Latest News

[tab:Match report]

 Phil McGhee Fir Park

An injury time goal from on form Louis Moult earned Motherwell a deserved point from a gritty encounter with Ross County.

Until then the Highlanders looked to be holding on for their first ever win at Fir Park thanks to a first half goal from Michael Gardyne.

But in a far from quality performance, ‘Well’s determination to fight until the final whistle was rewarded with a share of the points.

Hoping to build on the win over Kilmarnock, Jake Taylor returned from suspension to take his place in the middle of the park. With Dom Thomas retaining his starting spot out wide, Marvin Johnson had to settle for a place on the subs bench along with Man United loanee Liam Grimshaw.

Once again it was almost the perfect start for the Steelmen.

Hammell swung in a deep ball which caused some indecision between Fox and  Jamie Reckord whose careless header exposed the County ‘keeper,  but the Englishman volleyed the loose ball inches wide from 20 yards.

The home defence then faced a series of corners and despite Stephen McManus close marking Andy Davies flashed a header wide of goal.

At the other end a superb through ball from Scott McDonald just evaded the oustretched boot of Moult at the edge of the six yard box.

A poor pass back from Davies allowed Moult in behind the visitor’s defence but his cut back for the waiting Thomas was cleared.

Although the general play was rather untidy ‘Well were looking more intent as the half progressed and after 29 minutes Moult’s well struck drive from 20 yards was parried by Scott Fox at full stretch but nobody in claret and amber could react to the loose ball.

However, ‘Well’s hopes of finding the opener were dented four minutes later when County took the lead through the simplest of goals. A long free kick from Reckord should have been dealt with in the six yard area before the ball found its way to Gardyne who turned and guided his effort inside the post.

Baraclough’s boys never really threatened the County goal before the break and it was no surprise when the ‘Well boss brought on Theo Robinson at the expense of McDonald, to partner Moult for the second half.

Robinson’s enthusiasm and running brought an added dimension and the first threat on goal came after 57 minutes when Lionel Ainsworth’s free kick was punched off Moult’s head by the alert Fox.

On the hour ‘Well made their second substitution Marvin Johnson replacing Thomas and within three minutes he had a powerful drive at goal which was blocked by Marcus Fraser.

Connor Ripley was then asked to make his first save of the match in the 65th minute firmly holding Jackson Irvine’s long range effort.

A minute later Moult slipped the ball in front of Johnson at the angle of the box but with Robinson waiting in front goal the ‘Well winger blasted high into the side netting.

Most of the play was towards the visitor’s goal and and a swift turn gave Robinson space at the edge of the box but his low curled shot was held by Fox.

County seemed content with their slender lead and although quick on the counter attack never tested Ripley.

With six minutes remaining Baraclough boldly went to three at the back bringing on Grimshaw for his league debut and in a grandstand finish he played his part in a long sequence of passes that led to the equaliser.

With the clock ticking towards the final whistle ‘Well kept possession in the corner and when Johnson was released to the byeline he drilled the ball across the face of the goal leaving Moult to tap the ball into the net for his fourth goal in four games.

[tab:As it happened]

 Ally Reilly at Fir Park

 4 goals in 4 games for Moult, whose injury time equaliser rescues a point for ‘Well.

FT’ | 1-1
Motherwell 1 – 1 Ross County

91′ | 1-1
MOULT SCORES! Taps in at the back post from Johnson’s low cross!!

GGGGOOOOAALLL!!!!

90′ | 0-1
5 minutes added on…..

89′ | 0-1
Boyce should have finished the game but blazes over the bar when a placed shot would have done it.

85′ | 0-1
Motherwell sub, Grimshaw is on for Law.

83′ | 0-1
Two Motherwell corners in a row but no end product from either.

82′ | 0-1
Ross County make their final change, Franks off for Graham

79′ | 0-1
Foster booked for a ridiculously high boot on Taylor…

75′ | 0-1
Taylor collects a loose ball but always looked off balance as he shot from range. Well over the bar.

70′ | 0-1
Second Ross County sub, Woods on for Quinn.

68′ | 0-1
Moult and Robinson combine well on the edge of the box. Theo gets a shot away but it’s straight at Fox.

66′ | 0-1
Close! Johnson gets played in down the left but can’t wrap his foot around it to square to Robinson. Ends up hitting sidenetting

65′ | 0-1
Irvine lets fly from 25 yards and his shot stings the palms of Ripley .

64′ | 0-1
Ross County sub, Foster on for De Vita

59′ | 0-1
Motherwell sub, Johnson on for Thomas

0 retweets 0 favorites

56′ | 0-1
Reckord booked for hacking down Ainsworth wide on the right.

55′ | 0-1
Robinson wins a corner off Davies……again, easily cleared by County. 🙁

50′ | 0-1
Couple of nice crosses in from Ainsworth but under pressure from Robinson, Fox does well to gather.

Motherwell have made a half-time sub, Robinson on for McDonald.

Both teams out for part 2. Neither side has scored in the second half this season in the league….

Half-time whistle blows, Motherwell 0 – 1 Ross County

41′ | 0-1
Moult does well to force a corner for ‘Well……but from that corner, County counter and win a corner of their own.

33′ | 0-1
Goal – County take the lead. Gardyne gets a fortunate break of the ball and on the swivel fires it under Ripley. 0-1 County.

29′ | 0-0
Fraser plays a poor pass straight to Moult and from about 25 yards he shoots hard and low but Fox is equal and makes a diving stop

23′ | 0-0
Thomas gets past Franks then wins a corner…..easily cleared by Robertson though

16′ | 0-0
Moult passes on a slack back-pass and with the angle too narrow to shoot, squares it across the box but with no takers.

10′ | 0-0
Yet another County corner, this time Davies rises and gets his head on it. Flies just past the post with Ripley beaten.

8′ | 0-0
County work that corner short and Jackson Irvine’s header loops over the bar for a goal-kick.

7′ | 0-0
Gardyn works some space down the right and McManus takes no chances, prodding his cross out for a corner.

5′ | 0-0
McManus heads a deep County free-kick over the bar for a corner, which is hooked clear by Moult.

4′ | 0-0
Indecision between Fox and Reckord gives Moult a good chance to get a shot away. His volley from outside the box flashes just wide!

Kick-off | 0-0
McDonald and Lasley get the game underway. COYW!!!!!!!

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Ian Baraclough:

“I felt [the goal was coming], we were always trying to press.

“We had patience. We didn’t give in, we tried different ways of going and went to a back three. The boys stuck at it.

“There was frustration all over that we hadn’t produced what we could have done. It could have been easy to pack in but that’s not what that dressing room is about.

“There’s character in there, people who want to win. We kept going and got our rewards from it.

“It was never going to be a pretty game, Ross County scrap for everything. We could have been better [with the ball] but they don’t allow you to do that.”

Ross County manager Jim McIntyre:

“In the second half we were the better, more dominant side and created opportunities to get that second goal.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t take the chance and it came back to bite us. We were still hurting Motherwell on the counter attack. You’ve got to credit the opposition, they’re going to have a period in the game when they put you under pressure, they’re the home side.

“I thought we were coping with it and I didn’t see them scoring, but we switched off at a thrown-in and got done.

“But I’m delighted with what the players gave us, they’re doing a lot of things really well. We just had to take that chance for the second goal and if we’d done that it would have been game over.

“We’ll lick our wounds because we felt it’s two points dropped and we go again.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”243″]

‘Well boss Ian Baraclough expects his side are going to have to battle hard to outfox a talented Ross County side tomorrow.

The Steelmen’s victory over Kilmarnock was their first Ladbrokes Premiership win since the opening day of the season against Inverness and while he was pleased with the win, Baraclough expects a tough test from County at Fir Park.

The Staggies have started the season pretty much the same way they finished the previous, winning games. They’ve won their last three and will travel to Fir Park full of confidence.

The former Scunthorpe United boss said: “Going on last season’s games against them, we know what they are about.

[pullquote]We are at home in front of our own fans, we’ve won the last two without playing particularly well so with competition for places intense in our squad, I want the lads to go out and prove whey they’ve been selected.[/pullquote]

“We know what Jim McIntyre demands from his players. It will be the full 95 or 96 minutes, it will be about winning second balls, closing us down at pace all over and we have to be ready for that.

“I think our performances this season so far have deserved more points – but in the main we have played well, other than a few blips.

“We are at home in front of our own fans, we’ve won the last two without playing particularly well so with competition for places intense in our squad, I want the lads to go out and prove whey they’ve been selected.”

Fir Park Stadium has been chosen to host Scotland’s first home UEFA Women’s EURO qualifier against Belarus next month.

Anna Signeul’s squad begin their quest to qualify for the finals in the Netherlands with an away match against Slovenia later this month before taking on Belarus in Motherwell on 23rd October.

The Scots will then take on Macedonia at St Mirren Park in late November in what will be their last competitive match of the calendar year.

Scotland Women’s coach Anna Signeul said: “I’m delighted to have two first-class venues confirmed for our opening home matches of this new qualification campaign.

[pullquote]Motherwell have always been great whenever we have held matches there in the past and I’m looking forward to returning there in October.”[/pullquote]

Alan Burrows, General Manager of Motherwell FC added: “We’re delighted to welcome the Scotland National Team back to Fir Park for this important qualifier and we will support Anna and the Ladies in whatever way possible.

“As a Club, we are investing a lot into the woman’s game both at grass roots level and with our senior team, so to have the cream of Scottish talent on our own turf is another fantastic boost.

“Everyone is already looking forward to the match and we would like to wish Scotland all the very best in their forthcoming campaign.”

All you need to know before coming to the game against Ross County tomorrow:

The Well Shop

• The Club shop will be open from 9.30am until kick off and will reopen 5 minutes before the final whistle for 30 minutes.

Ticket Office

• Is open from 10am until 3pm for collections or match tickets and post-match for sale of Hamilton Acccies’ tickets which is currently an all ticket game.

Match Programme

• The Ross County match programme can be purchased from the vendors around the stadium or Club shop priced at £3 and this week features an in-depth interview with Louis Moult

50/50 Draw

• A small band of dedicated sellers will be patrolling Fir Park selling tickets priced at £1 each with a top prize of £250 available

Cooper Suite

• FREE juice/drinks for kids – must be accompanied by an adult buying drinks from the bar
• FREE Face Painting at The Cooper Suite entrance
• FREE GAME area where you can play FIFA against some first team players!
• FREE Match Attax albums, cards and stickers
• Filled Rolls available, £1.50 each
• Cooper Suite raffle
• Autograph/Picture zone with selected squad players from 1.45pm-2.15pm

Centenary Suite

• The Centenary bar will open for Hospitality guests from 12:30pm with meals being served from 1:00pm
• Hospitality Season Ticket upgrades available for £25 to all supporters
• Dress code is Smart – No denim, training shoes or football strips
• Contact our Commercial team on 01698 333333 or email commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk to book your place

Theo Robinson hopes to hit the goal rush again and repay the faith shown in him by boss Ian Baraclough.

Jamaican International Robinson arrived two weeks ago today, making his debut against Kilmarnock the following day. He has also played, and scored, for the Under 20s as he hunts for match sharpness.

Now the 26-year old hopes he can recapture some of the form he had in the English Championship that fired him into International reckoning and had him linked with moves to the Barclay’s Premier League.

[pullquote]In the past I have been played out of position and I did it because you want to play football. As a striker I just want to play up front and score goals.[/pullquote]

He said: “I just want to become a better footballer in every aspect of my game and add things to it if I can.

“I want to play as much as possible as I haven’t really played in the last season or so. My aim is to score goals for Motherwell. This is a fresh challenge and start for me and it is something different.

“I’m a striker and I want to score goals when I play and get my confidence levels up. It’s been a bit up and down in the past couple of years and I want to make up for lost time.

“In the past I have been played out of position and I did it because you want to play football. As a striker I just want to play up front and score goals.”

“The manager sorted the move out and he was a big influence on me coming here so I’d like to repay his faith in me by scoring some goals for Motherwell.”

Extended highlights from Livingston as goals  from Theo Robinson and Dylan Mackin earn Motherwell U20s a point after being two goals down.

Under 20s manager Stephen Craigan talks to MFC TV following his team’s 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock in the Development League.

Motherwell Under 20s came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Kilmarnock at Livingston this evening.

The visitors took the lead when Dean Hawkshaw smashed home from close range before Aaron Splaine doubled the advantage three minutes later.

‘Well hit back when recent signing Theo Robinson flicked home a corner before substitute Dylan Mackin brought his side level after Killie had been reduced to ten men.

Both teams had chances to win it, but a draw was probably just about the right result.

Robinson was Motherwell’s most experienced player with Chris Cadden, Luke Watt, and David Ferguson the others with first-team experience.

It took 13 minutes for either team to register a shot on goal, Killie’s Ross Barbour testing PJ Morrison with a curling shot that forced the young keeper to tip over.

Motherwell’s response came via Cadden, who was presented with a chance following a deflected Jack Leitch free kick, but the midfielder screwed it wide.

Both teams continued to create, Watt seeing a shot deflect over before Scott McLean brought out another good save from Morrison, who dived low to his left to deny the forward, who had good clear of the ‘Well rearguard.

However, the young keeper would be powerless to prevent the opening goal soon after, Hawkshaw collecting a Greg Taylor cutback before drilling high into the roof of the net.

It went from bad to worse for ‘Well when the visitors doubled their advantage. Ferguson’s pass to Campbell was intercepted and worked the ball to Splaine, via McLean, who fired hard past Morrison.

Motherwell tried to regroup and Adam Livingstone shot over after linking well with Robinson, before Ben Hall almost connected with a corner at the back post, but couldn’t quite reach.

Just before the interval, Hall and Robinson were again involved, this time combining to set up Cadden but leaning back, the youngster ballooned his shot over the bar.

Motherwell started the second half brightly, with Robinson forcing Oliver Davies into the save with a low, curling free kick. Down the other end, Morrison had to make another super block to deny McLean, who had danced around three ‘Well challenges.

It was back and fourth with both teams creating. Robinson came within an inch of reducing the arrears, only for his shot to come back off the post. Then, almost straight away, Morrison was again involved, stopping Jack Whittaker who had wriggled away from Hall.

Motherwell were denied what looked like a fairly good penalty shout when Robinson was tripped in the box. The ball broke out to Livingstone whose fizzing low shot forced Davies to save at the expense of a corner.

From the resulting kick, Motherwell did score and Robinson finally got on the score sheet. Leitch’s whipped corner was perfect for the Jamaican International who adjusted his body and neatly flicked it into the net.

That goal gave Craigan’s men the upper hand and Leitch and Robinson both came close shortly after, but both were denied either by keeper Davies or last-ditch blocks.

Kilmarnock did regroup though and Whittaker twice tested Morrison from distance, both times the young keeper was up to the task.

There was another penalty shout for ‘Well when Syme and sub Mackin came together in the box, but it didn’t look like much on first viewing.

If the referee got that one right, he probably called Adam Hodge’s yellow card wrong just two minutes later. The defender scythed the counter-attacking Cadden high, later and reckless, with the only fortune being the young midfielder was off the ground enough to take the impact without serious injury.

However, it wouldn’t be long before Kilmarnock were actually reduced to ten men, when Splaine was sent off for a second booking… For kicking the ball away!

With a man advantage, it was all Motherwell and both Watt and Mackin flashed headers wide of target. A driving run and cross from Cadden had no takers but ‘Well did eventually grab an equaliser with ten minutes left to play.

Watt fired a low, hard shot into the mix, with the ricochet allowing Ryan Watters the chance of a shot. His low effort hit Hodge and spun out to Mackin who tucked home.

Motherwell could and perhaps should have gone on to win it. Cadden fired a long range effort wide, McMillan slid a low shot inches wide of target before, in the dying seconds, Dylan Falconer sent a header straight at Davies.

It was an eventful and entertaining game with both teams probably leaving West Lothian accepting of a point, albeit in different circumstances.

Motherwell: Morrison, Watt, McMillan, Ferguson, Hall, Campbell, Watters (Falconer – 87mins), Leitch, Robinson (Mackin – 63mins), Livingstone (Hastie – 74mins), Cadden

Subs Not Used: Potts, Maguire, Moore, Turnbull

 Follow ‘Dibsy’ on Twitter 

STEELWOMEN SHRUG OFF FRUSTRATION TACTICS TO SEAL 9-1 WIN

The pitch was far from perfect and the game may have had more stops than the number 5 bus, but that wasn’t going to stop the ladies from taking one step closer to the ‘Perfect Season’.

Hutchie set out to upset the slick and quick style of play we have all become so used to seeing at Motherwell LFC this campaign, but frustration tactics was not going to be the way the ladies dropped their first 3 points. Even though there were a few first team players ruled out due to illness and injury, everyone had a job to do and they did it well!

It didn’t take Well ladies too long to net the first goal, despite the uneven surface and as has so often been the case this season, the goals kept coming.

‘Well ladies went into the half time break with a comfortable 4-0 lead.

Slack defending from Motherwell in the opening two minutes of the second half gifted Hutchie a free kick within shooting distance of the Motherwell goal. It was their first real chance in the game and one they were not prepared to throw away. A direct free kick sneaked in over the head of Motherwell goalkeeper.

Alas, that was the only brief sighting of goal for Hutchie and despite the ball being out of the park more often than it was in it, Motherwell did well to counteract opposition tactics and went on to score a further 5 goals. Final score Hutchison Vale Reserves 1 – Motherwell LFC 9

This Sunday’s opposition will bring a different challenge as Motherwell LFC face Celtic away in the Quarter Finals of the Scottish cup. Further details of this game will be tweeted from @MotherwellLFC Twitter account this week.

One Woman who is all too familiar with this Premier League opponent is ex Celtic Reserves defender Terri Donnelly, who I was lucky enough to catch up with:

Full name:
Terri Donnelly

Nickname(s):
Betty/Tel

D.O.B:
15/12/1988

Preferred position:
Centre half

What age did you start playing football?
Twelve, I think. I do remember it was just after I realised ballet dancing was definitely not for me!

How did you first get into the game?
I always really enjoyed watching my little brother training and playing and always wanted to join in. Then one day I saw a girl’s team training in the park across the road and I asked to join; I’ve played ever since.

Previous clubs:
Baillieston Girls up to U17s
Queen’s Park Ladies
Concord University, West Virginia (for 2 seasons)
Celtic Reserves
Hamilton Accies

International duty:
Under 19s for camps and a friendly in 2006/7

Favourite female player:
Lynsey Hogg

Favourite male player:
Henrik Larsson

You’ve been at the club now for almost a full season Terri, how have you enjoyed your spell so far at Motherwell ladies?
Yeah, it’s been good. It’s a great experience to play with some fabulous players, some of who have played at the highest level of football in the country as well as internationally. As a team, we have successfully claimed some silverware so far and with more to play for, despite dominating a lot of the games we have played, the season has been eventful!

You have played many years of top-level football in Scotland Terri and also spent two years playing Soccer in the States. What is it that still drives you to train and play?
I don’t really know, I guess it’s a bit of an addiction! I just know when I try to give it up I miss it and end up returning and playing.

What team did you play for in the States?
Concord University, West Virginia.

What was it like to play in the American leagues?
It was really good. There are some great athletes out there who are 100% committed to training and playing hard. They loved that I was fearless and was prepared to put my body through anything to come out with the ball. We were in the running for the ‘Ring’ both years I was there, but we fell short in the latter stages. It was disappointing as that was something I really wanted to achieve with the team, but that’s football. I had the best experience playing with a great bunch of gals, who I still keep in touch with!

What is the Ring? Is it hotly contested?
It’s an actual Ring for your finger that players get if they win the conference! It is very hotly contested; everyone wants to win the ring! I suppose it’s like winning a medal for winning the league. It looks a bit like a Scottish sovereign ring (pure braw!), Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a fan of gold sovereign rings, but I wouldn’t have minded getting my hands on one of them!

Wasn’t it really hot!? Can’t have been very similar to our Scottish climate at all. How easy was it to adapt and play in 35 degrees plus?
It was completely different to what we are used to in Scotland. The heat was an issue at times. I remember my first couple of weeks of pre-season; the heat was a bit of a shock and so didn’t go down too well, but you get used to it and your body learns to adapt to the conditions. The fitness work in that heat was tough…but then again, when do me and fitness ever work! Haha.

What’s your best footballing memory?
That’s tough after 16 years worth of concussions! I think for me it has to be the time I played at Baillieston when we won the league, the league cup and the Scottish cup! That’s not what makes it my best memory though. My best memory was having the privilege of playing under Stevie an Eileen McGuire at that time, both who have sadly passed away recently. I cannot thank them enough for their hard work, commitment and nurture in making me the player I am today. Rest in Peace.

The ladies have had an outstanding season so far, what do you think is the secret to the teams successes?
We have had a great season, unbeaten in preseason, the league, league cup and so far…the Scottish cup. However regardless of winning, I think our secret is always striving to do better.

With only a few months remaining of the women’s season, what are your personal aims for the coming fixtures?
I think at this stage we have two main aims. Despite already being promoted from our current league, we still have a job to do to claim top spot, which is a priority. We also have a huge game coming up against SWPL giants, Celtic. This is a real test of strength and character for us, but a good test of where we want to be. I cannot wait!

As a very experienced and once branded ‘Talismanic’ centre half, by legendary coach Vincent Bryson, what qualities do you see being important in order to be an effective player in the centre of the back line?

Well personally, I think one quality that has really helped me over the years is having no fear of putting my head and body where it hurts…having said that I have suffered numerous concussions over the years and come a Monday morning, moving can be a bit of an effort! Determination to win every ball drives me from one tackle to the next. Of course mistakes still creep in, but that’s all part of the game. Those mistakes only heighten my determination to win the next ball though.

You have recently graduated and become a fully qualified Nurse, congratulations! Managing a full time job, alongside training and games must be a difficult one to juggle?
Yeah it isn’t easy but before I was a nurse, I had another job and Uni at the same time, so I am very used to juggling things to make it work. I’m really lucky though, I’ve always managed to sweet talk my bosses into not working a Sunday. I absolutely love football, but after 5 straight 12 hour shifts, finding the motivation to get up and train is sometimes a struggle, but I do it and wouldn’t be there if I didn’t want too.

I know there are some familiar faces for you in the squad, having crossed paths at previous clubs. Do you think having played alongside many of your new team mates in the past will give you an advantage ahead of your opponents come match day?
I suppose it does yeah. It definitely makes it easier to gel with people you already know on and off the park. It also helps to have a basic understanding of how we all play together and as individuals, that definitely helps!

So you have a big Scottish Cup game in the very near future, against a team you are all too familiar with. Celtic are currently 4th in the SWPL. How does a team go about prepping for a high profile game such as this?
Firstly, it’s important to know our opponents strengths and weaknesses, which we are now well versed on, but that’s as much focus as we want to put on them. We know what we are up against and we know what we have to do. This week’s preparation is really important for us, but make no mistakes, we will be thorough in the build up to Sunday. Realistically, the pressure isn’t on us. Individually and as a team we set our own high standards and will aim to surpass that.

Terri, it’s been fantastic getting the opportunity to chat with you. Thank you for giving up your valuable time between work, training and games to let the fans know a little more about you. All the very best of luck claiming top spot in the league and with your Scottish Cup endeavour on Sunday.

For all the latest info and live match tweets follow the ladies on twitter @MotherwellLFC

Follow Terri on twitter @TerriD5
Follow me on twitter @dibsy_

The Under 20s are back in action this Tuesday night when they face Kilmarnock at Livingston FC’s City Stadium.

Stephen Craigan’s side have won one, lost one and drawn one of their opening three matches in the SPFL Development League.

Killie have an identical record, but sit behind the Steelmen in the table by virtue of goals scored.

So it’s all to play for as the two teams square off at the City Stadium (Almondvale).

[pullquote]I’ve laid the challenge down to my young lads and those dropping down from the first-team to put a marker down. The manager will be there watching and this is their opportunity to stake a claim.[/pullquote]

“I’ve been with the group for about six or seven weeks now and we can certainly start to see the fruits of our hard work,” Craigan told the official website.

“Players are taking on board what we’re telling them. The more and more than happens, the better side we will be and, hopefully, the better players they will become.

“Kilmarnock will provide tough opposition though. They have already beaten Dunfermline and drew with Hearts, as well as edging us 2-1 in a friendly match early last month, so we know just what to expect.

“However, I’ve laid the challenge down to my young lads and those dropping down from the first-team to put a marker down. The manager will be there watching and this is their opportunity to stake a claim.”

Kick-off is 6pm with entry free of charge.