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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

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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.

Ross County visit Fir Park this Saturday and we’re putting on a fantastic lunch menu in our hospitality suites.

It’s a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, so an ideal opportunity to combine a lovely afternoon meal with a competitive SPFL Premiership game against the Staggies.

The Suites are filling fast so it’s sure to be a great atmosphere.

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

A former player will host the afternoon with your chance to meet first team players and club staff whilst enjoying your afternoon’s football.

On the menu will be:

Soup
Potato and Leek
Served with continental roll & butter

*********

Main course
Traditional Steak Pie
Served with Flaky Pastry and Chef’s selection of potatoes and veg

*********

Vegetarian Option
Vegetable Parcel
Served with cream of onion sauce and Chef’s selection of potatoes and veg

*********

Sweet
Chocolate Caramel Cake
Served with fresh cream

Tea coffee & mints

You have a choice of three packages:

Centenary Claret: Arriving at 1pm prompt for meal. Full service with access to a pay bar till kick off and then again for an hour post match. All this in the comfort of our Centenary Lounge. Book now from only £60 for an adult and £45 for a child under 16.

Centenary Amber: Arriving at 1pm prompt for meal. Full table service with complimentary bar and then again for an hour post match. All this in the comfort of our Centenary Lounge. Book now from only £99 for an adult and £55 for a child under 16.

Millennium Ticket: Enjoy a lighter bite with a complimentary bar for one-hour pre & post. Soup pre-match and half time refreshments, team sheet, match day programme for only £70 for an adult and £35 for a child under 16.

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

If you would like to book a place at our fantastic Hospitality Lunch, please phone 01698 338 008 or email jennifer.reston@motherwellfc.co.uk.

‘Well skipper Keith Lasley was full of thanks at the conclusion of his testimonial programme today.

The veteran midfielder, who has been a Fir Park stalwart for almost fifteen years combined, rounded up two years of celebrations with a game against English Championship side Bolton Wanderers.

It ended 1-2 to the visitors, but the result was secondary to an afternoon the not only belonged to the 35-year old midfielder, but his family too.

[pullquote]To get a good day for it, a competitive game at times and for the amount of people to turn out and share it with me was very humbling indeed.[/pullquote]

Speaking to MFC TV after the match, Lasley said: “It was a big day for my family and I ought to start by thanking Bolton Wanderers for coming north to make it happen.

“I think most people know the affinity in which I hold this club, not just me, but my wife Jayne and my two children. It was amazing young Alfie got on the scoresheet, albeit he got a bit of stage fright.

“To get a good day for it, a competitive game at times and for the amount of people to turn out and share it with me was very humbling indeed.

“I want to thank each and everyone one of them for turning up not only today, but all through my testimonial events as well as my fantastic committee and the Club who helped make everything happen.”

The best of the action from Keith Lasley’s testimonial as Motherwell faced English Championship side Bolton Wanderers.

Action pictures from Keith Lasley’s Testimonial match against Bolton Wanderers.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

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 Phil McGhee Fir Park

The late summer sun shone on one of Motherwell’s favourite son’s as Bolton provided the opposition for ‘Well captain Keith Lasley’s testimonial match.

And although Lasley’s 403rd appearance in claret and amber ended in defeat, the richly deserved occasion for the Fir Park stalwart and his family was well celebrated by the fans of both teams.

Fittingly, the last touch of the game belonged to Lasley’s three young son Alfie, who rolled the ball into the Bolton net. By that stage Neil Lennon’s men were two goals to the better of an entertaining ninety minutes.

Although the match was for Lasley’s benefit it gave Ian Baraclough the opportunity to give a couple of his latest tranfer acquisitions, Theo Robinson and Man United loanee Liam Grimshaw, a starting place.

It was almost the perfect start for Robinson and the home side when, after three minutes, Marvin Johnson’s floated cross picked out the former Doncaster striker but he guided his header over a begging goal.

Bolton quickly signalled they hadn’t travelled from Lancashire just to make up the numbers and ex England striker Emile Heskey rose above Louis Laing to head the ball over the bar.

Ten minutes later Wellington Silva worked his way in from the byeline before squeezing a shot through a ruck of legs forcing Dan Twardzik to save at the foot of his post.

At the other end David Clarkson’s touch inside the six yard box directed the ball towards goal but Frances Pisano was on the line to clear.

Clarkson’s deep cross found Robinson but his header was wide of target. Jack Taylor then broke from midfield before his shot from the edge of the box took a deflection and rippled the side netting.

‘Well made three changes at the interval with Scott McDonald teaming up with Clarkson in the home attack.

However, it was Bolton’s veteran striker Heskey who opened the scoring, prodding Silva’s cross beyond Twardzik from a couple of yards.

The game still had a competitive edge and after 58 minutes McDonald created anopening for himself but his lowshot shot from 18 yardswas easily gathered by Paul Rachubka.

On the hour mark the ‘Well fans acknoeldged the introduction of James McFadden and Stevie Hammell.

And within a few minutes McFadden had combined with Thomas to setup McDonald but from15 yards he curled his shot over the bar.

With three minutes remaining ‘Well fans were on their feet to soundly welcome the introduction of legend Steven Kirk, appropriately sporting the number 91jersey, and former captain Stephen Craigan.

However, it was Bolton who wrapped up the game when Stephen Dobbie capitalised on some confusion in the home defence to score.

The last action of the game would come from Lasley, but not the veteran Motherwell skipper, but his three-year old son who dribbled (slightly aided) from the half way line to just about knock the ball into the empty net.

That got the biggest roar of the day, as did the Motherwell skipper who thanked the crowd at the finish for marking what may turn out to be the last testimonial played at Fir Park given the nature of modern football.

[tab:As it happened]

 Ally Reilly at Fir Park

FT: Motherwell 1 – 2 Bolton Wanderers

91′ | 1-2
GOAL!!! Supersub Alfie Lasley scores! Dribbled all the way from the half-way line and fired it past the helpless goalie!!!

91′ | 0-2
Motherwell sub, Alfie Lasley comes on. Can he pull one back?

89′ | 0-2
Goal – Dobbie makes it 2-0, volleying home from just outside the box

87′ | 0-1
Motherwell double sub, it’s a standing ovation for Stevie Kirk and Stephen Craigan, who come on for McManus and Taylor

79′ | 0-1
Motherwell sub, young PJ Morrison comes on to replace Twardzik in goal.

78′ | 0-1
Nearly two for Bolton but the foot of Twardzik is enough to put it past for a corner.

76′ | 0-1
Another Bolton sub, Osede off for Taylor

72′ | 0-1
Another Bolton change, Silva makes way for Woolery

69′ | 0-1
Bolton sub, Casado for Twardzik, brother of Dan.

64′ | 0-1
McFadden shows some quick feet to get away from two and finds Thomas who squares it to McDonald. He goes for the curler: just past

62′ | 0-1
And a Bolton change, Trotter on for Walker.

61′ | 0-1
Motherwell triple sub, off are Chalmers, Grimshaw and Clarkson, replaced by Hammell, Leitch and McFadden

58′ | 0-1
Nice through ball by Grimshaw finds McDonald who checks inside on his right foot. Fires straight at Rachubka though

51′ | 0-1
Goal – Heskey opens the scoring, tapping home from 6 yards after an inviting low ball into the box.

49′ | 0-0
Great chance for Dobbie to open the scoring but he somehow fires wide form 8 yards out.

Couple of Bolton subs to tell you about as well, Campbell and Pisano make way for Rachubka and Holding.
Second half is underway.

Three subs at half-time for ‘Well, McDonald, McMillan and Thomas are on for Robinson, Johnson and Reid

HT: Motherwell 0 – 0 Bolton Wanderers

32′ | 0-0
Taylor’s curled effort from the left side of the box flashes just past the post. Unlucky!

24′ | 0-0
Some neat midfield play again sets up Clarkson about 30 yards out. It’s an ambitious effort which flies well over.

17′ | 0-0
Grimshaw advances forwards and on his left foot, his shot is deflected narrowly wide for a corner.

15′ | 0-0
Decent stop from Twardzik to deny Silva who had jinked his way into the box and got a low shot away from close range.

10′ | 0-0
Two corners in a row for Bolton and on the second attempt, Osede flicks it just past the post.

3′ | 0-0
Early chance for ‘Well. Johnson gets down the left wing and dinks in a cross to Robinson who sees his header loop just over the bar

And we’re underway here a a sunny Fir Park.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell legend Keith Lasley:

Coming Soon…

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