Latest News

A last-minute free-kick by John McGinn denied Motherwell U20s their first point of the season as St Mirren ran out 2-1 winners in Paisley tonight.

-WATCH THE FULL HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-

U20s boss Jonatan Johansson was left gutted by a late St Mirren winner which left his side still searching for their first point of the season.

Saints had gone ahead just before the interval but ‘Well wrestled their way back into the game through Craig Moore, who blasted home his second of the season.

But a last-minute curling free-kick from McGinn denied the Steelmen, who had five U17s in the starting eleven and nine in the squad, who will feel they were good enough for a point.

[pullquote]Both goals were lost from late set pieces that we maybe gave away too easy but other than that I am really proud of the guys.[/pullquote]

Former Finland International striker Johansson told MFC TV: I’m devastated for the players because I thought they did excellent today.

“The discipline was great as well as the work rate and the way they followed orders. I thought coming out for the second half they were really up for it but there are still some things we need to work on.

“Both goals were lost from late set pieces that we maybe gave away too easy but other than that I am really proud of the guys.

“It was a young team and a small squad and although we lost it in the end, they did great. The Under 17s who came in were excellent. Big David (Ferguson) at the back was so composed on the ball and Danny (McNulty) came on at right back and almost set-up a goal straight away.

“Performances aside, results always tell the truth and I don’t want myself or the players to be able to hide behind that. But all things considered I cannot be too harsh on the players.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ONLY ON MFC TV-

A late, late free-kick from John McGinn denied a young Motherwell side a deserved share if the spoils as St Mirren U20s ran out 2-1 winners.

The hosts had gone ahead a minute before the half-time whistle when defender Paul Dummit headed home an excellent corner kick.

The Steelmen replied just 15 seconds into the second-half when Craig Moore showed great strength to barge his way through the Saints backline before smashing a shot in off the post despite the best efforts of Chris Smith in the home goal.

Both teams traded half-chances but couldn’t convert. Just as it looked as if the game was heading for 1-1 draw, McGinn swept home a free-kick from the edge of the area to earn his side all three points.

It was an incredibly young Motherwell side that took to the field in Paisley. Five of the starting eleven were at school this afternoon with all four of the substitutes also eligible for the Under 17s squad.

It took seven minutes for either keeper to really get working. It was Ross Stewart in the away goal that had to get his kit dirty, getting down well low to his left to make a decent block from a Jamie McKernon shot from the edge of the box.

Motherwell started to show more as an attacking threat and fired their first warning shot when Dom Thomas fizzed a decent ball across the face but there were no takers on what was a slick, slippery surface.

A few minutes later a succession of corners failed to bring any joy for Johansson’s men but enough to force an otherwise attacking Saints side on to the back foot.

David Longwell’s men were having the lion share of possession but were often playing themselves into trouble by overdoing it in the wrong areas. ‘Well had two quick-fire chances to go ahead, both coming after robbing the ball in midfield.

The first, just after the half-hour, was started and finished by Jack Leitch. The auxiliary left-back pinched the ball on the half-way line before surging forward towards the Saints box. He played a lovely one-two with Frazer Johnstone but his flicked effort was easy for Chris Smith when a right-footed blast may have brought about a better result for the 17-year old.

Shortly after, Graeme McGregor was caught in possession by Paul McCafferty and one neat pass inside had Craig Moore beyond the last defender. The little striker blasted a fizzing effort towards goal but Smith was down like a flash to turn the ball round the post for a corner.

Johansson was no doubt preparing for a fairly positive half-time team talk but his plans would have been changed with a St Mirren goal seconds before the interval.

Leitch was adjudged to have tugged on the shirt of Paul McGinn allowing brother John McGinn the opportunity to whip in a curling free-kick towards the box. His excellent cross found the head of Paul Drummit who brought out the best in Stewart who somehow got enough behind a save to turn the ball around the post.

It was in vain for the young ‘keeper as, from the resulting kick from the quadrant, Saints got themselves ahead. It was McGinn again who delivered the ball and it was again Drummit who met it inside the area. This time he out jumped both Ferguson and Murray to bullet home from close range.

You may have been forgiving for thinking that goal would deflate a young Steelmen side but if it did, they showed no signs as the second half got underway.

Indeed, the second forty-five with no more than fifteen seconds old when the Fir Parkers grabbed an equaliser. Although the home side kicked off, John McGinn was guilty of giving away possession cheaply in the middle of the park.

Motherwell quickly seized the ball and after Shirkie had flicked the ball towards Moore at the edge of the area, the pint-sized hitman outmuscled Drummit before firing a blistering effort in off the post despite the best efforts of Chris Smith to keep it out.

St Mirren looked rattled and it took them ten minutes to get themselves settled into the half. They kept the ball for long spells but most of it on the edge of their own box, with messers Moore, Shirkie and McCafferty doing their best to make life difficult for the Black and White rearguard.

Brady went close with a left-footed shot but dragged it wide of the post before Scullion should really have put his side in front with a front-post header which he somehow managed to screw way wide of target when a goal looked certain.

A number of substitutions interrupted the flow of the match, both teams a little slack in possession, although the home side almost got their noses in front when McKernon’s effort from the edge of the area brought out a decent save from Stewart. The rebound landed at the feet of Jack Smith but he was unable to take advantage, screwing a shot wide.

It looked certain to be heading for a draw when Ross Stewart made a great save with his feet just three minutes left to play but the sting in the tail was still to come. Saints sub Lewis McLear was tripped on the edge of the box by Euan Murray, albeit it looked like a soft offering from the match official. John McGinn was in no mood for sentiment though as he curled a super free-kick around the wall and into the corner despite Stewart getting what looked like a decent hand to it.

It was a cruel blow from Johansson’s men who really ought to have left St Mirren Park with a point. The Finnish coach will now have a few weeks to work with his players at the Steelmen are due their ‘free week’ in the next round of matches.

Motherwell: Stewart, Green (McNulty – 67mins), Leitch, Murray, Ferguson, Asghar, Thomas, Johnstone, Moore, McCafferty (Kouider-Aissa – 75mins), Shirkie (Cadden – 87mins)

Subs Not Used: Currie (GK)

The U20s are in action for the fourth time this season when they travel to Paisley to take on St Mirren.

Jonatan Johansson’s men have lost their opening three matches but were unlucky in their last outing against an impressive Hibs side.

Kick-off is at 7pm and entry to the ground is free of charge.

MFC TV will have full live commentary for the match – the broadcast will start at 6.45pm: CLICK HERE

There will also be a full report, pictures and reaction and extended highlights later this evening.

BBC Scotland will screen full live television coverage of Motherwell’s Scottish League Cup third round tie with Rangers.

The match will take place on Wednesday, 26 September at Ibrox Stadium with a kick-off time of 7:15pm.

Ticket information for the match will follow shortly.

There are still home, away, euro and boot sponsorship opportunities available for the 2012/2013 season.

With the arrival of Simon Ramsden and Fraser Kerr, along with the emergence of some of our younger talent in to the first-team, this is your chance to own a piece of Motherwell history.

As a sponsor, your name or company name will be listed in our award-winning matchday magazine and on the official club website – motherwellfc.co.uk.

Your name will be highlighted by our PA announcer alongside that of your chosen player on a matchday if he is selected in the first-team; fantastic exposure for any small business or as a special gift to the ‘Well fan in your life!

At the end of the campaign, you will be invited to the annual sponsor’s evening.  Mix and mingle with Motherwell stars from the past and present before your chosen player joins you at your table for dinner and later, presents you with his jersey.

The evening also includes a fabulous three-course meal, an intimate Q & A with the Management Team, as well as entertainment from Fir Park favourite, Tam Cowan.

For more information or to sponsor a player please contact 01698 338008, email (including your contact telephone number) commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk.

STILL AVAILABLE:

HOME STRIP – CLICK HERE TO BUY ONLINE

Lee Erwin

AWAY STRIP – CLICK HERE TO BUY ONLINE

Simon Ramsden
Fraser Kerr
Zaine Francis-Angol
Lee Erwin
Adam Cummins

EUROPEAN STRIP – CLICK HERE TO BUY ONLINE

Simon Ramsden
Stuart Carswell
Fraser Kerr
Steve Hetherington
Lee Erwin
Adam Cummins

BOOTS / GLOVES – CLICK HERE TO BUY ONLINE

Steven Saunders
Nicky Law
Shaun Hutchinson
Tom Hateley
Chris Humphrey
Michael Higdon
Lee Hollis (Gloves)
Simon Ramsden
Stuart Carswell
Fraser Kerr
Zaine Francis-Angol
Steve Hetherington
Lee Erwin
Adam Cummins

Despite a late Lee Erwin stunner, Motherwell U20s crashed to a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Hibernian.

-WATCH EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS ONLY ON MFC TV-

Under 20s boss Jonatan Johansson hopes his young ‘Well side can learn from some of the mistakes as ‘Well crashed to a 1-2 defeat by Hibs at Fir Park.

The Steelmen created several chances, including two penalties, but were guilty of spurning chances, including those spot kicks. That was compounded by Hibs scoring two avoidable goals, particularly the second which came from a quick counter attack.

106-times capped for Finland, Johansson is keen for his young troops to learn from those errors and build towards moving from a potential talent to being ready for the first-team squad.

[pullquote]It’s not enough thinking you’re a talent and it’s not enough being close to the first team, it’s about taking that final step and showing the club that whatever position you play you can do it and be effective in the SPL.[/pullquote]

“I didn’t feel good in the first half as we made a lot of mistakes,” he told MFC TV after the match.

“They had a quick forward line and credit to them; they played some nice football at time. In the second half we played much better and got more organised, especially after we put three more central in midfield.

“There were lots of positives and a lot I was happy with; the player’s attitude and positivity in particular. They like to try tricks and get the ball in the box and I really encourage that. Sometimes you don’t score but we will become more effective and pick up some points.

“It’s not making a mistake that is the problem for me. I like my players to be positive and if they make a mistake it’s how they react to it.

“It’s not enough thinking you’re a talent and it’s not enough being close to the first team, it’s about taking that final step and showing the club that whatever position you play you can do it and be effective in the SPL.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-

Pictures from the 2-1 defeat by Hibernian in the SPL Under 20s League at Fir Park.

[svgallery name=”hibsu20s040912″]

 Andy Ross at Fir Park

Jonathan Johansson’s first game in charge of the Motherwell U20’s ended in a 2-1 defeat against Hibernian at Fir Park.

Both sides demonstrated their fantastic potential in a thoroughly entertaining encounter.

Danny Handling slotted beyond Lee Hollis after 10 minutes and despite being awarded two penalties the hosts couldn’t force a leveller – Callum Antell denying Lee Erwin then Omar Daley.

With six minutes remaining Harry Monaghan bundled home Hibs’ second before Erwin rocketed home a late consolation goal.

Craig Moore passed up a glorious opportunity to break the deadlock after three minutes when he robbed David Gold on the edge of the Hibs penalty area, but the striker fired his effort straight at Antell.

The home side were dominating the early proceedings and Stuart Carswell was unfortunate to see his shot deflected wide by Robert Wilson three minutes later.

After a positive start Motherwell were dealt a blow when Hibs opened the scoring with their first opportunity of the match.

A deep cross caused problems for the ‘Well defence and when it was headed back into the box Handling slotted the ball past Hollis.

Antell did well to turn Erwin’s low shot away for a corner after 12 minutes as the hosts responded positively and Moore should have done better after when he met Steven Hetherington’s cross, however the striker failed to hit the target.

The hosts were handed the perfect opportunity to level the scoring when referee Steven Kirkland pointed to the spot after Brad Donaldson fouled Moore, Erwin stepped up to take the resulting kick but was denied by an excellent stop by the legs of Antell.

Handling passed up a fantastic chance to double his tally when he connected with Ross Caldwell’s cross but he somehow turned the ball past the post from two-yards with the goal gaping.

It was a big escape for Motherwell and they then had the frame of Hollis’ goal to thank when Caldwell thundered a header goalwards.

A fantastic piece of goalkeeping from Hollis denied Callum Crane on the half-hour mark and the former Airdrie stopper came to the rescue again two minutes before half-time when he parried away Caldwell’s side-footed effort.

Carswell was unable to profit from Erwin’s low driven cross in the early stages of the second half and Euan Murray saw his effort cleared off the line following Hetherington’s dangerous corner.

The chance continued to come for the hosts and after Daley stung the palms of Antell, Moore headed the rebound wide from close-range.

A lightening quick Hibs break-away just after the hour-mark ended with Crane forcing Hollis into an excellent stop.

Hetherington  picked up the first booking of the match for a careless lunge on Donaldson.

Donaldson was involved again minutes later when his goal-line clearance denied Erwin of a leveller.

Kirkland pointed to the spot for the second time when Euan Smith was deemed to have fouled Moore on 83 minutes but again Motherwell were unable to take advantage – Daley blasting the ball against the legs of Antell.

After passing up yet another chance to level Motherwell found themselves 2-0 behind when Monaghan converted after Caldwell had struck the post.

In the dying stages of the match Erwin rocketed an effort into the roof of the net to provide some late hope, but despite a valiant effort the Steelmen couldn’t force an equaliser.

Motherwell: Hollis, Green (McCafferty – 75mins), Leitch, Murray, Asghar, Hetherington, Daley, Carswell (Johnstone – 86mins), Erwin, Watt Moore (Shirkie – 86mins)

Subs Not Used: Stewart, Thomas, Neill