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Stephen Robinson hailed his side’s blistering start in the derby win over Hamilton Academical, but says there’s always room for improvement as the top six surge continues.

Motherwell made it a very impressive four home wins on the spin with victory in the derby with Hamilton Academical.

The result sets up a crucial game at Easter Road next week, as the Steelmen continue in their bid to overtake Hibs for a top six spot.

‘Well’s trio of teenagers celebrated their call up to the Scotland Under 21 squad with a major contribution in Accies downfall. David Turnbull’s double inside the first 12 minutes set the tone for a fabulous first half performance, with Jake Hastie hitting a third to effectively kill off Hamilton before half-time.

And while the ‘Well youngsters have been claiming the headlines, Mark Gillespie and his back four deserve credit having conceded only one goal during that run.

On a very rare occasion Motherwell kicked off facing the Davie Cooper stand. However, it didn’t affect them and after only two minutes were a goal ahead.

A wonderful headed flick from Curtis Main sent Gboly Ariyibi down the left channel, before sliding the ball across the six yard box for Turnbull whose half-hit effort bounced inside the ‘keeper’s left hand post.

Aryibi was proving a real handful for Ziggy Gordon and the on loan winger skipped past a couple of challenges before his low shot was saved by Gary Woods.

A similar mazy run and quick feet from Ariyibi after 12 minutes ended with Gordon tripping him in the box. Turnbull confidently stroked home the resultant penalty kick to almost kill off Accies before they could find their feet.

With Hamilton struggling to match the movement and passing of the Fir Park players, a long cross field ball from Charles Dunne picked out Hastie, who could only volley his shot over.

Accies seemed to have steadied themselves for almost 20 minutes before ‘Well increased the intensity towards the visitor’s goal.

Just after the half hour, Turnbull and Campbell combined to feed Hastie who cut into the box before testing Woods with a low ground shot.

A couple of minutes later with Accies defending deeply in their box, Turnbull’s shot at goal found its way to Hastie and from six yards he smashed the ball home to make it 3-0.

Ariyibi then set off on another terrific run dribbling the ball towards the byline before forcing a good block from Woods.

A minute from half–time, Turnbull might have nabbed his it a hat-trick. But after a bursting run and cross from Liam Grimshaw, the Motherwell midfielder headed the ball over from a couple of yards.

Three minutes after the break it was Main’s turn to pass up the chance to make it 4-0 when he powered his way into the box only to stumble yards in front of a helpless Woods. A minute later, as Accies failed to clear Turnbull’s corner, from a tight angle Main forced a good save from the Accies ‘keeper.

It took Hamilton until the 54th minute for their first real effort on ‘Well’s goal but James Keatings’ free kick was straight into Gillespie’s waiting hands.

It Woods again who was called into action getting down to block Ariybi’s low shot at the second attempt after Hastie and Turnbull had combined to set up the winger.

Accies, though, made it more of a game in the second half, and Tony Andreu’s chipped shot wasn’t far away from grabbing a goal and giving the visitor’s a boost.

Stephen Robinson swapped wingers after 66 minutes replacing Hastie with Elliot Frear and then Carl McHugh for Alex Gorrin, as ‘Well looked to regain full control of the proceedings.

Fifteen minutes from time Grimshaw sent Frear down the line and after working his way into the box he set up Aryibi but from eight yards he blasted over a begging goal.

Danny Johnson was then given the opportunity to convert some of the many chances being created in front of the Accies goal.

A final opportunity arrived in added on time but on this occasion Turnbull’s 25 yard free kick was firmly held by the ‘keeper as ‘Well were unable to add to their first half haul.

It’s derby day at Fir Park, as Motherwell host Hamilton in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

If you live outside of the UK/Ireland, you can watch a live stream of the game direct from Fir Park. Kick off is at 3pm GMT.

To sign up for our service, just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk and choose your package. Subscriptions to see live games start at just £12 a month.

Every league game between now and the split will be broadcast live on our service.

If you’re in the UK or Ireland but can’t make the game, there’s also live audio commentary available on our service. Our domestic subscriptions cost £6 a month and also get you full game replays.

Stephen Robinson has urged his team to focus their efforts on stringing together another winning run, as the push for the top six continues.

Having received many plaudits for winning six games in a row, and going seven of their last eight unbeaten, the manager says it’s time to put the praise to one side and focus on winning the derby with Hamilton Academical.

After netting four goals in the emphatic 13-0 victory over Hutchison Vale, there could be a case for suggesting the international break arrived at a bad time for Lori Gardner.

The ’Well forward was in lethal form as Donald Jennow’s side booked their place in the last eight of the SWPL Cup.

However Gardner, who has enjoyed a good start to life at Fir Park, feels the squad have returned from the break raring to go and is hoping to get among the goals in the league when Hibs visit Ravenscraig on Sunday.

“It was good to have a break and recharge,” she said. “All the girls are now excited to get back to playing and the challenges ahead.

“As a striker, it’s always good to get goals and I’m obviously looking to get as many as I can.”

While victory over struggling, lower league opposition in their last match came as little surprise to most, the margin of Motherwell’s success certainly did.

Gardner also feels the result came as a big lift following the disappointment endured at Forfar one week before, in which Kerry Montgomery was controversially denied a last gasp leveller.

“The result was very important,” Gardner added. “Regardless of opposition we always look to set up and play the same way.

“It was good to put in such a dominant performance and it has really helped our confidence for the league kicking off again.”

Successive double winners Hibs make the trip to Lanarkshire from the capital, having recovered from an early season setback.

They followed up their surprise opening day draw with victories over Celtic and Hearts.

Those results have gone someway to alleviating fears that a close season where they lost a number of star players would hamper their chances of another successful season.

Motherwell provided the opposition as Grant Scott’s side lifted their last trophy, the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup, but Gardner says the previous meeting between the sides won’t be a factor.

“It’ll be a challenge but one we’re looking forward to,” the 22-year-old said. “These are the kind of games you want to be playing in and allows us to challenge ourselves against the best.

“We always try to look forward as individuals and as a team, so the previous result between the teams won’t come into our thoughts.”

The women of steel squad underwent major overhaul ahead of their first season in SWPL1 and Lori admits settling in has been an easy process.

The striker celebrated her 22nd birthday earlier in the week and now she is now targeting a belated gift.

“I’m really enjoying it. Everyone gets on really well which made it easy to settle in quickly.

“The standard of players who have remained and have been brought is high. We all share common goals and a have desire to be as successful as we can.

“It would be great to celebrate my birthday with a goal and that’s certainly what I’ll be hoping for.”

Motherwell Football Club are pleased to welcome SRB Wealth Management as the new front of shirt partner for our women’s side.

The partnership will see the SRB Wealth Management’s logo featured across their home shirts in all competitive games.

SRB Wealth Management are a Bellshill-based team of financial advisors, who specialise in achieving and maintaining financial security for all individuals and businesses across the west of Scotland.

Suzanne Reid, head of commercial and marketing at Motherwell FC, said: “I am delighted to announce this partnership.

“I am sure SRB Wealth Management will reap the benefits from our team playing at the top level of Scottish women’s football and TV coverage from BBC Alba this season. I look forward to working with Steve and his team and thank him for his support”.

Steve Brough, Director at SRB Wealth Management added: “We are proud of our west of Scotland heritage and are delighted to be supporting the team. Motherwell are going from strength to strength and we’re excited to see what the season will bring.”

The Lanarkshire derby is upon us. Motherwell host Hamilton on Saturday, as we look to continue our push for the top six.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match.

Head to head

Both sides have picked up victories on enemy territory this campaign.

A Steven Boyd effort secured a 1-0 win for Accies at Fir Park earlier in the season, while Tom Aldred’s double meant for a passionate victory at the end of the year at Hamilton.

Ticket information

Tickets are available online now or from the Fir Park ticket office. Kick off is at 3pm. A pay gate will also be in operation.

A family ticket for one adult and two children aged 15 and under is available for £28, or £24 in the John Hunter Stand.

The cheaper price on all tickets is for our John Hunter Stand for home supporters.

Away supporters will be housed in our South Stand.

Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Andy Sim on 07428 225254 or email tickets@mfcdsa.com.

The form guide

Motherwell are unbeaten in seven of their last eight matches, having won six on the bounce before a defeat at Celtic and a draw at Kilmarnock.

Since the arrival of Brian Rice as manager, a 10-game run of eight defeats has transformed into a five-game sequence of two wins, a draw and two defeats.

Team news

Motherwell remain without Trevor Carson, Chris Cadden and Craig Tanner. Christian Mbulu and Ross McCormack are also still sidelined. Carl McHugh is back in training.

Watch it live online

If you’re based outside of the UK/Ireland, you can watch a live stream of the game direct from Fir Park.

To sign up for our service, just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk and choose your package. Subscriptions to see live games start at just £12 a month.

Every league game between now and the split will be broadcast live on our service.

If you’re in the UK or Ireland but can’t make the game, there’s also live audio commentary available on our service. Our domestic subscriptions cost £6 a month and also get you full game replays.

Stephen Robinson and Jake Hastie have won the January/February Ladbrokes Premiership awards for Manager of the Month and Player of the Month respectively.

The pair have been recognised for the club’s fantastic month, which saw the team record their sixth straight league win, picking up three victories from four across the month.

Hastie scored four goals in three matches, netting a double against Livingston and scoring against St Mirren and Hearts.

The award marks the first double manager and player award for the club since Stuart McCall and Nicky Law both won in March 2013.

It’s the first time a player has won the award since Louis Moult in September 2017, and the first manager award since Mark McGhee in March 2016.

Barry Maguire has extended his deal with Motherwell Football Club until the summer of 2020.

The defender, currently on loan at Championship side Queen of the South, was this week called up to represent Scotland’s Under 21s.

“It’s great to sign on again with the club,” Barry said of his new contract. “This gives me the platform to come back in the summer and push for first team starts.

“I’m learning all the time at Queens. It’s been a great test and I know that if I keep playing well, I’ll be back for next season with the experience to be ready.”

Bellshill-born Maguire made his top-team bow in April last year, debuting in a 0-0 draw away to St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.

He has gone on to feature a further four times for Stephen Robinson’s side and has amassed 10 appearances for the Doonhamers in the Scottish Championship this term.

The ‘Well academy product’s progress will see him in contention to feature for his country in games against Mexico and Sweden later this month.

“We’re really pleased that we’ve got yet another young asset from our academy secured on a longer term deal,” ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson added:

“We believe Barry has the potential to have a really good career. He’s started that by being out on loan at Queens gaining valuable first team experience, much like we did with Jake Hastie who was at Airdrie, then Alloa.

“He’ll come back in the summer and we hope he’ll be pushing hard for a first-team start.”

Hamilton make their second trip of the campaign to Fir Park on Saturday, as the Lanarkshire derby rolls around again.

Here’s a closer look at our opponents.

Hitting form

Since Brian Rice’s arrival as manager at the end of January, Hamilton have picked up significantly.

After a run of eight defeats from 10 games, they have now won two of their last five, drawing one and losing two.

A focal point

George Oakley has proved a revelation since moving from Inverness late in the January window.

From five appearances, the English striker has netted three times, including a Van Basten-esque goal against Aberdeen in a 2-0 win at Pittodrie.

Looking over their shoulders

Despite their upturn in form, the Accies aren’t out of the woods at the bottom of the table.

They have opened up a four-point gap on bottom club St Mirren, with Dundee sitting three points behind. Any sort of cushion is welcome at this time of the season, but they aren’t completely out of the woods yet.