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George Long says it very much suits the Steelmen to be massive underdogs ahead of the Friday night game against Aberdeen.

Few will give ‘Well much of a chance against the high-flying Dons, who haven’t lost at home for over four months.

The Claret and Amber men went down narrowly, 1-0, in the Granite City back in late October, their first defeat at Pittodrie for over six years.

Since then, the Reds have gone from strength to strength whilst ‘Well have toiled.

[pullquote]We were underdogs against Inverness; no one thought we would take anything against team who were on a long unbeaten run and we got the three points and played well[/pullquote]

However, recent improvements have given everyone cause for optimism and the on-loan Sheffield United stopper revealed there is a quiet confidence amongst the players ahead of the BT Sport Live match.

He said: “We go into the game with some belief based on our last two performances.

“We were underdogs against Inverness; no one thought we would take anything against team who were on a long unbeaten run and we got the three points and played well.

“If we can get a similar sort of performance, and even although it will be a very tough match, I think we can go and pull off an upset.”

Ian Baraclough has challenged his players to keep their run of form going when they face high-flying Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

The Steelmen have beaten Inverness and drawn with Kilmarnock in their last two outings, but face an altogether tougher test against the Dons.

Derek McInnes’ side have only lost twice in the league since mid October, both times to leaders Celtic, and go into the match on the back of a week’s training camp in Tenerife.

Although the odds will be very much stacked against his side, former QPR and Scunthorpe defender Baraclough has a plan in place to upset the Reds on their own patch.

[pullquote]That’s the challenge to the players and everyone at the club: to try and maintain that momentum, even if it is has been just two matches.[/pullquote]

“Our preparations for the match remain the same; it will be no different,” he told the broadcast media at Motherwell’s pre-match news conference.

“Although there is no doubting it’s a tough one, we will go with the belief that we can go to Pittodrie and get something and hopefully keep our run going.

“That’s the challenge to the players and everyone at the club: to try and maintain that momentum, even if it is has been just two matches.

“It’s a great game for us against one of the teams in the top two. We’ve got no fear of it, we beat a team who are just behind them a few weeks ago and we’re very much of a mind to go up there and go for it.”

 Extended highlights from the Excelsior Stadium as St Johnstone edge out Motherwell 3-2 in the SPFL Development League.

Jonatan Johansson was left disappointed after his young suffered a rare loss at the hands of St Johnstone this evening.

The Steelmen haven’t tasted defeat since mid December and were twice ahead against the Perth Saints.

However, there wasn’t the same fluidity, aggression or ruthlessness that has been prevalent over their last five games.

Although the first-half was fairly even, Saints controlled much of the second period and when Liam Caddis scored the winning goal, it was hard to deny them they three points.

[pullquote]We didn’t play together, we didn’t press and made it easy for St Johnstone to pick us apart. We failed to show the same commitment as in previous matches.[/pullquote]

Johansson was angered by his side’s failure to play as a cohesive unit and challenge them to react when they face St Mirren next Tuesday.

Speaking to MFC TV, he said: “I am very disappointed with how it went, mainly because we didn’t play as a team.

“We were all bits and pieces; one on ones and two on twos. We didn’t play together, we didn’t press and made it easy for St Johnstone to pick us apart. We failed to show the same commitment as in previous matches.

“I want to see a reaction, not just in the game next week, but in training too. I understand it’s a hard time of year for players, but I told them beforehand that I want to put pressure on them. We’ll learn from this and I want have to see an immediate rebound.”

Motherwell Under 20s lost for the first time in almost three months, going down 2-3 to St Johnstone at the Excelsior Stadium this evening.

Despite taking the lead twice, through Dylan Mackin and then Ben Hall, Saints twice equalised via George Hunter and Scott Brown, before Liam Caddis eventually netted the winner midway through the second half.

After three draws and two victories in 2015, it was a disappointing way for the young Steelmen’s run to finally come to a halt.

Jonatan Johansson made four changes to the side that beat Kilmarnock 0-4 last week: Max Currie, Anthony Straker, Steven Higgins and Chris Cadden all dropped out, replaced by Brett Long, Jack McMillan, Dylan Mackin and Stuart Carswell.

And Motherwell got off to a positive start and almost took the lead after nine minutes. Dom Thomas was the creator, beating Alex Kitchen on the left flank before crossing for Dylan Mackin who scooped a shot high over the bar.

Saints’ reply came three minutes later through Scott Brown, the midfielder picking up on a loose clearance on the edge, only to drive a low shot well wide of target.

Play raged from end-to-end but with their next attack, the Fir Parkers drew first blood. Mackin, who had missed that chance just ten minutes earlier, showed no ill-effects when he pulled a high ball out the air on the edge of the St Johnstone box. Showing great feet, he played a neat one-two with Bob McHugh before slotting under Mark Hurst for 1-0.

The visitors looked to hit back through Liam Caddis, but he sent a free-kick spiralling over the bar before Dom Thomas came close to doubling the home side’s advantage. He collected a pass on the left hand side of the box, dribbled past Kitchen again before firing a shot at goal. It looked to be heading for the far corner, but defender Jason Kerr recovered well and deflected it behind at the expense of a corner.

As the half wore on, Saints started to take more and more control, and should have been level on the half hour but were denied by the reflexes of Brett Long, who was off his line like a flash to block a Connor McLaren shot after the winger had found space following a quick free-kick.

However, the young Northern Irishman was powerless to stop the equaliser just ten minutes later. That man McLaren was again involved, picking up possession deep on the left flank. His cross was excellent, flying over the head of Ferguson, for the unmarked George Hunter who rose unopposed to head home from close range.

Just before the interval, McLaren had another half chance, linking up well with Hunter again, but his low, trundling effort was comfortable enough for Long to smother.

Much like the first, ‘Well came out the traps for the second forty-five and within twenty seconds, Jack McMillan tested Hurst with a low shot. A minute later, Thomas again brought out the best in Hurst with a curling effort that was turned away by the Saints stopper.

However, he couldn’t stop Ben Hall netting to put the Fir Parkers back in front just three minutes after the restart. Thomas’ corner was begging to be gobbled up, and the young Northern Irish defender rose well to bullet home from close range.

Nathan Thomas then had a half chance to put his side further ahead, but ballooned his effort over before Saints went on to dominate the last thirty minutes.

They thought they were level when Scott Brown drilled home a stinging drive from distance but celebrations were cut shot when, after advice from assistant Chris Gentles, the goal was ruled out. Replays show that although Liam Caddis was close to the goalkeeper, he didn’t touch the ball as it flew past Brett Long.

Although disappointed, the Saints midfielder wouldn’t have to wait long, just three minutes to be precise, to get the goal his play deserved and it was an even better strike! A ball into the box was headed out by Ferguson and after one touch to set himself, he lashed it home from all of thirty yards.

It went from bad to worse from Johansson’s men as they found themselves behind for the first time in the match just seven minutes later. A free-kick into the area was only half cleared by Hall and the Claret and Amber men were slow to react to the second ball, allowing Caddis to nip in and slot a low shot in off the far post from an acute angle.

There was no more scoring, but Dom Thomas almost equalised with virtually the last kick, with a smart turn and shot from the edge of the area well blocked by Hurst.

Motherwell: Long, Watt, McMillan, Carswell, Hall, Ferguson, N. Thomas (Higgins – 64mins), Mackin (McCall – 79mins), McHugh, D. Thomas, MacLean

Subs Not Used: Currie, McNulty, Leitch, Anderson, Watters

Goals: Mackin (18), Hall (48)

Booked: Hall

Referee for Friday’s SPFL Premiership clash against Aberdeen at Pittodrie will be the experienced Crawford Allan.

It will be Crawford’s third Motherwell match of the 2014/15 season, the others being the last time ‘Well were at Pittodrie, also a Friday, when Jonny Hayes’ early goal separated the sides in a fairly uneventful game and the New Years defeat at New Douglas Park.

Allan is a vastly experienced figure though and will be a familiar face over the years, including two games last term too.

The first was a narrow 1-0 win over Hibs in November 2013 when a Stephen McManus header gave the 10-man Steelmen all three points.

The other, five weeks later, was the important 1-2 victory at Ross County, which kicked off an incredible six game winning run. A brace from John Sutton was enough to edge out the Staggies and got ‘Well back to winning ways after the disappointment of an early Scottish Cup exit and a thumping from Celtic.

Crawford, one of the country’s best referees for over a decade, also handled two matches the previous season (2012/13).

The first was the goalless draw with Hearts last November, which will be remembered for the collision between Darren Randolph and Calum Paterson.

Randolph was later handed a two match suspension following an enquiry by the then SFA Compliance Officer Vincent Lunny, Motherwell did appeal the decision, however were unsuccessful in their attempts to have the ban overturned.

The second will be remembered for the on-field exploits as Motherwell and Kilmarnock shared a 2-2 draw just after Christmas last year.

Kenny Shiels’ Killie had raced into a 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from Perez and Heffernan but a close-range goal from Jamie Murphy and a Henrik Ojamaa stunner levelled things up.

Tragically, Allan took charge of the ‘Well game on the 29th December 2007, forever etched in history as the date when Phil O’Donnell tragically passed away in the 5-3 victory over Dundee United.

Speaking publically, Allan admitted Phil’s death had a profound effect on the whistler but won heartfelt praise for the way he handled what was an extremely difficult situation and his sensitive approach will be forever appreciated by everyone at Motherwell Football Club and is recognised each time he returns to Fir Park.

In another twist of fate, Crawford is only one of two referees to have ever taken charge of a Motherwell away game at Fir Park as the Steelmen faced hosts Gretna during the 2007/2008 campaign.

His record in charge of the ‘Well is a fairly mixed, with the Fir Parkers winning eight, drawing six and losing six of the twenty games in total. In those games, 55 players have seen yellow, 32 in Claret and Amber, whilst four have been sent for an early bath including Shaun Hutchinson in that match against Hibs last term.

Allan will be ably assisted by Gavin Harris and Sean Carr with Calum Murray on fourth official duties. The referee observer is Mike Pocock and SPFL Delegate is Tom Purdie

Behind closed doors a cold, wintry and challenging preseason has seen lots of change a foot at Motherwell Ladies, but it seems everyone involved is ready and eager to make their mark as competitive games are less than 6 days away.

The Ladies were due to kick star their season on Sunday 1st March in the 2nd Division League Cup. However the draw saw the team with a free week and bye into the 2nd round. The Ladies will now face Second Division East/Central side, Dundee City away on Sunday 22nd March, 12 noon KO.

League action was due to resume on Sunday 8th March away to Edinburgh South. Unfortunately as cup games take precedence, the game had to be postponed, much to the disappointment of all at MLFC. Therefore, the season will finally get going against Third Lanark this Sunday 15th March, 2pm KO and we welcome our fans along to offer support in the first game of the league campaign.

The new season will see a completely new league for the squad and one I can assure you, they are keen to make their mark on. The Ladies will see themselves in the new Scottish Women’s Football League 2nd Division South East/West.

Tough opposition from the East and West will see the ladies travel to play Blackburn Utd, Claremont, Edinburgh Caledonian, Edinburgh South, Hearts Development, Hutchison Vale Reserves, Partick Thistle, Seton Ladies, Spartans Reserves and the aforementioned Third Lanark. I think it would be fair to say both the squad and management are very eager to take to the field as soon as possible and put their pre-season graft into practice.

Ladies boss Graeme McArthur and Motherwell FC Community Trust General Manager Charlie Bennet have been working hard behind the scenes during the break to secure a wealth of experience and talent to add to both the playing squad and to team management.

Manager McArthur said: “Pre-season preparation has gone extremely well, it’s been hard work but that’s always a given. It’s been a busy few months and I’m really pleased in the way our whole unit here at Motherwell ladies is starting to gel and take shape. We’ve performed well in preseason friendlies and I’m really excited for the campaign ahead.”

Fans of Motherwell ladies will undoubtedly see a lot of change in the squad this season, but I’m sure will be excited to see a whole host of experience and talent coming in to strengthen an already talented squad. Watch this space for a more in depth chat with our first team players throughout the season, but for now here is a wee sneak peak of the current squad, 2015/16;

Goalkeepers:

Linda Gibson
Caylea Fraser

Defenders:

Ainsley Douglas
Laura Smith
Eilidh Barbour
Karen Wright
Terri Donnelly – NEW SIGNING
Lauren MacMillan – NEW SIGNING

Midfielders:

Toni Mason
Amy Bulloch
Helen Templeton
Nicole Goodwin
Erin Dickson
Demi McCulloch
Kirsty McBride – NEW SIGNING
Mandy Burns – NEW SIGNING
Tracy Burns – NEW SIGNING
Stacey Cook – NEW SIGNING

Attackers:

Pamela Liddell
Sophie Gallacher
Karen McInally – NEW SIGNING

Alongside a whole host of new and exciting player signings, Motherwell Ladies brings more fantastic news in the form of two new excellent additions to the first team coaching staff.

Firstly, we welcome Malcolm Taylor on board as new coach of the ladies team. Malcolm (also known to staff and players as Malky) has had a vast range of experience in both the men’s and women’s circuit. Malky started coaching with North Lanarkshire Council before moving on and working with Partick Thistle BC. From there he continued his coaching role at Aston Villa BC, Milton Rovers Ladies, two separate stints at Newmains Utd Juniors and a spell at Blantyre Vics Juniors before becoming Motherwell FC Community Trust’s Football Development Manager.

We also welcome Sunnan Shah to the team as the new Sports Scientist. Sunnan gained an Honours Degree in Physiology and Sports Science at the University of Glasgow before gaining valuable experience working with both the men’s Kilmarnock first team and the Under 21s squad.

On behalf of everyone at MLFC, I would like to say a huge welcome to Malky and Sunnan. Both new additions bring a wealth of experience and we are all very excited and privileged to have them on board to work with the Ladies for what is set to be an exciting season.

I am also pleased to announce MLFC have also been privileged enough to secure the expertise of Wes McQuarrie, Goalkeeping coach and Caitlin Whitson club Physio, for the second consecutive season.

Continuing on the theme of all that is new at Motherwell LFC, we continue with more…yes more exciting news.

The SNS Group have been announced as Motherwell Ladies Football Club official photographers. SNS Group is one of the UK’s leading photographic agencies servicing a growing worldwide portfolio of clients across media, business and specialist markets. SNS covers a wide range of high profile sports and their pictures feature regularly in our national newspapers, websites and magazines. A fantastic partnership and we thank SNS Group for their support this season. For a closer look, go to www.snspix.com

And the news doesn’t stop there (… I did say there was change a foot at the ‘Well!)

I am very happy to announce that our new home pitch for the season will be the John Cumming Stadium, Carluke. The John Cumming Stadium is situated ‘up the hill’; next to Carluke Leisure Centre and offers the Ladies first class football facilities with a sheltered stand to house both home and travelling supporters. The Ladies would love to see as many supporters at home games as possible and on behalf of the squad I would like to take this opportunity to invite you all to the John Cumming for our home games this season. The next home game is on Sunday 29th March, 2pm kick off against Blackburn Utd. We look forward to seeing you all there to cheer on the Steel Women and show them your support in league and cup ventures.

Keep your eyes open for up and coming blogs and follow me on twitter: @dibsy_ for all the up to date news and happenings at Motherwell Ladies Football Club.

Motherwell FC is delighted to confirm Gary Owers has been appointed Head of Recruitment.

The 46-year old has extensive experience in the game, having been a player at Sunderland, Notts County and others before managing at Bath, coaching at Bristol City and with assistant roles at both Aldershot and Plymouth Argyle.

He has also held scouting positions at Leyton Orient, Gillingham and Partick Thistle in the recent past.

Gary will lead a vastly expanded team who will work to enhance the Scout7 database now at the club.

A newly recruited group of scouts based in Scotland, England, Ireland and even continental Europe has been created, none of which have been in place before, who will monitor matches on a daily basis and form a cohesive talent identification system for Ian Baraclough.

Gary will also head the Academy Scouting department, to ensure the club is in with the best chance of recruiting the elite young players in the local region.

Long-term Chief Scout Bobby Jenks has left his role at Fir Park and everyone at the club would like to thank him for both his distinguished service and significant contribution made over several decades.

‘Well boss Ian Baraclough added: “Gary is someone that has a fantastic knowledge of players given his scouting background.

[pullquote]He brings a real understanding of not only the English Football League, but also the Conference and even lower. He has also had a number of roles within a football club, so has a good grounding on what it takes off the park as well as on it.[/pullquote]

“In terms of the role, it’s hugely important for me to have someone in place who knows exactly what I am trying to bring to this football club, the philosophy I want to adopt and the strategy the club has for long-term sustainability and development.

“We now have a significant structure in place that will give us the best possible chance to identify and recruit talent from a young age, collated within our own database, that will hopefully assist the football club in the short, medium and long term.”

General Manager Alan Burrows said: “The trading of players is absolutely key to our strategy.

“To do that, we must have more eyes and ears on the ground, but also a formal structure of how every player we watch is reported on, monitored and then recommended. Our new partnership with Scout7 will certainly be crucial for us in that regard.

“We are delighted to have someone of Gary’s experience and contacts on board, I think he will really add something to the club and is already coordinating a team of very experienced scouts.

“We now have significant coverage across the United Kingdom and Ireland. We had nothing like it even a few months ago.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the outgoing Bobby Jenks, who served the club so fantastically well over the years. He leaves with our thanks and best wishes for the future.”

 Extended highlights from Fir Park as ‘Well and Kilmarnock share the spoils in a hard-fought 1-1 draw.

Action pictures from this afternoon’s 1-1 SPFL Premiership draw with Kilmarnock at Fir Park.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

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