a couple of feet wide of goal. A David Turnbull corner then caused some panic in a packed penalty box before Berra hoofed the ball clear.

    The powerful Ikpeazu was proving a real handful and tightly marked Tom Aldred the Hearts’ striker went down appealing for a penalty.

    The goal mouth action, though, was at the other end. Alan Campbell wriggled away from a couple of Hearts players before sliding a pass in front of Hastie but although his drive was powerful it was straight at Doyle.

    After 31 minutes, Gillespie made his first save diving low to his left to push Oliver Bozanic’s low 20 yard drive round his post.

    Five minutes later the “Well ‘keeper was beaten as the visitors equalised. Eight yards in front of goal Steven Naismith completely mishit his first attempt.

    However, there was no luck about the Scotland striker’s second touch, reacting quickly to delicately lift the bouncing ball over Gillespie at full stretch and under the ‘keeper’s crossbar to make it 1-1.

    Two minutes from the end of a highly competitive first half Gboly Ariyibi set off on a mazy 50 yards run which carried him past three opponents before, from the byline, he fired the ball into the side netting.

    It was the on loan Nottingham Forrest winger who was first to make an impression after the restart. Collecting the ball 40 yards from goal Ariyibi held off Conor Shaughnessy as he dribbled the ball into the box before his low shot forced a fine block from Doyle.

    The Tynecastle stopper was forced into another fine save in the 57th minute. Charles Dunne played a long diagonal ball intended for Hastie, who had to steal the ball off Jake Mulraney before firing in a low shot which Doyle pushed beyond his post.

    Doyle denied ‘Well for the third time 62nd minute. This time Hastie was the provider releasing his fellow teenager Turnbull whose 20 yard drive was sailing under the bar until the Hearts ‘keeper leapt to palm the ball over.

    From Turnbull’s corner Main’s downward header was beyond the ‘keeper but Marcus Godinho was on the goal line to boot the ball clear.

    In an open game the Edinburgh side were still chasing a winner and twice Aldred’s timely interventions cleared any danger.

    In an attempt to stem the flow towards the home goal Carl McHugh replaced Ariyibi after 68 minutes. But his first action was in attack gliding Turnbull’s corner just over the crossbar.

    In a rare threat on the home goal, Bozanic’s free kick found its way to Ikpeazu and although his effort was tame the ball was sneaking inside the post until Gillespie reacted smartly to push the ball away from goal.

    The action was largely around Doyle’s goal and Hastie’s clever pass picked out Turnbull but he was forced wide at the angle of the six yard box before he could test the ‘keeper.

    In a last attempt to grab a deserved winner and make it six consecutive wins James Scott replaced Main but it didn’t look like coming as the game moved into added on time.

    However, when Ben Garuccio was sent off for a challenge on Grimshaw 25 yards from goal it provided ‘Well with one final opportunity to score.

    Although Turnbull’s curling free kick was on target, Doyle had it covered until the ball squirmed out of ‘keeper’s arms and over the line for a fortunate but thoroughly deserved winner.

  • First team

    Manager: We’re confident but Hearts are tough

    Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson says achieving six league wins in a row is possible, but a tough opponent lies in wait in Hearts on Sunday.

  • Women

    Forfar up next for ‘Well in SWPL1

    Forfar up next for ‘Well in SWPL1

    After getting off to a winning start in SWPL1, Motherwell are aiming to make it two wins from two on Sunday when they travel to Station Park for a meeting with Forfar Farmington.

    Kerry Montgomery’s long range effort clinched all three points as the women of steel edged out Stirling University in their opening game.

    It was the ideal way to start the new season, but life in the top flight will mean the tough games will come thick and fast.

    Kick off at Station Park is 1pm. Entry is priced at £4 adults, £3 concessions and free for under 16s.

    THE OPPOSITION

    Forfar Farmington enjoyed a comfortable first season in SWPL1 in 2018, following promotion to the top flight the previous year.

    The appointment of Stevie Baxter ahead of the 2019 campaign has also brought significant changes to the playing squad and the new boss will be hoping his side can gel quickly in order to build on last season’s success.

    A 4-0 defeat to Celtic on the opening day was a disappointing way to begin the season, but Baxter’s side will be determined to make amends in their first home fixture.

    POSITION

    Forfar: SWPL1 – 8th – zero points

    Motherwell: SWPL1 – 2nd – three points

    WHAT THEY SAID

    Kirsten Rolph is hoping Motherwell can build up momentum after a winning start.

    “Nobody needs to stress to us not to get carried away,” Rolph said. “We all know we are in for a tough season and are taking it game by game.

    “There is a great team spirit already, despite having only been together as a group for a few weeks.

    “During the game we all worked hard for each other and everyone was buzzing with the win.”

    Donald Jennow has been pleased with the attitude and work rate of his squad in the lead up to taking on Forfar.

    The ‘Well head coach is now urging his players to keep on improving, after an impressing showing against Stirling University.

    “We’ve put in a good week of work in the build up to Sunday’s game,” said Jennow. “What has been most pleasing is the determination of the players to keep on improving.

    “Every coach will strive for consistency and so I want us to replicate the things we did well last week while adding those thing that we’ve looked at following the Stirling game.”

    DON’T MISS OUT

    We’ll have a full match report and goal highlights here and on the club’s social media channels.

  • First team

    Need to Know: A closer look at Hearts

    Need to Know: A closer look at Hearts

    Hearts make their second trip of the 2018/19 Ladbrokes Premiership season to Fir Park on Sunday.

    Here’s a look at our opponents in greater detail.

    Back in form

    Losses to Livingston and Aberdeen in December proved a turning point for Craig Levein’s side, as they went on to pick up six victories from their next eight games.

    Wins over Hamilton, Hibernian, St Johnstone, Auchinleck Talbot and Livingston, as well as a draw with Livi and a loss to Dundee, have followed since.

    Returning strike power

    The return of Uche Ikepazu to action in Hearts’ last two games comes at an ominous time.

    The man mountain started the season in great form, before succumbing to injury at Fir Park and spending an extended period on the sidelines.

    Getting back into contention

    Hearts were flying high at the top earlier in the season, before injuries to key players took their toll and saw them slip.

    Despite that, they’ve never been too out of touch with the leading pack. Celtic may be 14 points ahead in top spot, but Aberdeen and Kilmarnock are only three points ahead in third and fourth respectively, and Rangers sit eight points ahead in second.

  • First team

    Watch a live stream of Motherwell v Hearts

    Watch a live stream of Motherwell v Hearts

    Motherwell host Hearts on Sunday, as they look to make it six Ladbrokes Premiership wins from six.

    If you’re based outside of the UK/Ireland, you can watch a live stream of the game direct from Fir Park. Kick off is at 12.15pm GMT.

    To sign up for our service, just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk and choose your package. Subscriptions to see live games start at just £12 a month.

    Every league game between now and the split will be broadcast live on our service.

    If you’re in the UK or Ireland but can’t make the game, there’s also live audio commentary available on our service. Our domestic subscriptions cost £6 a month and also get you full game replays.

  • First team

    Previewing Motherwell v Hearts

    Previewing Motherwell v Hearts

    Motherwell host Hearts in the Ladbrokes Premiership on Sunday.

    Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match.

    Head to head

    Hearts have won all three encounters between the two teams in the 2018/19 season, picking up two victories at Tynecastle in the league and Betfred Cup, and one in the league at Fir Park.

    Motherwell’s last victory against Craig Levein’s side came in the last encounter in the 2017/18 campaign, with Carl McHugh netting a memorable winning goal in the William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-final win.

    Team news

    Tom Aldred and Ross McCormack are injury doubts. Chris Cadden, Craig Tanner and Trevor Carson remain out.

    Get your tickets in advance

    Tickets are available online now or from the Fir Park ticket office. Kick off is at 12.15pm.

    If you buy online, you can print at home and go straight to the gate, or even show us your ticket code on your mobile phone.

    Adult £24 / £20
    Over 60s / 16-18 year olds / students £17 / £16
    15 and under £3

    The cheaper price is for our John Hunter Stand, which runs along the sideline directly across from our Phil O’Donnell Main Stand.

    A family ticket for one adult and two children aged 15 and under is available for £28, or £24 in the John Hunter Stand.

    Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Andy Sim on 07428 225254 or email tickets@mfcdsa.com.

    Away supporters should contact their club directly for ticket sales. Hearts fans will be situated in our South Stand.

    Watch a live stream of the match

    If you’re based outside of the UK/Ireland, you can watch a live stream of the game direct from Fir Park. Kick off is at 12.15pm GMT.

    To sign up for our service, just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk and choose your package. Subscriptions to see live games start at just £12 a month.

    Every league game between now and the split will be broadcast live on our service.

    If you’re in the UK or Ireland but can’t make the game, there’s also live audio commentary available on our service. Our domestic subscriptions cost £6 a month and also get you full game replays.

    Pre-match

    Our Cooper Bar is open from 11am for pre-match food and drink, and don’t miss our £5 beer and a burger offer.

    Away fans are welcome to join us. The bar is also open post match.

    Get a 50/50 ticket

    Our 50/50 draw allows you to win prizes during home games at Fir Park.

    Tickets cost £1 and can be purchased from vendors around the stadium.

    You can buy from:

    • Laura in our hospitality areas and from the front of the Cooper Stand from an hour before the game.
    • Valerie in the John Hunter Stand from an hour before the game.
    • Vivienne in the Cooper Bar before the game and then in front of the Cooper Stand/John Hunter Stand from an hour before kick off.
    • Wendy and Marie in the ticket office.
  • Reserves & Under 18s

    James Scott signs contract extension

    James Scott signs contract extension

    James Scott has signed a three-and-a-half-year extension to his contract with the club.

    The striker, a regular scorer for reserves, has already notched up four substitute appearances for the first team, after making his debut as a 17-year-old back in April 2018.

    His deal was due to expire in May of this year, but his development has been rewarded with a new contract that will expire in the summer of 2022.

    “We have extremely high hopes for James and he is already knocking at the door for a first-team spot,” Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson said.

    “We will continue to push him and develop him as he is a very talented boy. He is still very young and learning the game, but I have high hopes for him.”

    “He has only just turned 18, but I hope to see him breaking into the first team in the near future.

    “We are continuing to have positive discussions with one or two other young players, and hope to have an announcement on that front soon.”

    The young striker added: “I am really happy to have signed a new contract with the club.

    “I’ve already had a taste of playing in the first team, and now I want to push even more to get playing time as soon as possible.”

  • Women

    Rolph urges women to build momentum

    Rolph urges women to build momentum

    Kirsten Rolph says Motherwell must now build up momentum, after opening their SWPL1 campaign with a victory over Stirling University.

    Former Kilmarnock defender Rolph joined the ranks at ‘Well earlier this year and played a big role as they opened their top flight account with a victory.

    Next up for the women of steel is their first away fixture of the season, when they travel to Station Park to take on Forfar Farmington.

    Going into the game on the back of a good victory will ensure Donald Jennow’s side are full of confidence, but Rolph is well aware they’ll need to be at their best to come away with a positive result.

    “Nobody needs to stress to us not to get carried away,” Rolph said. “We all know we are in for a tough season and are taking it game by game.

    “There is a great team spirit already, despite having only been together as a group for a few weeks.

    “We have all gelled really well from day one and I think that showed against Stirling.

    “During the game we all worked hard for each other and everyone was buzzing with the win.”

    In contrasting fashion, Forfar opened their season with a 4-0 defeat against Celtic.

    Last season, after gaining promotion to the top flight, the Blues handled the transition well and comfortably finished in fifth place.

    Rolph believes Motherwell are more than capable of taking another positive result, but has warned they are in for a very tough encounter.

    “They’ll definitely want to bounce back from last week and the defeat to Celtic,” she added.

    “I know they have made some changes in coaching staff and similar to us brought in new players.

    “Forfar are a good side who last year had some mixed results, but managed to stay a solid team in SWPL1.

    “That being said we are confident in our own abilities and will definitely be looking to come away with a result.”

    Despite a close season of major transition within the Motherwell squad, Rolph feels she and her fellow new recruits have settled in easily.

    The 26-year-old also has been impressed with the quality within the squad and is relishing the increased exposure that has come with life in the top league.

    “Since joining Motherwell it has been really clear how good the standard is,” she said.

    “For me personally, I feel I’m always learning and there’s a lot of differences to take on board.

    “I feel like I’m progressing every week, it’s been a good transition for me.

    “We are part of the top league in Scotland, so are in the spotlight a lot more and as the newly promoted team there’s that added interest.

    “It’s nice to get that added attention, but our focus is simply on achieving our goals for the season.”

  • First team

    McHugh eyes top six incentive

    Carl McHugh says there’s now even greater incentive to try and topple Hearts on Sunday.

    With the team in touching distance of contending for a top six finish after five straight Ladbrokes Premiership wins, the midfielder says confidence continues to grow in the squad.

  • First team

    In Numbers: Looking ahead to Hearts

    In Numbers: Looking ahead to Hearts

    Hearts take on Motherwell for the fourth time this season on Sunday, paying visit to Fir Park in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

    Here’s the game previewed in numbers.

    Five

    The Steelmen have won five of their last 10 matches against the Gorgie side at Fir Park, drawing two and losing three.

    Hearts were victorious on their last visit, with Steven Naismith netting in a 1-0 win.

    Prior to that, Steven Robinson’s men won two on the bounce 2-1, including the memorable William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-final win.

    Six

    Motherwell, of course, are chasing their sixth successive Ladbrokes Premiership victory. If they achieve it, it will be the first time its happened since 2014.

    The last time it happened, Hearts were the team that sat as the sixth team in the run, with a 1-0 victory at Tynecastle hitting the mark for Stuart McCall’s side.

    121

    Both sets of fans have been treated to, or had to endure, a combined 121 goals across the Ladbrokes Premiership season so far.

    Hearts have seen 60, scoring 31 and conceding 29 along the way. Motherwell, meanwhile, have netted 27 and conceded 34.