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Maurice Ross’ Motherwell Colts side will take on Clyde in the second round of the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup.

After defeating Spartans 1-0 in the first round on Wednesday night, the youngsters will make the trip to Broadwood on Tuesday, 13 August. Kick off is at 7.45pm.

Ticket prices are set at £5 for all. Fans can pay at the gate at the stadium.

Motherwell’s Colts progressed to the second round of the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup with a 1-0 win over Lowland League side Spartans.

Jamie Semple’s first half strike was the difference for Maurice Ross’ side, who progress to play Clyde at Broadwood next Tuesday.

A youthful Motherwell side benefitted from the first team experience of David Devine and Semple, while PJ Morrison also started in goal in his first competitive appearance since an impressive loan spell at Albion Rovers last term.

After the early exchanges, the youngsters started to put their foot on the ball and patiently build from the back, looking to spring an attack.

Their reward came after just 17 minutes. Devine’s ball from deep into the six-yard box was met at the left and back post by the onrushing Semple.

Taking the ball out of the air he made a stab at goal, only for the goalkeeper to block. In a flash, the ball was spilled back at his feet, allowing him to take a touch and then lift the ball into the roof of the net from point blank range.

Motherwell could have went two up when debutant Ross MacIver’s first half effort was cleared off the line, and Spartans showed late attacking promise as the 45 wore on.

The second half saw both sides struggle to create chances, with the hosts retaining the majority of the possession.

Motherwell: Morrison, Brown, Devine, Hussain, McDonald, Kettings, Semple, Robertson, Cook (Williamson), MacIver, Starrs.

Subs not used: Hemfrey, Muir.

A young Motherwell side will be in Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup action on Wednesday night, as they play host to Lowland League side Spartans.

Having reached the quarter-finals of the competition last time, Maurice Ross’ side head into the game at the Penny Cars Stadium in Airdrie with pedigree in the cup.

Tale of the tape

The young team are yet to play a competitive game so far this season for the Steelmen, although they have been ticking over with closed door matches and first team action for many across pre-season.

Spartans have played two Lowland League matches so far. After losing 2-1 at home to BSC Glasgow in their first game, they then defeated Edinburgh University 2-0 at the weekend.

Competition pedigree

Both teams are just starting out in the competition for 2019/20 in the first round.

Last season, Spartans fell at the first round stage to fellow Lowland League side East Kilbride.

After a 1-1 draw at K-Park, Kilby progressed 5-4 on penalties.

They’ve twice reached the second round of the competition, losing to Linfield and Stranraer respectively.

Motherwell lost to eventual winners Ross County in the last eight at Fir Park, despite taking the then-Championship side all the way.

Adam Livingstone’s remarkable free-kick gave hope, before the Staggies ran out 2-1 winners.

Ticket information

Kick off at the Penny Cars Stadium in Airdrie is at 7.45pm. Fans can pay at the gate. Adult entry costs £10, with concessions going for £5.

At stake

The winners of the tie will face Clyde away on Tuesday, 13 August 2019.

Our Tunnocks Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup match with Spartans will be played at Airdrie on Wednesday, 7 August.

Motherwell’s Colts side were quarter finalists in the competition last season, before falling to Ross County in a thrilling match at Fir Park.

Kick off is at 7.45pm. Fans can pay at the gate. Adult entry costs £10, with concessions going for £5.

Should Maurice Ross’ side progress, they will face Clyde away one week later.

Reece McAlear has left Motherwell to join Norwich City on a permanent basis, subject to international clearance.

The 17-year-old will join the East Anglian side after 13 months as a professional at Fir Park.

Motherwell tried to secure the player on a longer contract during the summer, but it was clear that any extended stay beyond May 2020 was extremely unlikely.

Despite that, several approaches from Norwich were rejected, before terms were finally agreed on a deal which gives the club a short-term cash injection, coupled with the ability to claim future money should the player develop further.

“It is very much our hope that the player development pathway we provide at Motherwell results in our academy graduates progressing to professional level, then eventually into the first team,” chief executive Alan Burrows explained.

“We had high hopes for Reece. He was getting closer and closer and indeed, played several first-team friendly matches during pre-season. We had positive conversations with the player, his family and his representatives about extending his stay.

“However, it was clear this was an opportunity Reece wanted to explore and probably would’ve explored, when his contract expired at the end of the season, had we not managed to agree a deal with Norwich now.

“This will see the club secure cash in advance, as well as maintaining some economic rights should his career continue to develop.

“It also demonstrates clearly the excellent work of our scouting and coaching staff, and further emphasises Motherwell as the club for young footballers to progress.”

Everyone at Motherwell FC would like to thank Reece for his time at Fir Park and wish him every success in his future career.

David Devine has added another year onto his Motherwell contract.

The young central defender had a meteoric rise after signing professional terms in January, culminating in his Ladbrokes Premiership debut against Livingston just four months later.

The 18-year-old has also featured prominently in ‘Well’s pre-season matches this summer, appearing in every fixture so far.

His new deal will expire in June 2021.

“We are pleased David has agreed to extend his deal with the club,” ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson said.

“He has progressed at an impressive rate since joining up with the group in January and we think he could have a bright future in the game.

“Crucially, David together with his representatives and his family recognise the importance of a pathway to the first team and he has that here at Motherwell.”

Motherwell’s Colts side will face Spartans at home in the first round of the 2019/20 Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup.

Maurice Ross’ team, who reached the quarter finals of the competition last season, will take on their opponents on Tuesday 6 or Wednesday 7 August 2019.

Should the young Steelmen be successful, they will then be in second round action away to Clyde on Tuesday 13 or Wednesday 14 August.

Venues, kick off times and ticket prices will be announced shortly.

Our squad numbers for the 2019/20 season can now be confirmed.

Liam Grimshaw, Peter Hartley, Allan Campbell, Barry Maguire, James Scott and Adam Livingstone are the notable changes in numbers.

New signings Jake Carroll, Casper Sloth, Christopher Long, Jermaine Hylton, Liam Polworth and Declan Gallagher will wear 3, 8, 12, 14, 19 and 31 respectively.

The first year graduates from the academy will start at number 35 and Sam Muir, and finish with goalkeeper Matty Connolly on 43.

MOTHERWELL FC SQUAD NUMBERS FOR 2019/20

Seven players will make the step up from the Motherwell academy to sign professional terms at the club.

Sam Muir, Matthew McDonald, Cammy Williamson, Findlay Cook, Paul Hale, Lewis Robertson and Matty Connolly have all agreed to turn pro, having risen through the ranks.

All seven will now form part of Maurice Ross’ reserve group for the 2019/20 season, as well as being under the tutelage of new Under 18s coach Darren O’Dea.

Three defenders are part of the new crop and all are 16 years old. Sam Muir is a left back or left-sided centre back, Matthew McDonald is a right back and Cammy Williamson plays at left back.

The trio have been at the academy for a prolonged period of time, rising through the ranks from the ages of 11 and 12.

Paul Hale and Lewis Robertson are two young midfielders. Paul Hale, who has been at the academy for six years, is a central midfielder while Lewis Robertson, recruited from Rangers, plays as an attacking midfielder.

Seventeen-year-old Findlay Cook has been in the academy for three-and-a-half years, with the forward also making the step up.

Finally, 16-year-old goalkeeper Matty Connolly signs professional terms having already had a brief taste of being around the first team.

The youngster, who has been at Motherwell since he was seven years old, was involved in the warm ups at the home match with St Mirren in May, after the team went down to one registered ‘keeper through illness and injury.

“We are excited by what the seven boys will offer the club now they are on professional terms,” Motherwell’s academy director Steven Hammell said.

“The boys all have inspiration to look towards when it comes to how quickly their careers can progress.

“It’s up to them now to continue to learn and develop, and we’re hopeful they all have the attitude to give themselves every chance of a long career in the game.”

Last year’s crop have already made significant strides in their professional careers.

Dean Cornelius made his first team debut at the end of the 2018/19 season, while Stuart McKinstry and Reece McAlear were involved in some matchday squads.

Darren O’Dea is the new Under 18s coach at Motherwell.

The 32-year-old joins the Fir Park staff with immediate effect.

O’Dea will work as a bridge between the academy and the reserve team at the club, helping to ensure our talented youngsters continue to have a clear pathway to first team football.

“I am delighted to take my first steps into coaching with Motherwell,” the 32-year-old said on his appointment.

“The club has proven its commitment over many years to progressing talented young players to first team football and I am looking forward to playing my part in helping bring through the next generation.”

O’Dea ended his playing time at Dundee in May, having made over 300 club appearances across Celtic, Reading, Ipswich Town, Leeds United, Toronto FC, Metalurh Donetsk, Blackpool and Mumbai City.

“We’re very happy to have brought in Darren to the club,” Academy Director Steven Hammell added.

“He is an eager and talented coach who impressed us greatly during the interview process.

“His vast experience in the game as a player, together with his ideas and passion for coaching, will be a valuable addition and help to our emerging players.”