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  • First team

    Manager: We got what we deserved

  • First team

    Motherwell share derby spoils

  • First team

    Manager: Youth will get more chances

  • First team

    Accies away tickets on sale

  • First team

    Previewing Hamilton v Motherwell

  • Women

    ‘Well pegged back in Rangers draw

  • First team

    Liam Polworth to join Motherwell

  • First team

    In Numbers: Counting down to the derby

  • Women

    Knox: Break has done us good

  • Reserves & Under 18s

    Reserves go top with win over Dundee

  • First team

    Manager: We got what we deserved

    Stephen Robinson says two different performances in either half from Motherwell left them getting the result they “deserved.”

    David Turnbull netted in a controlled first half, but a late error allowed Accies to take a share of the spoils.

  • First team

    Motherwell share derby spoils

    Motherwell share derby spoils

    Motherwell had to settle for a point, despite generally being in control of the derby after leading through David Turnbull’s 10th goal of the season midway through the first half.

    However, a gifted assist from Liam Grimshaw seven minutes from time allowed Marios Ogkmpoe to grab an equaliser and an important point for Hamilton.

    Stephen Robinson made two changes for the final local derby of the season. James Scott led the ‘Well attack in place of Curtis Main, while Elliott Frear, on the back of some good performances after coming off the bench, swapped places with Jake Hastie.

    While the Fir Park men were looking up to taking seventh place in the league, the Hamilton players were still looking over their shoulders to ease themselves away from the relegation spots.

    It took the players some time to adjust to the bright sunshine as the ball got lumped high into the air in the opening minutes.

    When Gboly Ariyibi’s low ball opened up the Accies back four it allowed Scott to hold off his marker and power towards the box before his powerful drive produced a fine diving save from Gary Woods.

    Ariybi then tried his luck with a 20 yard free kick but the on loan Nottingham Forrest winger curled his shot over the cross bar.

    Mark Gillespie, in front of the ‘Well fans bedecked in amber and summer shirts, had a couple of routine saves to gather David McMillan’s attempts from outside his penalty area.

    As Accies tried to up their game and press for a precious three points the Steelmen came close to breaking the deadlock after 25 minutes. Turnbull curled a corner into the six yard box where Tom Aldred’s thumping header came crashing down off the crossbar and gathered by Woods before the ball could be forced over the ‘keeper’s goal line.

    However, the ‘Well opener was only delayed four minutes. Liam Grimshaw curled the ball towards the six yard area and after Aryibi and the Accies defence failed to intercept it, Turnbull was left with the simple task of stroking the ball past the helpless Woods.

    From them until half-time Motherwell’s movement and possession left Accies and their fans frustrated. In added on time the home side had a final chance to put Gillespie’s goal under pressure but Tony Andreu curled his free kick high over the ‘keeper’s goal to leave the Fir Park men comfortably ahead at the interval.

    A big reaction was expected from Brian Rice’s men as Motherwell kicked off the second half. And there was a greater degree of urgency about the home play as Dougie Imrie swept a teasing ball across goal only for Andreu to direct it wide of Gillespie’s goal.

    Accies almost undid their early work when they conceded a needless free kick allowing Turnbull to set up Grimshaw at the edge of the box but his powerful shot was deflected over the bar by Aaron McGowan.

    With the game in a bit of a rut and Accies unable to make any impression on the ‘Well defence, the home side made a double substitution after 57 minutes bringing on strikers Marios Ogkmpoe and George Oakley. Five minutes later ‘Well made their first change with Chris Cadden replacing Frear.

    Within a few minutes and from out on the right touchline Cadden’s deep cross bounced off the top of Woods’ bar and provide a bit excitement for the ‘Well fans in the stand behind the ‘keeper’s goal.

    After a hard working 75 minutes leading the front line, Scott was replaced by the experienced Conor Sammon before Hastie came on for Ariyibi.

    Despite these changes in attacking areas Motherwell failed to create any chances in the closing stages of the game. Equally though with Aldred and Charles Dunne commanding Gillespie’s was never under threat until seven minutes from time.

    Wide of the penalty area Grimshaw lost control of the ball rolling it into the path of Ogkmpoe, who rounded the bewildered Gillespie before firing the ball into an empty goal to give the home side a massive list.

    Three minutes later they looked to have snatched a winner when Andreu’s drive found Oakley, belatedly from an offside position inside the six yard box, and his touch seemed destined for the net until Gillespie superbly twisted to turn the ball over the bar.

    As Accies pressed for all three points ultimately Motherwell had to be content with only one.

  • First team

    Manager: Youth will get more chances

    Stephen Robinson says more young talent is set to come through in the next five games, but a patient approach will be required.

    Motherwell will have at least seven who have come through the academy involved against Hamilton on Saturday, with others knocking on the door.

  • First team

    Accies away tickets on sale

    Accies away tickets on sale

    Saturday sees the Steelmen make the short trip to Hamilton for the final derby of the 2018/19 season.

    You can buy your tickets online now to collect from Fir Park before 4pm on Friday.

    Alternatively, you can visit the ticket office at Fir Park or call 01698 333333. All tickets must be purchased before 4pm on Friday.

    There will also be a cash gate in operation on the day, but we are urging fans to get their tickets in advance if you can.

    Tickets are priced at £22 for adults and £12 for over 65s and under 18s.

    Our ticket office will be closed on Easter Monday.

  • First team

    Previewing Hamilton v Motherwell

    Previewing Hamilton v Motherwell

    Motherwell head to Hamilton on Saturday for the final Lanarkshire derby of the 2019/20 Ladbrokes Premiership campaign.

    Here’s the derby previewed.

    What’s at stake

    For Motherwell, it’s all about seventh spot. Stephen Robinson’s men sit a point behind St Johnstone in seventh with the split now under way, and a point ahead of Livingston.

    Accies are in the strongest position of the bottom three clubs in the fight against the drop, sitting seven points ahead of bottom club Dundee and four ahead of St Mirren in the play-off spot.

    The form guide

    Saturday’s hosts have won one, drawn one and lost three of their last five matches. A win over Hearts and draw with St Mirren have come with losses with Motherwell, Kilmarnock and Livingston.

    Motherwell have won two and lost three in the same time, beating Accies and St Johnstone, but losing to Hibernian, Aberdeen and Rangers.

    Team news

    Trevor Carson, Craig Tanner, Ross McCormack and Christian Mbulu remain sidelined.

    Get your tickets in advance

    You can buy your tickets online now. Alternatively, you can visit the ticket office at Fir Park or call 01698 333333.

    Tickets should be purchased in advance. Our ticket office at Fir Park will be open Monday to Thursday from 9am-5pm and Friday 9am-4pm. It will not be open on the date of the game.

    A pay gate will be in operation but we advise supporters to buy in advance.

    Adult £22
    Over 65s / Under 18s £12

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

    Listen live

    There will be no live stream from New Douglas Park. Fans will be able to listen to live commentary at tv.motherwellfc.co.uk.

  • Women

    ‘Well pegged back in Rangers draw

    ‘Well pegged back in Rangers draw

    Motherwell gave up a three-goal lead as they drew 3-3 with Rangers in SWPL1 on Wednesday night.

    First half goals from Mhairi Fyfe and Lori Gardner, and a strike from Sarah Crilly early after half time, had given Donald Jennow’s a deserved and comfortable lead at Ravenscraig.

    But the visitors racked up three in the last 10 minutes, including a stoppage-time equaliser, to take an unexpected share of the spoils.

    Motherwell were good for their lead and were ahead within 15 minutes.

    Katie Rice found herself with the ball from close range but, as she was crowded out, her shot was blocked.

    Fyfe however was on hand to cooly sidestep away from the goalkeeper to pass the rebound into the net.

    Minutes later, it was two, and it was a sensational strike from Gardner. Cutting in from the left, she curled an unstoppable effort into the top right corner of the net.

    Crilly then looked to have sealed the game early in the second half, finding room just inside the box to fire home.

    Amy Muir’s low driven effort with 10 minutes on the clock gave Rangers a goal, but what was to follow was still unexpected.

    With three minutes left, Jade Gallon broke through to fire past Morgan Hunter and set up a nervy finish.

    The women of steel couldn’t hold on and, from a Muir corner, Holly Napier was able to strike from a few yards out in injury time to grab a point.

    Motherwell: Hunter, Roberts, Montgomery, Rolph, Knox, Adams, McEachran, Rice, Gardner, Crilly, Fyfe.

    Subs: McManus, MacLeod, Liddell.

  • First team

    Liam Polworth to join Motherwell

    Liam Polworth to join Motherwell

    Liam Polworth is the latest player to sign a pre-contract agreement with Motherwell FC.

    The Inverness Caledonian Thistle midfielder will join in the summer, with the club beating off competition from other Ladbrokes Premiership sides to secure his services.

    Polworth, 24, follows Declan Gallagher in agreeing to move to Fir Park for the 2019/20 campaign.

    He will sign a two-year contract with the club in June.

    “We’re delighted Liam is joining us,” Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson said. “We hope he will continue his creativity with us, having picked up the most assists in the Championship this season.

    “He is a very talented boy and I still feel there are a lot of areas he will improve on with us.

    “He will give us another option in the middle of the park and out wide, and arrives with plenty experience in the Scottish top flight.

    “We want to get our business done early where possible. That’s bringing people in, as well as offering terms to players who are here.”

    The midfielder came through the youth ranks at the Caledonian Stadium, before making his senior debut back in May 2011. He was aged just 16 years and 211 days, making him the youngest ever player to turn out for the Caley Jags.

    The former Scotland Under 21 international has gone on to play 204 games for the Highlanders, notching 18 goals.

    He was named in the 2017/18 SPFL Championship team of the season, after racking up five goals and 25 assists. This season, he has three goals and 20 assists so far in all competitions.

  • First team

    In Numbers: Counting down to the derby

    In Numbers: Counting down to the derby

    Motherwell travel to Hamilton on Saturday for the final Lanarkshire derby of the 2018/19 season.

    Here’s the game previewed in numbers.

    Four

    Motherwell and Hamilton go head-to-head for the fourth time in the 2018/19 Ladbrokes Premiership season.

    Accies won the opening derby of the campaign at Fir Park, but the Steelmen responded with 2-1 and 3-0 victories in the following two victories.

    Seven

    Saturday’s hosts sit seven clear of bottom spot with five games to go, as they strive to pull themselves even further clear of the drop zone.

    Brian Rice’s men are also four points ahead of the play-off position, which is currently occupied by St Mirren.

    18

    Eighteen points separate the two teams heading into Saturday’s derby.

    For Motherwell, it’s a case of striving for seventh spot and finishing best of the rest in the top flight.

    St Johnstone currently sit a point ahead, with the two teams due to meet at the start of May.

  • Women

    Knox: Break has done us good

    Knox: Break has done us good

    Nobody expected an easy transition for Motherwell in SWPL1, and it certainly hasn’t proved one so far.

    Following on from getting the league campaign off to a winning start against Stirling University, Motherwell haven’t managed to add another victory in their subsequent four matches.

    As the women of steel prepare to host Rangers at Ravenscraig on Wednesday evening, Steph Knox insists nobody is reaching for the panic button at this early stage.

    With a two-and-a-half-week break without a game, the defender thinks that will have helped the side recover from painful successive defeats against Spartans in their last outings.

    “The break has given us much needed time together on the pitch to work on things and regroup,” Knox said. “It’s important to challenge any issues and move past them to improve as a team.

    “To suffer back-to-back defeats against Spartans was very disappointing, but we can’t deny that Spartans are a very good team with very good players.

    “We know we need to really up our game to compete with teams like Spartans and we proved we can do that against Celtic – it’s just trying to find that consistency.”

    With big challenges coming thick and fast, Knox knows that finding consistency won’t be a straightforward exercise.

    After hosting Rangers, Donald Jennow’s side head to Petershill Park to face 12-in-a-row title winners Glasgow City.

    Only five games into the season, Knox reckons the league table isn’t too significant at this early stage and stressed the importance that they the team don’t look beyond their next game.

    “The Rangers game will be a massive challenge for us,” added Knox, who played for the Ibrox side between 2009 and 2015.

    “They are an experienced top league side and have a lot of quality.

    “We know we’ll have to work hard and really focus to take anything away from the game but we’re up for there challenge and are looking forward to the game.

    “It’s important to be realists with our league position, we have seen some interesting results so far this season.

    “You can’t take anything for granted and one game at a time is definitely our strategy right now.”

    Having had a brief spell at ‘Well last season, Steph rejoined the ranks at Fir Park during the close season and has been an ever-present so far this term.

    The defender is enjoying playing regular football and is excited about the heightened attention being placed on the women’s game.

    Scotland’s brilliant 1-0 triumph over Brazil during the international break grabbed headlines across the country and Knox will be right behind Shelley Kerr and all of those in dark blue as they head to France for this summer’s World Cup.

    “It’s been great coming back to Motherwell,” the 24-year-old said. “For me this season has been about getting back to enjoying playing football.

    “The atmosphere at the club is one of the best I’ve been at from both the coaches and the players – I’m loving playing again.

    “It’s brilliant to see our national side do so well they’ve really exceeded expectations.

    “The result against Brazil was a real confidence boost going into the World Cup. It’s exciting for the country and I’m sure the girls will do us all proud over there.”

  • Reserves & Under 18s

    Reserves go top with win over Dundee

    Motherwell went top of the SPFL Reserve League on Tuesday with a 3-1 win away to Dundee.

    Winger Akeal Rehman bagged a first half double, and turned provider for Stuart McKinstry to give the young Steelmen victory.

    Maurice Ross’ side turned in a controlled performance throughout, showing grit and determination in a second half which became a greater physical contest.

    “Winning sometimes is about saying to your opponent to come ahead,” Ross said after the game.

    “Dundee came out for the second half looking for a reaction and things got a little physical.

    “Football then isn’t always about playing pretty. If you’re going to get to the Motherwell first team, you need to be able to show you can fight as well.

    “So when that happens, it all helps with their development.”

    Motherwell fell behind early in the match at Forfar’s Station Park, with a shot ricocheting off the post and off the unfortunate David Devine and into the net.

    As has often been the case, Ross’ side rallied and didn’t take long to level things up, with Rehman getting on the end of a perfectly-weighted through ball from Reece McAlear, before slotting under the onrushing goalkeeper.

    After 15 minutes, ‘Well were ahead. Trickery down the right from Rehman led to a short low cross to the front post, which McKinstry swept home.

    As the first half wore on, Rehman charged down a back pass to the Dundee keeper, who could only fire the ball against the forward’s legs, with the ball ending up in the net.

    “We never let our heads drop when we go a goal down,” added Ross.

    “We keep working through our patterns and then, when we see an opportunity, we pounce.”

    Motherwell face Celtic next week in their final game of the campaign. Should they win, they must then wait for Celtic and Rangers to play an outstanding match each before the destination of the league title is decided.