Latest News

Images from today’s  2-3 defeat to Dundee in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix

[svgallery name=”dundee290417″]

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson has called for individual errors to be cut out after his side lost 2-3 against Dundee this afternoon.

A controversial decision and some costly mistakes ultimately cost the Steelmen as Dundee leapfrogged Robinson’s men to move one point above them.

Speaking to MFC TV at full time, the Northern Irishman expressed his disappointment and reflected on this afternoon’s basement clash.

He said: “It’s a huge disappointment, I thought we dominated the first half and it’s probably the best 45 minutes we’ve had possession-wise since I’ve come in to the football club.

[pullquote]We make an individual error just before half time and then you go in 1-0 down and you find it hard to believe.[/pullquote]

“We make an individual error just before half time and then you go in 1-0 down and you find it hard to believe.”

He added: “We’re still very much in the game though but then the goals either side of ours weren’t good enough.

“The individual errors have to stop if we’re to remain in this division, they have to be put out the game.”

You can watch the manager’s full post-match interview on MFC TV’s official YouTube channel.

[tab:Match report]

Motherwell were edged out by Dundee as Neil McCann’s side leapfrogged the Fir Parkers to leave the Steelmen in the play-off spot. 

Despite second half goals from Louis Moult and Chris Cadden prompting a fight back, defensive lapses ultimately had Stephen Robinson’s men chasing the game.

However, for the second time this season, the Dens’ men had a slice of good fortune when Motherwell had a claim for a legitimate goal overlooked.

Captain Keith Lasley was recalled to the starting line-up, taking the midfield berth vacated by the injured Stephen Pearson in an otherwise unchanged ‘Well side.

Hopeful of maintaining the momentum from the last home win over Inverness Caley, the Fir Parkers’ took the game to a Dundee side in their first match under their new manager.

Despite having the bulk of the possession in the first half hour, ‘Well made no impression on Scott Bain’s goal as his team mates happily sat in.

A succession of free kicks from Elliot Frear failed to find a ‘Well player in the box until 30 minutes when the winger’s cross picked out Moult. But after chesting the ball down, the striker’s left foot effort was straight at the ‘keeper.

Five minutes later a lung-bursting run from Frear ended with an inviting cross and although Moult got his head to the ball it was after a push on Darren O’Dea.

With Frear and Chris Cadden unable to get in behind the visitor’s, Bain was untroubled until four minutes from the break when Cadden’s intended cross for Ryan Bowman was dipping under the bar until the Dens’ ‘keeper palmed it over.

It looked like stalemate as half-time loomed, when out of the blue Dundee nicked the lead.

Marcus Haber’s effort was palmed down by Craig Samson but as the ‘keeper scrambled to gather the loose ball Mark O’Hara lashed it high into the net.

If that was a blow to ‘Well’s hopes of taking three points, they were dealt a sickener four minutes after the restart. Kevin Holt was given to much freedom to set up Paul McGowan and although his effort was blocked in the goalmouth, Haber poked the ball over the line to double Dundee’s lead.

Within a minute that was halved and the home hopes lifted. Frear’s inswinging corner found its way to Moult at the far corner of the six-yard box who took a touch before superbly slamming the ball high over a busy goal line for his 14^th league goal of the season.

That should have been the springboard for a ‘Well comeback but instead Dundee restored their two goal advantage. Again, Holt had space on the left and his cross found O’Hara diving to head home with a deflection which left Samson wrong footed.

With over 30 minutes remaining there was still time for ‘Well to take something from the game as Lionel Ainsworth replaced Bowman.

And only a great save from Bain denied Frear whose right foot shot from 12 yards was curling inside the post until the Dens’ ‘keeper at full stretch palmed the ball behind.

Shea Gordon and Craig Clay joined the action for the final 20 minutes as ‘Well pushed forward in the hope of pulling a goal back.

And it appeared to have arrived in the 76^th minute when Ainsworth’s corner was headed on goal by Ben Heneghan’s and looked well over the line before being cleared by former ‘Well man Tom Hately. But as the ‘Well players turned to celebrate their was no indication from his assistant referee and Steven McLean waved play-on.

Three minutes later the ball was in the Dundee net. Moult’s touch sent Ainsworth through and although he screwed the ball across face of the goal Cadden slid in to guide the ball home and set up a grandstand finish.

As ‘Well chased a deserved equaliser, it took a fine double save from Samson to deny McGowan and Haber, and keep home hopes alive until the final whistle.

[tab:As it happened]

 Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

FT: Motherwell 2 – 3 Dundee

90′ | 2-3

83′ | 2-3
Dundee sub, El Bakhtaoui on for Ross.

80′ | 2-3
Cadden gets on the end of Ainsworth’s shot, sliding it into the net.

MATCH ATTAX | Young ‘Well fans can vote now for their Man of the Match. Tweet us with your name, age, choice and #MatchAttaxMOTM now!

GOAL!!!

76′ | 1-3
Drama again as Heneghan’s header looked to be over the line but no goal given.

72′ | 1-3
Motherwell sub, Clay on for McDonald

69′ | 1-3
Motherwell sub, Lasley makes way for Gordon

62′ | 1-3
Dundee sub, Wighton off for Williams

61′ | 1-3
Great chance for Frear but Bain saves brilliantly, diving low to his left to tip past.

57′ | 1-3
Motherwell sub, Ainsworth on for Bowman.

56′ | 1-3
Goal – Dundee make it 3. Wighton’s cross headed home by O’Hara.

50′ | 1-2
From a corner, Moult gets some space at the back post and superbly lashes it past Bain!

GOAL!!

48′ | 0-2
Goal – It’s 0-2 to Dundee. Holt gets dow the left far too easily and from his cross Haber pokes home.

Second half is underway. COYW!!

Both teams are back out. A big 45 minutes lies ahead.

HT: Motherwell 0 – 1 Dundee

45′ | 0-1
Goal – Dundee’s first attack of the game leads to a goal. O’Hara lashes in a loose ball from close range.

42′ | 0-0
Close! Cadden’s cross/shot is heading into the top corner but for the hand of Bain, who tips it over.

37′ | 0-0
Great ball in by Frear forces O’Dea to head over his own bar. From the corner, Bain manages to punch clear for a throw-in.

32′ | 0-0
‘Well have a free-kick in a decent are on the right. Frear will take…..again no chance comes of it.

31′ | 0-0
First decent chance of the game as the ball falls to Moult 10 yards out but he fires straight into the arms of Bain.

28′ | 0-0
Gomis finally booked. Been persistently fouling all game and is now shown the yellow for a foul on McDonald

25′ | 0-0
Free-kick to Motherwell about 30 yards out, whipped in by Frear but Bain punches clear

6′ | 0-0
Dundee have their first corner of the game….Moult does well to head clear.

…played in too deep and it’s cleared for a throw-in.

4′ | 0-0
Frear twists and turns and wins ‘Well a corner on the left…

Lasley gets the game underway. COYW!!!!

Out come both sides, usual colours for both. Kick-off moments away!

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson:

Dundee manager Neil McCann:

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”322″]

The ‘Signing Zone’ continues this week prior to tomorrow’s fixture against Dundee at Fir Park. 

So why not come to Fir Park tomorrow afternoon where Stephen Pearson and Craig Clay will be in The Well Shop’s ‘Signing Zone’ from 12.45pm until 1.15pm to meet fans, sign autographs and pose for selfies.

It provides an opportunity for the fans to meet Pearson, who came back to the club in January, and Clay, who signed last summer.

Each week, two different players will take their seats as the season progresses as part of the developing fan engagement programme here at Fir Park.

Share your pics on twitter @motherwellfc using #MFCSigningZone or facebook.com/motherwellfc

The club shop is situated at the Cooper Stand and is open from 9.30am.

The nineteenth issue of the Steelmen matchday magazine is on sale ahead of tomorrow’s league clash with Dundee at Fir Park.

Here, we take a look at what can be found inside the 68-page programme.

Aussie forward Scott McDonald looks ahead to a crucial clash and reflects on the season so far, as well as discussing the youngsters who have broke in to the first team.

Stephen Robinson gives his thoughts ahead of the game and there is an update from club captain Keith Lasley, along with ‘Getting to Know You’ – where Zak Jules is profiled – in the latest issue of the 2016/17 season programme.

The interesting feature ‘Well in Numbers’, where feature writer Andrew Paterson looks at some of the key numbers in Motherwell history, continues.

As part of the clubs aims to work closely with the Motherwell FC Community Trust and The ‘Well Society, regular updates are included in the programme.

‘Steelmen’ main features on tomorrow’s opposition remain, including an in depth look at Dundee as well as this season’s new ‘Tactics Board’, where we look at Neil McCann’s potential starting eleven as he takes charge for the first time.

Our match report section looks back on the Fir Parker’s big victory over Inverness CT two weeks ago.

An update on Stephen Craigan’s U20s side is included too, reporting on the youngster’s recent run of results.

All the latest news from Fir Park is included too, and you’ll get all the latest from the Ticket Office as well as an in-depth look at tomorrow’s match-officials.

All this and more is available for £3 and is on sale from the Club Shop as well as the usual sellers located in and around the ground pre-match.

You can also order back editions or take a subscription to the magazine for the rest of the season by visiting the website of our publishers, Curtis-Sports.

Club sponsor Suicide Prevention, North Lanarkshire would like to invite supporters and their friends and family to a suicideTALK training event on Thursday 4th May in the Millennium suite at Fir Park.

In attendance will be first team goalkeeper Craig Samson who himself was once affected by a close friend taking their own life.

suicideTALK invites all participants—regardless of prior training or experience—to become more aware of suicide prevention opportunities in their community. Dealing openly with the stigma around suicide, this exploration focuses upon the question “Should we talk about suicide?” By looking at this question in a number of different ways, session members can discover some of the beliefs and ideas about suicide in their communities—and in themselves. suicideTALK participants learn…

• How suicide is a serious community health problem that is often misunderstood
• How personal and community beliefs about suicide affect suicide stigma and safety
• How the steps taught in LivingWorks’ safeTALK program can be used to help prevent suicide
• How to get involved in life protection, preservation, and promotion activities in the community

Imagine… a suicide-safer community

For those that wish to attend the event please arrive at the the club at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start and head to the main entrance at the Phil O’Donnell stand.

For information on the great work that Suicide Prevention do please visit their website http://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/safer

Motherwell host Dundee in the first match after the split as Stephen Robinson’s side head in to a crucial run of fixtures.

Following the 4-2 victory over Inverness two weeks ago at Fir Park, the Steelmen will be keen to maintain their momentum, while the visiting Dee will have a new lease of life on their side following the appointment of Neil McCann.

Tomorrow’s clash comes with added importance given the fact that just two points separate Motherwell in tenth from Dundee in eleventh – as the two sides search for three points in the hunt for survival.

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson is calling on his side to show more desire, more fight and more hunger than the Dark Blues, who will undoubtedly show some signs of a boost under the stewardship and direction of a new boss.

And the Northern Irishman is not concerned about finding that attitude in his team, insisting the players have given their all for him so far.

“Make no mistake about it – the last run of fixtures is massive for the club.

“I think we look forward to Saturday’s game because it gives us a chance to leave a gap between ourselves and Dundee.”

He added: “It’s an opportunity for us – there’s confidence around the camp, we’ve had a good week and there’s been lots we’ve worked on so we’re confident going in to the game.”

The ‘Well boss will have to field a side without Stephen McManus and Richard Tait, who are out through groin injuries, while top scorer Louis Moult has overcome the slight knock that he had been playing through in recent weeks.

Tickets for the crucial clash are on sale from the Fir Park ticket office today until 4pm, and can be purchased tomorrow morning from 10am until kick off, as well as on the turnstiles.

For those who can’t make it, you can follow all the action on Twitter @MotherwellFC and listen to live commentary on mixlr.com/motherwellfc

‘Well winger Elliott Frear has become an integral part of Stephen Robinson’s plans since the gaffer took charge.

But initially, Elliott had to bide his time in the squad after his arrival in January.

Fast forward three months or so and the Englishman has grown in confidence and is raring to go as he prepares for the post-split fixtures.

Motherwell’s number 17 believes the entire squad is relishing the challenge as they head in to a crucial final five matches.

And after a positive performance and result against Inverness two weeks ago, Elliott hopes that the positives from that win are carried in to Saturday’s match.

“It’s a big game and it’s obviously the next game so it’s the biggest game we’ve got,” he said.

[pullquote]I’ve enjoyed playing at this level and every game I feel like I’m getting better and I’m getting more confidence.[/pullquote]

“We’re going to be positive and after that great result against Inverness we can hopefully take the good points from that game in to the Dundee game on Saturday.”

He added: “I’ve enjoyed playing at this level and every game I feel like I’m getting better and I’m getting more confidence.

“It is a relegation battle but we’re all relishing the challenge.”

Dundee arrive at Fir Park under the stewardship of new boss Neil McCann, who takes charge of his first game as interim manager tomorrow afternoon.

And the travelling Dee supporters will be keen to see their new manager lead them out of their seven game losing streak as the post-split fixtures get underway.

Two points separate the visitors from the Steelmen, only adding to the importance of Saturday’s Premiership clash.

Goals from Alex D’Acol and Michael Devlin dealt the Dark Blues a crucial blow two weeks ago, resulting in the club sacking Paul Hartley.

They moved swiftly to appoint McCann though – announcing their new boss the following day.

And while they have endured a tough run, the appointment of a new gaffer will certainly boost confidence and belief around the club as they arrive in Lanarkshire.

They will be further boosted in the knowledge that their last league win came here at Fir Park, back in February, when they put the Steelmen to the sword by scoring five before the break and winning 5-1 to send them to 30 points and some way ahead of the basement battle.

They have remained on that tally since then though and have slid from sixth spot to eleventh in the space of nine weeks.

This weekend’s visitors boast two ex-Well men in Tom Hateley and Henrik Ojamaa.

27-year-old Hateley spent four seasons at Fir Park, scoring ten goals from his roles in midfield and in defence too whenever called upon.

He was part of the club’s most successful recent years, involved in Champions League matches and in the starting line-up for the Scottish Cup final in 2011.

Having made nearly 150 appearances in claret and amber, Tom’s career ventured to England and Poland before returning to Scotland in the summer window with Dundee.

The 27-year-old makes a step closer to his former home this weekend when he steps back out on the turf at Fir Park, for what is a crucial fixture for both sets of players, supporters and the clubs.

Estonian winger Ojamaa is set to return to parent club Go Ahead Eagles in the summer after arriving in Tayside in the January transfer window on a six-month loan spell.

And the 25-year-old enjoyed two spells in Lanarkshire starting back in 2012.

The winger started life on fire in claret and amber, scoring four goals in his first five games.

So far with Dundee, Ojamaa has provided three assists in eleven appearances, including one against the ‘Well back in February.

Tomorrow is the fourth meeting between Dundee and the Steelmen, and the third at Fir Park.

It is by far the most important meeting though, which could have a huge say in the outcome of the Premiership relegation and play-off spots.

Tickets for the Steelmen’s Ladbrokes Premiership clash with Dundee are on sale from the Fir Park ticket office.

And in the first post-split fixture, Stephen Robinson’s side take on the Dee under the stewardship of the newly appointed Neil McCann.

Motherwell sit just two points ahead of Dundee and one spot in the table – and Saturday’s fixture is one not to be missed.

Admission prices are as follows: 

• Concessions are listed as 65 and over and 16-17 year olds
• Juveniles are listed as under 16s
• Family ticket consists of one adult and one juvenile
• Cheaper priced tickets are for the John Hunter Stand only
• Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Darren  on 07722912666 or email darren@mfcdsa.com

[tab:Match report]

Motherwell picked the perfect time to end their winless run at Fir Park with a hard fought victory over Inverness CT and hoist themselves seven points ahead of the bottom placed Highlanders.

And after being denied a couple of goals this season when the ball had crossed the line, ‘Well’s luck changed for the critical third goal when Owain Fon-Williams appeared to have prevented Scott McDonald’s header from crossing his goal-line.

That controversy should have been redundant as an early double from Chris Cadden and the returning Louis Moult should have had ‘Well comfortably on course for three crucial points.

However, an Alex Fisher double either side of half-time forced ‘Well to raise their game for the final half hour and McDonald’s goal and a first senior goal from Allan Campbell set up the Fir Park men for another ‘six pointer’ when Dundee visit in a fortnight’s time.

Moult returned from injury to lead a three pronged attack and in a perfect start, ’Well found themselves 2-0 up within the opening eight minutes.

With six minutes played Campbell fed the ball wide to Cadden who, instead of bolting down the wing, cut inside and after drifting across a couple of opponents the young midfielder curled a sumptuous left foot shot beyond the diving Owain Fon-Williams and inside the ‘keeper’s right post for a glorious goal and start.

Two minutes later it was 2-0. Moult whipped in an inswinging cross intended for Bowman but the ball curled narrowly over the striker and the ‘keeper to bounce over the line for a fortunate goal.

Motherwell should have been further ahead after 15 minutes when Moult’s low 30-yard drive was palmed out by Fon-Williams but, after latching onto the rebound, Bowman only rattled the ball against a relieved Caley ‘keeper.

From what should have been a commanding position ‘Well lost their way and after a few threats on the home goal the Highlander’s pulled one back in the 21^st minute. Greg Tansey’s shot was down the middle of the goal until Fisher’s outstretched leg deflected the ball beyond Samson.

As the visitor’s began to boss the midfield, Samson became the busier ‘keeper and he smartly held a rising shot from Fisher.

However, it was the Thistle stopper who produced a stunning triple save after 32 minutes and prevented ‘Well from restoring their two goal advantage.

Frear’s cut back picked out Pearson and his shot was blocked by Fon-Williams. The ball found its way back to Bowman and from 8-yards his thumping effort forced a terrific reaction save from the ‘keeper before he recovered to push Moult’s follow up round the post.

Three minutes later Samson matched his opposite number with a couple of stunning stops of his own. Fisher evaded Carl McHugh’s challenge to head towards goal and his low angled drive looked destined for the far corner of the goal until Samson, at full stretch, got a firm hand to guide the ball narrowly past his post.

And from the resultant corner, Fisher was again denied when his bullet header was parried wide of his post by the ‘Well ‘keeper.

As half-time approached, the Steelmen regained some of the their composure and goal threat, as Cadden’s in swinging corner was punched off the line by Fon-Williams before the ‘keeper held Pearson’s effort.

Motherwell started the second half on the front foot with a series of crosses testing Caley at the back.

But against the run of play the visitors grabbed an equaliser after 54 minutes when a through ball through a flat footed home defence found Fisher who calmly chipped the advancing Samson to make it 2-2.

Four minutes later, Stephen Robinson reshaped his side – Lionel Ainsworth replaced a limping Bowman and from that stage‘Well took complete control.

After 65 minutes – Frear, who grows in confidence and influence with each passing game, made space on his right before delivering the ball to the back post where McDonald’s header was clawed off his line by Fon-Williams. But as play raged on the referee’s assistant indicated that the ball had crossed the line and ‘Well had regained the lead.

The Thistle ‘keeper protested that he had saved it but there was no doubting the next goal just five minutes later.

This time McDonald showed great determination after slipping at the egde of the box. He recovered to get to the bye-line and from a similar position to Frear, squeezed the ball across goal for the inrushing Campbell to power his header home.

That quick double knocked the fight out of Inverness and as they pushed for a goal, ‘Well might have added another but had only a Jacob Blyth’s turn and low shot straight at the ‘keeper for their efforts.

In injury time, Samson capped a fine afternoon with an impressive save high to his left to push away Iain Vigurs’ 30 yard drive, as ‘Well moved away from ICT and above Dundee at the foot of the table.

[tab:As it happened]

 Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

FULL TIME!

91′ | 4-2
Great save from Samson! Dives high to his left to palm Vigurs’ shot away!!

90′ | 4-2
Three minutes added on.

88′ | 4-2
Really, really poor tackle on Ainsworth from Tansey. Booked.

87′ | 4-2
Motherwell sub, Hammell off for Jules

86′ | 4-2
Ainsworth picks out Blyth with a good forward ball. The striker takes it on his chest before firing at Fon-Williams

83′ | 4-2
Motherwell sub, Moult makes way for Blyth

76′ | 4-2
Campbell takes an elbow to the face and Collum lets play rage on for a good few minutes before he stops play for treatment.

74′ | 4-2
ICT sub, Anier on for King

69′ | 4-2
It’s ALLAN CAMPBELL!!!! McDonald clips in a great ball and the midfielder heads past Fon-Williams!!

GGGGOOOOAAAALLLL!!!!

65′ | 3-2
Great ball in from Frear, headed off the post by McDonald and clawed out by Fon-Williams but linesman said it was over the line!

GGGOOOAAALLL!!!!!

62′ | 2-2
ICT sub, Vigurs off for Mulraney

61′ | 2-2
‘Wel break through Pearson who then threads in Ainsworth but his shot is deflected wide for a corner.

59′ | 2-2
Motherwell sub, Bowman off for Ainsworth

54′ | 2-2
Goal – Fisher gets his second, latched onto a nothing ball and clipped it over Samson’s head.

Both teams are back out, it’s time for the second 45….COYW!!!

Here are today’s 50/50 draw numbers

1st: 169304
2nd: 166474
3rd: 169308

HT: Motherwell 2 – 1 Inverness CT #MFCvICTFC

Two minutes added on

43′ | 2-1
Corner to Motherwell….Cadden’s curling delivery is punched off the line by the ‘keeper

36′ | 2-1
Fisher goes clean through on goal but Samson produces a huge save, palming wide for a corner.

33′ | 2-1
What a save from Fon-Williams! Bowman collects it 7 yards out and on the spins fires powerfully at a goal but somehow its saved!

29′ | 2-1
Moult gets on the end of a flick-on but tries the early pot-shot on his left foot. Comfortable save for Fon-Williams

26′ | 2-1
Good chance for Fisher. Latches onto a ball into the box but fires straight at Samson.

21′ | 2-1
King advances forward and his shot from range flashes inches past the post.

21′ | 2-1
Goal – Caley pull one back. Tansey’s shot takes a wicked deflection off Fisher and ends up in the net.

15′ | 2-0
Moult’s shot is parried into the path of Bowman who follows it in with the ICT defence static but Fon-Williams saves his effort

13′ | 2-0
And there is that change, Tremarco off for McNaughton

12′ | 2-0
Pause in play as Tremarco and Cadden are down injured. The Inverness man is going to be subbed…

9′ | 2-0
It’s 2!! @louismoult ‘s cross is completely missed by Fon-Willams and it sneaks in!

GGGGOOOAAALLLL!!!!!

7′ | 1-0
Great strike! @chrissycadds comes in off the left and produces a stunning left-footed strike past Fon-Williams!

GGGGOOOOAAALLLL!!!!

4′ | 0-0
Moult runs the right channel and wins a corner. Frear delivers but Draper heads clear.

2′ | 0-0
Early chance for the visitors. Free-kick about 25 yards out, but Tansey blasts well over

McDonald gets the game underway. COYW!!!

Both teams are out at a sunny Fir Park. Kick-off moments away…

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson:

Inverness CT manager Richie Foran:

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”321″]

Motherwell Football Club Community Trust will be running a fun day of football participation on in-service/election day on Thursday 4 May at Fir Park Astro.

Children will be allocated teams on arrival and the day will comprise skills challenges, fitness races and fun matches.

Youngsters aged 5-12 will be supervised by the Community Trust fully qualified coaches. The day runs from 9am-3pm with drop off from 8:45am. Full day is just £10 with £5 for a half day.

Community Trust General Manager Dawn Middleton said: “After our extremely successful Easter Camps, we look forward to hosting yet another fun day of football.

“A day of football on an in service day is not only a great way for youngsters to spend their day off and is an ideal form of support for parents.”

To book, visit the trust website here: https://www.motherwellfcct.co.uk/Event/trust-tournament-thursday