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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.

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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.

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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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