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 Extended highlights from Rugby Park as goals from Stephen Pearson & Lee Erwin give ‘Well a 1-2 win.

‘Well boss Ian Baraclough praised his side’s battling qualities after they came back from going behind to beat Kilmarnock.

It’s the first time this season the Steelmen have taken all three points from a losing position and the first victory on the road for almost four months.

The Fir Parkers had to show their grit though, going behind in the first-half before goals from Stephen Pearson and Lee Erwin won the game for the Claret and Amber men.

It was an unusual afternoon, with ‘Well not at the races for the opening half hour, before going on to dominate most of the last sixty minutes.

Baraclough was understandably delighted to win the match, praise the character of his side and challenged them to take their second half showing into the midweek match against St Mirren.

[pullquote]For the first twenty-five minutes, it didn’t look as if we were in the game but we managed to steady ourselves, pull a goal back and went on to dominate the game.[/pullquote]

He said: “For the first twenty-five minutes, it didn’t look as if we were in the game but we managed to steady ourselves, pull a goal back and went on to dominate the game.

“We had to battle and scrap to get a foothold in the game but that happens in games, you’re not going to get it all your own way. Sometimes you had to dig in but we showed tremendous spirit to turn it around.

“All of a sudden we started playing to our strengths. We defended well; when we won the ball back, we used it better. We put it into areas they didn’t enjoy defending, we got people in the box as was the support from midfield and the energy from the front two.

“We looked a totally different side. The lads deserve huge credit for the second half showing and it’s now about trying to take the sort of performance into Tuesday night’s game at Fir Park.”

Action pictures from this afternoon’s battling 1-2 win against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

[svgallery name=”kilmarnock040415″]

[tab:Match report]

Phil McGhee at Rugby Park

Motherwell came back from a goal down to take all three points with a thoroughly deserved victory against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park today.

The near 1,000 ‘Well fans at Rugby Park would have been thrilled and encouraged with the team’s response after falling being to an early Kilmarnock goal.

The Fir Park players showed great determination and application with Stephen Pearson celebrating his new contract by grabbing the equalising goal before Lee Erwin capped his ‘man of the match’ performance with the winner, which keeps them in touch with teams above them in the table.

Ian Baraclough made one change from the side which hammered Hamilton, Connor Grant coming in to the midfield at the expense of Marvin Johnson who wasn’t risked with a slight knock. And it was the Everton loanee who had the first strike at goal after five minutes his shot deflected just outside his own post by Ross Barbour.

Killie’s reply was a drive from David Syme, which flashed past the post.

The pace of the game was fast on the synthetic surface and after Grant went down in the box under a legitimate sliding tackle from Barbour, play raced to the other end where Josh Magennis’ thumping effort was parried by George Long.

Having being felled by a couple of aerial challenges, Long looked a little uncomfortable when Paul Cairney lofted a free kick into the six yard box which the ‘Well ‘keeper missed leaving Syme to head home the opening goal.

That sparked a positive response from the visitors and twice inside a minute they forced efforts on the home goal.

A clever piece of work from Erwin opened up the Killie defence but after lobbing the ball over Syme he sliced his volley off target. A nod down from Pearson presented Lionel Ainsworth with a chance to test Craig Samson with a low drive from the edge of the box.

Some of referee Euan Anderson’s decisions irritated both sets of players, although there could be few complaints when he booked Pearson and Josh Law who was having a tough time taming Tope Obadeyi. Likewise, when Stephen McManus was adjudged to have pushed Lee Ashcroft before heading Grant’s corner into the net after 31 minutes there was no protest.

The deserved equaliser, though, was only delayed another six minutes. A good cross field move found Ainsworth and although his low drive was on target, Pearson ghosted in to prod the ball into the corner of the net to make it 1-1.

‘Well looked the more likely to add a second and a couple of decent shots from Scott McDonald and Keith Lasley produced saves from Samson before the break.

The second half was fairly even until 57 minutes when ‘Well made their first change, John Sutton replacing Grant and after that Baraclough’s boys dominated the play.

Within two minutes of his arrival Sutton’s pass inside the centre circle found McDonald who released Erwin. And when McDonald collected the ball at the edge of the box a wonderful goal looked on the cards until his rising shot skimmed off the top of the cross bar.

Erwin then set off on a solo run from his own half only to curl his finishing shot wide of goal.

At that stage ‘Well were a constant threat on the Killie goal and Ainsworth’s fierce drive forced Samson into a fine diving save.

Samson was kept busy with saves from Erwin and McDonald as the Fir Park men pressed for the winner.

Motherwell and the tireless Erwin were finally rewarded 14 minutes from time when he jinked inside his marker at the edge of the box before steering a left foot shot low into the corner of the goal.

The ‘Well defence stood solid in the closing minutes as Killie chased a hopeful equaliser but in the end Motherwell comfortably played out the game for another convincing win, to make it three in five games and build momentum ahead of two massive games against Saints and Partick Thistle before the league split.

[tab:As it happened]

 Ally Reilly at Rugby Park

Great scenes in the Kilmarnock sunshine as the players take the applause from the hugely vocal ‘Well support. Superb again!!

FT | 1-2 | #KFCvMFC
FULL TIME!!

90′ | 1-2 | #KFCvMFC
There will be 3 minutes added on.

89′ | 1-2 | #KFCvMFC
Motherwell sub, Erwin off for Ramsden. Big man has been superb in the second half!

87′ | 1-2 | #KFCvMFC
Erwin gathers in McDonald’s corner and hits it on the spin but it flies just over!

81′ | 1-2 | #KFCvMFC
Motherwell sub, Ainsworth off for Carswell.

77′ | 1-2 | #KFCvMFC
Double Killie sub, Eremenko and Kiltie on for Johnston and Cairney

77′ | 1-2 | #KFCvMFC
Erwin twists and turns in the box and fires past Samson. 2-1 to ‘Well!!!!

GGGOOOAALLLLL!!!!

75′ | 1-1 | #KFCvMFC
Another save from Samson! This time he has to tip away McDonald’s long range shot from distance. All Motherwell.

74′ | 1-1 | #KFCvMFC
Great pressure from ‘Well. From a corner, Ainsworth finds plenty of space but his goalbound shot is blocked by Barbour.

71′ | 1-1 | #KFCvMFC
Terrible dive from Obadeyi in the box and is rightly booked.

65′ | 1-1 | #KFCvMFC
Erwin shoots from 25 yards. It’s a tough one for Samson as it bounces of him but he deals with it well.

68′ | 1-1 | #KFCvMFC
Kilmarnock sub, Miller off for Eccleston.

66′ | 1-1 | #KFCvMFC
Samson to the rescue again for Killie, this time diving low to deny Ainsworth from distance.

65′ | 1-1 | #KFCvMFC
O’Hara is booked for hauling down McDonald on the half-way line

63′ | 1-1 | #KFCvMFC
Erwin does great and cuts inside but with other options, opts to shoot and curls it wide of the post. Great chance!

61′ | 1-1 | #KFCvMFC
Laing booked for winning a header. Ref says he barged into Miller but very harsh indeed.

59′ | 1-1 | #KFCvMFC
What a save from Samson!! McDonald’s shot from 18 yards looked certain for the net but he somehow got a hand to it :O

57′ | 1-1 | #KFCvMFC
Motherwell sub, Grant off for Sutton.

51′ | 1-1 | #KFCvMFC
Johnston skips past Straker and McManus has to cover and concede a corner. From the delivery, ‘Well clear.

48′ | 1-1 | #KFCvMFC
Killie clear the delivery with ease.

48′ | 1-1 | #KFCvMFC
Erwin does well to force a corner for ‘Well.

45′ | 1-1 | #KFCvMFC
Grant and Lasley get the second half underway.

45′ | 1-1 | #KFCvMFC
Teams are back out for the second half

HT’ | 1-1 | #KFCvMFC
First half ends Kilmarnock 1 – 1 Motherwell

GGGOOOAALLL!!!

38′ | 1-1 | #KFCvMFC
GGGOOOLLL!!! Ainsworth’s goalbound strike is diverted into the net by PEARSON!! 1-1!!

31′ | 1-0 | #KFCvMFC
McManus has the ball in the net but ref says there was a foul in the process.

30′ | 1-0 | #KFCvMFC
Now Law is booked for a more clear-cut tackle on Obadeyi

26mins: Ref plays advantage then books Pearson for a challenge on O’Hara. Not convinced there was much contact there.

24′ | 1-0 | #KFCvMFC
Pearson nods the ball back to Ainsworth who strikes it first time from 20 yards. Samson gathers at the second attempt

22′ | 1-0 | #KFCvMFC
Great play by Erwin as he lobs Syme to get though on goal. His first-time volley is scuffed well wide, though.

20′ | 1-0 | #KFCvMFC
‘Well break up the field and Erwin wins a corner. Nothing comes of Grant’s ball into the box.

17′ | 1-0 | #KFCvMFC
Goal! Syme gets on the end of Cairney’s free-kick to make it 1-0 to Killie.

13′ | 0-0 | #KFCvMFC
Magennis gathers the ball 18 yards out and gets a shot away. Straight at Long who beats it to safety.

7′ | 0-0 | #KFCvMFC
Killie win a corner of their own and from the cross, Syme fires just past the post

5′ | 0-0 | #KFCvMFC
Chance! Grant’s low shot is deflected just wide. From the corner, his delivery goes untaken.

1′ | 0-0 | #KFCvMFC
Barbour swings a ball into the box which Long punches clear under pressure from Miller. Ref says free-kick, anyway.

Kick-Off | 0-0 | #KFCvMFC
Cairney and Miller get the game underway. COYW!!

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Ian Baraclough:

“There are seven games still to play and, after today, we’re three points better off against St Mirren.

“There is now a seven-point gap and we play them on Tuesday, which is a massive game for both clubs. However, until it’s mathematically impossible for teams to catch us, we won’t be ruling anyone out.

“Others can get dragged in quite easily if we keep picking up three points. We’ll get ourselves out of it.”

Kilmarnock manager Gary Locke:

“I’m disappointed because I thought we started well and deservedly went in front. But you have to give Motherwell credit because I thought they came back well in the second half.

“We had a couple of young centre-halves in today in Lee Ashcroft and David Syme and I’d like to have seen them get us up the pitch a little bit more.

“But I’m not going to be too critical. David was making his full debut and acquitted himself well. Lee isn’t the oldest either so I tend to look at the positives.

“But we are a young team lacking in experience and that showed in the second half. I think the top six will be really difficult now but we need to make sure we bounce back against Aberdeen next week.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Ian Baraclough hopes his side can continue their recent momentum despite having no match last weekend due to the International calendar.

The Steelmen have taken seven points from their last twelve, including wins over top-six sides Inverness and Hamilton, with the only defeat a narrow 2-1 reverse at Pittodrie.

It was fourteen days ago Baraclough masterminded the magnificent 4-0 success in the Lanarkshire derby and although he admits he would have liked the games to have kept coming, he has used the time to work further with the players.

Speaking to the gathered media at the pre-match news conference, he said: “It’s an interesting one as there were probably a couple of lads who needed that little break.

[pullquote]We’ve tried to build on that feel-good factor, tried to mix up training whilst working on one or two things and we hope it’ll not have taken the edge off us.[/pullquote]

“From a club’s point of view, you’re on a good run of results, you’ve just beaten your local rivals 4-0 and a fantastic performance, you just want to get another game in.

“However, we’ve tried to build on that feel-good factor, tried to mix up training whilst working on one or two things and we hope it’ll not have taken the edge off us.”

Baraclough was speaking on the day the club managed to secure the services of Stephen Pearson for a further two years.

Pearson was his first signing as Motherwell manager and he is equally thrilled to be working with him for an extended period of time.

He added: “I am delighted Stephen has signed this extended deal as he has been a huge influence both on and off the park. It is a big boost for everybody. Since day one I knew he was the type of character I wanted to bring in.

“He was my first signing and to extend that deal for another two years is massive and testament to what he has seen in this club. I know he had another couple of other clubs trailing him.”

Stephen Pearson says he wants to repay the faith shown in him by Ian Baraclough by helping the Steelmen stay in the Scottish top-flight.

The midfielder was the Fir Park boss’ first signing during the January Window; the former Scotland International returning for his second spell with the club.

The 32-year old started his career in North Lanarkshire over 15 years ago before leaving for Celtic.

He has also played for English sides Derby County, Stoke, Bristol City and in the Indian Super League with Kerala Blasters.

[pullquote]I want to help the club stay in the Premiership – that is the short-term goal and then obviously we will look at things after that.[/pullquote]

“You are always anxious going back to a club for a second spell but it is about confidence in your own ability,” he said, speaking to the Broadcast media at ‘Well’s weekly news conference.

“If you feel you are an improved player then you shouldn’t have any doubts going back anywhere.

“I am enjoying football. I plan on playing as long as I possibly can. If I can play for another four or five years that would be great.

“There was a big turnaround of players in January but we are starting to see the new players settle down.

“I want to help the club stay in the Premiership – that is the short-term goal and then obviously we will look at things after that.”

Motherwell FC is delighted to confirm midfielder Stephen Pearson has signed a two-year contract extension.

The former Scotland International rejoined the club in January and has been one of the major driving forces behind the recent upturn in form.

Pearson, who started his career at Fir Park fifteen years ago, has also played for Celtic, Derby County, Stoke, Bristol City and in the Indian Super League with Kerala Blasters.

There was significant interest in the player from both at home and abroad, but the 32-year old was keen to repay the faith shown in him by manager Ian Baraclough and has committed his future to the summer of 2017.

[pullquote]I am really pleased we have got this all done and dusted so early; I’m delighted to being staying at Motherwell[/pullquote]

Pearson said: “I am really pleased we have got this all done and dusted so early; I’m delighted to being staying at Motherwell.

“I’ve really enjoyed working under the manager and with this group of players. Our first priority is to try and stay in the Premiership then rebuild again for next year.”

Manager Ian Baraclough added: “I am delighted Stephen has signed this extended deal as he has been a huge influence both on and off the park.

“His signing will, I hope, give everyone a boost and it’s a real indication of our intention and determination to not only finish this seasons strongly, but with one eye on building for season 2015/16 and beyond.

“We are in positive discussions with other members of the squad and will look to talk with more as the season reaches its conclusion.”

Motherwell Football Club can today (Friday) announce that majority shareholder Mr Les Hutchison has accepted an invitation to join the Club’s Board of Directors and will take up the role of Vice Chairman with immediate effect.

Mr Hutchison has overseen and facilitated many of the recent improvements both to off-field infrastructure and on-field strength by way of an additional short-term six-figure loan.

It is anticipated those areas of improvement, particularly around scouting and talent identification as well as sport science and conditioning, will help reinforce the Club’s short and long term goals around sustainability, viability and the eventual transition to full fan ownership via the ‘Well Society.

Mr Hutchison will support the current Chairman, Brian McCafferty, in his dual role between the football club and the ‘Well Society.

The Club Board now includes Brian McCafferty, Les Hutchison, Leanne Thomas, Derek Weir, Ian Reid, Jim McMahon and Peter Kellie.

Commenting, Les said: “I am looking forward to increased involvement in Board activities and the opportunity to assist Brian as Chairman.”

Chairman Brian McCafferty added: “We are delighted Les is joining the Board of Directors at Motherwell Football Club.

“He has given us significant help and direction from afar already, but with this appointment he can now get involved to an even greater extent.

“My colleagues and I on the Board look forward to working even closer with him in the weeks and months ahead.”

Manager Ian Baraclough commented: “It’s a hugely positive sign that Les is stepping up his involvement in the Club by formally joining the Board of Directors.

“He has been incredibly supportive to both my staff and I in his short tenure as owner thus far and everyone is working hard to deliver our targets as set out in the Business Plan.”

Hello ‘Well fans,

I wanted to provide another short update on what is happening with the Club and also the ‘Well Society.

Fans’ Event, Sunday 29 March, Fir Park

Last Sunday I was able to attend a function at the Centenary Lounge with many society members in attendance. It was also good to see such a big turnout of fans who had recently purchased their tiles to be placed in the players’ tunnel.

Thanks mainly to Peter Elder, the sports’ quiz was also a big success, and as far as I know, despite the ‘Bois’ best efforts, the best team won!

Prior to screening the Scotland game on TV, the club organised a Q&A session hosted by Phil Speedie with Alan Burrows and myself fielding questions ranging from pledging monthly payments to the society similar to the Foundation of Hearts to questions about the new scouting regime at the club.

I would like to express my thanks to all who attended and, in particular, to Diane Harvey, the catering and bar staff and all volunteers for making the occasion such a success.

Where are we now?

I am pleased to report that the Society once again has been able to provide financial support to the club during a challenging period off the pitch. In addition to the £190,000 loaned to the club in January, it has provided a further £120,000 to cover a temporary cashflow shortfall at the club for March.

To summarise where we are currently, as you know in February the club received Les Hutchison’s loan of £650,000, which was used partly to stabilise the club’s finances and, of course, £1 of which used to purchase John Boyle’s shares. Subsequently, Les provided further investment in order to strengthen the playing squad and improve a number of areas in anticipation of a financial return in the future.

The club

As a business, the club has now been re-organised to focus on its vision to become the most successful community-centred club in Scotland.

As part of its business plan, it now adopts a three-pronged approach concentrating on football, finance, and marketing and sales, which is reflected in its organisational structure as follows:

As you already know the board of directors currently comprises Jim McMahon, Derek Weir, Leanne Thomas, Peter Kellie, Ian Reid and me. In addition, I am very pleased to report that Les Hutchison has agreed to join the board.

As Chairman of the Society, I chair the Club Board, Les is now Vice-Chairman, Derek Weir chairs the Football Committee, Jim McMahon heads up the Finance Committee, and I also chair the Marketing and Sales committee. The three other directors Leanne Thomas, Ian Reid and Peter Kellie support the work of the football and finance committees in particular.

The Society

This organisational arrangement at the club is largely reflected in the organisation and sub committee structure of the society as follows:

Currently the board comprises myself as chair, Tom Feely as secretary, plus two other elected members Robert Montgomery and Allan Todd. Douglas Dickie is one of three possible co-opted members, two of which we need to replace now that Dee Cameron and Derek Watson have stepped down due to pressure of work.

The society is most grateful for their contributions to its work and we wish them every success for the future. Of course, both remain strong Motherwell supporters.
We shall soon be seeking to appoint two new board members who will hopefully be able to complement and supplement the current skills set and experience of the current board members.

The board is also most grateful to Doug Inglis and a team of volunteers who help to develop links with the business community not only with the society but also the club. Doug attends board meetings as an observer as part of his role as special adviser to the board.

Doug also chairs the Income Generation Committee, which includes as our top priority membership recruitment. Douglas Dickie takes the lead on recruitment matters. He is carrying out a revision of the current membership structure and developing proposals for changes. As part of a consultation process, these proposals will be shared with members for their approval in the next week or so.

Allan Todd is working towards increasing the engagement and participation of society members in the work of the society. He would welcome any suggestions about how the society could improve the involvement of the members in any ways.

Robert Montgomery heads up the marketing and communications committee as well as project managing the society’s action planning. He too would welcome any suggestions for improving our marketing and recruitment strategies.

To help with our marketing and sales efforts the board has agreed to appoint a full-time manager who will act also as key contact with the society for its members. An advert for this post will be issued shortly.

The future – reasons to be optimistic

As I explained in my presentation on Sunday, both the club and the society have good reasons to be optimistic about the short-term and long-term future.

For example,

• the team’s performances over the past few weeks have improved significantly and the points gained have been most welcome – as a consequence, I am very optimistic about our chances of remaining in the top division next season.
• the youth academy is developing extremely well and Scott Leitch and his coaching staff are bringing on some very good young footballers who will be our first team players of the future – the manager has kept his promise of not only ‘blooding’ some of these youngsters but given them plenty of playing time in the first team to show considerable promise. The extended contract signings of these players augers well for the future on the playing side.
• although relatively modest but nevertheless welcome, income from hire of function suits and bar takings, catering, sponsorship and other streams are on an upward trend – the club’s aim now is to increase attendances and issue more season tickets for next season than last year.
• Hearts certainly and possibly Rangers or Hibs will join the top flight next season bringing with them potential increases in attendances in the away stand as well as increased sponsorship and hospitality for home games.
• the club is more than hopeful that the SPFL will be able to attract a new sponsor next season and that a new and improved TV deal might be negotiated too.
• finally, Les Hutchison has agreed to continue to provide his new loan on similar terms as the original interest free loan of £650,000 – he has agreed to sponsor the appointment of a new marketing/communications manager for the society with a gift of half the salary

Ongoing Priorities for the Society

Over the coming weeks, the society board will focus on

• revamping the membership structure to make it simpler and less bureaucratic
• recruiting new members
• encouraging attendance at home games and
• seeking sponsorship and support from the business community

Thank you for your continuing support.

Brian McCafferty
Chairman

Motherwell FC is once again providing female supporters aged between 35-65 the chance to become more active, improve their diet and develop a healthier lifestyle through the FFIT for women project.

A nationwide health initiative, FFIT for women will be held weekly in the Davie Cooper Suite at Fir Park.

The programme will begin on Tuesday the 14th of April with sessions being delivered by our fully trained and qualified male and female coaches experienced in programme delivery.

Programme Development Manager, Graeme McArthur said: “Local women will have the opportunity to become part of the club for 13 weeks, being issued with official Motherwell FC training kit to work with our football and health coaches one evening a week.

“Similar programmes have proved a massive success with clubs in the English Premiership and Championship. Now we will be leading the way in Scotland!”

Interested supporters should contact the MFC FFIT Team by phone on 01698 239926, or by email on graeme.mcarthur@motherwellfc.co.uk confirming the following details:

• Name
• Address
• Postcode
• Contact Telephone