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Highlights from Links Park as Motherwell and Dundee Under 20s play out a 0-0 draw in the Development League.

U20s manager Stephen Craigan admitted that tonight’s match against Dundee was a learning curve for his side.

The match ended goalless at Links Park on a cold night in Montrose and the coach felt it was frustrating for him and his players.

Speaking to MFC TV after the match, Craigan said: “I don’t normally like to talk about officials but I felt the referee played a huge part in the game tonight for both sides.

[pullquote]All-in-all it was a learning curve for the young players to come away from home up here to Montrose, which was about an hours extra journey in the bus so the boys were a bit leggy.[/pullquote]

“Both sets of players struggled to get any form of consistency in their play – I think probably second half Dundee edged it with the way they went about their business.”

He added: “All-in-all it was a learning curve for the young players to come away from home up here to Montrose, which was about an hours extra journey in the bus so the boys were a bit leggy.

“To come home with a clean sheet and a point that’s a learning curve. It was a tough game and we knew we would have few chances to win this game so we had to ensure that we didn’t get beat.”

[pullquote] It was a tough game and we knew we would have few chances to win this game so we had to ensure that we didn’t get beat.[/pullquote]

Craigan also touched on the fact that the match became a bit heated with some tough challenges early in the match building to a group clash at the end of the match.

He said: “There was a little melee at the end there where a couple of players got booked and about nine of the boys came together and they showed a bit of spark and a bit of heart to show that nobody is going to push us over and we’ll come together.”

Motherwell and Dundee U20s couldn’t be separated at Links Park in Montrose in a frustrating 0-0 stalemate.

A tight decision ruled Dylan Mackin’s volleyed finish as offside in the second half but aside from that there were few chances during the closely-fought Development League clash.

Stephen Craigan named two changes to the side that lost 0-1 at home to Hearts last week, calling on the recovering Kieran Kennedy and restoring PJ Morrison to the starting line-up in place of David Ferguson and Jordan Pettigrew respectively.

Dundee named a fairly strong side, with striker Rory Loy leading the Dark Blues line.

The game got off to a fast start in terms of tempo, as both sides scrambled around desperate to keep possession but failed to create any opportunities in the opening 15 minutes.

The first notable moment of the match was a poor foul from Matty Allan on Ross MacLean, who touched it past the defender only to be clattered off the pitch, yet somehow it didn’t result in a booking for the Dee offender.

Two minutes later and the referee did decide to use his cards, but this time giving Kennedy a yellow card for a shirt pull.

Tempers were rising among both sides with some heavy challenges on show – MacLean receiving a couple of warnings after clashing with Allan.

It took until the 24th minute for either side to create a chance, and it was for the young Steelmen thanks to a swift, neat move on the break.

Dylan Mackin, turning near the halfway line, slipped in Jake Hastie who looked up and lofted a delicate pass over the Dundee defence into the path of MacLean who took a touch before being knocked to the ground eight yards from goal. There were a few appeals, but it would have been soft.

Craigan’s side started growing in to the match around the half hour mark and MacLean did well to get on the end of a fizzing Luke Watt cross, but he couldn’t redirect it and it sailed high and wide.

Dundee were afforded a golden opportunity in the 38th minute when Mark Smith was gifted a one-on-one opportunity after a short back-pass by David Turnbull fell to the forward, but he scuffed his effort and Morrison collected comfortably.

Dundee’s number nine had another good opportunity fall his way shortly after, cutting in onto his right foot but yet again scuffing his shot straight at Morrison.

Kennedy was on hand to deny Dundee from opening the scoring, diving in superbly to slide and block Loy who attempted to get on the end of a low, hard cross.

The Steelmen finished the half strongly and a well-worked corner was nearly taken advantage of seconds before the interval. Barry Maguire timed his late run to the back post and got the ball under control at the second attempt, teeing up Mackin who curled a left-footed effort towards the far post but it flew narrowly wide.

The second half got off to a quicker start than the first in terms of chances, with both sides going close in the first five minutes.

Calvin Colquhon tested Morrison with a low driven strike following a corner, but the young stopper got down well and gathered it at the first attempt. Immediately up the other end of the park, Hastie was nearly in on goal but was blocked off so slipped it to supporting teammate Mackin, but his effort was blocked.

A clever corner from the Fir Parkers should have led to the first goal of the game. Watt arrived in the box and received the low pass before touching it towards Turnbull who should have hit the target as he spun and struck at goal on his left foot from inside the area.

Jesse Curran tested Morrison on the hour mark but his powerful, low effort was well held by the keeper.

In the 65th minute, MacLean had his best opportunity of the game after a pinpoint, switching cross from Tom Fry dropped perfectly for the midfielder but his side-footed volley was stopped by Kyle Gourlay in the Dundee goal.

Adam Livingstone was introduced to the action in the 68th minute in place of Turnbull as Craigan switched to a back three in a bid to find a winner.

Dundee made their first change of the night when Taylor Berry replaced Mark Smith in the 78th minute.

Craigan called upon Ryan Watters with eight minutes left to play – the youngster replaced Hastie.

It looked like the travelling Motherwell youngsters had snatched it when Dylan Mackin volleyed home with just five minutes remaining, but the celebrations were cut short by the linesman’s flag. It looked extremely tight, but a correct call.

Fry went in to the book in the 88th minute for a late foul as the game drew to a close. But the game came to a head in the dying minutes when Campbell and Curran collided – inciting a mass altercation between the two sides and it had been brewing all match.

But the two sides couldn’t be separated as the referee brought an end to an intense match at Links Park.

Motherwell U20s: Morrison, Watt, Kennedy, Maguire, Armstrong, MacLean, Campbell, Fry, Turnbull (Livingstone ’66), Hastie (Watters ’78), Mackin

Unused subs: Pettigrew, Scott, Agyeman

Chris Cadden has won the Motorpoint Player of the Month award for October, decided by you, the fans.

And now you have the chance to win something yourself – the opportunity to present Chris with his award!

This Saturday you will get to meet Chris, go on the pitch ahead of kick-off against Partick Thistle and present the midfielder with his prize in front of the fans.

You will also be able to bring a friend to Fir Park because you’ll be awarded two complimentary tickets to watch the important league clash.

Marketing and Fan Engagement manager Ryan Murrant said: “This is a great prize, not only do you get to meet Chris but you get to walk out of the tunnel and bring a friend along to the match too.”

He added: “You’ll be presenting a great award and we would like to thank our friends at Motorpoint for helping us get our fans more involved.”

To enter the competition, click here and follow two simple steps.

The Club will be holding an open signing session in the Centenary Suite for fans wanting their newly purchased 2017 calendar autographed by the first team squad.

The players will be available between 6pm and 7.30pm on the evening of Monday 28th November 2016 to sign the newly released calendar – available here on motherwelldirect.co.uk  – and pose for pictures etc.

You can purchase the calendar prior to the event at the ‘Well Shop and take it along with you or you can buy one at the event on the evening.

After the Calendar signing there will be a Quiz event, supported by the Well Society, which you can find more details about here: www.thewellsociety.co.uk

Stephen Craigan’s youngsters travel to Links Park on Tuesday evening to take on Dundee in the Development League.

The young Steelmen still sit second in the league and will be looking to bounce back from last Tuesday’s defeat to Hearts when they meet the Dens Park side who sit ten points below them.

The match takes place at Links Park, home of Montrose, with kick-off being 6pm.

Fans travelling to Fir Park on Saturday are advised to plan their journey due to part of the M74 being closed.

The strip of road between Junction 4 Maryville and Junction 5 Raith will be completely closed to allow Bothwellpark Road Bridge to be demolished.

This means fans travelling from the Glasgow area are best to travel to Motherwell via the M8/A8 and exit either as shown above at Shawhead Junction or by continuing along the A8 and exiting at the B799, however, please leave plenty of time as these roads will be busy.

Alternatively, visit Fir Park via public transport….

By bus

Several operators run buses which will take you within a five to 10 minute walk from the ground, including First services X11, 240, 242, 266, 267 and 241.

Bus X11 departs every 30 minutes from Buchanan Station in Glasgow city centre, providing a fast and direct service to Motherwell.

Further information and timetables are available online at www.firstgroup.com/glasgow.

A number of National Express routes also stop at nearby Hamilton, where your journey to Fir Park can be completed with a taxi, bus or train.

Further information and timetables are available online at www.nationalexpress.com.

By train

Motherwell station has direct connections with all major cities including Glasgow, Edinburgh and London, as well as local links throughout Lanarkshire to the likes of Coatbridge, Hamilton, Bellshill, Cumbernauld and Wishaw.

An interchange can be found immediately outside the station, where your journey to Fir Park can be completed with a taxi or bus.

Alternatively you can walk to Fir Park, as the station is just 10 to 15 minutes away from the ground.

Upon exiting the station, head straight along Muir Street and follow the pedestrian precinct to its end. Keep walking straight ahead, through the underpass and take a left up the stairs on to Brandon Street, leading to Windmillhill Street.

Continue along Windmillhill Street until you come to the Civic Centre, opposite Motherwell police station. At the traffic lights, cross the road and on to Manse Road and take the first left on to Knowetop Street. Fir Park will be clearly visible, just 100 yards ahead.

Airbles station is also within walking distance of the ground. Upon exiting the station, turn right on to Airbles Road and walk up the steet to the car showroom. Turn right on to Adele Street and then left on to Gavin Street. Fir Park will be clearly visible, just 100 yards ahead.

Further information and timetables are available online at www.tpexpress.co.uk.

Stay warm this winter with a piece of Motherwell history wrapped around you as our limited edition scarves commemorating the clubs historic 1991 Scottish Cup win go on sale again. You can get yours in time for Christmas if you pre-order today.

With the first batch selling out quickly be sure to secure yours so that you don’s miss out.

The tartan scarves make a fantastic gift for people of all ages so celebrate the 25^th anniversary with friends and with family this Christmas.

The scarves, made of 100% lambs wool mark one of the most iconic moments of the clubs recent history and are priced at just £25.

When you pre-order, you will be issued with a voucher that can be redeemed from the ‘Well Shop.

Please contact the club directly on 01698 333333 or you can buy online from motherwellbuyonline.co.uk

18-year-old Jake Hastie started the season in a difficult position, with game time in Stephen Craigan’s high-flying U20s side fairly limited.

But in the past number of weeks, the midfielder has looked like a new player completely.

An electric threat going forward, Hastie has repaid his managers faith in him by becoming one of the standout players in the squad.

Scoring and assisting on a regular basis, the winger’s form was rewarded with a call-up to the first-team and a substitute appearance at Parkhead, as Mark McGhee’s side lost 2-0 to the Scottish Champions, but the youngster and his older teammates put in a strong, formidable performance.

The 18-year-old’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed by neither McGhee or Craigan, with both managers touching on the wingers form and work-rate.

Mark McGhee said: “Ross MacLean, David Ferguson, Jack McMillan and Jake Hastie acquitted themselves brilliantly.

“It’s such an exciting thing for us having these young players and imagine in a years time or 18 months time, and there’s others of course in the pipeline as well, we’ve got to keep getting them out in places like Parkhead.”

Stephen Craigan has overseen the youngster return to the U20s starting line-up and admitted he has really enjoyed watching him play.

The Northern-Irishman said: “For Jake it’s just about his self-belief. We have to give our youngsters as much game time as we possibly can but it’s up to them to go out there and make it happen.”

He added: “Jake has trained really well and I said to him a few weeks ago that I was really enjoying watching him training and I couldn’t wait to see him playing again and now he’s reaping the rewards of working hard and keeping his head down.

“Andy Boles, our strength and conditioning coach, has done a bit of extra work with him so he’s looking powerful, he’s looking strong.”

Jake himself is enjoying his football and he’s hoping that his good run can continue.

“It’s been a good run for me recently, and I’m really enjoying my football at the moment,” the youngster said, “so I hope that it continues for me.”

He added: “Playing under Stephen Craigan in the U20s has taught me a lot and coming on at Parkhead was an unforgettable moment for me.

“More than anything, it’s made me hungry to keep working hard.”

With a strong attitude and an ability to match, Jake Hastie is a name that may become familiar among Motherwell fans sooner rather than later.

Let us add the sparkle to your festive celebration and join us at Fir Park for a truly unforgettable occasion this Christmas.

Motherwell FC are delighted to announce the dates for our fantastically popular Christmas Party nights. Fir Park is the perfect destination, offering a traditional festive menu with lively entertainment, our events are always a night to remember and this year will be no different.

Enjoy a glass of Champagne on arrival then a fabulous three-course meal in the Centenary Suite before dancing the night away with our live band and disco.

Each evening the menu will be:

—Starter—

Fresh Winter Vegetable Soup

Served with soft continental bread roll & butter

— Main—

Roast Turkey Tornado

Fresh turkey scallops stuffed with mango and berry stuffing, wrapped in bacon

Served with chipolatas, seasonal vegetables and potatoes

or

Roast Burgundy of Beef

Served with claret beef jus

—Vegetarian—

Roast Vegetable Wellington

sauteed vegetable mozzarella wrapped pastry

—Sweet—

Double Chocolate Gateau

with chocolate berry cream

Tea, Coffee & Mints

£29.95 per person

We have four dates available:

•    Friday 9^th December

•    Saturday 10^th December

•    Friday 16^th December

•    Saturday 17^th December

Book now and we will take care of the rest, offering you and your guests a 100% Motherwell hospitality experience this Christmas.

£10 per deposit to confirm the booking, non-returnable after end of October.

To book, give us a call on 01698 333333 or go online at www.motherwellbuyonline.co.uk