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  • First team

    Motherwell claim emphatic win over Ross County

  • First team

    Get your tickets for Hearts

  • First team

    Manager: Break has done us good

  • First team

    David Turnbull: the comeback story

  • First team

    Watch a live stream of Motherwell v Ross County

  • First team

    Opposition report: A look at Ross County

  • Women

    ‘Well lose to Forfar in SWPL Cup

  • First team

    Next up: Ross County

  • Women

    SWPL Cup action on Sunday

  • Club

    Club statement on Stephen Robinson case

  • First team

    Motherwell claim emphatic win over Ross County

    Motherwell claim emphatic win over Ross County

    Motherwell returned to their winning ways with an emphatic win over Ross County.

    And, with the benefit of the other midweek results, the Steelmen extended their lead in third place in the race for a Europa League slot.

    Following a frugal February where they gained a solitary league point, Motherwell moved into March determined to firm up their grip on third place in Ladbrokes Premiership.

    And after conceding a goal to Liam Fontaine after only three minutes, the Steelmen showed tremendous character to fightback with some style and renewed confidence to comfortably claim their first home win since December.

    Goals from Mark O’Hara and Allan Campbell had the ‘Well ahead at the break. This time there was no chance of a second half fight back from the Dingwall side, as Campbell claimed his second before Tony Watt grabbed his first league goal for the Fir Park side in the final minute.

    Having served his one-match suspension, Christopher Long returned to lead the attack. Stephen Robinson elected not to partner him with Tony Watt for the first time at Fir Park, preferring to go with the speed of Jermaine Hylton and Rolando Aarons to support from wide positions. The only other change was the one enforced by Liam Donnelly’s absence due to a two-match suspension, with Mark O’Hara filling the anchor role in midfield.

    In keeping with the Scottish Government guidelines on reducing the spread of coronavirus, players and officials declined to shake hands before the kick-off. Whether the reduction in person-to-person contact extended to goal celebrations wasn’t clear.

    It didn’t take long to find out, though, as County players hugged one another in celebration of the opening goal inside the first three minutes.

    Former ‘Well man Iain Vigurs curled in a low corner and Fontaine, unmarked, swept the ball low past Mark Gillespie for the worst possible start for the under pressure Steelmen.

    Still, better to go behind early than concede a late winner – Motherwell had 87 minutes to respond to that setback.

    And it was almost immediate when five minutes later Allan Campbell stooped to meet Aarons’ cross but he headed the ball straight into the arms of the waiting Ross Laidlaw.

    At the other end Gillespie made his first and only real save of the game reacting superbly after Billy McKay’s 18 yard drive took a deflection on its way to goal.

    With 16 minutes on the clock, the hard working Long earned a free kick 30 yards from goal. And although Aarons thumping free kick deflected for a corner, Motherwell profited from Liam Polworth’s delivery. Hartley lurking at the back of the six yard box returned the ball across the area and as it bounced in front of goal, O’Hara slammed it low into the net to level the scores.

    Two minutes later it was almost a repeat when from Polworth’s corner, Gallagher left it for Peter Hartley but his powerful header was cleared off the line.

    In the 25th minute ‘Well turned their pressure into a second goal. Gallagher’s superb ball out of defence sent Liam Grimshaw to the opposite byeline. His cross towards the penalty spot was chested down by Hylton before his volleyball rebounded from the crossbar. The ball fell for Campbell who took a touch before firing beyond the ‘keeper to make it 2-1.

    It might have been more for the Fir Park side as couple of low drives skipped narrowly past the post.

    Ahead once again at the interval, the question was how Robinson’s men would approach the second half.

    The intentions were clear, though, to keep pressure on an overstretched County defence. And within the first ten minutes ‘Well should have extended their lead.

    Firstly, Campbell broke upfield with Polworth and Long on either side but when the ball was finally worked to Aarons his shot was blocked at the edge of the box.

    Then Long cut in from the wing but as he hared towards the front post he should have rolled the ball to the waiting Polworth rather than rattle his shot off the foot of the post.

    The ‘Well striker was again denied in the 58th minute when Aarons’ tempting cross fell between O’Hara and Long and the latter’s strike from four yards looked destined for the net only for Laidlaw to produce a fabulous reflex save to palm the ball away.

    Undeterred, the Steelmen continued to pepper the visitor’s goal with a series of crosses but it still needed a third goal to kill off any chance of the Dingwall side stealing a point.

    Fifteen minutes from time the third arrived. Long collected Tait’s throw-in and after twisting his way to the byeline he drilled the ball across the six-yard box leaving Campbell with a simple tap in and claim his second goal of the game.

    Long’s efforts were acknowledged by the home fans as he received a standing ovation as he made way for Watt.

    Aarons’ part in the victory was also recognised when he came off providing Christian Ilic with around eight minutes to get involved in the action.

    By then the points were firmly in the bag as the home side controlled the game until the end.

    The icing on the cake came in the final minute when after some delightful interchanging passes from the midfield, man of the match Campbell slid the ball in front of Watt and from wide on the right he drilled the ball across Laidlaw and inside the ‘keeper’s right hand post.

  • First team

    Get your tickets for Hearts

    Get your tickets for Hearts

    Tickets are on sale for our trip to face Heart of Midlothian on Saturday, 7 March.

    Cash gates will not be available and you must buy in advance.

    Tickets are available online now or from the Fir Park ticket office until 4pm on Friday.

    Adult £29
    Over 65s / full-time students £21
    Under 18 £15
    Under 16 £8
    Under 13 £5

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

  • First team

    Manager: Break has done us good

    “We’ve gone away and worked on things. We have a real opportunity to finish the season strongly.”

    Stephen Robinson looks ahead to Wednesday night’s visit of Ross County.

  • First team

    David Turnbull: the comeback story

    In June 2019, David Turnbull’s incredible rise was about to reach a new high.

    After breaking into the team after rising through the Motherwell youth ranks, the midfielder netted 15 times and became an immediately influential player for the Steelmen, despite only being 20 years of age.

    With such great talent and promise, it was inevitable others would come calling. Both Celtic and Norwich City had bids accepted which would have far surpassed Motherwell’s record transfer fee, with David settling on a switch to Celtic.

    With the deal signed, he underwent medical tests in the last step before moving to Glasgow. But then, in a matter of hours, it all collapsed around him.

    A problem with his knee which he had no prior knowledge or symptoms of meant he needed an operation which would keep him out for months, and led to the transfer being called off.

    Such a blow had the potential to be a physically and mentally demanding challenge for a young player who, through no fault of his own, had saw his career come to an unexpected pause.

    This is the story of his comeback.

  • First team

    Watch a live stream of Motherwell v Ross County

    Watch a live stream of Motherwell v Ross County

    There’s a live stream and live audio available from Motherwell v Ross County on Wednesday night.

    We’ve live video of the match available to viewers outside of the UK and Ireland for just £12 a month. Kick off is at 7.45pm GMT.

    To subscribe and get all Motherwell home matches – and the majority of away games – head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk now and sign up.

    If you’re in the UK or Ireland and can’t make it, don’t worry. We’ve also got live audio commentary of the match for just £5.99 a month.

    Head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk to sign up. Just choose the UK/Ireland commentary option.

    2019/20 Motherwell streaming service matches

    Date Match Service available
    4 March 2020 Motherwell v Ross County Live video outside UK/Ireland, audio to all
    7 March 2020 Hearts v Motherwell Live video outside UK/Ireland, audio to all
    14 March 2020 Motherwell v Aberdeen Live video outside UK/Ireland, audio to all
    21 March 2020 Motherwell v Kilmarnock Live video outside UK/Ireland, audio to all
    4 April 2020 Rangers v Motherwell Live audio only

     

  • First team

    Opposition report: A look at Ross County

    Opposition report: A look at Ross County

    Ross County are the opponents on Wednesday night, as Motherwell return to action after an eight-day break.

    Here’s a look at the Staggies.

    The story so far

    Promoted back to the Premiership at the first time of asking in 2018/19, the northern side have set about re-establishing their top flight credentials.

    Sitting ninth through 28 games, they find themselves in with an outside chance of a top six finish, sitting eight points off Hibernian with 15 left to play for.

    Looking over their shoulder, play-off placed Hamilton are eight points behind, with bottom club Hearts two points further back.

    Form guide

    Since losing to Motherwell 2-1 on Boxing Day at home, the Staggies have won two, drawn three and lost five.

    On their travels, a 2-1 win at Pittodrie last time out ended a run of 12 games without a victory away.

    Three to watch

    Josh Mullin

    Attacking midfielder Josh Mullin hit double figures for assists and goals as Ross County took their place back in the top flight and he’s carried on his rich vein of form into life in the Premiership.

    Mullin has been involved in 21% of the Staggies’ league goals so far this season – contributing five assists and one goal.

    The former Livingston and Albion Rovers man has recently spoken of the great team spirit within the camp at County, pointing to the fighting qualities shown as they battled back to earn a share of the spoils against St Johnstone and in the 2-1 triumph against Aberdeen.

    Billy McKay

    The goals of Billy McKay have been pivotal in moving Ross County towards achieving their target of Scottish Premiership safety.

    A double in the victory over Aberdeen, the equaliser in the 1-1 draw with St Johnstone and both goals in the 2-0 home success against Livingston means that the 31-year-old has moved the Northern Irishman on to eleven goals in all competitions this season.

    McKay has made a habit of producing the goods in front of goal throughout his career and finished the last decade as the fourth top scorer in the Premiership – hitting the net 75 times.

    Lee Erwin

    One of three former ‘Well players among the ranks at County, Lee Erwin will be looking to make an impact when he comes up against the Steelmen this evening.

    After enjoying an encouraging debut season in the Motherwell first team in which he scored six league goals including the opener in the 3-1 Scottish Premiership play-off first leg victory over Rangers at Ibrox, Erwin would make the move to Leeds United.

    In truth his career somewhat stalled after heading down south, though he has shown glimpses of the potential he showed during his time at Fir Park in a one-year spell at Kimarnock and then during his time in the Highlands with the Staggies.

    Buy in advance or pay at the gate

    Tickets are available online now or from the Fir Park ticket office. Cash gates are also available on the day.

    Adult £24 / £20
    Over 60s / 16-18s / full-time students £17 / £16
    Children aged 15 and under £3
    One adult and two kids £28 / £24

    The cheaper price is for our John Hunter Stand for home supporters. Away fans can pay at the gate at the South Stand.

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

    Can’t make it? Listen live

    There’s a live stream available outside of the UK/Ireland, and live audio available to all from Motherwell v Ross County on Wednesday.

    To subscribe and get all Motherwell home matches – and the majority of away games – head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk now and sign up.

  • Women

    ‘Well lose to Forfar in SWPL Cup

    ‘Well lose to Forfar in SWPL Cup

    Motherwell’s hopes of progressing from the group stage of the SWPL Cup took a dent on Sunday, as Forfar Farmington took the points at Ravenscraig.

    Eddie Wolecki Black’s side were victors against the same side away in the league last weekend, but it wasn’t to be the same outcome on home turf.

    The hosts were dealt a blow 14 minutes into the came when full back Rachel Connor had to be subbed with a bad cut to her lip that required her to be taken to hospital to get stitches.

    Ten minutes later, with the home team still coming to terms with the injury, Forfar took the lead with a direct ball over the top that wasn’t dealt with correctly by the Motherwell defence. Billie Simpson run through and knocked the ball by the onrushing Khym Ramsay.

    Going behind kickstarted Motherwell and they would  dominate the remainder of the first half but failed to break the deadlock, despite several attempts on the Forfar goal.

    The closest the home side came to equalising in the first half was a well worked move that saw Abby Callaghan break free and hit an attempt straight at the Forfar goalkeeper from inside the box.

    The second half saw a change of formation for Motherwell but a poor start to the second half. Billie Simpson would double the advantage for the visitors from 30 yards, unleashing a strike that flew in to the top corner despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Ramsay.

    However despite the early goal, the second half was dominated by the Motherwell team who controlled large spells of the game and played most of the game in the Forfar half.

    After a passage of several corners Motherwell opened their account for the afternoon when Chelsie Watson was found at the back post to comfortably head home.

    Wave after wave of attacks saw Forfar defend deeper into their half and consistently make great defensive plays to stop Motherwell from equalising.

    Late on Motherwell were denied a penalty when Katie Rice found herself on the end of a great delivery into the box.

    She beat the oncoming Forfar goalkeeper to the ball and headed it past her, only to then be completely taken out by the Forfar number one. However, the Referee gave a free kick to Forfar, claiming the Motherwell captain had barged into the goalkeeper.

    Forfar now top the group with six points having played all their matches, with Partick Thistle on four points and Motherwell on three. Kilmarnock sit bottom with a solitary point with all three games played.

    Motherwell will face Partick Thistle in their final group match on Monday 9 March at Airdrie’s Penny Cars Stadium. Kick-off is at 8pm.

    With their superior goal difference, a win against Thistle would send Motherwell top and through.

  • First team

    Next up: Ross County

    Next up: Ross County

    After a short break, Motherwell return to league business on Wednesday night with a home match against Ross County.

    Kick-off at Fir Park is at 7.45pm.

    Tale of the tape

    Sitting third in the table, Motherwell head into the match without a win in eight matches. Three draws and five defeats came from those games, but Stephen Robinson’s side still maintain a one-point gap over fourth-placed Aberdeen.

    County were 2-1 winners in their last league match away to Aberdeen, having been denied victory at home to St Johnstone in a last-gasp 1-1 draw prior to that.

    Ninth in the table, the Staggies are eight points off a possible top six finish with five games left to play, eight points above the play-off spot and 10 clear of botom club Hearts.

    Head to head

    Motherwell were victors in the last meeting between the two, coming from behind to win in stoppage time in Dingwall on Boxing Day through goals from Ross MacIver and Declan Gallagher.

    Before that, County have won their last two visits to Fir Park. A 2-1 victory on league business in September followed a Scottish Cup win by the same score last January.

    Buy in advance or pay at the gate

    Tickets are available online now or from the Fir Park ticket office. Cash gates are also available on the day.

    Adult £24 / £20
    Over 60s / 16-18s / full-time students £17 / £16
    Children aged 15 and under £3
    One adult and two kids £28 / £24

    The cheaper price is for our John Hunter Stand for home supporters. Away fans can pay at the gate at the South Stand.

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

    Can’t make it? Listen live

    There’s a live stream available outside of the UK/Ireland, and live audio available to all from Motherwell v Ross County on Wednesday.

    To subscribe and get all Motherwell home matches – and the majority of away games – head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk now and sign up.

  • Women

    SWPL Cup action on Sunday

    SWPL Cup action on Sunday

    Motherwell host Forfar Farmington in their second of three SWPL Cup group stage matches on Sunday.

    Having 1-0 away to their opponents in the league last weekend, Eddie Wolecki Black’s team play host indoors at Ravenscraig. Kick-off is at 2.30pm.

    Motherwell sit with three points so far, having been awarded their tie with Kilmarnock 3-0 after the Ayrshire club were ruled to have postponed the match without due cause.

    The women of steel will take on Partick Thistle to finish off the group in another rearranged match. A date and venue will be announced shortly.

  • Club

    Club statement on Stephen Robinson case

    Club statement on Stephen Robinson case

    Motherwell Football Club welcomes the not guilty verdict of the court in our manager Stephen Robinson’s case.

    The decision is entirely in line with our expectations, having been fully aware of the circumstances from the very beginning.

    Stephen has had our unconditional support throughout and will continue to do so.