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  • First team

    Theo Bair looks ahead to Aberdeen

  • First team

    Stuart Kettlewell previews Aberdeen

  • First team

    2024/25 Season Tickets now on sale

  • First team

    Kicking off the post-split fixtures

  • First team

    Goal of the season vote 2023/24

  • First team

    Post-split fixtures confirmed

  • First team

    500 and not out

  • First team

    Coming up just short on top-six // Motherwell 1-1 Hibernian

  • First team

    Motherwell 1-1 Hibernian

  • First team

    Stuart Kettlewell reacts to Hibernian draw

  • First team

    Theo Bair looks ahead to Aberdeen

    Theo Bair has thrived for Motherwell this season and after being named in the PFA team of the season, he reckons these rewards are down to his teammates but also to the perfect environment created by manager Stuart Kettlewell. 

    The Canadian forward wants to earn a first win over Aberdeen this season as he feels they have taken too many points off his side in the cinch Premiership.

  • First team

    Stuart Kettlewell previews Aberdeen

    Stuart Kettlewell has made the target for these remaining five games in the cinch Premiership clear. He wants his side to finish 7th and achieve last season’s points total. 

    The season run-in begins this Saturday, against Aberdeen who Motherwell have failed to beat on three occasions. Kettlewell provided a squad update after a weekend with no game.

  • First team

    2024/25 Season Tickets now on sale

    Strength is often defined by a number of things in life.

    It can be how many times someone has got up after being knocked down. It can be continuing their journey, no matter the fear that falls on their shoulders.

    Football can be that escape. That beacon of hope. A time away from your thoughts. But it’s more than just the 90 minutes on a Saturday.

    It’s the build up during the week. The team news coming through. The pints with friends before the game. It’s a part of the community.

    A community of local restaurants. Of people working nine till five six days a week. Local businesses serving the community.

    But at the end of the good weeks. The bad weeks. The indifferent weeks. Is that walk up the Fir Park road.

    And while the world outside of football continues to become an ever growing struggle. The burden lifts when the referee blows that first whistle.

    With you by our side, the sky is the limit. We’re better. We’re harder. We’re stronger.

    And that is the true meaning of strength. Meshed together by emotion and passion. It’s strength in numbers.

    That’s why we have frozen all season ticket prices for the 2024/25 season.

    Season tickets for the 2024/25 season are now on sale. 

    You are able to renew or purchase your season ticket for the upcoming campaign here.

    Our Early Bird discount will end on 31st May 2024.

    Season ticket holders have until the 30th of June to secure their seat.

    GET YOUR 2024/25 SEASON TICKET NOW

    If renewing, login to your ticketing account.

    You should then have a notification to ‘renew now’ on your profile.

    Then select ‘add to basket’ and follow the on screen instructions to complete the transaction.

    It’s easy to buy new. Head here to our online ticketing platform and then press ‘season tickets’.

    You’ll then be given the option to choose where in the stadium you would like to sit. From there, you can create yourself an account and then buy your season ticket for the 2024/25 campaign.

    Alternatively, call us on 01698 333333 or email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk.

    WHAT’S DIFFERENT THIS YEAR

    We are introducing a digital Season Ticket for the 24/25 campaign.

    Existing season Ticket holders can continue to use their physical Season Ticket card but if you would like to change to a digital Season Ticket, you will need to select this option when purchasing your Season Ticket(s) and your physical card will become void.

    If you opt for the digital version, you will receive information by email on how to add your Season Ticket to your digital wallet after you have completed your purchase.

    There has been a small change to the age of pricing categories. Young adults will now be ages 14 to 17 and Juvenile will be 13 and under. This is to bring us in line with safeguarding regulations. 13 and under tickets must be purchased with an adult.

    PRICES

    Season ticket prices have been frozen this year, across the board.

    For those renewing their season ticket from 2023/24, concession tickets are for anyone aged 60 and over. For those buying new in 2024/25, it’s 65 and over.

    The over 60 concession is for those who currently have this price class, it won’t be valid for any renewing Adult season ticket holders who are now 60.

    In addition, concession prices also apply to full time students with a valid matriculation card.

    The Early Bird discount will end on Friday 31st May 2024. 

    Hospitality

    Upgrade your experience and watch the match in stye with one of our renowned hospitality packages at a discounted price (Cat A – Celtic & Rangers).

    Centenary suite 91 Lounge Cooper box
    Pay bar Comp bar 2 x drinks
    Cat A £75 £105 N/A
    Cat B £49 £79 £49

    Centenary Suite, 91 Lounge and Cooper Box packages remain the same.

    Added Benefits

    • Discounted hospitality
    • Friend for £5 – bring a friend to at least one home match for £5 (decided by the club)
    • A free Junior ticket in the Davie Cooper stand with a full paying adult
    • Priority Cup Ticket Window – secure your seat for all home cup matches
    • Money off at the following outlets:
    Love to Travel Book a holiday in one of the 4 Love to Travel shops and receive free fast-track security through Glasgow Airport and half price lounge or parking at Glasgow Airport
    North Lanarkshire Council NL offers Motherwell Season Ticket holders a corporate rate on memberships for gyms, classes and pools at £29.99 per month. This is a 15% discount

    Corporate members can also choose one other adult to add to their membership at the same discounted price. To join select corporate membership : Join@home with North Lanarkshire Council (leisurecloud.net)

    Inspired Flooring 10% off sofas, furnishing and lighting. 15% off carpets and flooring (material only, not labour) – in store at the Motherwell showroom on Brandon Parade
    Tony Macaroni 25% off a la carte food on match days (Motherwell restaurant only)
    Village Blinds 20% off
    Topps Match Attax 10% discount code for topps.com (includes all cards and stickers to a maximum £15 discount – please phone 01698 333 333 to claim your code)
    Double Tree Hilton Strathclyde 8% discount off Best Available Rate at DoubleTree by Hilton Strathclyde
    Salt 10% off (not for alcohol and only available Sun-Thurs. Not in conjunction with any other offers)
    G&C Leggate Opticians 15% discount on complete spectacles or sunglasses in Motherwell shop
    Carluke Golf Club Visitor four ball for the discounted rate of £80 instead of £120 (Sunday to Friday and subject to tee time availability)
    Aroma Coffee Shop 10% off in Wishaw Coffee Shop
    Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen 20% off food only in the Hamilton restaurant (excludes Saturday)

     

    Motherwell Football Club Community Trust

    This season we are giving fans the option to donate to the club’s official charity: Motherwell FC Community Trust when they renew their season ticket.

    The Trust has is a registered charity and has no core income. Supporting the Trust in whatever way you can allows you to contribute to causes that resonate with your values and beliefs, while also making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need in our community.

    A recent UEFA Social Return on Investment report showed that the Trust benefits the local community to the sum of £13.64m each year. Your support can help support families who cannot provide for their children, adults experiencing tough times and allowing countless people a match day experience which will live with them for the rest of their lives.

    Additionally the Trust sits at the heart of what our great club is all about: community, empathy and support. If you can support us when you renew your season ticket we would be extremely grateful.

    Donation link.

    MOTHERWELL DISABLED SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP

    For £10 per year, payable alongside your season ticket, disabled supporters, both wheelchair and ambulant, will have access to away match tickets within disabled areas together with car parking, where available.

    Members are also invited to regular DSA meetings where they have the ability to raise any concerns that can be taken directly to the club.

    Money raised over the years from membership fees has gone back to the club to help fund audio equipment for match day commentary for those who are visually impaired, a new disabled toilet block and an extension to the wheelchair shelter.

    If you wish to join the MFCDSA, your £10 can be handed in to the ticket office.

    READ OUR BROCHURE

    Read our 2024/25 season ticket brochure here.

    A MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER

    I think we can all say, if we take a moment to reflect on this season, it has seen us all experience a range of emotions.

    But thinking about next season gets me excited. It fills me with hope and a determination to get this club in the best possible shape going into it.

    There is loads to be optimistic about. We are beginning to see some stabilisation off the pitch at the club and that will almost certainly help myself and my staff as we get ready to tackle 2024/25.

    One of the proudest aspects of my job, is that I work for a club that looks after it’s own. The work we do in the community is something we should be very proud of, from mental health to supporting local children.

    But I’m also proud of every supporter. You really are a credit to the club. The colour. The noise. The numbers. Everything about you is and has been exceptional in my time here. There have been plenty moments when the mood has been low and the form has been poor, but that hasn’t detracted any of you from attending and giving us your full support.

    It’s something we talk about in the staff office all the time. It’s easy to pick out the good moments where you have shone brightly, but I remember in particular Ross County away last season where we let you down. Well out the game, three-and-a-half hours from home on a Wednesday night. But that didn’t affect any of you. You stayed, made yourself heard and sang right until the end.

    That support is invaluable, and I really mean that. I honestly believe without that continued backing, last season could have been very different.

    It might sound cliché but we are stronger together.

    So, it’s at this point I wish to thank everyone who has bought a ticket, bought a stream, became a Well Society member or supported us from afar. I really hope you can continue that support next season as we look to push further and seek to continually improve.

    You’re on this journey with us and we are stronger when we are together.

    Stuart Kettlewell

    Manager

    WORDS FROM BRIAN CALDWELL

    I write these words having only held the position of Chief Executive for a few weeks, but in that short space of time, I have already been delighted to see the passion and loyalty from our supporters.

    Everyone knows this club is a Community Asset even more so as the majority shareholding is owned by the fans. Hopefully, we can improve the club’s links with our local community in partnership with the Well Society, our Community Trust and the fans…everyone can play a part all pulling in the same direction to grow/improve the Club on and off the pitch.

    My first match at Dundee is a perfect example of the loyalty and passion of our fans. With so much dubiety if the game would go ahead in the days leading up to the game, but that did not stop you travelling,  with 500 behind the goal, singing the team on to a wonderful comeback.

    I would like to thank the Executive Board and club staff for the warm welcome I have received since coming into post and over the coming weeks and months I look forward to meeting you, our fans.

    I understand the need to listen to the fans on so many aspects, especially on match days as you know it better than anyone. My email address is on the website (brian.caldwell@motherwellfc.co.uk) so feel free to drop me a line at any time with ideas, improvements, issues. I am a great believer in ‘if I don’t know I can’t fix it.’

    As I said in my first interview, my initial goal is to bring everyone together. We have a unique club filled with people who care deeply about it. From the Well Society and fanbase to the Executive Board and staff, we all want the same and that is the very best for this Football Club.

    The job excites me, and I can assure everyone, I may only have been here a short time but the planning for the long-term is well under way. Recruitment plans are in place as we look to improve ahead of next season. We want to get as competitive a team as possible on that pitch to fill you in the stands with a sense of pride watching them.

    I want to bring everyone together and as a fan-owned club, it’s vital that this includes you. You get a say in the big decisions, and I want to establish a healthy relationship with you all. Fan culture is so important.

    That is why I really hope that, if you are able to do so, you can support the team in any and every way you can.

    I look forward to seeing and meeting you all soon!

    Brian Caldwell

    Chief Executive

    PAY BY STANDING ORDER

    We are offering the option of paying your season ticket through a standing order payment each month.

    There is the option to pay your season ticket over a maximum of six standing order payments directly to the club, with no interest payments or fees, providing full payment is made by December 2024.

    To set this standing order up, you must contact us directly and complete a form.

    Please call into the Ticket Office to arrange.

    ACTIVATING YOUR ONLINE ACCOUNT

    If you haven’t already registered online and are a season ticket holder, you must activate your account.

    If you’re a season ticket holder looking to renew your season tickets and/or buy cup game tickets, you must activate your account before you can buy.

    To activate your account, select ‘sign in’ from the top right corner of the ticket page.

    Look for Have an existing account? Activate it now.

    Input your customer number and surname, then press ‘Find my account’.

    Verify your contact details, including an email you have access to, and create a password. Then, save your details. You’re in.

    I AM RENEWING

    If you wish to renew your season ticket, all you have to do is login to your online ticketing profile at the top right-hand side of the page.

    Once you have logged in, you should then have a notification to ‘renew now’.

    Then select ‘add to basket’ and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transaction.

    I DIDN’T HAVE A 2023/24 SEASON TICKET AND I WANT TO BUY ONE

    It’s easy to do this. Head here and then press the profile icon in the top right.

    From here, select ‘create an account’ and fill out your personal details.

    Once completed, you will be sent an email with your customer number.

    You will be taken back to the homepage of the website where you then select ‘season tickets’.

    You’ll then be given the option to choose where in the stadium you would like to sit.

    Alternatively, call us on 01698 333333 or email .

    FAQ

    Where can I find my customer number?

    – Your customer number is at bottom of your season card on the left-hand side under your seat details.

    I can only see my season ticket renewal, but I have others with me. How do I buy their seat(s)?

    There is a guide here on how to add other season ticket holders to your network.

    What if I would like to move seat or stand?

    – Please renew your current seat and then contact the club on Monday 12th June to be relocated.

    Do I need a new season card? 
    – If your price class and seat details remain the same, you will use the same 22/23 season card. If your price class changes, for example Young Adult to an Adult ticket, or a change of seat, you will be issued with a new season card prior to the new season.

    Can I use both a digital season ticket and a physical card throughout the season?
    – You can only use a digital season card or a physical card. You cannot have both options.

    I have renewed/purchased a season ticket and asked for the digital season ticket, when do I get this?
    – We will email all digital season tickets ahead of the season starting, so please keep an eye on your emails.

    I have purchased more than 1 season ticket and we want them digital, how do we get the digital cards?
    – Each season ticket holder who has selected their digital season ticket will receive an email. If multiple season ticket holders have the same email address on their accounts, each season ticket will be emailed individually to that email.

    NEED HELP?

    If you need assistance with using our online ticketing website, a guide can be found here.

    Alternatively, call us on 01698 333333 or email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk.

  • First team

    Kicking off the post-split fixtures

    Kicking off the post-split fixtures

    Motherwell begin life post-split with a trip to Aberdeen on Saturday 27 April. 

    Kick off is 3pm at Pittodrie.

    How to follow the game
    Away Stand
    Adults £26
    Over 65s £20
    Over 75s £16
    Youth (18-21) £16
    Under 18 £12
    Under 12 £6

    Tickets are now on sale online.

    Postage will only be up until Tuesday 23 April

    If you are outside the UK, you can watch the game via Motherwell TV.

    Should you be in the UK, it will be commentary only.

    Kit Watch

    We will be wearing our home kit for this match.

    Injury Update

    Adam Devine, Callum Slattery, Harry Paton and Jon Obika will be missing for this match.

    Motherwell’s Fortunes

    Motherwell narrowly missed out on top-six football with a draw at home to Hibernian on match day 33.

    The result meant the Steelmen would finish in the bottom six this season and now look to finish the campaign strongly.

    With nine points separating 7th to 11th, every point is vital. The ‘Well have seen a turnaround in fortunes since the end of December, suffering three defeats in 14 matches, with two of those defeats coming against Hearts and Celtic.

    The other loss was at Fir Park against Aberdeen, in a match littered with controversy.

    Motherwell haven’t beaten Aberdeen in their last five attempts, but will take confidence from their most recent trip to Aberdeen where after being pegged back from three goals ahead, Harry Paton’s late finish was ruled out for a foul to prevent the three points.

    Opposition Report

    Aberdeen were in Scottish Cup semi final action on Saturday against Celtic. In a dramatic 120 minutes of football and a penalty shootout, Celtic advanced to the final after a 3-3 draw.

    Peter Leven has taken control of the last four league matches and the semi final tie at the weekend after Neil Warnock departed the club. In that time, he is unbeaten in the league with two draws and two wins. Wins over Motherwell and Ross County were followed by back-to-back stalemates against Dundee and Livingston.

    Their talisman, Bojan Miovski, continues to be the source of goals for Aberdeen. The North Macedonian netted against Celtic and also found the back of the net against Ross County taking his tally in all competitions this season to 24.

  • First team

    Goal of the season vote 2023/24

    Voting for the 2023/24 goal of the season award is now open. 

    The choices are viewable on the video above, and are as follows:

    • A- SLATTERY V HEARTS 
    • B- BIERETH V ST JOHNSTONE
    • C- BIERETH V DUNDEE
    • D- BAIR V LIVINGSTON
    • E- SPITTAL V ROSS COUNTY
    • F- SPITTAL V ROSS COUNTY
    • G- SPITTAL V CELTIC 
    • H- SPITTAL V LIVINGSTON
    • I- BAIR V DUNDEE
    • J- BLANEY V HIBERNIAN

    You can vote online now.

    Our end-of-season awards dinner will take place on Saturday 4 May at Dalziel Park Hotel.

    A number of awards will be up for grabs on the night recognising top performers across the first team, women’s team and the academy.

    Hosted by Tam Cowan, the night will consist of live entertainment, 3-course meal and will kick-off at 7pm with first-team players and coaching staff in attendance.

    Individual places are available at £72 per person with tables available in multiples of 10 or 12.

    To book, please call the events team on 01698 338 011 or online.

  • First team

    Post-split fixtures confirmed

    Post-split fixtures confirmed

    Our final five fixtures of the season are now confirmed. 

    We will kick off our post-split schedule with a trip to Aberdeen on Saturday 27 April.

    Livingston will visit Fir Park on Saturday 4 May, before we travel to Dingwall on 11 May.

    We then travel to Easter Road on Wednesday 15 May and we will finish the 2023/24 season at Fir Park against St Johnstone on Sunday 19 May.

    Ticket details for all fixtures will be revealed in due course.

  • First team

    500 and not out

    500 and not out

    It was a very special and memorable ending in Motherwell’s outing against Dundee on Saturday, but for Paul McGinn, the game carried extra meaning and sentiment.

    McGinn made his 500th professional appearance in football, a special feat achieved by one of Motherwell’s most consistent performers over the last two seasons.

    As we look back on the defender’s impressive career to date, it’s worth noting that his introduction into football was somewhat different to the path that many take.

    “I was actually playing amateur football until I was 17,” McGinn explained.

    “At the time, I had been playing for a local side in Clydebank, playing with the older guys and I was doing quite well. My Uncle worked at Hampden and he said to the guy at Queen’s Park to give me a trial. That’s how I got a chance, so it wasn’t like anyone had seen me or that.

    “I got to the trial game and I was meant to be on the bench but someone didn’t turn up. But I had to play right-midfield. After ten minutes, I scored a volley. The game was at Lesser Hampden so after 20 minutes, you’d have been as well taking me off. I was knackered. But because of the volley, they said to come back because I had something and I got the contract from there.

    “So if it wasn’t for the volley and somebody not turning up, who knows.”

    From there, McGinn began his journey in the Scottish Leagues, starting at the very bottom with Queen’s Park and he went on to make his debut at 18. But that debut didn’t quite go to plan.

    “I got sent off,” McGinn laughed.

    “I came on as a sub. Raith Rovers were going to win the league and Queen’s were fighting to stay up. It was 1-0 Raith and they were keeping the ball in the corner. Barry Douglas came flying in over the top so that got me going as well.

    “Basically, I volleyed a boy. I just remember thinking I was innocent until I seen it back, it was more like Joey Barton. Not a great start but I played quite well so we’ll take that.

    “I was up early working as I was a postman at the time, so I blamed it on that too. Fair to say, I chucked the job not long after.”

    At the time of breaking into the first-team, Queen’s Park had a range of talent who would go on to have fruitful careers. Barry Douglas, Lawrence Shankland, Andy Robertson and Blair Spittal just to name a few, McGinn recalls Dundee United coming in for Douglas and that was when he seen the exposure his team were receiving and shortly after, he would move onto pastures new also.

    “I was meant to sign for Aberdeen, Craig Brown had been on at me,” the defender explained.

    “On the very last day of the season in the playoffs, I got a bad tackle and done my knee. It was swollen so I just went away on holiday. I went to do some running and knew something was wrong. I had to phone Aberdeen.

    “They said, get yourself sorted and come up when you’re ready so we can take a look at you. But because I’d left Queen’s Park, my mum had to pay for my operation. So it wasn’t until early September before I was fit. I actually came into Fir Park at one stage for physio, Stuart McCall was the manager.

    “I went to train with St Mirren and they offered me a deal but I couldn’t turn professional until the January, so I went back on loan to Queen’s Park, that was awkward as they refused to pay for my operation.”

    That time at St Mirren got off to a rough start and unfortunately for McGinn, his time there would be like that. Going out on loan to Dumbarton to get some game time, he would depart having made 0 appearances for the Paisley side.

    “Hamilton and a few others were in for me but it was Dundee who were making good signings,” the Scotland internationalist said.

    “They’d just taken Greg Stewart and Scott Bain up there, so I knew they were making waves. We were good and I enjoyed my time there. I was driving from Clydebank every day, so that wasn’t ideal but I did make my SPL debut.

    “By the end of my contract, Dundee had been going on constantly about new deals but nothing ever happened. They messed around and when I got offered a deal, I felt it was a bit disrespectful so I thought I’d go try something else at Chesterfield.

    “League One in England, new stadium. Looking back, I’d do it again. It’s the only real time in my career where I had a bad injury. I missed most of the time there. I scored at Bramall Lane and Rochdale. Both were outside the box, I’m normally three goals a season. Until I came to Motherwell.”

    McGinn’s time at Chesterfield drew to a close and the defender returned back home to Glasgow, with Partick Thistle. A short stint at Firhill ended in relegation, something he admits was one of the lowest points in his career due to the good people associated with the club.

    But his future was already secured, with a return to St Mirren on the cards and agreed with Jack Ross.

    “When I signed for Jack Ross and St Mirren, he won the league and got his big move to Sunderland,” McGinn said.

    “It didn’t really matter, I just went into the same boat as everyone else and had to impress the new manager.”

    As McGinn made powering progress at club level, at international level, eyes were firmly on him, with Steve Clarke naming him in his Scotland squads, alongside brother John.

    “I left pro-youth when I was 11,” McGinn added.

    “You always have that ambition to reach the top but to play for you country, wow. Unbelievable.

    “I’d been in squads before but I always think of Stephen O’Donnell. I’d warmed up for about half-an-hour whilst he was holding his shin against Czech Republic. I was knackered but he held it for ages. Of course, he hung in there for the full 90. I was gutted. The next squad, a couple got COVID.

    “Funnily enough, Anthony Ralston had been playing for Celtic and he got called up. He failed the COVID test at the hotel so I got the shout. That was the one where I got on.”

    Against Austria in a World Cup qualifier, Stephen O’Donnell would come off on 77 minutes to be replaced by McGinn, earning his first and only cap for his country.

    “Highest point of my career, by far,” the 33-year-old said.

    “I remember weirdly thinking, why am I not nervous?

    “It was so special and even better because it was competitive. Previous managers gave caps away here and there in friendlies. “

    But in football, as we all know, it’s not all success and achieving dreams. And that’s a part of the game McGinn thinks is vital to keep in mind.

    “There’s so many lows,” he said.

    “You see John having so much success in England but there’s so many lows. Everyone thinks it’s a brilliant job, which it is of course, but you’ve got to deal with a result effecting your week. That’s been 15 years of that now.

    “You need to be mentally strong, it’s a difficult profession. A lot of players look good in training but just can’t cope with that and fall away.

    “But, if you’d said when I was 17 at that trial, that I was going to play 500 games, play for my country and be professional player, I’d have said you were at it. Your ambitions and self belief changes.

    “In hindsight, I shouldn’t have had to work my way up the leagues but if I didn’t, none of this would have happened. I’ve seen boys that have started there and fell away quickly, so I’m just proud of what I have achieved.”

    McGinn is held in high regard with the Motherwell support, with the defender adopting the tagline of ‘seven out of ten every week.’

    “I get the ‘you’re reliable’ all the time,” he laughed.

    “Surely, I’m just a decent player at some point. No, in all seriousness, it’s just good to get the compliments. Next is just to get the goal here.

    “I’ve always said I’m a right-back, but I very rarely play there. You get goals in that position and I’m not doing well on that front. It’s got to come soon.

    “It’s either going to be a thunder blaster of a goal or a clanger. Either way, it’ll just be relief.”

  • First team

    Coming up just short on top-six // Motherwell 1-1 Hibernian

    With the battle for the final spot in the top-six going down to the wire, Motherwell’s permutations were simple. They had to beat fellow top-six contenders Hibernian and hope Aberdeen beat Dundee. 

    In blustery conditions, the first-half had very few chances due to both sides struggling to control the ball due to wind.

    In the second-half, Theo Bair thought he had opened the scoring but the linesman’s flag was raised for offside, to which VAR confirmed. Hibernian took the lead from the penalty spot and with Dundee drawing 0-0, put themselves in the top-six.

    Stuart Kettlewell threw the kitchen sink at the Leith side, with strikers Mark Ferrie, Oli Shaw and Moses Ebiye all coming on to create a 4-2-4 formation.

    In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Shane Blaney rifled home a magnificent volley to remove Hibernian’s top six status and gave the Steelmen a glimmer of hope. But with only seconds remaining, time was running out.

    From the kick off, a long ball forward seen Motherwell go through on goal in a four v one scenario, Ebiye crossed into Shaw who could only poke wide from close ranges, causing a dramatic ending to a weather tarnished match.

    The draw meant both sides missed out on top-six and the focus shifts to the remaining five fixtures.

  • First team

    Motherwell 1-1 Hibernian

    Motherwell 1-1 Hibernian

    Motherwell’s heroic push for a late top six place came up short at the final hurdle.

    Myziane Maolida’s second half penalty looked to be the decisive moment, as Hibs appeared to be firmly in the ascendency, with victory continuing their top-six fight if results favoured elsewhere.

    However, ‘Well’s never say die attitude saw them strike late on for the second consecutive game.

    Irishman Shane Blaney demonstrated his attacking capabilities, connecting beautifully on the half-volley, bulleting a magnificent right-footed strike into the top-left corner. Roared on by the Motherwell support, the hosts almost clinched another late victory from the jaws of defeat, but striker Oli Shaw couldn’t find a clean connection from Moses Ebiye’s low drilled delivery.

    Motherwell bravely chased their dream of a top six finish to the final whistle, but this afternoon’s result confirms the Steelmen’s place for the remainder of the SPFL campaign.

    Stephen O’Donnell and Lennon Miller who both came off the bench to spark the remarkable fightback at Dundee last week, kept their places in the starting line-up for this critical confrontation for the top-six.

    Torrential rain and overcast skies pre-match gave way to the Lanarkshire sunshine ahead of kick-off and on a perfect pitch it looked ideal for such a critical game as both teams aimed to grab the last top six place.

    However, the swirling wind made it difficult for both sets of players to maintain possession in what turned out to be a frustrating first half.

    Things looked promising for the home side inside the opening 10 minutes. Firstly, Dan Casey nodded O’Donnell’s cross wide of goal before Jack Vale burst into the box and although his cut-back found Blair Spittal 15 yards from goal, his snap shot was blocked by Rocky Bushiri.

    The response from Hibs was brief and after a quick exchange along the home penalty box, Elie Youan failed to test the keeper, curling his effort off target.

    Midway through the half, Kelly produced the first save of the game. Martin Boyle set up former Fir Park full back Chris Cadden and his angle drive was tipped over the bar by the ‘Well number 1.

    Facing the Davie Cooper stand and a bit more protection from the wind, the hosts made a positive start.

    The Edinburgh side, in need of at least a point from the game, upped their urgency, with successive saves from Kelly denying them the lead.

    The hosts earned a spot kick midway through the second-half after Blaney’s foot caught Will Fish at the edge of the box. Maolida calmy stepped up and rolled the ball into the right hand corner in front of 2,800 Hibs fans.

    With 20 minutes remaining, and ‘Well needing all three points, Stuart Kettlewell made a triple substitution, bringing on Andy Halliday, Sam Nicholson and Ebiye Moses.

    Eight minutes from time his cross found its way across the box to Cadden and only a brilliant block from Kelly kept his side’s hopes for another late fightback alive.

    And with the game three minutes into additional time Motherwell produced an equaliser to stun the visitors.

    With the ball bouncing about a packed box, Blaney unleashed a shot on the volley which thundered past Marshall.

    There was just enough time for ‘Well to grab all three points when Moses crossed into the six yard box giving Oli Shaw a glimpse of glory but he scooped the ball beyond the post to leave the home side with only a solitary point.

  • First team

    Stuart Kettlewell reacts to Hibernian draw

    Stuart Kettlewell reacts to the 1-1 draw with Hibernian.

    • Late top-six push
    • Coming up just short
    • A new target set