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Stephen Craigan was delighted with his team’s explosive start, which helped Motherwell to a 2-0 win over Partick Thistle today.

The Fir Parkers have gone behind in eight of their games this campaign, but dominated the first forty-five against the Jags, scoring twice and probably could have had more, but for some missed chances.

And whilst the visitors made a better fist of it in the second half, they rarely threatened the home goal.

Craigan was pleased his squad got back to winning ways and even more so with the positive platform they gave themselves during the first period.

He told MFC TV: “We haven’t traditionally started games well this season. First halves of quite a lot of our games have been poor and we’ve found ourselves behind and had to come back.

“So it was pleasing to be in at the interval with a commanding lead. I actually joked to Keith Lasley about what we were going to speak about as normally we have to motivate them to get back into the game.

[pullquote]It was pleasing to be in at the interval with a commanding lead. I actually joked to Keith Lasley about what we were going to speak about as normally we have to motivate them to get back into the game.[/pullquote]

“The key message at half-time was to try and manage the game and keep a clean sheet, ensuring we’d win it. I was interested to see how they would do that and although we perhaps didn’t have the same control, make as many passes or build any patters of play, I never felt we were really under any pressure.”

Craigan also praised Allan Campbell, who got himself amongst the goals for the first time this season.

The 17-year old has been the stand out performer for the Under 20s this season, and the former Fir Park skipper was delighted he finally got off the mark.

“Allan started the season ever so well, but I think he has faded away a little over the last few weeks,” he explained.

“However, I thought he was back to something close to his best today. He was making tackles in midfield, he was breaking attacks up and he’s prepared to take the ball under pressure to help us take a foothold in the game.

“His goal was a reward for him as he doesn’t get too many shots away, so I was delighted with him. He’s got a bit future at Motherwell.”

Motherwell Under 20s returned to winning ways after a comfortable 2-0 success over Partick Thistle this afternoon.

First half goal from both Allan Campbell and Ross MacLean was enough to give Stephen Craigan’s men all three points.

And although the second half failed to reach the heights of the first, the Steelmen rarely came under threat, but for a late strike against the post from Thistle sub Mark Lamont.

The hosts made several changes to the side that lost to Hibs last midweek. PJ Morrison, Stevie Hammell, David Clarkson, Dom Thomas and Keith Lasley all dropped out, replaced by Brett Long, Louis Laing, Ross MacLean, Allan Campbell, and Jake Hastie.

The visitors made the brighter start and Declan McDaid dragged a shot way off target after just two minutes then, shortly after, brought out a good low save from Long before the Northern Irishman had to stop from Dominic Docherty.

Motherwell eventually took control of the game and Jack Leitch had the host’s first effort on goal, but Thistle keeper Mark Waters comfortably saved his low effort.

However, he was powerless to stop the next effort as the Steelmen took the lead. Campbell and Hastie combined on the edge of the box, with the former eventually taking on the shot that went in off Waters’ right hand post.

‘Well went in search of a second and they should’ve had it after 21 minutes, but Chris Cadden could only screw Hastie’s cutback high over the crossbar from fifteen-yards out.

It was all Motherwell and Waters had to produce an excellent stop to keep it at 1-0. The Thistle goalkeeper kept out Mackin, who had laced a fearsome effort at goal after latching on to a neat channelled ball from Jack McMillan.

There was a sense of when, rather than if, Motherwell would grab a second goal and it eventually came after 28 minutes. Thistle had managed to clear a few Jack Leitch corners, but when he picked out Hall in the area, the defender’s header hit the post before Ross MacLean nipped in to prod home the rebound.

Just before the interval, Motherwell almost made it 3-0. Mackin combined well with Cadden on the right flank and when he got the return pass, the striker took aim and fired at goal. It deflected and spun into the path of Hastie, but the winger’s shot flew into the side netting.

The Steelmen started the second much as they finished the first. Luke Watt had a low shot deflected just wide and, second later, after winning the ball deep in Thistle territory, MacLean’s dinked cross for Leitch almost found the midfielder, but on the stretch he fired over.

Hastie had a fizzing effort on goal that was also blocked as ‘Well went for the killer third, but an increase in the wind speed impacted both teams with very little in the way of goal mouth action for almost twenty minutes.

Thistle broke that lull when left-back James Penrice got on the end of a cross from the right, but his low effort crashed into the side net. A minute later, Kevin Nisbet forced Long to turn a powerful shot around the post as the Glasgow side battled hard to get back into the game.

They went even closer four minutes later when substitute Lamont picked up on the left flank, cut inside onto his right foot and crashed the post with a 25-yard effort that had Long beaten.

Motherwell finished the stronger though and Campbell had a shot that forced Waters to save, before Louis Laing had a header that again forced the Thistle stopper to block.

It was a satisfying win, the propels the Fir Parkers into ninth in the table, one point behind Sunday’s Youth Cup opponents Kilmarnock.

Motherwell: Long, Watt, McMillan, Watt, Laing, Campbell, McLean, J.Leitch (R.Leitch – 81mins), Mackin, Hastie (Livingstone – 76mins), Cadden

Subs Not Used: Morrison, J.Moore, Falconer, Turnbull, Maguire

Motherwell have been drawn to face Formartine United or Cove Rangers at Fir Park in the Fourth Round of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

The tie is due to be played on Saturday 9th January. Admission information will be confirmed when the opponent has been finalised.

FULL 4th ROUND DRAW

St. Johnstone v Kilmarnock
Dunfermline Athletic v Ross County
Stirling Albion or Cumbernauld Colts v Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Wick Academy or Linlithgow Rose v Queen’s Park or Forfar Athletic
Dundee v Falkirk
Livingston v Greenock Morton
Dumbarton or Alloa Athletic v Queen of the South
Stenhousemuir or East Kilbride v Huntly or Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale
Motherwell v Formartine United or Cove Rangers
Heart of Midlothian v Aberdeen
Airdrieonians v Dundee United
Stranraer v Celtic
Rangers v Cowdenbeath or Arbroath
St Mirren v Partick Thistle
Inverurie Loco Works or Annan Athletic v Hamilton Academicals
Raith Rovers v Hibernian

Reaction to follow..

Motherwell U20s are back in action on Tuesday afternoon when they take on Partick Thistle at the Excelsior Stadium.

The youths have struggled to find consistency in recent weeks, unable to put a run of wins together.

However, having already eliminated Thistle from the Youth Cup, ‘Well know all three points would leapfrog Stephen Craigan’s men above the Firhill outfit as they currently trail by three points, but have a superior goal difference.

Like ‘Well, Thistle have had mixed results this season. They lost 1-2 to St Mirren last midweek, but that came off the back of a thumping 2-6 away win against Hearts the previous week.

The match will take place at the Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie, with kick-off at 2pm.

Dundee FC visit Fir Park Saturday 12th December and we’ve a fantastic lunch menu available

It’s a 3pm kick-off, so why not combine an afternoon meal with a competitive Ladbrokes Premiership game against the Dens Park side in one of our atmospheric hospitality suites.

All packages include a ticket, match programme, team-sheet and half time refreshments.

You can choose from three packages:

Centenary Claret: Arrive at our Centenary Suite for 1pm. Full, four course table service with access to a pay bar till kick off and then again for an hour post-match.

Book now from only £60 for an adult and £45 for a child under 16.

Centenary Amber: Arrive at our Centenary Suite for 1pm. Full four course table service with complimentary bar and then again for an hour post-match.

Book now for £99 for an adult and £55 for a child under 16.

Millennium Ticket: Enjoy a lighter bite pre-match and at half-time with a complimentary bar for one-hour pre & post-match.

Book now for £70 for an adult and £35 for a child under 16.

Remember, Season Ticket holders can upgrade to hospitality for just £25.

01698 333333 | hospitality@motherwellfc.co.uk

Extended highlights from a soaking Fir Park as Motherwell and Hearts play out an entertaining 2-2 draw.

‘Well boss Mark McGhee declared himself content with his team after an entertaining 2-2 draw with Hearts.

The Steelmen were twice ahead, firstly through Louis Moult then Marvin Johnson, but were twice pegged back, with Hearts’ second through Osman Sow a 35-yard stunner.

However, ‘Well fans watched a spirited, gritty and hard-working performance from their team in horrendous conditions, with torrential rain and high winds.

“It was a great game,” explained McGhee. “I’m quite content with the result but the performance is probably more important at this stage.

“I want to see something that we can build on and I saw that today.”

[pullquote]I’m quite content with the result but the performance is probably more important at this stage.[/pullquote]

McGhee praised prolific striker Moult, but said he is constantly learning from playing alongside veteran Premiership hit man Scott McDonald.

Moult needs just two goals to be in double-figures for the campaign, and McGhee has high hopes for the former Stoke striker.

“I’m a big fan of Louis is a terrific young player and has that instinct for goal,” he added.

“The way he works for the team is great. He gets in between defenders and holds the ball up and runs the channels; a bit of everything.

“But I think he needs someone like Scott alongside him to help him and instruct him, and to show him where to be and tell him where to be.”

Action images from today’s 2-2 draw with Hearts in the Ladbrokes Premiership at Fir Park.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

[svgallery name=”hearts281115″]

[tab:Match report]

 Phil McGhee Fir Park

The horrendous conditions failed to dampen both Hearts and Motherwell’s enthusiasm as fans were treated to a highly competitive and entertaining 2-2 draw.

And although Motherwell might be disappointed at twice surrendering a lead through goals from Louis Moult and Marvin Johnson, the home fans will be encouraged from an all round improved performance and gritty spirit from the men in Claret and Amber.

Mark McGhee had arguably his strongest line-up with Stevie Hammell making his first appearance since September. Keith Lasley also returned from injury and with Stephen McManus free from suspension, the ‘Well side had a very experienced look about it.

That experience and determination showed from the kick-off as the home side pressed for an immediate advantage.

And it almost paid off within a minute when Moult latched onto Blazej Augustyn’s loose pass at the edge of the box but Neil Alexander raced out to block the ‘Well striker’s drive at goal.

The Hearts ‘keeper didn’t look as smart 30 seconds later when under pressure from Moult, he dropped the ball on his goal line leaving the ‘Well striker a simple tap-in for the easiest of his eight goals this season.

Motherwell looked hungry for more when Hearts pulled level in the ninth minute. Kieran Kennedy was caught in the middle of the home half when Osman Sow sent Juanna Delago in behind Stephen McManus. The Tyncastle side’s top scorer never looked like wasting the chance, calmly stroking the ball beyond the advancing Connor Ripley.

The ‘Well ‘keeper came to his side’s rescue three minutes later when Kennedy’s slack pass played in Sow but Ripley stood firm to block.

It was end-to-end stuff and two minutes later Marvin Johnson’s cut back picked out Stephen Pearson but his drive from eight-yards was blocked by Augustyn on its way to goal. Another Johnson run and cut back set up McDonald but his low drive rippled the net on the wrong side of the post.

Just before the half hour mark Ripley produced a stunning save to push away Callum Paterson’s powerful header and keep the scores level.

The Fir Parkers then created two openings to restore their lead. Firstly, a great burst from Johnson took him to the visitor’s goal line. His low cross found McDonald’s but his stab at goal was denied as Alexander pushed the ball across the face of his goal to safety.

Josh Law then worked his way to the box on the other side and his low cross found Johnson who took a touch before hammering the ball straight at Alexander.

After an action packed first half, the players faced horrendous conditions at the start of the second and it was fifteen minutes before either could muster an attempt at goal when McDonald’s attempt was blocked by Augustyn on the six-yard line.

A minute later the Aussie striker burst into the box and his low angled drive was sneaking inside the far post until Alexander threw himself full stretch to save.

After 65 minutes, as the rain finally subsided leaving a sodden pitch, Motherwell powered themselves back in front with a terrific goal.

Scott McDonald bravely won a tackle five yards into the opposition half to send Johnson off and running. And after carrying the ball to the Hearts’ box he confidently stepped inside Augustyn before slamming his shot across McDonald for a fabulous finish.

However, that was matched by Hearts’ equaliser four minutes later when Sow from fully 35-yards unleashed a drive which sent the ball whizzing past Ripley and make it 2-2.

On a wet and sticky surface both sides had half chances but it was left to Ripley to earn his side a deserved point eight minutes from time when he reacted superbly to block another thumping 12-yard effort from Sow.

[tab:As it happened]

 Ally Reilly at Fir Park

 FT: Motherwell 2 – 2 Hearts

91′ | 2-2
Pearson booked for trying to get the ball off Juanma. Hits the deck in dramatic fashion.

90′ | 2-2
Two minutes added on

84′ | 2-2
Motherwell sub, Robinson on for McDonald

81′ | 2-2
Close for Hearts! Juanma fires over the bar after a succession of blocked shots. Should really have scored.

79′ | 2-2
Grimshaw booked for a challenge on McGhee just inside the Motherwell half.

Young ‘Well fans can select their Man of the Match now. Simply use #MatchAttaxMOTM with their choice, name & age.

67′ | 2-2
Goal – Sow pulls Hearts level again with a long range strike.

67′ | 2-1
Motherwell sub, Johnson makes way for Ainsworth..

JOHNSON twists and turns and fires low past Alexander to deservedly put ‘Well 2-1 up!!!!

GGOOOOAALLLLL!!!!

61′ | 1-1
Another good chance for the Aussie but Alexander gets down well and makes the stop from his shot from just outside the box

60′ | 1-1
Grimshaw latches on to Law’s throw-in and cuts it back to McDonald but his shot is header clear by Augustyn.

57′ | 1-1
Not an awful lot to talk about in this half so far. Weather really not helping matters.

51′ | 1-1
Hearts sub, Oshaniwa off for McGhee

47′ | 1-1
‘Well cut Hearts open but at the final pass, Moult can only find Oshaniwa who takes no chances and knocks it out for a corner.

McDonald and Moult get the second 45 underway. It’s absolutely pouring here now!

HT: Motherwell 1 – 1 Hearts. An entertaining first 45…..

34′ | 1-1
Law puts it on a plate for Johnson but on his weaker foot, he fires straight into Alexander’s arms.

31′ | 1-1
Very nearly 2 for ‘Well but somehow Alexander gets a touch on McDonald’s close range shot from Johnson’s powerful low cross!

30′ | 1-1
From the free-kick Ripley is called into action, spectacularly palming away Augustyn’s header from close range!

29′ | 1-1
Hammell booked for a pull on Sow’s shirt as he broke clear down the wing.

22′ | 1-1
Pallardo booked for a challenge on Pearson in the middle of the park.

20′ | 1-1
Fine chance for McDonald after some neat interplay with Moult but from 12 yards fires into the side netting.

15′ | 1-1
Great play sets free Johnson who squares to Pearson but Rossi throws himself in the way of it to make a block!

13′ | 1-1
Slack back pass by Kennedy gives Sow a great chance on goal but Ripley spreads himself and saves with his foot!

9′ | 1-1
Goal – Juanma pulls Hearts level after a long ball up front wasn’t dealt with and Sow slid him in to chip over Ripley.

8′ | 1-0
Ouch! Johnson slides to try and keep the ball in play but almost end up going through the advertising board. Thankfully ok.

…decent delivery, headed clear by Paterson.

6′ | 1-0
Free-kick in a decent area on the right, to be taken by Hammell…..

What a start!!! The ball is hooked into the box, Moult out jumps Alexander and prods it into the empty net. 1-0!!!

GGGOOOAAALLLLL!!!!

Kick-off: Sow and Delgado get the game underway. COYW!!!!

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee:

Coming Soon…

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson:

Coming Soon…

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”252″]

Young Well fans can now have their say with the ‘Kids Choice’ Match Attax Man of the Match award.

From the 80th minute of any home league game, supporters can make their selection via twitter, by ‘tweeting’ their choice to @motherwellfc and @MyTopps with the hashtag #MatchAttaxMOTM

The player with the most votes will win the ‘Kids Choice’ Match Attax Man of the Match award, with Topps randomly selecting one lucky ‘tweeter’ to present a very special award to the player – a giant Match Attax Man of the Match Trading Card while also winning a Match Attax Goody Bag worth £25.

The winner will get the paparazzi treatment, with photos of the presentation appearing in the next edition of club’s Match-day Programme!