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Motherwell were unable to register a win over Falkirk this season, losing their third match against the Bains 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at the Falkirk Stadium. 

Substitute Harry Cartwright scored just seconds after coming on the pitch for John McGlynn’s side, with Motherwell failing to find a leveller.

Jens Berthel Askou opted for the same 11 that secured a big 3-2 win at Ibrox last weekend, as the Steelmen looked to close in on securing European football.

Lining up against a Falkirk side who were one of only two teams to not taste defeat against Motherwell this season, a sold-out away end was in fine voice at the start of the match.

As the action got underway, both teams looked to get a hold of the ball and settle into the game. The Motherwell forwards pressed Falkirk’s second-choice keeper Nicky Hogarth anytime he received the ball, and that press almost paid off when the keeper’s clearance was blocked by Callum Slattery, but the ball fortunately rolled back into Hogarth’s path.

12 minutes into the match, Barney Stewart had a big chance to open the scoring, but the in-form Scotland Under-21 international fired high and wide as Falkirk began to carve open space all over the pitch.

Slattery picked up the ball in the middle of the pitch and jinked away from Brad Spencer before running towards goal. He slid the ball wide to Emmanuel Longelo, who cut the ball back to Elijah Just, but the New Zealand international didn’t connect cleanly, and the ball trickled wide.

Just after the 20-minute mark, Just had another chance. Elliot Watt dispossessed Ben Broggio and played forward to Just on the left edge of the box; he tried to find the far corner, but his shot went wide.

Four minutes later, Stewart had another big chance for the hosts. Broggio won a flick-on from a high ball to get Stewart in behind the backline. He raced towards the goal, and with just Paul McGinn left to beat, Stewart opted to shoot before McGinn could get across, but off balance, his shot was nowhere near the target.

The Falkirk forward just couldn’t break his duck. After the half-hour mark, Stewart got in behind again but again couldn’t find the target with his strike as Motherwell were relieved to see the ball hit the side netting only.

Longelo, again well advanced up the left-hand side, forced a good save from Hogarth on the 38th minute, with the Falkirk keeper touching his strike away for a corner.

There was more action before the half time whistle, with Falkirk pushing for the opener. Stewart and Broggio linked up well once again, with the latter hitting the byline before firing across goal, trying to find Calvin Miller, but McGinn was on hand to mop up before he could connect with the ball, before Stewart’s follow-up effort hit his teammate in the back.

In first-half stoppage-time, Falkirk really should have been ahead. Calum Ward was pressed on the ball, and Stewart nipped in to steal inside the six-yard box. Following that error, Ward quickly redeemed himself by stopping the strike from four yards out to keep the game level going into the second-half.

The theme continued for the second period, with Stewart missing the target yet again five minutes into the second-half. Leon McCann’s looping cross found Stewart at the back post; he got up well, but his header went a yard wide of the mark.

Motherwell were hanging on in there, and Longelo again caused problems for the Falkirk defence. The Steelmen had possession around the Falkirk penalty box and worked the ball wide to Longelo, who swivelled and got a shot off quickly as he tried to catch the keeper off guard, but the ball could only find the side netting.

Both sides made changes on the hour mark, but it was Falkirk’s that made the biggest impact. A Motherwell attack broke down, and the hosts burst forward. Broggio looked to play forward from the middle of the pitch, and he found substitute Cartwright, who was deemed onside and slotted past Ward at his near post to give his side the lead after 64 minutes.

And it was almost two through Miller shortly after. The forward picked up possession and proceeded to beat two Motherwell defenders and shifted the ball back onto his stronger left foot, but inside the penalty area, his shot was wide to the relief of the Motherwell players.

With time running out, Jens Berthel Askou threw caution to the wind and brought on Sam Nicholson, Callum Hendry, Ibrahim Said and Regan Charles-Cook as he looked to grab a late, late leveller, and it nearly happened. In one of the final moments of the game, Longelo’s cross found Stephen Welsh at the back post, who won the header and played it back across goal. Four yards out, Captain McGinn swung a leg but couldn’t connect properly, and the ball was just behind Hendry, and the chance vanished.

Captain Paul McGinn explains his delight at being included in the PFA Team of the Season for the first time in his career, as he looks to end the season strongly. 

McGinn breaks down his thoughts on the successful season he’s had and why it’s clicked under Jens Berthel Askou.

The team news is in for our trip to Falkirk on Saturday in the William Hill Premiership. 

There were positive updates on Johnny Koutroumbis, Stephen Welsh and Zach Robinson ahead of the trip to the Falkirk Stadium.

“It seems as if Eythor [Bjørgolfsson] is struggling to get ready,” Jens Berthel Askou said.

“We’ve been trying to speed up his recovery, but he might not make it. We’re assessing that day by day. Stephen Welsh is fine.

“Regan [Charles-Cook] is picking speed and sharpness. Johnny Koutroumbis has been training this week, and fully today. He is available for selection.

“Even Zach [Robinson], who has had a nightmare year-and-a-half is progressing more and more on the pitch, which is positive to see. Things are moving in the right direction.”

When asked if Robinson may feature this season, the manager explained that the forward wouldn’t be ready in time to play due to his long spell out.

“It’s unlikely; he’s been out for a long time,” the manager explained.

“You have to respect that it takes time to build up the capacity and the security in your body. That’s not in our plan A or B to force that right now with only a couple of weeks to go.

Jens Berthel Askou says the players came into work with a skip in their stride following Sunday’s big win at Ibrox, but says there’s lots still to be decided this season and his players have an extra incentive to try and defeat Falkirk for the first time this season. 

Falkirk are only one of two teams the Steelmen have to taste victory against this campaign, and Askou is hungry for success tomorrow.

Elijah Just took a big risk coming to Scotland. A country that on paper wouldn’t suit his style of play, Just stuck to his gut and signed the deal to join Motherwell.

Now almost a year later, it’s evident that risk has paid off. Nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award, alongside his teammate Tawanda Maswanhise, Just has been widely recognised as one of the best players in the country this season.

His continuous outstanding displays have seen him catch the headlines on numerous occasions and the eye of opposition supporters.

A humble player who keeps his head down, Just refrains from looking too far into the future but knows his club side must qualify for European football at this stage, with his other eye on New Zealand’s appearance at the World Cup in the near future.

Tickets for our match against Hibernian on the final day of the season will be going on sale on Friday 1 May at 9am.

TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT!

Kick off for the match is 12:30pm on Saturday 16 May.

We have an allocation of 1000 and Season Ticket holders will be able to purchase a ticket.

Prices are as follows:

• Adult – £26
• Over 65 & 16-17 – £16
• Under 18 – £14
•  12 & Under – £12

All tickets for this game are physical so they must be collected at Fir Park prior to the game or can be posted out. Postage will be available until Tuesday 12^th May.

The club are also running supporters buses to the match that will depart Fir Park for Easter Road.

These will also be available on Friday 1 May at 9am. They will leave from outside the Cooper stand at 10.15am and price is £18pp.

The link to buy your seat is found by clicking here.

Motherwell travel to Falkirk on Saturday 2 May in the William Hill Premiership, looking to put themselves on the cusp of European qualification.

Kick off is 3pm.

How to follow the game

TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT!

All tickets for this game are physical so they must be collected at Fir Park prior to the game or can be posted out. Postage will be available until Tuesday 28^th April.

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.

Motherwell’s Fortunes

Motherwell come into this match off the back of a huge 3-2 win over Rangers on Sunday afternoon at Ibrox. The Steelmen raced into a two-goal advantage through Lukas Fadinger and Emmanuel Longelo.

Rangers levelled the game before Longelo found the winner in the 90th minute, his ninth goal of the season.

That result means a win on Saturday could take Motherwell a step closer to securing European football next season. A win would move Motherwell nine points clear of fifth-placed Hibernian with three games to go. Hibs take on Celtic at Easter Road on Sunday, and a Celtic win would have Motherwell on the cusp of securing fourth.

Opposition Report

Falkirk secured their place in the top-six and have enjoyed playing the Steelmen this season. They are the only side to have won twice at Fir Park in their two visits this season and held Jens Berthel Askou’s side to a 0-0 draw at the Falkirk Stadium in December.

The Bairns could also clinch European football this season, as they will look to chase down Hibernian in fifth place. A Celtic win in the Scottish Cup final would ensure fifth place gets a spot in the Europa Conference League this season.

Barney Stewart and Calvin Miller have caught all the headlines for John McGlynn’s side all season, with both instrumental in a Falkirk shirt this season. However, three of their key men missed Saturday’s visit to Celtic Park, as Scott Bain, centre-back Liam Henderson and Filip Lissah were unavailable through injury. It’s expected Bain will remain out for this match, with Henderson and Lissah potentially being available once again.

Motherwell kicked off their post-split fixtures with a trip to Ibrox. A notoriously difficult venue to pick up any points from, although the Steelmen have recorded a win in each of their last two seasons in Govan. 

Rangers fans packed out Ibrox as they looked to take a step towards securing their first Premiership title in five years, but it was Motherwell who put on the show.

Lukas Fadinger and Emmanuel Longelo had the Steelmen cruising midway through the first-half and in truth, it could have been a bigger scoreline by half-time.

Rangers made changes and got the game back on level terms by 70 minutes, with the home crowd seemingly convinced that their team would complete the comeback.

But this Motherwell side never threw in the towel and remained composed through the storm, and when Stephen O’Donnell burst up the line in the 90th minute, he fed Longelo, who fired past Jack Butland to spark wild scenes in the away end.

Taking a huge step towards European football, Motherwell continue to impress as the season goes on, and despite many saying they had run out of steam, they continue to prove there’s still more to be achieved this season.

Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise have both been nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award. 

The only Motherwell player to win the award was Michael Higdon back in 2013.

“This season Elijah and Tawanda have been standout players not just for us but for the entire Scottish Premiership,” Jens Berthel Askou said.

“They’ve been pivotal in our club development, where they have performed consistently to a very high level, being both very involved in match-deciding moments.

“Taking their journey from last season into consideration, it wasn’t obvious the impact they’d have in the league this season, and it makes me very happy on their behalf to see them being voted into the PFA’s Team Of The Year alongside three of their teammates and get the recognition they deserve from their competitors.

“Both being nominated as Player Of The Year on top of that is another huge acknowledgement for their hard work and something for them as well as their teammates to be extremely proud of.”

With five players named in the PFA Team of the Season, Just and Maswanhise are also two of the four nominees for the big prize. The winner will be announced on Sunday 3 May.

Motherwell recorded their third win at Ibrox in three seasons on Sunday afternoon, boosting the Steelmen’s chances of securing European football for next season. 

A stunning first-half had the visitors two goals to the good by the break through strikes from Lukas Fadinger and Emmanuel Longelo. But a rejuvenated Rangers side got the game back on level terms by 70 minutes thanks to Youssef Chermiti and Nicolas Raskin.

And with the 50,000-plus Rangers fans sensing a late winner for their side that would be pivotal in their quest for the Scottish Premiership title, it was Motherwell who netted in stoppage time through Longelo.

Jens Berthel Askou brought Callum Slattery back into his side following his two-match suspension. Regan Charles-Cook made his return from injury, with the Grenada international fit enough for the bench.

The Rangers fans packed into Ibrox, knowing a win would take them a step closer to the title. In a sun-kissed Govan, the 500-strong Motherwell fans also made themselves heard but were treated to a nervous start to the match.

Thelo Aasgard was presented with a chance from a free kick inside 90 seconds, but the Norweigan’s strike curled over Calum Ward’s goal.

The Ibrox crowd began to get restless after 15 minutes, with the Steelmen seeing large spells with the ball. And on 16 minutes, Motherwell made that possession count.

Ward collected the ball from a high cross and looked to start a move quickly. His quick throw got Motherwell moving forward, with Fadinger picking up the ball on the halfway line and driving forward. The Austrian slipped the ball out to Stephen O’Donnell, playing as a left-winger, who fed the ball back to Fadinger, who had continued his run into the box. The midfielder kept his cool and found the bottom corner with his left foot to break the deadlock.

Having just scored, Fadinger was then involved in some drama at the other end just seconds later. The Austrian came into the back of Djeidi Gassama, who fell to the ground right on the edge of the box. VAR checked to ensure the foul took place outside the penalty box, with Kevin Clancy’s decision of a free kick upheld. Bojan Miovski rolled the ball to the right to tee up Aasgard, but his strike was blocked by one of the sliding Motherwell defenders, and the ball went out for a corner.

But after 25 minutes, Motherwell doubled their advantage following a brilliant team move. Elliot Watt, at the heart of everything the Steelmen were doing, fed Slattery, who swivelled on the ball before playing out to Tom Sparrow, who put in a teasing cross which found Longelo at the back post to tap home in what has become his trademark goal.

Miovski won a free kick on the edge of the penalty box, with the North Macedonian blazing his driven effort high and wide. Motherwell remained calm on the ball despite the electric atmosphere and almost completed another stunning team move.

From a goal kick, the Steelmen made it up to the other end of the pitch in just three passes. This time, Longelo turned provider as he curled in a delightful cross from the wide area which found a sliding Slattery, but the Englishman’s finish never troubled Jack Butland.

The Rangers defence couldn’t get a break from the Motherwell forwards, with Slattery again involved. He picked up the ball on the right-hand side and curled a cross towards O’Donnell. Tussling with the defender, O’Donnell couldn’t gain control, but the ball slid out to Longelo, who was once again left unmarked, but this time he couldn’t find the target.

Two goals to the good and with half-time approaching, Motherwell did not slow down. Ward once again started an attacking move after gathering the ball from a corner; he threw it out to Tawanda Maswanhise, who got his side up the pitch. Slattery showed some brilliance to avoid the tackles of two Rangers defenders and played the ball out to the opposite side. O’Donnell delivered, but Elijah Just couldn’t get on the end of the cross despite his best efforts.

The boos rang out from the home crowd as the half-time whistle was blown, but a triple substitute by Danny Rohl showed that the game was far from won for Motherwell. The introduction of Mikey Moore, James Tavernier and Mohamed Diomande signalled a change of approach from Rangers as they looked to get back into the game.

The Gers started the brighter of the sides in the second period, with Gassama’s cross touching the top of the crossbar after 48 minutes.

And after six minutes of the second period, Rangers had one back. Substitute Diomande found Chermiti in the final third as the Portuguese forward drove forward. Cutting inside, Paul McGinn lost his footing at the most unfortunate time, allowing the Rangers man to slot past Ward and halve the deficit.

Moments later, Stephen Welsh had to be replaced with Jordan McGhee as Askou was forced to use his bench after 55 minutes as the Celtic loanee limped off with what looked like cramp.

Rangers’ tails were up, and the momentum was with the hosts. Chermiti should have done a lot better when Aasgard teed him up, but his curling effort just inside the box was well off target.

Motherwell stuck to their principles and began to grow back into the game. Maswanhise tested Butland with a difficult shot, and with the Rangers stopper unable to hold onto the ball, it took a Tavernier interception to stop Longelo from tapping home the rebound.

Ward gathered a weak Chermiti header before Diomande’s cross had to be touched over the bar just before the 70-minute mark. But Rangers did get their sought-after equaliser on the 72nd minute. A corner was delivered to the back post area, and Emmanuel Fernandez rose highest to head back across goal to Chermiti, whose header came off the back of Raskin’s head before nestling into the net.

Rangers almost netted a third shortly after. Moore drove up the left-hand side and found Aagard with the cutback, but the Norwegian fired over much to the relief of the Motherwell players.

Ibrahim Said and Regan Charles-Cook brought a freshness to the Motherwell frontline as the Steelmen also continued to push for the winner. With just over five to play, the ball fell to Fadinger on the edge of the box, but he couldn’t keep the effort down as he looked for his second of the afternoon.

A scramble in the Motherwell penalty area almost presented Moore with the opportunity to win the game in the latter stages, but it was Motherwell who found the winner.

Not for the first time in the afternoon, O’Donnell burst forward up the left-hand side and patiently waited on Longelo’s overlapping run. The full-back cut inside onto his weaker right foot and sent a shot on target which found its way past Butland in the 90th minute to spark wild celebrations in the away end.

With seven minutes added, however, the job was far from complete, with Motherwell having to remain switched on right until the very end. In one final attempt to take a point, the ball was sent into the box and found Chermiti six yards out. His shot was saved by Ward, who rushed out to close the angle, but the ball found itself at Moore, who seemingly couldn’t miss from just yards out. But the Tottenham loanee couldn’t get a clean strike away, and Motherwell would take a big step forward in their quest for European football next season.

Motherwell Team: Ward, Sparrow, McGinn, Welsh, O’Donnell, Longelo, Watt, Fadinger, Slattery, Maswanhise, Just. 

Motherwell Subs: Connelly, Gordon, McGhee, Priestman, Ross, Charles-Cook, Nicholson, Hendry, Said.