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Motherwell entered into the hat for the fifth round draw of the Scottish Cup on Saturday, beating League One side Alloa Athletic 3-1. 

A double from Blair Spittal and one from Georgie Gent saw the Steelmen comfortably progress to the next round.

The away side came into the game unbeaten in their last six and would have been looking to take a Premiership scalp but those hopes were instantly dashed by Blair Spittal’s first-minute strike.

New recruit Adam Montgomery advanced down the left and cut it back to the midfielder who curled a fine effort over PJ Morrison Although it came crashing down off the bar, the linesman ruled the ball had crossed the line, in the absence of VAR.

Motherwell looked largely comfortable, with Canadian pair Harry Paton and Theo Bair both coming close but in the 27th minute, Alloa were level.

Former ‘Well man Conor Sammon got forward, cut in past Calum Butcher and curled in a fine effort into the net past Kelly, much to the delight to the travelling faithful.

Alloa looked to sit in from there, making it difficult for the Steelmen to carve out any clear opportunities, and the first half finished even.

Andy Graham’s side nearly took the lead early in the second half as Liam Kelly was forced into a good save to deny Quinn Coulson’s header.

Georgie Gent, praised post-match by manager Stuart Kettlewell, got the Steelmen back ahead on the hour mark.

The left-wing back, playing in a more advanced role, took a great touch to get himself away from his man and fired a powerful effort beyond PJ Morrison from just inside the box.

Five minutes later he was again involved in the penalty box, this time being fouled to earn his team an opportunity to enhance their lead from 12 yards.

However, after a long delay for an injury, Blair Spittal saw his effort saved, as Morrison dived to his left and palmed it away to safety.

Alloa rarely threatened and the lead was confirmed with two minutes left to play.

Blair Spittal grabbed his second of the game with a superb curled free-kick from 25 yards to round off what was a largely comfortable afternoon.

The draw for the fifth round will take place on Sunday night.

Stuart Kettlewell’s post match as his side overcame Alloa Athletic to reach the next round of the Scottish Cup.

• Into the hat
• Recruitment needed
• Georgie Gent

Striker Kaitlyn Canavan and defender Georgie Rafferty have both joined Kilmarnock on loan until the end of the season.

Canavan featured on 14 occasions across the 2023/24 SWPL campaign, netting once in an assured 4-0 Lanarkshire derby victory over local rivals Hamilton.

Former Celtic and Glasgow City centre-back Georgie Rafferty has struggled to find regular first-team action this season after returning from a long-term injury spell, making only one appearance in the current campaign.

The pair head out on loan to the SWPL2 promotion-chasers in search of regular first-team minutes. Kilmarnock sit second in the SWPL2 league table, one point clear of Livingston in third.

Good luck, Kaitlyn and Georgie.

Andy Halliday has joined Motherwell from fellow cinch Premiership side Heart of Midlothian. 

The 32-year-old joins on an initial loan deal running until the summer and will then become a permanent Motherwell player on a one-year deal.

He started his career at Livingston, where he made 20 appearances, scoring two goals in the process. Having caught the eye of many, he earned a move down south to Middlesborough in the English Championship.

Loan spells at Walsall, Bradford City and Blackpool would come during his time at the Riverside, further aiding his development.

Halliday then came back home in 2015 to join Rangers where he lifted further silverware in the form of the Scottish Championship and Challenge Cup. He went on to make over 150 appearances for Rangers before his eventual departure in 2020 for Hearts.

Joining Hearts, he helped the Jambos regain their top flight status and has made 109 appearances for the Edinburgh side.

In total, Halliday brings experience having played over 400 games of professional football and can operate in numerous areas of the pitch.

“I’m delighted we have been able to get Andy on board,” manager Stuart Kettlewell said.

“There was other clubs interested in Andy so the fact he has came here, says a lot for me.

“To get a player with the ability, experience and versatility that Andy possesses is a huge positive for us. It will give everyone a boost going into our next match.”

Halliday will wear the number 11 jersey this season.

“It’s a good feeling to be here,” Andy Halliday added.

“I’m looking forward to the game tomorrow and seeing all the supporters at Fir Park.”

Andy Halliday has completed all the relevant paperwork and is eligible for selection in tomorrow’s match against Alloa Athletic.

Theo Bair says although the winter break came at a time when he hit peak form, the Canadian was thankful to see his family and is now fully ready for the restart.

The Canadian striker is looking for the consistency side of things to be apparent in his game, in the next half of the season.

Stuart Kettlewell addresses numerous transfer speculations and confirms that Arsenal have recalled striker Mika Biereth from his loan spell at the club.

The manager talks us through how the recruitment side of things has been going and previews Alloa on Saturday.

Arsenal have recalled Mika Biereth from his loan spell at the club. 

His parent club have made the decision to bring the Danish striker back from his loan early and we are left disappointed to lose the player at this stage of the month.

“This is hugely disappointing and a decision that is completely out of our hands,” manager Stuart Kettlewell said.

“Mika has made a huge impact in his time here and has been well loved by the supporters. Despite this news, his loan has been a major success for player.

“He’d had a loan spell abroad where he didn’t enjoy his time. That has been the opposite here and you can see by the amount of goals and assists, he’s developed well.

“The coaching staff have done an excellent job here in working with Mika and clearly, with interest in the player rising, we have gave him a platform and exposure.”

Although Stuart Kettlewell confirmed this news in his press conference on Thursday morning, we have been waiting for the relevant documentation to be completed before officially announcing.

“I just want to say thank you to everyone at the club and the supporters for the last six months,” Mika Biereth said.

“I’ve loved every minute of my time in Scotland and felt like I built a real connection with everyone. I wish the club and players the very best for the rest of the season.”

All the best for the future, Mika.

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After the winter break’s conclusion, Motherwell return to action, with a Scottish Cup tie against Alloa Atheltic on Saturday 20 January. 

Kick off is 3pm.

How to follow the game

The match is priced as follows, with tickets available to buy online by clicking here or in the Fir Park ticket office.

• Concessions are over 65, under 21 and students
• Juveniles are 11 and under

SEASON TICKET HOLDERS

If you are a season ticket holder, you can purchase your own seat(s) for the match.

To get yours, just log in to your account at tickets.motherwellfc.co.uk. Once logged in, your reserved ticket(s) will be in your account menu and will be uploaded to your card. You will not be required to collect a physical ticket if you purchase your season ticket seat(s).

Your seat will be reserved until Wednesday 17^th January at 5pm.

For help, call 01698 333333 or email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk.

HOSPITALITY

There will be no hospitality for this match.

The Cooper Bar will open as normal from 12 noon serving food and drink with the Centenary Suite opening from 1pm for drinks only.  Home and away fans welcome in both areas.

If you are outside the UK, you can watch the game via Motherwell TV.

Should you be in the UK, it will be live commentary only.

Kit Watch

We will be wearing our home kit for this match.

Injury Watch

Dan Casey and Shane Blaney will be missing for the match. Callum Slattery will also be unavailable, alongside Oli Shaw.

Lennon Miller is a doubt for this match as he recovers from a knee injury.

Motherwell Fortunes

Motherwell finished strongly prior to the winter shutdown, narrowly missing out on three points at Easter Road against Hibernian.

It was a draw and win for the Steelmen, with Theo Bair netting three goals in two, notching an assist in the process.

Opposition Report

Alloa are currently fifth in the league one standings, only outside the play off spots on goal difference but have a game in hand over Montrose.

Their last defeat came on the road to Edinburgh City back in November. It’s been two wins and three draws in the last five league matches for the Wasps. They overcame Dunbar United 2-1 in the last round to reach the fourth round.

Bobby Wales joined Alloa on loan from Kilmarnock has hit a run of form. The young forward currently has three goals in his last three outings.

Hannah Cunningham has been released from her contract by mutual consent and has since left the club. 

The defender made the switch to Lanarkshire from Glasgow Women at the start of the 2023/24 SWPL campaign, but struggled to find a consistent place in the starting XI.

The 21-year-old will look to pursue regular game time elsewhere, after making 12 appearances in claret and amber.

We thank Hannah for her efforts at Motherwell and wish her well for the future.