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

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

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

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

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

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

Supporters must initially enter Pittodrie through turnstiles 44-49.

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

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

March 19, 2016. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Motherwell U20s lost 1-0 away to Ross County in a top of the table Development League clash this afternoon.

A header from Staggies centre-back Mathew Hall secured the victory for the home side and left the young Steelmen with a disappointing treck home.

Stephen Craigan welcomed the return of Jack McMillan to his under 20s side and called upon senior players Joe Chalmers and David Ferguson to the starting eleven. The Northern Irishman opted to partner James Scott and Dylan Mackin together up front, while Jake Hastie dropped to the bench.

It was an evenly contested encounter for the opening 20 minutes, with the Steelmen going closest to an opener following a swift move on the counter. Some neat play between Scott, Davie Turnbull and Adam Livingstone down the left caught the backtracking Staggies out, but when Mackin received the ball to his feet in the area, his neat turn and stabbed shot at goal beat County keeper Mark Foden, but went just wide of the far post.

The visiting Steelmen were shading the match in terms of chances, but were mostly limited to efforts from distance. Mackin struck an ambitious effort from 20-yards which flew over the bar and, just seconds later, Turnbull saw his long range strike flash narrowly past the post.

Ollie Pain pulled off a tremendous save on the half hour mark to deny the towering Oscar Gobern from heading County in to the lead. The tall midfielder rose highest from a corner, only to be denied by superb reactions from Pain low to his right.

Tom Fry battled well to rob Russell Dingwall of possession deep in his own half just before the break, but the County midfielder dragged the Welshman to the deck as he drove towards the Staggies goal, leading to the first booking of the match.

It remained goalless heading in to the break but in the second period, the home side took their opportunity from a set piece after a fairly quiet start to the second 45.

It came in the 70^th minute, when centre back Mathew Hall got up to nod home from a cross following a freekick, leaving Pain with no chance in the Motherwell goal.

Just over five minutes later, and not long after coming on, Motherwell should have drawn level when a golden opportunity fell for Hastie.

Chalmers, picking the ball up in the Staggies half, strode forward and curled a perfect ball for the run of the sub, but the winger couldn’t get the touch it needed and missed a glorious chance from just a few yards.

County nearly doubled their lead when Keillor-Dunn cut in from the left and curled a terrific, right-footed shot towards the far top corner, but it flew narrowly past the post.

The Steelmen pegged the hosts back in the final minutes but a strong Staggies backline held strong for a narrow victory at the Highland Football Academy in Dingwall.

Motherwell: Pain, McMillan, Livingstone, Maguire, Ferguson, Chalmers, Fry, Turnbull, Mackin (Hastie ’73), Scott (Agyeman ’84), Gordon

Unused subs: Pettigrew, Armstrong

The SPFL has today confirmed a recent Development League defeat to Dunfermline has been annulled with Motherwell awarded a 0-3 win.

The Pars mistakenly played fullback Conner Duthie against the Steelmen in a Development League match played on 21 February at New Central Park.

Duthie, who scored the ‘winning’ goal in a 3-2 success for Dunfermline, was due to be suspended following an accumulation of cautions.

And after a hearing, the SPFL today informed Motherwell that the result would be wiped and indeed, awarded as a 0-3 win to the Steelmen.

[pullquote]It’s a bit of good fortune and we’ll hopefully use it as a bounce ahead of the remaining games in both the League and Youth Cup over the next few months.[/pullquote]

That change in the table puts ‘Well top of the Development League on 44 points, one ahead of today’s opponents Ross County who are tied with Hibernian on 43, albeit with games in hand.

Under 20s boss Stephen Craigan said: “I feel for Dunfermline as these accidents can happen from time to time.

“To be fair, they were straight on the phone to us and the league after the match.

“It’s a bit of good fortune and we’ll hopefully use it as a bounce ahead of the remaining games in both the League and Youth Cup over the next few months.”