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Three goals in the second-half handed Celtic all three points against Motherwell at Fir Park this afternoon.

-WATCH ALL THE GOALS ON MFC TV-

Captain for the day Stevie Hammell cut a disappointed figure as Motherwell crashed to a 3-0 home defeat this afternoon.

The left-back was part of a Steelmen side that matched Celtic all over the park for the first hour of the match but a quick-fire double from substitute Tony Watt changed the complexion of the game.

The former Scotland International couldn’t hide his frustration and admitted the players were in confident mood ahead of the game.

“It’s disappointing,” he sighed.

“I thought in the first half there wasn’t much in it and they didn’t have many chances. We started the second-half well but then they got a goal which was poor from our point of view.  It was a good finish from the lad but after that we didn’t really create enough.

“The first half went pretty much to plan. They had a lot of the ball and surprised us with their shape but once we got to grips with that we created a couple of chances and the keeper has pulled off a great save from Chris.

“It’s difficult to put your finger on why but once they scored they caught us on the break a couple times and the third goal killed us off.

“It’s such a disappointment as we were all looking forward to the game. We were confident and focused but it’s ended as a disappointing day for all.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-

Stuart McCall was left frustrated after another poor performance against the Old Firm but his thoughts have already turned to next Saturday’s match with St Johnstone.

Motherwell battled hard against Celtic and matched the SPL Champions until substitute Tony Watt scored a quick-fire double to give Neil Lennon’s side a commanding lead.

Korean Cha Du-Ri added insult to injury with a third to confirm Celtic’s sixth consecutive win against the Steelmen.

40-times capped Scotland midfielder McCall admitted he was disappointed with how the game went but was keen to stress the importance of putting the defeat to bed as quickly as possible with St Johnstone the visitors to Fir Park next Saturday.

“I am hugely disappointed,” he admitted.

“I felt before the game we had a real chance of securing a point at the very least. That was still the case at half-time; it had been an open game. They had a few chances, we had a few chances and their keeper made a few good blocks from Chris Humphrey.

“It was much the same in the second until they brought on the sub in young Watt and he has changed the game. We defend poorly, let the cross come in and he finishes it at the back stick and that was the crucial goal.

“But it is gone now. As much as we are all bitterly disappointed but there’s no point moping about and feeling sorry for we have a massive game against St Johnstone next week. All our focus is now on winning that massive game.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-

Pictures from the 3-0 defeat by Celtic in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Fir Park.

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

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[tab:Match report]

 Andy Ross at Fir Park

Substitute Tony Watt came off the bench to inspire Celtic to a 3-0 victory over Motherwell at Fir Park.

The 18-year-old netted a quick-fire double midway through the second half before Cha Du-Ri completed a miserable afternoon for the Steelmen with seven minutes remaining.

After matching their opponents for the majority of the opening hour, Stuart McCall’s men will have been disappointed at their second half collapse.

McCall made three changes to the side that drew with Hibs two weeks before, while Neil Lennon made six switches to his starting eleven following last weekend’s disappointing 2-1 defeat to Hearts

Celtic showed their attacking threat in the opening minute when Kris Commons flashed an effort wide of Darren Randolph’s right-hand post. The visitors continued their attacking threat as Cha created an opportunity for Paweł Brożek a minute later as Motherwell struggled to gain a foothold in the match.

After surviving a difficult opening Motherwell had a shout for a penalty when Tim Clancy appeared to be pushed over inside the area by Thomas Rogne. Unfortunately for the Fir Parkers, Stevie O’Reilly wasn’t interested and play raged on.

Chris Humphrey forced Łukasz Załuska into his first save of the encounter he burst away from Emilio Izaguirre and fired a low shot which the keeper did well to parry clear.

Humphrey tested the Celtic keeper again on the half-hour mark with a nice low shot before Celtic created a glorious opportunity to take the lead.

Victor Wanyama slipped the ball through to Brożek, who should have hit the target from 10-yards out but fluffed the chance and the score remained level.

Celtic were forced into an early change when KI Sung-Yueng limped off to be replaced by Paddy McCourt but it didn’t knock the visitors off their stride as Commons blasted an effort straight at Randolph three minutes before the break. The Scotland international came even closer two minutes later when his shot drifted just wide after good build up play by Wanyama.

Motherwell, who had been reasonably comfortable during the opening exchanged despite Celtic pressure, were under the cosh by the break and Brożek was denied by an excellent stop by the feet of Randolph as the visitors finished the first-half on the ascendency.

The Steelmen made a bright start to the second half and Nicky Law had two efforts on goal in the opening five minutes.

The former Rotherham man firstly fired just wide of the post and then saw his effort from the edge of the box comfortably gathered by Załuska.

Celtic’s response came via full-back Cha but he was caught in two minds after being sent in on goal following a superb through-ball from McCourt on 57 minutes and the chance was gone.

The Celtic fans were becoming increasingly frustrated at their sides’ lack of a killer touch and Neil Lennon made his second change of the match when Watt replaced Brozek.

It was a substitution that was to make a huge difference in the outcome of the match as within two minutes of his introduction he lashed home from Wanyama’s pin-point delivery.

Things got even better for the former Airdrie man when he collected Ledley’s pass and fired an unstoppable strike beyond Randolph to effectively kill the game as a contest.

It was cruel on Motherwell who had been more than a match for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League champions but the goals clearly knocked the stuffing out of the players who had worked so hard for the opening hour.

Jamie Murphy was introduced for Stuart Carswell as the Steelmen looked to find a way back into the match and to their credit they continued to look for a way back into the match.

Much to the frustration of the home support however, chances remained to be hard to come by as cross after cross were cleared by the first Celtic defender.

Randolph tipped Commons’ effort over the bar before Celtic added to Motherwell’s misery. Cha bulleted home a close range header with seven minutes remaining after an excellent delivery from McCourt.

The remainder of the game made for painful viewing for the home supporters who remained inside the ground, as Celtic knocked the ball about comfortably. It was a second half to forget for Motherwell and McCall must now focus on preparing his side for next Saturday’s crunch showdown with St Johnstone.

[tab:As it happened]

Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

FULL-TIME: Motherwell 0 – 3 Celtic

90mins: 2 minutes added on.

82mins: GOAL 0-3 Cha kills the game with a point blank header.

76mins: Celtic SUB: Lustig on for Commons.

76mins: Higdon headers off the bar but is already adjudged to have fouled his marker.

75mins: Neat link-up play from Higdon and Ojamaa ends with the Estonian volleying wide.

70mins: Those goals have knocked the stuffing out of us. Randolph denying Commons with a great stop there.

67mins: Motherwell SUB: Murphy on for Carswell

65mins: GOAL! Watt makes it 0-2

62mins: GOAL! 0-1 Celtic sub Tony Watt opens the scoring.

60mins: Motherwell SUB: It’s Ojamaa time as he comes on for Omar Daley

59mins: Celtic SUB: Watt comes on for Brozek.

55mins: Humphrey currently receiving treatment after being clattered by Mulgrew. No free-kick awarded.

53mins: Humphrey has the crowd out their seats with a jinking run into the box. Unfortunately the ball just wouldn’t settle for a strike.

50mins: Today’s match attendance: 8760

48mins: Some promising early pressure from ‘Well however there is no end product as of yet!

45mins: Law and Carswell kick-off the second half.

HALF-TIME: Motherwell 0 – 0 Celtic

44mins: Late onslaught from Celtic, only denied by the feet of Randolph. A heart stopping moment there!

42mins: 25 yard Zidane-esque volley from Commons thankfully is straight at Randolph. Half-time approaching.

41mins: Ledley wins a corner after a jinking run and shot. Corner comes to nothing.

39mins: Celtic SUB: McCourt on for the injured Ki.

38mins: And up the other end, Zaluska narrowly wins a race to the ball against Humphrey and slides it out for a throw-in.

37mins; Higdon penalised for a challenge on Mulgrew. Commons driven free-kick is deflected into Randolph’s arms.

34mins: Brozek finds himself clean through….thankfully he scuffs his finish and we all breathe a sigh of relief.

31mins: Play stopped as Randolph is treated for a head knock after going down bravely at Hooper’s feet.

29mins: Motherwell really coming into this encounter. Humphrey coming close yet again but denied by Zaluska’s low diving save.

23mins: Great save from Zaluska as Higdon flicks the ball on to Humphrey and his shot is sailing in until the stopper gets a hand to it!

17mins: Wanyama goes for goal from 30 yards….goes harmlessly past Randolph’s post.

16mins: Cheeky effort from Jennings. The Scouser shaped for a cross but instead bent a shot which sailed just over the bar.

15mins: A chance for ‘Well as Humphrey bursts clear of the Celtic defence but there was no support and his cross was deflected wide.

12mins: First corner of the game for ‘Well…… Claims of a Penalty on Tim Clancy waved away!

10mins: Tight one as Humphrey arcs his run to spring the offside trap but the Jamaican is flagged off.

9mins: Corner for Celtic…..Finally scrambled clear by Higdon.

7mins: Celtic with the bulk of the possession although the ship has steadied with the Steelmen starting to string some passes together.

2mins: Celtic go close again, this time Brozek goes close with a header. ‘Well under pressure.

1min: Chance for Celtic as Commons drills a left footed shot from 25 yards just past the ‘Well post.

1min: And it’s game on. ‘Mon the ‘Well!

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“I felt before the game we had a real chance of securing a point at the very least. That was still the case at half-time; it had been an open game. They had a few chances, we had a few chances and their keeper made a few good blocks from Chris Humphrey.

“It was much the same in the second until they brought on the sub in young Watt and he has changed the game. We defend poorly, let the cross come in and he finishes it at the back stick and that was the crucial goal.

Celtic assistant manager Johan Mjallby:

“It’s a sensational debut for Tony. The main thing for Tony is to keep his feet on the ground and work hard in training. He’ll have a great future.

“We’ve had our eye on him for some time. He’s a very powerful boy, a strong runner and he likes to get into the box.

“We’re always going to create a lot of chances and we need strikers who are hungry for goals.

“There are a few departments where he needs to improve but he’s only 18 and he’s definitely in our plans for next season.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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The Steelmen host Celtic in a crucial Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash this Sunday and if you are coming to the match, don’t forget to pick up a matchday programme.

What’s inside? Well, manager Stuart McCall talks in-depth about his views of last week’s match and his thoughts about what Celtic side is likely to take to the park.

The cover interview is with talented defender Shaun Hutchinson. The Geordie talks exclusively to the Motherwell Matchday Magazine about his Champions League dream, the importance of maintaining focus during the last five league fixtures and the dangers posed by visitors Celtic.

There is a special 11-page section dedicated to our visitors, Celtic. Not only is there a rundown of the club and boss Neil Lennon, there is review of the season discussing how the league was won, we get the views of local bhoy John Cusick, Peter Elder looks back at one of the more memorable matches between the sides and former ‘Well and Celtic star Willie Falconer takes part in our Q&A.

And that’s not all. As well as match reports from both the Rangers and Hibs games, regular features such as On This Day with Graham Barnstaple, Gavin McCafferty in From the Press Box return and the Travelling Fan remembers that fantastic Euro trip to France to face Nancy return.

Our Fanatics series continues with Lanark-based Hugh Toner taking the questions.

But wait, there’s more! We take a look back at the famous 1931/32 season in our Golden Years feature and there’s an in-depth statistical look at referee Stevie O’Reilly. We have the latest from The Ticket Office and the Commercial Department and the latest stats, facts and figures for the 2011/2012 campaign.

The programme is available for £3 and is currently on sale from the Club Shop as well as the usual sellers located in and around the ground pre-match.

The Fir Park Ticket Office will be open on Sunday ahead of the massive Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Celtic.

The office will be open from 10am to 2pm / kick-off for any fans wishing to purchase either home or away end tickets.

CLICK HERE for prices and information.

‘Well boss Stuart McCall is hoping for a first Old Firm win of the current season to boost his sides’ European ambitions.

The Steelmen have enjoyed an excellent campaign but have yet to pick up a single point against either Rangers or Celtic during the 2011/2012 season.

However, fresh from a free weekend and buoyed by recent home performances against Neil Lennon’s SPL Champions, former Scotland midfielder McCall is hoping for a positive outcome when the teams clash this Sunday at Fir Park.

“The lads are ready for it,” he said. “We’ve not had a game in two weeks and the likes of Jenno (Steve Jennings) and Hammy (Stevie Hammell) haven’t played for three weeks so we’ve had to curtail training in the past couple of days; there has been a real edge because they’re desperate to be involved.

“Three points is the key. It’s always nice to do it playing good football but the bottom line is that in the business end of the season it’s the points that count.

“I think we can take confidence out of the last two home games here against Celtic. We managed to beat them at the back end of last season and when they came here earlier this season I thought we definitely merited a point, likewise against Rangers last month.

“I think the most disappointing thing about both games is that we started well, got a goal, but inside three or four minutes both sides were back at us. If we can put in a strong performance, we’re very hopeful we can take something out of the game but I’m sure it will be a tight affair.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-

English midfielder Nicky Law is targeting all three points when SPL Champions Celtic visit Fir Park this Sunday.

The 24-year old has been a part of a Motherwell team who have run Neil Lennon’s men close in the previous two outings although the Glasgow side have collected maximum points.

And the former Rotherham man is hopeful ‘Well can go one better and collect precious points in the race for third in the SPL.

“I think the last two games we’ve had against them, (both) home and away, have been a lot tighter,” he told MFC TV this afternoon.

“The first game at Celtic Park we didn’t really do ourselves justice but I’m looking forward to it. It’s always difficult when you play Celtic but the boys are all feeling fresh and hopefully we’ll get the result that we are looking for.

“I think with them going out of the Cup last week they’ll come here with a full strength team so I think for us we’ll just prepare for their best team and if we prepare that way, although it will be tough, we feel that on our day, particularly here at home, we can give anybody a game and we’re looking for 3 points.

“For us those points are massive.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ONLY ON MFC TV-

Is your dream to play for Motherwell and run out at Fir Park? That can now become a reality with the first ever ‘Motherwell Matchday Experience’ this May.

The club and its partners have run various events in the past allowing fans and clients to play on the hallowed Fir Park turf, but none have ever been the true matchday experience.

You have this one opportunity to bid for this incredible event; for one day. You will feel and be treated like a first-team player.

-CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS, INFORMATION & TO BID –