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Jens Berthel Askou reacts to progressing to the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup with a 0-1 win over St Johnstone in extra-time.

Motherwell progressed to the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup with an extra-time win over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.

Lukas Fadinger was the hero, netting in the second half of extra time after both sides drew a blank after 90 minutes.

Jens Berthel Askou made two changes from the side that drew 0-0 with St Mirren last weekend. In came Tom Sparrow for the injured Johnny Koutroumbis, and also Apostolos Stamatelopoulos who replaced the suspended Callum Slattery following his two bookings in the group-stage of the Premier Sports Cup.

The bench was littered with Motherwell Academy Graduates ready to make their mark. Five youngsters from the Academy took their spot on the bench, with Ewan Wilson, Jay Gillies, Zander McAllister, Campbell Forrest and Luca Ross named amongst the substitutes.

Motherwell’s first chance of the afternoon arrived inside five minutes. A nice, flowing move involving Stephen O’Donnell and Tawanda Maswanhise set Elijah Just away on the wing. He was brought down, and from the subsequent free kick, Paul McGinn’s over-the-shoulder effort from inside of the area went just wide of the target.

St Johnstone’s first chance of the afternoon arrived a couple of minutes later. The ball fell to Jamie Gullan on the edge of the box, who fired over Calum Ward’s goal.

McGinn had his second chance from a corner on 15 minutes. The skipper got his head to Emmanuel Longelo’s delivery but committed a foul in the process.

On 22 minutes, Ibrahim Said scuffed an effort wide of the post that caused the keeper no trouble.

There was a lengthy stoppage due to Adam Sidibeh requiring treatment, which allowed both groups of players to take on much-needed fluid. St Johnstone’s number nine played on following the stoppage.

On the half-hour mark, Just’s effort that was destined for the bottom corner was blocked amid claims of handball, but with no VAR, there was no stoppage to check.

Both sides were creating openings at this stage. Sidibeh controlled a five-yard pass on his chest before sending it over into the away stand.

Moments later, Longelo took on his two defenders before sending in a low cross which was somehow sent over his own crossbar by Morgan Boyes from close range.

With the board going up to signal four minutes added, Lukas Fadinger sent in a free kick from the left edge of the box. Stamatelopoulos flicked on at the near post, but the ball trickled past the target.

St Johnstone had a big sight of goal in first-half stoppage time. A free kick delivery eventually fell to Cheick Diabate, but the centre back smashed over on the half volley.

With the game level, both sides looked to start the second-half on the front foot. Just sent Maswanhise away up the right wing; the 22-year-old tried to find his teammate Stamatelopoulos but the cross was too heavy.

On 49 minutes, Longelo’s cross was diverted for a corner before anyone in a Motherwell shirt could get on the end of it, but it was a positive start to the second period. From the subsequent corner, O’Donnell looked to have got past his man but was brought down. The referee booked the Scotland international for simulation.

In a lively affair, Fadinger stole possession on the edge of his own area before carrying the ball into the opposition box. His final pass let him down, but the travelling support were encouraged by what they were seeing.

Just had a shot comfortably saved on 53 minutes from a well-worked corner routine.

Bang on the hour mark, a big chance for the Steelmen. Lovely play on the edge of the box ended in a chipped pass through for Stamatelopoulos, he just got on the end of it before the keeper and set up Longelo whose shot was blocked. Said’s follow-up was also blocked.

Maswanhise was next to have a go. He got on the end of Stamatelopoulos’ pass and cut into the box, but his shot was saved by Steward who got down well.

On 66 minutes, Ward produced a magnificent save to deny Makenzie Kirk who latched onto a flick and went through one-on-one.

The next chance arrived on 72 minutes. Just had a go from a free kick 25 yards out. His effort was on target but too central to cause concern.

Said caused the Saints more issues on 73 minutes, cutting inside and sending a rasping effort towards goal, but it was diverted for a corner from a St Johnstone defender.

Motherwell made their first changes of the afternoon on 78 minutes. Esapa Osong was introduced, making his debut, alongside Andy Halliday to replace Tawanda Maswanhise and Ibrahim Said.

Boyes again was living dangerously on 83 minutes, when he cleared a ball over his own bar from close range again. Substitute Halliday controlled on the chest and volleyed on target from that corner, but Steward gathered.

In stoppage time, the chances kept coming. Jason Holt somehow didn’t convert from a cutback.

Osong then had a header saved from a cross a minute later, as both sides felt they could grab the winner before the full-time whistle. But neither side could get the winner in 90 minutes, and the game headed into extra time.

After 90 minutes of football, the deadlock was yet to be broken. No changes were made by Jens Berthel Askou.

The first chance in extra-time was for the hosts. Kirk’s shot was saved by the post and Ward on 91 minutes. The game was becoming more open by the minute due to fatigue setting in for both teams.

Another big chance arrived on 98 minutes. Just latched onto a misplaced pass, drove into the box but couldn’t drill his shot on target, and instead found the side netting.

Substitute Jonathan Svedberg stung the palms of Ward with a volley on 101 minutes. Longelo rushed back to regain possession on the left wing, which resulted in the full-back going down and unable to continue. Ewan Wilson was his replacement, just before half-time in extra-time was signalled by the referee.

On 108 minutes, the deadlock was finally broken. Patient play on the left-hand side resulted in a neatly threaded pass from Elliot Watt which found Lukas Fadinger. The Austrian steadied himself and saw his shot fire across the goalkeeper and into the far corner of the net.

Luca Ross and Kofi Balmer were brought on moments later for Just and Tom Sparrow, with just nine minutes left to play.

There was a special moment for Academy Graduate Zander McAllister, who replaced Apostolos Stamatelopoulos with just minutes left.

The Steelmen saw out the final minutes comfortably, securing another quarter-final spot in the Premier Sports Cup.

Motherwell Team: Ward, Sparrow (111′), O’Donnell, McGinn, Longelo (105′), Said (78′), Fadinger, Watt, Just (111′), Maswanhise (78′), Stamatelopoulos (117′).

Motherwell Subs: Oxborough, Balmer (111′), Wilson (105′), Halliday (78′), Gillies, McAllister (117′), Forrest, Osong (78′), Ross (111′).

Elijah Just talks about how hard it will be to replace Lennon Miller following his move to Italy. Just talks about the mood in the camp ahead of the match in the Premier Sports Cup against St Johnstone. 

The forward has enjoyed his time in Scotland so far and feels settling in has came naturally.

Esapa Osong has joined the club on a season-long loan deal from Premier League side Nottingham Forest, subject to international clearance.

The 20-year-old joins the club having spent last season on loan with Rotherham United and Cambridge United.

“This is an incredible opportunity for me,” Esapa Osong expressed.

“I’m eager to demonstrate my abilities. I’m thankful for the chance to join this club, compete in a challenging league, and contribute to the team’s success.

“The manager has outlined his expectations, and now it’s my responsibility to deliver. I’ve heard that a large crowd will be traveling to the game tomorrow, and I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere in the stadium.”

Osong has been a prolific goalscorer through the youth ranks at Forest. He has scored 25 goals in 41 games for the Under 18 side, and has scored 11 goals for the Under 21 sides.

The striker made his senior debut back in 2023 in the EFL Cup against Manchester United.

“Esapa is a young and highly talented forward that Nick Daws has been tracking for some time,” Jens Berthel Askou stated.

“Powerful and athletic, he has consistently impressed at academy level with his productivity and eye-catching performances.

“With his combination of speed, strength, and technical ability, Esapa has the potential to be a real challenge for any defender in the league. We’re excited to welcome him on board and look forward to helping him unlock the full potential he possesses.”

Manager Jens Berthel Askou wishes Lennon Miller and his family all the best for the future following his club-record transfer to Udinese. 

The Motherwell boss previews the match on Saturday, hoping his side can take another step closer to Hampden. He also provides the latest teams new from the Motherwell camp and explains his joy in securing Tawanda Maswanhise until 2028.

Jens Berthel Askou provided the latest squad update ahead of our trip to St Johnstone on Saturday. 

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, the Motherwell boss discusses a number of players and their availability this weekend.

“Apostolos had a little thing that we addressed last week,” the manager said.

“He is fine now and training. Johnny Koutroumbis and Liam Gordon had some minor issues, so they’re not ready for Saturday. We’ll assess that again next week.

“Jordan McGhee is back in full training next week, which is very positive. I look forward to getting him back on the pitch.

“Eseosa Sule has had surgery, and he will be out for several months. The surgery went well, and we hope for a speedy recovery.”

Tawanda Maswanhise has extended his contract at Motherwell. 

The 22-year-old Zimbabwe international has penned a new deal that will see him remain at the club until the summer of 2027, with the club holding an option of a further year.

“Since joining Motherwell FC a year ago, Tawanda has made huge strides in his development,” manager Jens Berthel Askou added.

“His speed and aggressiveness pose a constant threat to any defence in the league, both in and out of possession, and his start to this season has been nothing short of impressive.

“He has shown a strong desire to improve and an excellent ability to use his strengths for the benefit of the team. We have high expectations that he will be an important and decisive player for us in the season ahead, and we’re delighted to have extended his contract.”

Maswanhise has made a breathless start to his 2025/26 season, scoring four goals in the group-stage of the Premier Sports Cup. His efforts earned him the player of the month award for July.

The winger arrived 12 months ago and has made 40 appearances so far, scoring ten goals.

“I have truly enjoyed my time here,” Tawanda Maswanhise expressed.

“Ultimately, I wanted to stay, and signing this deal was a straightforward choice. The fans, players, and staff are all fantastic. I’ve felt valued by everyone, which motivates me to keep contributing my best.

“I will keep working hard and giving my all for this football club. It’s an exciting time.”

We can confirm Lennon Miller has joined Udinese for a club-record transfer fee.

The fee will remain undisclosed as per the confidentiality clause within the agreement; however, it substantially surpasses the previous record fee set when David Turnbull joined Celtic in 2020 and contains various contingent fees including a sell-on.

“Motherwell is all I’ve ever known,” Lennon Miller said.

“It’s been my home since I was a young boy, and I’ve achieved my dream of playing in the first-team, playing in the big stadiums and wearing the armband.

“My thanks goes to all the supporters for taking me in. The support up and down the country every week has been exceptional. For all the coaches I’ve worked under and who have helped me improve as a player and as a man, thank you. I simply wouldn’t be here without their guidance and support.

“To all the players who I’ve played alongside with, and for all the kind words they’ve said about me, thank you. My teammates have helped me through everything and allowed me to play with freedom.

“I want to also express my appreciation to all the staff behind the scenes at the club. Some are still there, some have moved on, but they all work so hard to keep the place going. You may not see first-hand the hard work and sacrifices they make, but having been in the building all these years, I can’t thank them enough for everything they do.

“This is a new chapter in my life, and I move on filled with excitement. I may not be at Fir Park to cheer on the boys, but I’ll be watching and following from afar. The club has a big place in my heart, and I will always be grateful. I wish all the lads the best for the rest of the season.

“Mon the Well.”

Miller, a product of the Motherwell Academy, has been within the ranks at the club since the age of seven.

Consistently impressing and playing above his level, Miller went on to become the youngest-ever player in our 139-year history when he appeared as a second-half substitute against Inverness in the League Cup in 2022 at the age of 16.

From then, he has gone from strength to strength and established himself as a first-team starter under Stuart Kettlewell. He scored his first professional goal against Elgin City in the Viaplay Cup in July 2023 and started every match in the 23/24 Premiership season until he was ruled out through injury.

Signing a new deal running until the summer of 2026, during that layoff, he made his return to action and went on to win the club’s Young Player of the Year award and was nominated for SFWA Young Player of the Year.

During the 24/25 season, he has continued his development in the first team. Adding goals and assists to his game, he would make history by becoming the youngest-ever Motherwell captain at 18 years old when he led the side out at the national stadium against Rangers in the semi-final of the Premier Sports Cup.

He would go on to captain the side on ten occasions before fracturing his ankle in December 2024, ruling him out for two months.

The injury didn’t derail a successful campaign, as Miller scooped the Motherwell Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, and Coaches’ Player of the Year awards. He also won the SFWA Young Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year awards.

After receiving all the praise and recognition for his performances in the 2024/25 season, he soon made his first senior Scotland appearance against Iceland in a friendly. A second-half substitute, he was handed his first start just days later, where he notched an assist in an impressive 90-minute display against Liechtenstein.

The 18-year-old made 76 appearances for the club in total.

“The time was right for all parties for Lennon to make the next move in his career,” Chief Executive Brian Caldwell added.

“He is an example of the pathway and model that exists at Motherwell and is a huge success story for everyone associated with the club.

“The sell-on included ensures we will be compensated should Lennon go on to a fruitful career beyond this move, something that was crucial for us.

“My thanks go to Lennon for his professionalism throughout this lengthy process, and I hope he goes on to have a successful and healthy career in the game.”

The club thanks Lennon for his immense contribution, and we wish him the very best for the future.

Motherwell take a break from league action and turn their attention to the Premier Sport Cup on Saturday 16 August, taking on St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park. 

Kick off is 3pm.

How to follow the game

You can buy tickets online by clicking here.

Ambulant disabled supporters: buy online – age appropriate price.  Where an ambulant disabled supporter requires a personal assistant, please select an additional seat and choose PA (personal assistant) from the dropdown list before adding to your basket.

Wheelchair supporters: age appropriate price – please contact ticket office on 01738 459090 (option 1) to purchase.

There are a limited number of disabled parking bays for visiting fans to book in advance. Please email DAO@perthsaints.co.uk to book or to enquire.

The Supporters Bus running from Fir Park is now sold out. 

The Cooper Bar will be open from 11:30am for refreshments, with the coach leaving promptly at 1:15pm.

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

Should you be in the UK, it will be live commentary only. Please note, the commentary will be St Johnstone’s own commentators.

Motherwell’s Fortunes

Motherwell remain unbeaten in competitive action under Jens Berthel Askou. A 0-0 draw in Paisley on Saturday meant it’s been two draws from the two opening league matches.

Ibrahim Said earned his first start in Motherwell colours, with Stephen O’Donnell and Paul McGinn chosen to be the centre-back pairing.

These two sides met five times last season, three of which took place at McDiarmid. Motherwell got the better of Saints on three of those occasions. The last meeting ended in a 3-2 win for the Steelmen, with Slattery and Sparrow getting on the scoresheet either side of an own goal.

Opposition Report

This is a new-look St Johnstone side, who have signed 12 players following their relegation to the Championship. 16 players departed the club, with a further five players returning to their parent clubs following the expiry of their loan deals.

Simo Valakari’s side have made a powerful start to their competitive season. Playing four matches in the Premier Sports Cup and two matches in the Championship, they have won all six games, conceding four goals and scoring 21 times.

They topped their group with 12 points, beating East Kilbride, Inverness CT, Elgin City and Raith Rovers to be seeded in the Last 16 draw.