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A frustrated Stephen Robinson picked positives and negatives as his side drew 2-2 with Rangers. 

Despite a stunning first half showing, the Steelmen went on to surrender a two goal lead at the break in a match filled with drama and controversy.

But the Northern Irishman made sure to praise the hard work of his players who have still lost just once at Fir Park in 2018.

“After our first half performance which was really, really good, we got the boys in at half time and told them not to give Rangers anything to hang on to,” Robinson revealed.

[pullquote]I can’t fault the boys’ character in any shape or form. They give me everything, but they do make mistakes sometimes. We made a couple of errors for the goals, but we live and learn.[/pullquote]

“The first fifteen minutes of the second half cost us. We concede a penalty and should deal with the ball out wide before it got anywhere near the second goal.

“But I’ve got to give the boys credit because they came back again. They could have crumbled with a big away support against them, but they kept going and could have won the game.”

When asked about the moment which ultimately swung things in Rangers’ favour, Robinson reflected on the penalty decision early in the second half.

“I don’t think it’s a penalty,” he said. “Elliott makes clear contact with the ball but it gives them the lifeline. It certainly didn’t cost us the three points though.”

Phil McGhee at Fir Park

Motherwell claimed another hard earned point from an Old Firm double header. However, while the television audience got their money’s worth from a thrilling encounter, Stephen Robinson’s men will feel short changed after conceding a two goal lead from a first half they dominated.

Goals from Curtis Main and Alan Campbell within the opening 16 minutes should have had ‘Well on course for their first league victory over Rangers for 15 years. However, a quick double from James Tavernier and former Fir Park favourite Jamie Murphy at the start of the second half, left both teams level over the ninety minutes.

Motherwell were unchanged from the side which earned a point from Celtic a fortnight ago, with Scotland Under 21s Alan Campbell and Chris Cadden returning from international duty to form a middle pairing in front of Carl McHugh.

And ‘Well’s press on the visitor’s goal the from the start was rewarded after only eight minutes. Main fed the ball to Cadden a couple of yards inside the box. And when Russell Martin clattered into the back of the midfield man, referee Nick Walsh had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot. Main was equally confident sendingWes Foderingham the wrong way to make it 1-0.

If that surprised the Ibrox side, they were stunned eight minutes later when the Fir Parkers doubled their lead. Main did extremely well to hold off two challenges at the edge of the box before rolling the ball in front of the supporting Campbell, who calmly side footed the ball beyond the advancing ‘keeper and made it 2-0.

Rangers finally responded midway through the half when Jamie Murphy, who scored many fine goals in claret and amber, was denied on his return to Fir Park, when his low angled shot was brilliantly palmed away by Trevor Carson.

That aside, the remainder of the first half and chances belonged to ‘Well as they looked to kill off the game.

After almost catching out Foderingham at his near post, Cadden came within inches of extending the lead after 38 minutes. Great work on the right by Richard Tait and Campbell allowed Cadden to cut in on the angle before thundering his drive off the crossbar.

Minutes later, the move was repeated, but this time Campbell’s shot from five yards was blocked by Russell Martin. Five minutes from the break, Main showed great control and awareness chesting the ball into his path before volleying the ball over the ‘keeper and just over the bar.

A third goal may have put the game to bed, but home fears were realised within six minutes of the restart when Rangers pulled one back.

There looked to be minimal contact with Elliot Frear when James Tavernier went down in the box. Throw in to that the fact that the winger won the ball, it was an extremely difficult decision to take for the Steelmen when the referee pointed to the spot. Tavernier slammed the spot kick high into the net as the momentum swung Rangers’ way.

And two minutes later, the Ibrox men were level with a trademark goal from Murphy who dribbled across the penalty area before cutting the ball back across the box and inside Carson’s right hand post.

However, any thoughts of self pity from the home side were erased in the next attack when Main created space at the corner of the box and produced a measured shot which curled beyond Foderingham, only to rebound off the face of the keeper’s left hand post.

In an exciting final twenty minutes, with both teams chasing a winner, Daniel Candeias looked certain to complete the visitor’s fightback. But Carson, demonstrating the form that earned him his first Northern Ireland cap, stood strong to block the shot with his foot.

There were more claims for a penalty, especially from home fans, as Bruno Alves finding Curtis Main a handful throughout the game, twice hauled the ‘Well striker to the ground.

Trevor Carson says the Motherwell squad are fired up for a huge couple of weeks for the Steelmen.

Coming back fresh from the international break, the Steelmen have three games to claim a spot in the Ladbrokes Premiership top six, starting with the lunchtime clash with Rangers on Saturday.

At the end of it all is a William Hill Scottish Cup semi final date with Aberdeen and the goalkeeper, who joined in the summer from Hartlepool United, says they are exactly the sort of occasions he moved to Scotland for.

“We are raring to go again,” said Carson. “I can’t wait for these games, I wish they were day after day.

“I can’t wait for the semi final and the fact it’s two weeks away, we are desperate to get at it.

“But they are all big games. We still have an outside chance of getting into the top six.

[pullquote]Rangers is a massive game and we think it’s a winnable game for us. If we take in the same intensity as against Celtic, we’ve got a good chance.[/pullquote]

“Our first league game of the season at home to Rangers. I know there was only nine or ten thousand here, but you don’t get that atmosphere in the lower leagues in England. It’s completely different.”

Carson returned to ML1 this week with his first cap for Northern Ireland finally picked up, having made his debut for his country in a friendly with South Korea at the weekend.

“It was an emotional experience for the whole family,” Carson added. “I had 26 people there, I had to buy 19 tickets. I think after I get my match fee, I’ll be down a tenner.

“Coming out for the national anthem I could see my family, my mum was in bits. I was a bit emotional myself but you have to compose yourself for the game.

“Turning 30, there were probably times I thought it wasn’t meant to be with Northern Ireland, but it was a really nice feeling to go back to my mum’s house on the Saturday night and enjoy it, and talk about sacrifices we have all made over the years and how worthwhile it was.

|A day like Saturday far outweighs any sacrifices.”

Motherwell return to domestic action with the arrival of Rangers at Fir Park on Saturday.

After a busy international break, with four Steelmen on duty for their countries, the visit of the Gers is the first of three games in a week as the campaign rumbles towards the split.

It is also the second of three consecutive home fixtures, after a hard-earned point against Celtic, and Aberdeen arriving in Lanarkshire on Tuesday night.

Graeme Murty’s Rangers side, on the other hand, are on the search for much-needed points having slipped to back-to-back defeats against Celtic and Kilmarnock.

Their form on the road, however, is strong, with the Govan side registering six wins in an unbeaten run of seven games away from home.

Throw in the fact that the Gers are the top scoring side in the Premiership, and it makes for a tough encounter for Motherwell.

Despite several players being away with their countries and a change to the training schedule, Stephen Robinson says he’s been able to maintain the standards and intensity that led up to the performance against Celtic before the break.

“We’ve had a good week so we’re well prepared for the Rangers game,” said the manager.

“There’s been a bit of an edge in training and I’ve said it before but it’s never been a problem trying to motivate the boys, I have to actually hold them back sometimes.

“They’ve trained really, really well, and I’ve got a few problems with selection as well which is good.”

Liam Grimshaw has returned to training after recovering from injury but the manager says there are doubts over the fitness of both Allan Campbell and Carl McHugh for the match.

Motherwell must win at least two of their last three games before the split to stand a chance of making the top six in the Ladbrokes Premiership and Robinson says he’s not given up hope.

“There’s still a chance at the top six and until that’s gone we’ll be aiming for that,” he said. “All of our games coming up are winnable because we’ve beaten the teams before, so that’s what we have to aim for.”

One man who hasn’t caused many headaches for his manager this season is Trevor Carson.

The Northern Irish stopper has been a standout performer between the sticks this campaign and is relishing Saturday’s showdown with Rangers, just a week after making his international debut.

And the 30-year old faces another important spell ahead of him in claret and amber.

The Steelmen have three games to claim a spot in the Ladbrokes Premiership top six, starting with the lunchtime clash with Rangers on Saturday.

At the end of it all is a William Hill Scottish Cup semi final date with Aberdeen and the goalkeeper, who joined in the summer from Hartlepool United, says they are exactly the sort of occasions he moved to Scotland for.

“We are raring to go again,” said Carson. “I can’t wait for these games, I wish they were day after day.

“I can’t wait for the semi final and the fact it’s two weeks away, we are desperate to get at it.

“But they are all big games. We still have an outside chance of getting into the top six. Rangers is a massive game and we think it’s a winnable game for us.

“Our first league game of the season at home to Rangers. I know there was only nine or ten thousand here, but you don’t get that atmosphere in the lower leagues in England. It’s completely different.”

Tickets are available at the Fir Park ticket office.

Rangers supporters should contact their club for ticket information.

Kick off at Fir Park on Saturday is at 12.30pm.

Admission prices are as follows:

Concessions are applicable to 60 and over and full time students with a valid matriculation card. Juveniles are applicable to aged 15 and under. The cheaper price is for the John Hunter stand.

Motherwell fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Brian Davidson on 07428 225254 or tickets@mfcdsa.com.

If you can’t make it along, you can follow the match on Twitter @MotherwellFC. Live audio commentary will be available on mixlr.com/motherwellfc

You can see the match highlights on MFC TV’s YouTube channel, as well as full reaction and a match report right here on the official website.

Extended highlights from Forthbank Stadium as Motherwell Under 20s return to winning ways with a well-earned 1-0 win over Celtic in the Development League. 

A delighted Stephen Craigan praised every one of his players as they ended a four game losing run in style with a 1-0 win over Celtic.

From the physical James Scott, to the versatile Kyle MacDonald, the Under 20s boss was impressed with the attitude of his young players following a difficult run of results.

“I think the most important thing was the performance,” the Northern Irishman said. “We had a chat before the game and I actually said that I didn’t care about the result.

“I just wanted us to show a level of bottle and bravery, as well as an understanding of the game, and the result would take care of itself.”

He added: “We did quite a bit of work yesterday on the pitch to do with our tactical shape and triggers for people to move. Then we reiterated that again this morning in a presentation.

“So there’s been a lot of information in the last 24 hours and generally, for the majority of the game, they carried it out to a tee.”

Motherwell Under 20s ended their losing run with a terrific showing and hard-fought 1-0 win against Celtic.

Stephen Craigan made three changes from the side which lost 5-3 against Dundee, recalling Luke Watt, Alfie Agyeman and Kyle MacDonald to the starting eleven.

But it was young striker James Scott, searching for a second goal in as many games, who nearly opened the scoring at Forthbank Stadium.

Collecting the ball just outside the box, the forward spun confidently and fired a decent effort on goal, but it was matched by a fairly comfortable save from Ross Doohan.

In an otherwise quiet opening 45, Shea Gordon came closest to a goal when his deflected effort beat the Celtic stopper, but also zipped inches past the post.

As the second half got underway, Craigan’s side really ramped up their performance against a Celtic side who couldn’t handle the youngsters physicality and determination.

Peter Morrison’s stunning reflex save early in the second period proved to be a game winning moment, with a thunderous volley from Watson destined for the corner before the keeper palmed it wide.

MacDonald, playing out of position at left wing-back, was outstanding both offensively and defensively, with a series of crosses begging to be turned home as ‘Well pushed for the opener.

In the 67th minute, his teasing cross had no takers but was kept alive by Shaun Bowers at the back post. It dropped for Shea Gordon, but his acrobatic effort was blocked on route before Celtic hacked it clear.

Gordon, turning provider, released Agyeman through on goal, but Doohan rushed out to make a strong save as Celtic continued to hang on.

It wasn’t for long though, and two minutes later the lively Scott burst past his man before being scythed to the deck, forcing the referee to point to the spot.

Up stepped Davie Turnbull, who sent Doohan the wrong way, dispatching confidently in to the bottom right corner.

The youngsters saw out the remaining 15 minutes comfortably, with Celtic struggling to get the better of their claret and amber opponent in every individual battle.

Stephen Robinson says the international break hasn’t derailed the momentum of his side ahead of the visit of Rangers on Saturday.

Motherwell went into the hiatus off the back of a 0-0 draw with league leaders Celtic, putting in a solid performance despite being reduced to ten men late in the first half.

Despite several players being away with their countries and a change to the training schedule, Robinson says he’s been able to maintain the standards and intensity that led up to the performance against Brendan Rodgers’ side.

“We’ve had a good week so we’re well prepared for the Rangers game,” said the manager.

“There’s been a bit of an edge in training and I’ve said it before but it’s never been a problem trying to motivate the boys, I have to actually hold them back sometimes.

[pullquote]”That’s because it’s competitive, but that’s what we want. We can’t be a competitive team on a Saturday and then from Monday to Friday not be.[/pullquote]

“They’ve trained really, really well, and I’ve got a few problems with selection as well which is good.”

Liam Grimshaw has returned to training after recovering from injury but the manager says there are doubts over the fitness of both Allan Campbell and Carl McHugh for the match.

Motherwell must win at least two of their last three games before the split to stand a chance of making the top six in the Ladbrokes Premiership and Robinson says he’s not given up hope.

“There’s still a chance at the top six and until that’s gone we’ll be aiming for that,” he said. “All of our games coming up are winnable because we’ve beaten the teams before, so that’s what we have to aim for.”

Tom Forsyth was a hero to fans of weekend opponents Rangers during the 1970s but it was Fir Park where he made his name and would later return to taste more glory.

The young Forsyth emulated the Motherwell heroes he watched from the terraces during his childhood and is still a regular visitor to Fir Park as a member of the former players’ club.

Forsyth was spotted playing for his local club, Stonehouse Violet, and brought to Fir Park by manager Bobby Howitt in 1967. And his affection for the club which launched his career remains strong more than five decades later.

“I played in a trial game,” said Forsyth. “I was playing with Stonehouse Violet, I was 16 and had a year with them and went on trial. It was Willie McSeveney, he is in the ex-players’ club as well, who had a word with Bobby Howitt.

“I played in a reserve game up at Broomfield, I can’t remember if it was against Airdrie or maybe Cumbernauld Juniors. Willie McSeveney took the team and Bobby Howitt then came to watch me play for Stonehouse Violet and signed me. So it all took off from there.”

Forsyth made his name as a tough-tackling defender but his versatility was evident in his early days.

“I got in the first team when I was 17. I played as an inside-forward or a wing-half, would you believe. They got relegated but we came back up the next year.”

That rare season outside the top flight for Motherwell in 1968/69 allowed the teenage Forsyth to develop as the Steelmen won the Second Division at a canter, scoring 112 goals and winning 30 matches out of 36.

“Jackie McInally finished at Kilmarnock and came to Motherwell for the last two years of his career and he was a great goalscorer,” Forsyth said. “We were in the Second Division and believe it or not I scored 17 goals. Dixie (Deans) maybe got 40 and Jackie scored 20-odd goals.

“I came as a centre-half but they played me in midfield and I scored a few goals. I think that helped me. When you go back it was a bit easier because there is not so much running to do as when you’re in the middle of the park.

“I had a great time at Motherwell. My main disappointment was not getting through to the final of the Texaco Cup when we played Hearts in the semi-final. It was very, very disappointing. When I see my pal Davie Whiteford, we still talk about that game. It brings back the memories, we still say: ‘How did we not get to that final?!’

“It was two-and-a-half minutes into injury-time when they scored and Donald Ford scored in extra-time to put them through. It was a great tournament. We had beaten Tottenham and Stoke and it was a great feeling beating these teams when you are underdogs.

“We always loved to beat the bigger teams. We beat a lot of teams quite well. I used to go over to watch the Ancell Babes when I was a fan and then the likes of Joe McBride and then Dixie Deans, who I played with too.

“The Ancell Babes were a great team – there’s a song: ‘When the boys in blue got beat 5-2 by the boys in claret and amber’.

“We relished these games, they were great games to play in, especially when they came to Fir Park. It was a tight park and the fans were on top of them. We didn’t win all the time but we always gave them a good run for their money.”

A Scotland career which ultimately saw the defender win 22 caps, play his part in consecutive victories over England and appear at the 1978 World Cup finals, also captaining his country once, began at Fir Park.

“Bobby Brown was the manager, I saw him at Ibrox recently when I was working in the hospitality. He looked remarkable for 94. He gave Bobby Watson, Keith MacRae and me a call-up when we went over to Russia.

“The problem was we had stopped playing for a while, maybe a month, because the season had ended. I think their season in Russia went on longer.

“I went into train at Fir Park but I wasn’t really match fit. The sharpness wasn’t there and it was just disappointing. I was away a year but then I got back in the squad again.”

Forsyth joined Rangers in October 1972 and became a hero at the end of his first season with the winning goal in an Old Firm Scottish Cup final.

“I don’t think some Motherwell fans ever forgave me for going to Rangers but I just couldn’t turn it down,” he said. “My first game for Rangers was – you’ll never guess – against Motherwell at Fir Park. I kept giving the ball to Motherwell players.

“I think I signed on the Thursday and the game was on the Saturday. I got a bit of stick but I had to go to take my career on.

“But I’ll never forget what Motherwell did for me. They helped me get to the top in football and I am ever thankful. I have a great affection for the club.”

That feeling was reinforced by 10 years working as Tommy McLean’s assistant during a period of major progress for the club. The former Rangers team-mates led Motherwell to the 1985 First Division title in their first season and left immediately after embarking on a serious title challenge to Rangers.

But the highlight was the 1991 Scottish Cup final triumph.

“It was great when we beat Celtic in the semi-final,” Forsyth said. “Tom’s brother Jim was the manager for Dundee United so it was a family things and their dad died a few days before the final, which was very sad.

“But getting to the final and winning it was great. We went up to Aberdeen and Morton and beat Celtic in a replay, they were great games.

“I think a lot of Motherwell fans came out the cupboards for the final, then they were on the park at Fir Park afterwards. It was incredible. For a wee club like Motherwell it was a great feeling.

“I have always had a soft spot for them, they started my career and I can’t thank them enough.”

Written by Gavin McCafferty.

The referee for Saturday’s match against Rangers at Fir Park is Nick Walsh.

It marks the referee’s third ‘Well appointment of the 2017/18 campaign, after the 1-0 loss to Aberdeen back in September and the 1-1 draw against Patrick Thistle, both of which were played here at Fir Park.

The young official took charge of his very first Premiership game in the 2016/17 season, and his involvements with the Steelmen last term were his only involvements with the club in his career so far until this season.

Prior to that 1-0 loss against Aberdeen at Fir Park, ‘Well had a 100% record, albeit just in the two matches the official had taken charge of.

In the four games he has overseen, Walsh has handed out 20 yellow cards, 10 of those flashed at a player in claret and amber.

His assistants on Saturday are Dougie Potter and Mark McLean, with John Beaton on Fourth Official duties.