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

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 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

Simon Ramsden reckons Motherwell will go to Ibrox full of confidence when the teams meet in the Scottish Communities League Cup 3rd Round.

The Steelmen have been drawn to face Ally McCoist’s Rangers, the first SPL side at ibrox since the tribulations of the summer months.

Motherwell’s record in Govan is poor; you have to go back fifteen years to find the last win. You have to go back even further, 53 years in fact, to find the Steelmen’s last League Cup win there.

But that doesn’t faze the former Bradford City defender who is relishing the prospect of playing in front of such a large and noisy crowd.

[pullquote]We’ve started the season really well and we’ll go to Ibrox full of confidence looking to give a good account of ourselves and progress.[/pullquote]

“It’s a tough draw but it’s a game we are very much looking forward to,” he told MFC TV.

“There will be a great deal of attention on the game after everything that has happened. They will no doubt have a point to prove, the stadium will be jam-packed and we need to deal with that.

“They might be a couple of leagues below us but their squad on paper is as strong as any in the SPL.

“But we’ve started the season really well and we’ll go to Ibrox full of confidence looking to give a good account of ourselves and progress.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-

Motherwell have been drawn to face Rangers away in the Scottish Communities League Cup Third Round draw.

The draw was made today at New Douglas Park, home of Lanarkshire neighbours Hamilton Accies.

The full draw is as follows:

• Celtic V Raith Rovers
• Rangers V Motherwell
• St. Mirren V Hamilton Academical
• Queen of The South V Dundee United
• Heart of Midlothian V Livingston
• Dunfermline Athletic V Aberdeen
• St. Johnstone V Queen’s Park
• Stenhousemuir V Inverness Caledonian Thistle

All Third Round matches will be played on Tuesday 25th or Wednesday 26th September, 2012.

The Motherwell U20s return to Fir Park tomorrow night (Tuesday) when they face Hibernian with the kick-off 7pm.

Jonatan Johansson’s side have lost their opening two games against Celtic and Ross County but will be hopeful of getting off the mark at home tomorrow.

Fans are encouraged to get along and support the next generation of Motherwell talent on their home turf.

SEASON PRICES:

Adults and Concessions:

Season book holders or Well Society membership: £2
Standard: £3

Under 16:

Season book holders or Well Society membership: £1
Standard: £2

Johansson told motherwellfc.co.uk: “I am really looking forward to taking the team for the first time tomorrow.

“I have had invaluable help from Kenny Black and Gordon Marshall but now is the time for the lads to step it up.

“We have the great pleasure of playing at Fir Park on an excellent pitch so it is set-up for a top match. We would welcome as much support to come along and watch us as possible.”

A goal from Tom Hateley and a Michael Higdon hat-trick gives Motherwell a 4-1 win over Inverness Caley Thistle at Fir Park.

-WATCH EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS ON MFC TV-

Michel Higdon celebrated his 29th birthday in style with a sensational hat-trick that puts Motherwell top of the Clydesdale Bank SPL.

The former Falkirk and St Mirren striker scored in each half to help the Steelmen to an empathic victory of Terry Butcher’s Inverness.

It was the Liverpudlian’s twentieth goal in 47 starts for the Fir Parkers, making him one of clubs’ most prolific marksmen in recent times.

But a typically magnanimous Higdon was just happy to send the ‘Well faithful home happy.

[pullquote]When things are tough you just have to keep battling and you’ll get your rewards, score the goals and send the fans home happy.[/pullquote]

“It’s my birthday today and the match ball and three points are the best presents I got,” he smiled.

“It was a tough game and the lads are all very tired. Nine games in a month is incredible so we’re obviously delighted with the win.

“The first goal I got across my man and I’ve managed to put it away. The second one I possibly should have chipped him but I’ve seen a little gap and managed to find it. I would say the third was my best goal of the day. I got a nice connection with it and it’s gone into the top corner.

“When things are tough you just have to keep battling and you’ll get your rewards, score the goals and send the fans home happy.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ONLY ON MFC TV-

‘Well boss Stuart McCall was delighted with his side after a 4-1 home win sent the Steelmen to the summit of the Scottish Premier League.

The Steelmen roared into an early 2-0 lead when a Tom Hateley corner flew into the net despite the best efforts of Esson on the line, before Michael Higdon smashed home after Chris Humphrey’s fabulous run and cross.

Richie Foran pulled one back before the interval but another two from that man Higdon after the break gave the striker a deserved hat-trick and the Fir Parkers all three points.

It was a terrific result and performance from the Steelmen who were decimated by injury and suspension.

[pullquote]There were lots of pluses today and I’m delighted for everyone[/pullquote]

“It was a hard earned win,” said McCall.

“Inverness gave us a lot of problems, especially in the first half. To win the game with the youth at the back was terrific and I thought there were some outstanding performances throughout the team starting with big Daz at the back.

“Not only for his penalty save, he also had a crucial save from Foran when he went through one on one.

“At half-time we said come out and get a clean sheet but also try to be more offensive in the final third and put them under pressure.

“It was always good to look at the bench and have the likes of Murphy, Ojamaa and Daley to come on and give an attacking threat so it’s good for a manager to have that up his sleeve.

“There were lots of pluses today and I’m delighted for everyone.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ONLY ON MFC TV-

Pictures from the 4-1 win over Inverness CT in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Fir Park.

These action shots and more are available to buy online at motherwellpics.com.

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[tab:Match report]

Alan Burrows at Fir Park

Michael Higdon scored a hat-trick as the Steelmen cruised past Inverness to move top of the Scottish Premier League.

‘Well roared into an early two-goal lead when Tom Hateley scored directly from an 11th-minute corner and Higdon netting a quick second, getting on the end of a superb run and cross.

Richie Foran pulled got the Highlanders back in the game with a close-range header and at that point the game was wide open.

But the second half was all Motherwell and Higdon took advantage of a mistake to score his second and then completed his treble with a blistering half-volley after sub Henrik Ojamaa cut it back.

Andrew Shinnie passed up the chance to make the closing stages interesting when his penalty was expertly turned away by Republic of Ireland International Darren Randolph.

The Steelmen move a point above Celtic, who have a game in hand, into top spot while Inverness slip to second bottom, one point in front of St Johnstone.

Motherwell boss Stuart McCall made five changes from the side that performed so well against Levante in Spain on Thursday night. Stevie Hammell, Stuart Carswell, Stevie Hetherington, Henrik Ojamaa and Jamie Murphy all dropped out, replaced by Zaine Francis-Angol, Nicky Law, Tom Hateley, Bob McHugh and Chris Humphrey.

Inverness midfielder Ross Draper tested Darren Randolph with an early shot but the visitors soon found themselves with a mountain to climb as the Claret and Amber men netted twice within the space of two minutes.

Tom Hateley’s whipped corner flew over the head of David Raven and deceived goalkeeper Ryan Esson and ended in the net despite the best efforts of the Thistle ‘keeper on the line.

And it got better for the hosts as Chris Humphrey sensational run and cross found the poaching Michael Higdon who tucked home from just a few yards out.

It looked as if Motherwell could run away with it at that stage but, to their credit, Inverness bounced back and responded with strikes from Aaron Doran and Owain Tudor Jones but neither posed much of a problem for Republic of Ireland International Randolph.

But Terry Butcher’s men did eventually haul themselves back into the game and, typically, it came from ex-‘Well favourite Richie Foran.

Doran’s corner was cleared but Jones returned the ball into the box and Foran got in behind Tom Hateley before directing a header past Randolph and into the corner.

And the Inverness captain could have levelled before the break but was denied by the brilliant of Randolph who blocked the initial shot before Foran tamely headed the rebound wide.

Dubliner Foran continued to pose a threat in the second half as Inverness sought to take advantage of any Motherwell tiredness following their Europa League defeat by Levante on Thursday.

Down the other end and skipper Keith Lasley almost gave ‘Well the cushion they were looking for but a deft chip landed just the wrong side of Esson’s right-hand post.

Higdon also tried to double his personal tally, but the big striker’s volley was wide after a terrific passing move from the Steelmen.

But the former Crewe, Falkirk and St Mirren striker took advantage of David Raven’s wayward pass-back and finished well past Esson. It was a great finish by the Motherwell marksman who had very little of the goal to aim at.

In between times, Motherwell also had a couple of decent penalty shouts denied when Fraser Kerr looked to have been tripped in the area by Josh Meekings and a Jamie Murphy strike came back off the hand of a recovering Caley defender, neither of which interested referee Stevie O’Reilly.

With the game finely poised, Higdon secured his hat-trick in sensational style, getting on the end of a Henrik Ojamaa cut-back before side-footing an exquisite volley high past Esson to confirm all three points.

Inverness did have the chance to reduce their deficit after Jonathan Page had fouled Foran in the box but Andrew Shinnie’s penalty was brilliantly saved by Randolph.

It was to be the last action of a thoroughly entertaining ninety minutes. Motherwell now have two weeks to rest, recover and nurse players back to fitness after a grueling schedule over the last five weeks.

[tab:As it happened]

Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

FULL TIME: Motherwell 4 – 1 Inverness CT. Higgy hat-trick hauls ‘Well to top of the table. Enjoy the view going into International break.

90mins: Into stoppage time. Tremendous entertainment here at Fir Park. A joy to watch.

84mins: ‘Well Sub, Carswell on for Humphrey

80mins: INVERNESS PENALTY: Ooofft, it’s all getting exciting here. Randolph saved it. Wonderfully.

79mins: Ojamaa with some silky skills down the right, pulls back to Higdon who finishes again with great finesse. 4-1

78mins: HAT-TRICK FOR HIGGGGYYYYYYY

77mins: Foran curls a free-kick straight at Randolph. Just under 15mins to hold on.

75mins: Unbelievable save from Randolph: Close range overhead kick is sailing in until he somehow gets a hand to it to push out for a corner

72mins: McHugh off for Ojamaa just after goal.

71mins: Higdon latched on to Raven’s slack back pass before cooly firing it past Esson at his near post.

GOOOOOOAAALLLLLLLL! Higdon with his second!

65mins: Another penalty shout! This time Murphy’s side footed shot appeared to have been blocked by a hand. Nothing given!

63mins: SUBS: Murphy on for Law and an ICT sub, Morrison on for Tudur-Jones

…have made contact with the ball first. Will be interesting to see that back again!

59mins: Huge shout for a penalty there. Kerr showing great pace to sprint through on goal. The defender hauled him down but was judged to..

56mins: Great play from Higdon! Pulled the ball out the air wonderfully on the chest and volleyed goalward. Hits the side netting.

54mins: Law hits the by-line and clip the ball across goal. Just as McHugh is about to head the ball home, Esson plucks the ball out the air

51mins: Almost a wonderful goal there from Lasley. Edge of the box, dinked effort had Esson rooted……Just past the post.

46mins: Incidentally, on Thursday I was absolutely roasting watching the game, today I’m absolutely frozen. Must be a happy medium?!

45mins: Sides are back out for the second half. And we’re off!

HALF TIME: Motherwell 2 – 1 Inverness. Quick double from ‘Well enough to give half-time advantage.

43mins: Foran nearly squares the game. He latched onto a long ball and with only Randolph to beat, drills it straight at the keeper’s feet.

39mins: Half-hearted appeals for a penalty after Meekings appeared to block McHugh’s shot with his hand. Looked more ball to hand.

34mins: Higdon tries to clip the ball over Esson’s head from 20 yards. Doesn’t quite have the execution and the ball floats over.

32mins: Chance for Lasley to restore the 2 goal lead. McHugh found him on the edge of the box but left footed shot blazed well over.

27mins: Just before that, Raven spurned a great opportunity at the near post, aiming straight at Randolph who saved well with his feet.

26mins: GOAL: Inverness get a goal back. Richie Foran nodding home from close range.

25mins: Quick counter from Inverness. Shinnie would have been through but for Francis-Angol tracking back and intercepting.

22mins:Set-piece corner from Hateley and Law frees space for the Hateley to have a crack on goal. Very nearly found the top corner!

20mins: Randolph called into action again. This time he’s only required to smother Jones’ tame effort.

18mins: Inverness have the ball in the net. No goal though as Foran was offside as he nodded the ball back across goal.

11mins: 2 in 2 minutes for ‘Well! Brilliant work from Humphrey down the wing. He composes himself and slides it in to Higdon for an emphatic finish.

11mins: GOAL!!!!!!

9mins: GOAL! Tom Hateley curls a corner straight in!

6mins: Humphrey cuts back to McHugh who has a box full of men to shoot past. His effort is deflected just past the post.

5mins: Game being played in the Motherwell half. Foran looked to be through but the linesman stuck his flag up for offside.

1min: Randolph tested early from a Draper shot. He got down really well to tip the goal bound ball past the post.

1min: McHugh and Law kick off the first half. Shooting towards the South Stand as usual.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“We talked last week about getting a good start and went 1-0 up in the first two minutes against St Mirren.

“Today it was two in 12 minutes, but Inverness can cause us lots of problems.

“It was a really good entertaining game and I thought we got the upper hand in the second half, but even at 2-0 against Terry Butcher’s sides, you’re never comfortable, and they got a goal back [through Richie Foran] which I thought they deserved.

“Foran gave our two young centre-backs a physical test in the first half but we stood up to it. Just before half-time he was one-on-one with our goalkeeper, and everyone will remember Darren’s penalty save, but his save with his legs at that time was important.

“I was really pleased by how we came out in the second half. We didn’t want to sit deep and we asked questions of them and got goals that merited the victory.

“We got a good performance and a good victory.

Inverness CT manager Terry Butcher:

“If you give away goals like that in the SPL, you’re going to get hammered. To lose two goals so early in the match, but especially the first one, was really disappointing.

“We’ve given away cheap goals but we always have to work hard to score. The manner of the goals is very much cause for concern.

“We played some good stuff and always looked at 2-1 as though we could get something from the game, but it hinged on the second chance for Richie Foran [at the end of the first half].

“Motherwell scored a couple more and ran out comfortable winners.

“I’m not happy. Eight goals in two games is not good enough but we’ll work on it, we have two weeks to ponder that now and it’s just disappointing again.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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