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Motherwell travel to face Aberdeen this weekend in the Ladbrokes Premiership – on the back of a 2-1 win over Kilmarnock.

Caretaker ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson will take charge of his second fixture at the helm of the Fir Parkers, as they travel to tackle the Dons on their home patch.

Following the heavy defeat to Derek McInnes’ side less than a month ago, the squad and supporters alike will be keen to bounce back and maintain the momentum following last Saturday’s win.

Robinson admitted that maintaining the momentum from his first match in charge is hugely important.

The Northern Irishman said: “He said: “There’s been a lot of positivity around the place, obviously winning football matches does that to you and it makes the week a lot easier.

“We’ve tried to keep the momentum of what we’ve done but reiterate that that isn’t enough – it was one game.”

He added: “The passion and desire and the basics that we did well is a given in any game, and that needs to be done in every single game.

“If you don’t do that, it doesn’t matter about tactics. We’ve readdressed that and kept focussing on that and building on little bits and pieces.”

Tomorrow’s league encounter is the third meeting between the two sides and the second in Aberdeen.

[pullquote]The passion and desire and the basics that we did well is a given in any game, and that needs to be done in every single game.[/pullquote]

Motherwell will be searching for their first win of the campaign over the second placed Reds and an important three points that could see them move to within two points of the top six.

Aberdeen, meanwhile, will be searching for their eighth win in ten matches as they aim to extend their lead over third placed Rangers to nine points.

Motherwell will be without experienced centre-back Stephen McManus, who injured his groin against Celtic last month, and top scorer Louis Moult due to an accumulation of yellows.

The hosts have Andrew Considine missing through suspension, while Mark Reynolds is sidelined with an injury.

Scott McDonald missed the previous trip to Pittodrie as Motherwell slumped to a 7-2 defeat.

But the striker is available for selection for Stephen Robinson and is sure to be a key component for the visiting Steelmen tomorrow.

Skippy echoed the caretaker boss’ comments ahead of the clash, admitting that everyone involved showed great character in last weekend’s win – following a difficult week around the club.

The Aussie described the spell in which Mark McGhee was dismissed as “a test of character” – but one that the team managed to get through with a positive result against Killie.

Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Aberdeen, Skippy insisted that the mentality of the Steelmen to bounce back immediately shows they are up for the fight this season.

McDonald said: “In all the doom and gloom of a really difficult week, we got through that and showed character.

[pullquote]To come back from a goal down at half time showed great character from everyone involved. It shows that we’re really up for the fight until the end of the season.[/pullquote]

“It really was a test of character for all the players in there, young and old, after the disappointment and the shock of the manager leaving.”

He added: “To pick up the reins again, for Stephen to take over and get us right and ready for the weekend and then even to come back from a goal down at half time showed great character from everyone involved. It shows that we’re really up for the fight until the end of the season.”

The forward is hunting for his tenth goal of the season and his 70^th in a Motherwell jersey.

Aberdeen will be full of desire as they host the Steelmen tomorrow, as they have the potential to move nine points ahead of third placed Rangers.

And manager Derek McInnes and his side will be keen to maintain their positive run of form, which has seen them win 11 of their last 13 matches.

However, a recent defeat to Hamilton Accies ended a five game win streak for the Reds and handed the Northerners their seventh loss of the campaign.

With their grip firmly on second place, it is no surprise to see that Aberdeen are the second highest top scorers in the league as well as the side with the second best defensive record in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Derek McInnes, who has done a sterling job this season, has been linked with the Rangers job at points this term.

However, with his side enjoying another excellent campaign, the Reds boss looks set to stay with his club and guide them towards a third consecutive runner-up spot in the top flight.

With a small, close-knit squad, Aberdeen will likely be looking to strengthen in summer following the confirmation that midfielder Peter Pawlett will be departing the club for MK Dons in the upcoming transfer window.

However, they were boosted by the contract renewal of Jonny Hayes last month– with the Irishman committing his future to the club through to summer 2019.

He has been extremely influential to the Dons in the 2016/17 season, providing 16 assists and bagging 7 goals in all competitions.

Despite those impressive statistics, the winger falls just behind Niall McGinn and Adam Rooney who have scored 12 and 17 goals respectively, whilst the former has chipped in with 10 assists to the latters 7.

It is not just going forward where McInnes’ men have proved to be impressive, with six clean sheets in ten matches in 2017 integral to the fine run the club find themselves in.

The hosts had kept just eight clean sheets in 24 domestic matches this season before the turn of the year – showing a significant improvement in 2017.

As the Steelmen make the trip north and the Reds lay in wait, it makes for an enticing encounter between the two sides who are both on the back of narrow wins last weekend.

You can listen to live commentary of tomorrow’s match on mixlr.com/motherwellfc , follow all the action on twitter @MotherwellFC and catch all the highlights, as well as post match reaction, on MFC TVs YouTube channel.

Supporters will get the chance to play a game of bowls with a difference on 18th March, as Utilita Energy’s new half-time challenge, Utilita Football Bowls, arrives at Fir Park.

Taking place at the fixture with St Johnstone on Saturday 18^th March, Scotland’s newest half-time challenge will see two fans take each other on in a game of ‘Football Bowls’  – demonstrated by first team players Keith Lasley and Chris Cadden, below.

Here’s how it works:

• Coin toss to start – winner decides if they want to go first or second
• Players take turns to kick the ball across the Utilita branded target mat to score points
• Each player gets 4 attempts
• Total score of balls remaining in the scoring target area, after all attempts are taken, are totalled – highest score wins

Both fans selected to take part will receive a ticket for themselves and a friend for the match, with the winner on the day receiving a complimentary pair of tickets for Motherwell FC’s next home tie.

To be in with a chance of taking part in this unique half-time challenge and playing on the pitch at Fir Park, simply send your full name, date of birth, and contact telephone number to football@utilita.co.uk now.

Utilita Energy are the official energy partner of Motherwell Football Club and as part of the deal, every ‘Well fan who switches to Utilita Energy will also receive a £25 voucher to be redeemed at the Motherwell FC Club Store. Each fan can also look forward to receiving a free industry-leading smart meter AND limited edition exclusive Motherwell-branded cover for their In-Home Display.

Motherwell fans can sign up NOW.

Just go to http://www.utilita.co.uk/Motherwell and type in the promo code ‘MOTHERWELL’ when switching – or call 0345 206 8777 and quote ‘MOTHERWELL’.

Entries close Wednesday 15^th March at 12pm. Terms and conditions apply. Only over 16s can apply.

A reminder that complimentary travel to tomorrow’s fixture at Pittodrie is available to all supporters who made the trip north to the abandoned match earlier this season.

A supporters bus will be leaving the Bentley Hotel, Motherwell at 10am. Please contact Jim Frame on 01698 299650 to reserve your seat.

Transport on the bus will be subsidised on proof of attendance by ticket stub from the abandoned match, or with the replacement tickets issued at the rearranged game on Wednesday 15^th February.

Tickets are still available from the Fir Park Ticket office – open Friday 9.15am -3.30pm or cash on the day – with reduced ticket prices:

Those who require wheelchair, or ambulant tickets please contact Shaz or John McCaskie on 07711 992161 or 07745 494631.

For any other information please contact Wendy at the Ticket office on 01698 338002.

Supporters must initially enter Pittodrie through turnstiles 44-49.

Bus parking is available in the Golf Road car park at the top, west corner.

There are to be no surfing flags and banners will only be granted approval once the safety officer has inspected them on the day – confirming when they can and cannot be displayed.

March 19, 2016. 

Despite trailing by a goal to nil at half time, Motherwell shrugged off the effects of a midweek virus to overcome Aberdeen and secure their fifth win in six games.

A Kenny McLean penalty just before half time was followed by two quick-fire goals from Scott McDonald and Louis Moult, his eighteenth of the campaign, which ultimately earned the Steelmen a big three points.

More dramatically, having languished in eleventh place just over a month before the clash at Fir Park with Derek McInnes’ side, the win hoisted the Fir Park outfit to fifth, with Mark McGhee readjusting his sights for a top six finish.

The virus, which had the game under threat, only cost Motherwell the services of Ben Hall. However, with Stephen Pearson, James McFadden, Louis Laing and skipper Keith Lasley also injured, it forced Mark McGhee to make a number changes from the side which beat Dundee United; Kieran Kennedy, Morgaro Gomis and Jack Leitch all coming into the starting line-up.

And along with some key saves from Connor Ripley the inexperienced midfield worked hard to back up ‘Well’s front three for an exciting fight back.

With the Dons equally determined to keep within touching distance of Celtic at the top of the table, Derek McInnes’ men made the better start and had the better of the first half.

After only eight minutes Shay Logan’s cross was knocked out to the edge of the area where Ryan Jack fired a low drive through the packed box and force a good diving save from Connor Ripley.

Minutes later and with the home goal under pressure, Simon Church found time to swivel in front of goal only to fire his shot wide of the post.

After a couple of tame threats the Dons’ ‘keeper Scott Brown was relieved in Motherwell’s first attack as Louis Moult’s cross picked out Marvin Johnson whose controlled volley curled over the bar.

Aberdeen were lucky after 29 minutes when the width of post denied ‘Well a great opening goal. Josh Law’s lengthy free kick found Moult at the corner of the penalty area but after a slick one two with Scott McDonald, ‘Well’s leading scorer fired a stinging shot off Brown’s right hand post.

With the game heading towards the interval, Aberdeen opened the scoring from the penalty spot in controversial circumstances. Johnson was flattened by Andy Considine in front of the dugouts and as play raced towards the home box Jonny Hayes was tripped from behind by Kennedy. There was no questioning the award or McLean’s confidence as he slammed the spot kick past Ripley to put the Dons ahead.

With Mark McGhee still remonstrated with the fourth official, Ripley made a fabulous save to block Niall McGinn’s thumping close range volley and keep his side in the game.

With Aberdeen content to hold their lead and ‘Well unable to open them up there was little goalmouth action early in the second half.

After 67 minutes, though the Dons came close to extending their lead.

Another outstanding save by Ripley denied McLean’s sweet left foot strike, pushing a 25-yard drive behind. Then from Hayes’ corner, Simon Church’s overhead effort sent the ball onto the crossbar.

Aberdeen looked comfortable until a dramatic six minutes turned the game Motherwell’s way.

After 73 minutes, Lionel Ainsworth, brought on for the tiring Cadden, floated a ball into the box. Johnson sent the ball into the six-yard box and after it bounced between Moult and Mark Reynolds, McDonald cleverly nodded it over Brown and under the bar to level the scores.

Before the Dons could recover, ‘Well stunned them with a second. Johnson sent the ball into the box and Moult nipped between Reynolds and his advancing Brown to delicately lob the ball over the goalkeeper and into the empty net put the home side in front.

Worse was to follow for the Dons when Barry Robson, on the field for only two minutes when he was shown a straight red for an elbow on Moult.

It was nail biting until the finish and Motherwell had chances through Johnson and substitute Wes Fletcher to score a third and kill off Aberdeen, but it also took another fine save from Ripley from Hayes’ low free kick to secure all three points and strengthen ‘Well’s place in the top six.

Striker Scott McDonald believes that everyone involved showed great character following a difficult week around the club.

The Aussie described last week as “a test of character” – but one that the team managed to get through with a positive result against Kilmarnock at the weekend.

Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Aberdeen, Skippy insisted that the mentality of the Steelmen to bounce back immediately shows they are up for the fight this season.

Speaking to the press, McDonald said: “In all the doom and gloom of a really difficult week, we got through that and showed character.

[pullquote]To pick up the reins again, for Stephen to take over and get us right and ready for the weekend and then even to come back from a goal down at half time showed great character from everyone involved.[/pullquote]

“It really was a test of character for all the players in there, young and old, after the disappointment and the shock of the manager leaving.”

He added: “To pick up the reins again, for Stephen to take over and get us right and ready for the weekend and then even to come back from a goal down at half time showed great character from everyone involved.

“It shows that we’re really up for the fight until the end of the season.”

You can watch Scott’s full press conference on MFC TV’s YouTube channel.

Caretaker ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson has focussed on maintaining the momentum around the club following last week’s win over Kilmarnock.

And the Northern Irishman, who hailed the hard work by the players in their 2-1 comeback win over Killie, insisted it is only one match and they must not get carried away.

Speaking to MFC TV, Robinson looked ahead to the important trip north.

He said: “There’s been a lot of positivity around the place, obviously winning football matches does that to you and it makes the week a lot easier.

[pullquote]There’s been a lot of positivity around the place, obviously winning football matches does that to you and it makes the week a lot easier.[/pullquote]

“We’ve tried to keep the momentum of what we’ve done but reiterate that that isn’t enough – it was one game.”

He added: “The passion and desire and the basics that we did well is a given in any game, and that needs to be done in every single game.

“If you don’t do that, it doesn’t matter about tactics. We’ve readdressed that and kept focussing on that and building on little bits and pieces.”

You can watch Robinson’s full press conference on MFC TV’s YouTube channel.

The next home fixture of the campaign pits the Steelmen against St Johnstone in the Ladbrokes Premiership, and don’t miss out on the chance to experience our matchday hospitality.

There is now limited availability for the vastly popular packages, tailored to suit all budgets and needs.

Choose from our Centenary Suite, Millennium Suite and South Stand Boxes – where you can have a celebration in a box or a day out with friends with our new reduced packages.

[pullquote]It’s a fantastic way to experience a match here at Fir Park, and we look forward to what will be a big day on and off the pitch.[/pullquote]

Head of Commercial and Marketing Suzanne Reid said: “With the St Johnstone game just over a week away, now is the time to secure one of our hospitality packages, which are already selling out fast.

“It’s a fantastic way to experience a match here at Fir Park, and we look forward to what will be a big day on and off the pitch.”

There is also Match Sponsorship options available, but be quick, with all the hospitality packages selling out fast.

For more information, please contact hospitality@motherwellfc.co.uk or phone 01698 33 33 33.

Referee for Saturday’s trip to Aberdeen at Pittodrie is Euan Anderson.

Anderson, 33, will be handling his third Motherwell match of the season after he oversaw the Fir Parkers 1-2 loss against St Johnstone at Fir Park back in August and the dramatic Lanarkshire derby draw on Hogmanay.

A last minute Louis Moult header snatched a point for the ten-man Fir Parkers at the SuperSeal stadium in the last fixture the official took charge of.

In his first ‘Well fixture of the season, a goal from Chris Cadden gave the Steelmen the lead just after half time but St Johnstone responded through Danny Swanson to draw level before Steven McLean snatched the win with 15 minutes remaining.

Saturday’s clash against Aberdeen will be Anderson’s second ‘Well away match of the season, and the official took charge on three occasions last term – just one of those matches away from home for Motherwell.

The first was a vital 3-1 home win over Dundee back in December, when goals from McDonald, Moult and Pearson gave McGhee’s men all three points.

The second was a month later, when Motherwell again won at home, this time the comfortable 5-0 victory over Cove Rangers in the Fourth Round of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

The third and final match was the Fir Parkers final league game away to Celtic, which ended in a 7-0 defeat.

The Dumbarton-based whistler was promoted to category one in the summer of 2011 and has taken charge of a number of Motherwell matches in the past, his first coming in the Scottish Cup fourth round defeat to Albion Rovers at New Douglas Park on November 2013 where a first goal of the season for Albion’s Gary Phillips ensured the Coatbridge outfit’s qualification to the next round of the cup.

He was also in charge of Motherwell’s 2-1 win away to Kilmarnock in 2014/15 season where goals from Stephen Pearson and Lee Erwin secured three points for Well’ on this occasion with an Anthony Straker own-goal being the only blotch to the copybook on that day.

The win was part of a three match win streak that Well’ put together on the backend of the 14/15 season, commencing with a 4-0 victory over Hamilton and a 5-0 victory over St Mirren to bookend the Kilmarnock fixture.

Euan will be assisted by Sean Carr and Andrew McWilliam with Scott Millar on fourth official duties.

Extended highlights from the Highland Football Academy in Dingwall where despite numerous Mothewell chances, ‘Well lost 1-0 at the hands of Ross County.

Under 20s manager Stephen Craigan was generally pleased with his side’s performance this afternoon, but admitted mistakes led to their downfall.

The youngsters lost 1-0 in a table-topping clash with Ross County this afternoon, despite looking the stronger side for the majority of the match.

Speaking to MFC TV at full time, Craigan admitted his disappointment, but was able to draw the positives away from the defeat.

The Northern Irishman said: “We’re disappointed because, aside from the goal, there was only a ten-minute period or so when we couldn’t get the ball and I felt that if anybody was going to win the game it was going to be us.

“It’s disappointing because we make the long journey up, we had a slight change of shape that I felt worked really well for us because there were some good performances, but we just lacked that little bit of quality in the final third.”

[pullquote]Overall, I’m generally pleased with it but we lost the game because somebody didn’t match a one-two and somebody didn’t pick up a set play – that’s what cost you.[/pullquote]

He added: “I don’t just mean the strikers – I mean the final ball in to the box or the final cross at times when we got in behind them.

“That’s when players need to take a little bit of responsibility at times – relax a bit and put good balls in to good areas.”

Aside from the result, Craigan focussed his mind on the individual performances and admitted there were positives to take.

He said: “Overall, I’m generally pleased with it but we lost the game because somebody didn’t match a one-two and somebody didn’t pick up a set play – that’s what cost you.”

You can watch the under-20s boss chat to MFC TV in full on the official YouTube channel.