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Stuart McCall is hoping to repeat the form shown against the bottom six clubs when they meet high-flying Aberdeen on Thursday.

Motherwell have taken maximum points from their ten games against the current bottom six sides.

The Steelmen sit just one point behind Dundee United, the Dons and Inverness, who are all currently tied for second on 32 points.

The record against teams currently in the top half isn’t quite as inspiring, something the former Scotland midfielder is hoping to put right on Boxing Day against Derek McInnes’ men.

[pullquote]The other sides up there, Dundee Utd, Inverness, St Johnstone and ourselves, will all think, team wise, we’re all quite similar and we need to go up there and prove that.[/pullquote]

Speaking to the broadcast press at ‘Well’s pre-match news conference, McCall said: “It’s an amazing stat that we’ve won all ten games against the bottom six clubs and managed one result against the teams in the top six; a draw at Dundee United, where I thought we played well.

“If you look back at the two games against Aberdeen this season; the first was after our trip to Russia, which had an impact later in the game, albeit the Dons absolutely merited their victory.

“The Cup game, well, things just didn’t go for us that night, as I was relatively pleased with the performance, just not the result.

“I said at the beginning of the season that Derek (McInnes) had brought in some really good players, allied to the strong squad they already had. I’ve said it before, but for me, they have the strongest pool in the league out with Celtic.

“However, the other sides up there, Dundee Utd, Inverness, St Johnstone and ourselves, will all think, team wise, we’re all quite similar and we need to go up there and prove that.”

-WATCH STUART’S FULL PRESS CONFERENCE  ON MFC TV–

Stuart Carswell hopes ‘Well can use the St Mirren win and performance to really kick on over the busy festive period.

After a difficult few weeks, the Steelmen have put together back-to-back wins over Ross County and Saints, with Saturday’s showing particularly impressive.

Now the 20-year old, who has played 66 times for the first-team, wants to use that as a springboard against a high-flying Dons side, who themselves have won the last four on the bounce.

[pullquote]It’s the manner in which we won that has really given everyone a boost; everyone was happy with it.[/pullquote]

Looking back at Saturday’s success, he told the gathered press at ‘Well’s weekly news conference: “It’s the manner in which we won that has really given everyone a boost; everyone was happy with it.

“We weren’t satisfied with the second half at Ross County and how we applied ourselves, but I thought the St Mirren win had shades of last season about it.

“Obviously Aberdeen, along with Dundee United, are on form and everyone is talking about them for second place.

“So, for us, we want to go up there and get a result, see if we can put a marker down then kick on from there. “

-WATCH STUART’S FULL PRESS CONFERENCE  ON MFC TV–

Fans should note the festive opening hours for the Chapman Building and Ticket Office.

The Office will be open/closed on the following dates:

Tuesday 24th to Sunday 29th – Closed

Monday 30th – Normal Business hours
Tuesday 31st – Normal Business hours
Wednesday 1st – Home Matchday
Thursday 2nd – Normal Business hours
Friday 3rd – Normal Business hours
Saturday 4th – Home Matchday
Sunday 5th – Closed

Extended highlights from Fir Park as Lionel Ainsworth and a Henri Anier double secure an impressive 3-0 win over St Mirren.

-WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Action pictures from the 3-0 win over St Mirren at Fir Park in the SPFL Premiership.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

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‘Well boss Stuart McCall was delighted with his side after they swept St Mirren aside in an impressive 3-0 win.

It was a ding-dong battle in the first half before Henri Anier opened the scoring after 31 minutes, the on-loan Viking Stavanger striker turning his markers inside out before firing home from eight yards.

Lionel Ainsworth sped into the penalty box to slip the second past St Mirren goalkeeper Marian Kello before the break, before Anier ensured a deserved victory with a fine half volley finish from 12 yards just after the hour.

McCall said his side grafted to the win in Dingwall seven days ago, but it was a far more impressive showing this time out.

[pullquote]People will look at Lionel (Ainsworth) and Henri (Anier) for their goals but you can go right though the side, so many people were on top of their game which is what you need to win games in the Premiership.[/pullquote]

Speaking to MFC TV, he said: “It’s a great result for us – St Mirren have been on a good run and have some real talented players in their side.

“The first half was reminiscent of just about every other match we’ve played against Saints; end to end, nothing much between the teams.

“The three goals we scored were quality and we could have had more. Their keeer (Marian Kello) has had a couple of really good saves.

“We had some outstanding individual performances; it was hard to pick a man of the match for us. People will look at Lionel (Ainsworth) and Henri (Anier) for their goals but you can go right though the side, so many people were on top of their game which is what you need to win games in the Premiership.”

-WATCH STUART’S FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV–

[tab:Match report]

Phil McGhee  at Fir Park

Motherwell gave the Fir Park fans some pre-Christmas cheer with a comfortable home win over St Mirren.

And after two heavy home defeats, Stuart McCall’s men bounced back with an impressive and emphatic win over Danny Lennon’s men.

Two well taken goals from Henri Anier in each half and a cool finish from Lionel Ainsworth just before half-time was more than a fair reward for Motherwell’s play.

With first choice ‘keepers Lee Hollis and Gunnar Nielsen still sidelined through injury, it gave another on loanee, Dan Twardzik the chance to make his home debut.

And after helping ‘Well to all three points at Dingwall last week the young Dundee ‘keeper helped himself to another win bonus with a shut-out.

In truth, though, he was seldom tested as Motherwell controlled the match for long spells and after the first half double the result was never in doubt.

Motherwell posted their intentions from the start and Anier headed Ainsworth’s cross just wide within 30 seconds.

Saints replied with a cross from Sean Kelly which forced Twardzik into a brave save at the feet of the in rushing Gary Harkins. Other than that the young ‘keeper had a quiet afternoon although he did have a couple of decent saves from John McGinn and Kenny McLean late in the game to deny Saints a consolation goal.

Motherwell were well on top by that stage. A sustained spell of pressure midway through the half from the home side finally paid off.

With 24 minutes played Marian Kello did well to block Ainsworth’s volley inside the six-yard box. But the ‘keeper was helpless when ‘Well made the deserved breakthrough on the half hour mark.

A good build up involving Ainsworth and Keith Lasley set up Anier who twice turned Lee Mair inside the box before slamming the ball high past Kello from close range.

Four minutes from half-time ‘Well doubled their lead with a brilliantly created and finished goal. Anier and John Sutton were involved in a smart exchange of passes before Ainsworth worked a one-two with Sutton before stroking the ball inside the post to round of a great move and make it 2-0.

Although a fight back from Saints was anticipated, it never came and it really became a question of how many more ‘Well would score.

A third almost came after 53 minutes when Sutton terrific pass sent Ainsworth down the right and when his cross was only partially cleared Sutton strike from the edge of the box was blocked by Mair on the line.

Kello then produced a wonderful save to deny Ainsworth a second goal.

However, it was Anier who grabbed his second and Motherwell’s third after 63 minutes. Iain Vigurs sent over a tempting cross and Anier drilled the ball beyond Kello from 15 yards for a superb finish.

It might have been more miserable for the Saints fans as Sutton headed narrowly past and Paul Lawson’s thundering drive was palmed out by Kello.

But nothing could detract from a fine Motherwell performance and a perfect start to the hectic programme of fixtures over the festive holidays.

[tab:As it happened]

 Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

FT: Of course, an early Christmas present for all ‘Well fans too! Safe journey home everyone and have a great Christmas!

FT: A great home performance and well worthy of the final scoreline and three points.

FT: Motherwell 3 – 0 St Mirren

90mins: Lawson stings the palms of Kello with a 25 yard drive! #mfcvsmfc

89mins: Sutton almost puts the cream on the pudding with a diving header at the back post just wide. #mfcvsmfc

89mins: Sutton almost outs the cream on the pudding with a diving header at the back post just wide. #mfcvsmfc

83mins: St Mirren corner……Twardzik punches to safety #mfcvsmfc

83mins: Motherwell sub, Lasley off for Lawson. Took a bit of a knock. #mfcvsmfc

81mins: McGowan tries to pick out Thompson with a ball in however he misses it and it very nearly deceives Twardzik. Good save in the end.

78mins: St Mirren sub, Goodwin off for Van Zanten #mfcvsmfc

76mins: Motherwell sub, Ainsworth off for Kerr. That’s a great shift from the Winger. #mfcvsmfc

75mins: St Mirren sub, Harkins off for Reilly #mfcvsmfc

72mins: Almost another instant impact for Moore as he gambles at the front post to get on the end of Ainsworth’s cross.Inches away. #mfcvsmfc

70mins: Motherwell sub, Anier off for Moore. Been great today! #mfcvsmfc

63mins: Anier pokes home to make it 3 after Vigurs puts in the best delivery you’ll see this festive period 3-0 #mfcvsmfc

GOOOAAALLLL!!!

61mins: Ainsworth cuts the ball across the face of goal and Naismith takes no chances with Anier waiting to pounce. Corner. #mfcvsmfc

60mins: St Mirren sub, Newton off for McGinn #mfcvsmfc

59mins: Anier drives into the box and with a few options to pick from, opts to shoot straight at Kello.#mfcvsmfc

57mins: Corner to ‘Well…balls falls to McManus and to be fair, his volley is heading in until it’s blocked 6 yards out #mfcvsmfc

53mins: Glorious chance for Sutton! Kello flaps at a cross and it falls to Sutton, albeit 23 yards out. His goalbound effort is cleared

Second half underway

Motherwell well worth their half-time lead. Been an entertaining first 45. #mfcvsmfc

HT: Motherwell 2 – 0 St Mirren.

41mins: Ainsworth makes it 2-0!!! Sutton laid him off, and the winger was composed enough to slot past Kello. #mfcvsmfc

GOOOAAALLLL!

37mins: McLean whips in a dangerous free-kick which almost catches Twardzik out. Drifts inches over #mfcvsmfc

34mins: Two corners in succession for the Buddies. Eventually clawed away by Twardzik #mfcvsmfc

32mins: Almost 2! Ainsworth flashes a shot inches past of Kello’s post from the edge of the area. #mfcvsmfc

30mins: It’s a christmas cracker from ANIER who turns Mair inside out in the box and drills it home from 10 yards 1-0 #mfcvsmfc

GGGOOOOAAALLLL!!!

28mins: Decent effort from Newton who curls a shot just over the bar from the edge of the box #mfcvsmfc

27mins: Another corner to Motherwell…this time Sutton dives in at the front post only to see his header fly just past! #mfcvsmfc

25mins: ‘Well break through Las who picks out Ainsworth at the back post. Should score but Kello makes a great block at his feet #mfcvsmfc

….ball falls to Goodwin who slices well wide and high #mfcvsmfc

23mins: Hutchinson slides in to block Kelly’s cross which was heading into the danger area, From the corner, Saints win another…..

21mins: Corner to ‘Well again…..close! A combination of Ramsden and Hutchinson heads goal wards but it’s cleared off the line! #mfcvsmfc

14mins: Lasley sells McGowan a dummy to win a free-kick just outside the box next to the byline. Vigurs’ delivery has no takers #mfcvsmfc

13mins: Now a corner to St Mirren, good delivery headed to safety by McManus #mfcvsmfc

11mins: Another corner to ‘Well…..Ainsworth’s delivery is headed back to him by McManus.Hutchy concedes a foul on the next cross #mfcvsmfc

10mins: Hutchinson leaps in the box to meet Ainsworth’s corner but it’s too high and he awkwardly heads over #mfcvsmfc

8mins: Free-kick from wide on the left for St Mirren, Thompson heads it harmlessly wide #mfcvsmfc

3mins Corner to St Mirren, whichs is too deep and Thompson can only head wide #mfcvsmfc

2mins: Good bravery from Twardzik as he slid out at the feet of the sliding Harkins. Gathers and clears #mfcvsmfc

18seconds: Seconds in and Anier has a header at the front post sneak just past from Ainsworth’s cross #mfcvsmfc

And we’re underway! #COYW #mfcvsmfc

Here come the teams, usual colours for both sides. #mfcvsmfc

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“It’s a great result for us – St Mirren have been on a good run and have some real talented players in their side.

“The first half was reminiscent of just about every other match we’ve played against Saints; end to end, nothing much between the teams.

“The three goals we scored were quality and we could have had more. Their keeer (Marian Kello) has had a couple of really good saves.

“We had some outstanding individual performances; it was hard to pick a man of the match for us. People will look at Lionel (Ainsworth) and Henri (Anier) for their goals but you can go right though the side, so many people were on top of their game which is what you need to win games in the Premiership.”

St Mirren manager Danny Lennon:

“The highly frustrating part is that we have dropped one or two gears in terms of our work ethic, and that has been the main ingredient of our success,” he said.

“I just felt we were off, we played second fiddle to a lot of balls and Motherwell just showed a greater hunger.

“That disappoints me and it hurts me to say that.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Stuart McCall hopes to complete the full set of home victories when St Mirren visit Fir Park tomorrow.

The Steelmen have managed to beat every single SPFL Premiership side on their own patch under the former Scotland midfielder, with the exception of the Paisley Saints.

Indeed, you need to go back to October 2010 for Motherwell’s last home victory over the Buddies, albeit in the same time period, ‘Well have won three and drawn one of five fixtures at St Mirren Park.

Kilmarnock had a similar record that was finally ended back in August, and McCall is hoping to do something similar tomorrow.

[pullquote]Like every other point we’ve earned this season, we will need to work exceptionally hard against a side who are certainly on form. I say it every week, but we’ll need to be at our very best if we’re to win the match.[/pullquote]

“I am almost three years at the club and I’ve not managed a home win against them [St Mirren],” he said.

“Kilmarnock were in the same boat, but we managed to bury that ghost a few months ago.

“They lost last week against Aberdeen in terrible conditions, but I’ve watched the game; Danny and Tommy will be reasonably happy with their performance despite the defeat.

“I expect St Mirren to be right in the mix for top-six, they’ve got some really good players coupled with real leaders like Steven Thompson and Jim Goodwin.

“Like every other point we’ve earned this season, we will need to work exceptionally hard against a side who are certainly on form. I say it every week, but we’ll need to be at our very best if we’re to win the match.”

-WATCH STUART’S FULL PRESS CONFERENCE  ON MFC TV–

Stephen McManus is aiming for a consistent Christmas period with fifteen points available in the next two weeks.

The Steelmen face St Mirren tomorrow to kick-off a hectic schedule that will follow with trips to Aberdeen and Glasgow, before a Fir Park double-header against St Johnstone and Inverness in the New Year.

‘Well are four points behind second-place Inverness in the table and how teams perform in the next fortnight will no doubt shape their season, as the race for the top-six and European places really heats up.

“Christmas is one of the few times where it is difficult to be a footballer because the schedule is so hectic,” he told the gathered press at Motherwell’s weekly news conference.

[pullquote]If we’re being honest, we have been a little stop, start. We’ve not really got into a rhythm; we’re winning one, then losing, then drawing then winning again. It would be nice if we could put a little consistent run together.[/pullquote]

“In saying that, I personally look forward to it, you don’t train in the same way as everything is pretty much geared to playing games!

“Obviously when you get that little bit older, you have to look after your body a bit more, but there’s five games in fourteen days and a couple wins can really kick your season on.

“It was good to get off to a winning start last week at Ross County, but we approach every match looking for the three points, particularly at home.

“If we’re being honest, we have been a little stop, start. We’ve not really got into a rhythm; we’re winning one, then losing, then drawing then winning again. It would be nice if we could put a little consistent run together.”

-WATCH STEPHEN’S FULL PRESS CONFERENCE  ON MFC TV–

The tenth domestic Steelmen Matchday Magazine of 2013/14 is on sale when St Mirren visit on Saturday.

But what is inside the 68-page issue?

‘Well boss Stuart McCall and Captain Keith Lasley both return with the regular columns.

Reflecting on last weekend’s vital win in Dingwall, McCall speaks about how he hopes the win sparks a good Christmas and New Year period for the Steelmen.

The skipper also chats about last week’s victory and what he expects from an improving St Mirren.

The feature interview is with Motherwell number nine, John Sutton. Despite a good start to his second spell in Claret and Amber, the former Saints hitman is desperate for more.

The striker also features as the next in the centre-page souvenir poster collection.

But that’s not where the features stop!

There is a 14-page section dedicated to our visitors, St Mirren.

As ever, Ray Morrison introduces the Paisley side and there’s a player-by-player breakdown of who is likely to line up for the Hoops.

We report from Pittodrie and the Buddies’ 2-0 defeat to the Dons and former player Michael Higdon, who played for both clubs, features in Graeme McGarry’s ‘Us and Them’ section.

The NEC striker talks about life in Dutch football and his positive experiences at both St Mirren Park and Fir Park.

Saints boss Danny Lennon also gives us an exclusive interview where he talks honestly about early season pressure and his search for consistency.

The big features keep coming…

Our new column – ‘Football from around the World’ from Ross Dunbar this week focuses on the fascinating end to the increasingly popular J-League in Japan where Sanfrecce Hiroshima pipped Shunsuke Nakamura’s Yokohama F. Marinos to the title in last day drama.

‘From the Press Box’ returns with a new host, the Herald’s Scott Mullen and the first of our Eggheads ‘Quarter Final’ clashes pits Paul Lawson against John Sutton

But wait, there’s more!

Our match reports section takes a look back at the 2-1 win over Ross County last weekend. There’s also an in-depth report from the Under 20s defeat to Kilmarnock at Fir Park.

We have the latest from The Ticket Office, Commercial and Community Departments, and update from the Well Society as well as the latest stats, facts and figures from the 2013/2014 campaign.

We also take a statistical look at the match official and the ‘Junior Steel’ kids page that will test the youngster’s quiz minds with puzzles and ‘Did you know’ facts.

The programme is available for £3 and is will be 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 season-long subscription to the magazine by visiting the website of our publishers – Curtis-Sports – CLICK HERE.