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 Extended highlights from Fir Park as Motherwell slip to a 0-1 home defeat at the hands of Celtic.

Action pictures from this afternoon’s 0-1 SPFL Premiership defeat by Celtic at Fir Park.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

[svgallery name=”celtic061214″]

Caretaker boss Kenny Black was left to rue late misses as Celtic ran out 1-0 winners at Fir Park.

Ronnie Delia’s side went ahead early on when Anthony Stokes capitalised on a defensive mix-up to put his side ahead.

Celtic created, and missed, a host of chances throughout; a combination of poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping from Dan Twardzik keeping the score line at 0-1.

However, after the introduction of Lee Erwin and Lionel Ainsworth, ‘Well began to create and passed up a huge chance to level when the subs did combine just minutes from the end, the big striker headed a close-range header wide of target.

‘Well can again take some encouragement from spells in the match, but, frustratingly, it’s another loss as ‘Well try repeatedly to get their season going.

[pullquote]The spirit and the determination from the players was there for everyone to see. We now come into a period before Christmas where we’ve got a couple of important games coming up so it’s important for us.[/pullquote]

“We were a bit unfortunate at the end with the header from Lee,” Black said after the match.

“He came on and he could maybe have had himself a hat-trick. That’s football. When we went down to 10 men, it was unfortunate. By all accounts, it was a straight red card and he deserved to go.

“We keep giving away silly goals and goals that we think can be prevented. It was a self-inflicted mistake from our point of view, which gave Celtic the lead.

“For the final 15 minutes of the first half and the whole of the second half Celtic created a number of chances through good defending from our point of view and good goalkeeping, we kept ourselves in the game.

“The spirit and the determination from the players was there for everyone to see. We now come into a period before Christmas where we’ve got a couple of important games coming up so it’s important for us.”

[tab:Match report]

 Phil McGhee Fir Park

10-man Motherwell put on a brave show but still lost out 0-1 to SPFL Premiership league-leaders Celtic at Fir Park.

After going behind after only five minutes to an Anthony Stokes goal and having withstood an opening onslaught, ‘Well showed great determination to keep themselves in the game until the final whistle.

And despite playing out the final 25 minutes with ten men, when Simon Ramsden was red carded, it was Kenny Black’s side who finished the game the stronger and passed up chances for an equaliser.

That seemed impossible for a ‘Well side that made two enforced changes from the side which started against Dundee United, Fraser Kerr and Stuart Carswell coming in for the injured pair Mark O’Brien and Paul Lawson.

It was a memorable milestone for Keith Lasley who made his 400th appearance in a Motherwell jersey and as ever he enjoyed his midfield tussle with Scott Brown and the attention of the Celtic fans.

But along with his team mates it looked like being a long and miserable ninety minutes with the ‘Well goal under siege from the start.

After last weeks heroics, Dan Twardzik found himself one on one with John Guidetti within two minutes, but the Celtic striker steered his shot just wide much to the relief of the home fans.

The opening goal, though, was only delayed three minutes when a dreadful passback from Kerr allowed Stefan Johansen to nip round Twardzik. He then cut the ball back leaving Anthony Stokes the easy task of driving the ball between Ramsden and Stephen McManus on the goal-line.

A low drive from James Forrest might have made it two for the visitors, before the home side made their first attack on Craig Gordon’s goal. The ‘keeper wasn’t threatened, though, as Iain Vigurs fired over before a strong run and inviting cross from Henrik Ojamma found no takers.

A swift Celtic move after 20 minutes finished with a powerful Johansen shot which Twardzik was well positioned to block.

‘Well’s defensive cause wasn’t helped after 29 minutes when Kerr limped off to be replaced by 18 year old David Ferguson.

Despite their terrible start Motherwell grew stronger as half progressed and as half-time approached they might have sneaked an equaliser.

In the 39th minute a thunderous drive towards goal from Ojamma knocked Efe Ambrose off his feet. With the Nigerian defender still grounded Celtic played on but when they lost possession Lasley’s shot from the edge of the box forced the first save from Gordon.

Two minutes later Josh Law swept a cross to the edge of the six yard box and the inrushing John Sutton was only denied by Virgil Van Dijk’s outstretched toe. From the resultant corner Ramsden’s header was on target but comfortably held by Gordon.

‘Well started the second half in the same fashion and pressure on the Celtic defence forced a poor clearance from Nir Bitton but Ojamma’s volley from the edge of the box swerved wide.

The promise of a fightback was almost undone in the 52nd minute when Forrest wriggled though the home defence but his fierce shot was superbly held by Twardzik low to his left.

The Parkhead side began to threaten in attack but the Fir Park were coping until they were reduced to ten men after 65 minutes.

As Forrest raced through on goal, Ramsden was forced into a last ditch tackle at the edge of the box which sent the Celtic winger flying and the ‘Well defender walking up the tunnel.

That forced Ferguson into central defence with Law dropping to full back and leaving the home side on the back foot for a spell of the game.

For the second successive home game Twardzik kept his side’s hope’s alive with a series of outstanding saves. Having blocked angled drive’s from Guidetti and Izaguirre, the ‘Well ‘keeper produced a stunning reflect save to deny Matthews from five yards before diving bravely at Guidetti’s feet.

That kept the home side in the game and with 12 minutes left, Kenny Black sensed an equaliser might be on the cards when he made a double substitution bringing on Lionel Ainsworth and Lee Erwin.

The attack minded pairing brought an immediate presence and menace to a Celtic defence which then had an uncomfortable closing spell.

And eight minutes from time Motherwell should have had an equaliser their spirited performance might have merited.

Ainsworth’s cross picked out Erwin completely unmarked just six yards out, but with Gordon’s goal begging the young striker powered his header down and wide of target.

Undaunted, ‘Well pressed until the final whistle and in injury time, having been booked a minute earlier for diving over Ambrose, Erwin stepped inside the Celtic defender at the corner of the box, only to curl his shot beyond the far post.

[tab:As it happened]

 Ally Reilly at Fir Park

FT: Motherwell 0 – 1 Celtic #MFCvCFC

92mins: Erwin tries to curl a shot to the far post but it’s well side in the end

91mins: Erwin booked for simulation in the box #MFCvCFC

2 minutes added on

88mins: Celtic sub, Commons on for Guidetti #MFCvCFC

82mins: HUGE chance for Erwin who has the whole goal to aim for but heads wide with nobody near him! #MFCvCFC

80mins: Celtic sub, Forrest off for Scepovic #MFCvCFC

78mins: Double ‘Well sub, Erwin and Ainsworth on for Vigurs and Sutton #MFCvCFC

76mins: Quite incredible save from Twardzik to deny Forrest from point black range. Celtic should have scored at least one of those chances

75mins: Again, the ball is put in on a plate for Guidetti but gets it all wrong again on the edge of the box #MFCvCFC

74mins: Unbelievable miss from Guidetti at the front post. Seemed to get his feet all wrong and taps the ball harmlessly out of play

72mins: Another fine stop from Twardzik! This time he uses his foot to stop Izaguirre’s shot who then slices the rebound wide #MFCvCFC

69mins: Superb save from Twardzik, diving to his left to palm away Guidetti’s curling shot #MFCvCFC

65mins: RED CARD: Ramsden is sent off, ref says it was a clear goalscoring opportunity. Free-kick 20 yards out for Celtic #MFCvCFC

63mins: Celtic sub, Tonev on for Stokes #MFCvCFC

62mins: Twardzik races off his line to gather in Matthews low cross which was Guidetti bound #MFCvCFC

60mins: Ramsden picks the ball up in the Celtic half but doesn’t spot the run of Law who would have been through on goal. #MFCvCFC

58mins: Last ditch interception from McManus as Matthews looked to slide in Stokes in the middle of the goal #MFCvCFC

From the corner, Guidetti heads over at the front post.

56mins: Good covering from Law as he gets back to slide the ball out for a corner as Stokes threatened #MFCvCFC

52mins: Space opens up for Forrest just inside the box. He shoots with his left foot an Twardzik makes a good stop, diving low to his right

47mins: Decent bit of pressure from ‘Well but when the ball eventually falls to Ojamaa on the edge of the box, he slices his shot well wide

Stokes and Johansen get the second half underway #MFCvCFC

Teams are back out. Still 1-0 here to Celtic, need a big second half #MFCvCFC

HT: Motherwell 0 – 1 Celtic #MFCvCFC

41mins: Sutton fires a great ball in across goal towards Law but Izaguirre gets there first and knocks it wide for a corner. #MFCvCFC

38mins: Arguably ‘Well’s best chance of the game, Ojamaa fires straight at Ambrose then Vigurs is slid in but Gordon saves with ease.

29mins: Motherwell sub, young David Ferguson is on for the injured Fraser Kerr #MFCvCFC

20mins: Celtic cut through the ‘Well defence and eventually Johansen is slid in. From inside the box, he fires straight at Twarzik #MFCvCFC

18mins: Lasley plays a free-kick down the left wing to Ojamaa who then swings a cross into the box but it’s too deep and Izaguirre mops up

14mins: First bit of attacking intent from ‘Well but Vigurs’ shot from 25 yards is way off the mark. #MFCvCFC

13mins: Another great chance for Celtic.Forrest should score after being slid in by Brown but like Guidetti, drags it just past the post

11mins: All Celtic so far. Ball falls kindly for Forrest 20 yard out and he takes it on the volley. Flies not far wide of the left post

8mins: McManus is punished for a foul on Guidetti about 30 yards out on the right hand side. Johansen takes it and Carswell knocks it wide.

6mins: GOAL – Johansen pouncs on a slack back pass, nips around Twardzik and squares it to Stokes who taps in with ease

2mins: great chance already for Celtic. Guidetti is threaded through by Brown but fails to hit the target, dragging just wide from 15 yards

1min: Stokes delivers the corner deep and Ambrose heads well wide.

1min: Kerr takes no chances at the back post and nods it out for a corner #MFCvCFC

Law and Lasley kick the game off #COYW #MFCvCFC

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell caretaker manager Kenny Black:

Coming Soon…

Celtic manager Ronnie Deila:

Coming Soon…

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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For a truly unforgettable occasion, Motherwell FC are delighted to offer the perfect destination, a choice of tempting cuisine and sparkling entertainment this winter.

Christmas parties at Fir Park are always a night to remember and this year will be no different.

We’ve all the ingredients for a great party; high quality catering, lively entertainment and excellent service.

Enjoy a glass of Champagne on arrival then a fabulous three-course meal in the Centenary Suite before dancing the night away with our live band and disco.

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We have just two fabulous nights left available so book quick to ensure you don’t miss out:

• Friday, 12th December
• Friday, 19th December

Phone the Commercial Team on 01698 338008 / 338062 or email commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk to secure your seat. Alternatively, you can Click Here to book online.

£10 per person deposit to confirm booking. Non returnable after End of October, and cannot be used as part of full payment.

Outstanding balance to be paid by 15^th November.

Simon Ramsden says it suits ‘Well to be massive underdogs when they take on table-toppers Celtic tomorrow.

The Steelmen find themselves nineteen points behind the in-form Celts ahead of the Sky Live game on Saturday lunchtime.

Few will give the Claret and Amber men much hope, with some bookmakers having the hosts as much as 10/1 to win the match.

That suits the experienced Ramsden, who hopes it’ll give Motherwell the freedom to play with much pressure against the SPFL Champions.

Speaking to the broadcast press at ‘Well’s pre-match news conference, the 32-year old said: “Whenever you play Celtic, you’re not expected to win and that will no doubt be the case tomorrow.

[pullquote]We need to try and get something out of the game and will absolutely approach it like that. We want a positive performance and try to get a good result. In the position we are in we need to start climbing the table[/pullquote]

“They’ll come here full of confidence and look to turn us over, most people will think it’ll be a ‘backs to the wall’ job.

“In saying that, we need to try and get something out of the game and will absolutely approach it like that. We want a positive performance and try to get a good result. In the position we are in we need to start climbing the table.

“We’ve done it [won] in the past against Celtic, in my time at the club and before then.

“Celtic have a lot of attacking options who will cause you a lot of problems; we are well aware of that but I think last week we caused Dundee utd a lot of problems so if we play to that standard again, I think we can cause some problems tomorrow.”

Kenny Black says ‘Well can take inspiration from their previous result at Parkhead when they face Celtic tomorrow.

Motherwell went to Glasgow and earned a respectable 1-1 draw back in September.

The Steelmen went 1-0 ahead through John Sutton and the same player missed a glorious chance to double his tally shortly after. ‘Well could also have had a penalty when Jason Denayer stopped Iain Vigurs’ shot with a hand.

Even when Celtic did eventually get level, it was a debated penalty when Scott Brown was sent tumbling after a coming together with Josh Law.

Celtic have since hit top gear and haven’t lost in eight domestic games games. Black knows Saturday’s match will be altogether more tougher than the one the team faced three months ago.

[pullquote]We can take heart from the point we took earlier this season at Parkhead. There has been snippets throughout the season where we have performed well, we’ve just not done it for an extended time which we would like.[/pullquote]

He said: “We can take heart from the point we took earlier this season at Parkhead. There has been snippets throughout the season where we have performed well, we’ve just not done it for an extended time which we would like.

“We need to be good for ninety minutes and for a number of weeks to try and gather as much points as we can.

“There’s been  alot of off-field talk but it’s very much business as usual for myself. We’re obviously disappointed after last Saturday, but I think the best possible game we could have is the champions at home.

“It’s an early kick-off and gives us the something to go for. Hopefully we acn make an impact on the game at some point.”

Referee for Saturday’s SPFL Premiership clash with Celtic at Fir Park is Calum Murray.

Murray is an experienced whistler with well over fifteen years in the top flight and this is his second ‘Well match of the campaign, the other being the opening day success of St Mirren thanks to Lee Erwin’s first senior goal.

Somewhat surprisingly though, that Saints game was his first in North Lanarkshire for eighteen months.

He only took charge of one ‘Well match last term, that was the disappointing 2-0 defeat at McDiarmid Park – Stevie May and Nigel Hasselbaink on the score sheet.

Previous to that, it was February 2013 and a 3-0 for Stuart McCall’s side over Inverness (Michael Higdon double and a Nicky Law strike) at Fir Park.

Murray took charge of another two Motherwell matches that same campaign, the instantly forgettable 2-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox in the Scottish Communities League Cup and the 3-2 victory over Ross County at Fir Park.

Back in 2011, he also handled the Scottish Cup Final between Motherwell and Celtic at Hampden.

His overall record in charge of the Steelmen is fairly mixed. Of the 22 games he has taken charge of, Motherwell have won ten, drawn four and lost eight. The Fir Parkers have scored 29 whilst 29 have hit the back of the ‘Well net.

63 players have seen yellow on those fourteen matches, 34 of which were shown to a player wearing Claret and Amber.

Two players has been sent for an early bath, Bob Malcolm in the famous 1-0 win over Celtic back in early 2008 and Jim Goodwin, for a second bookable offence, in that match this term.

Calum will be ably assisted by Graeme Leslie and Gary Hilland with John McKendrick on fourth official duties. Donald McVicar is the Referee Observer and John Connolly is the SPFL Delegate.

Tickets for the Celtic match this Saturday are still on sale to both home and away fans from the Fir Park Ticket Office.

The club has sent a batch of tickets to Celtic for the Maxim Office Stand behind the south goal and they will distribute in the usual fashion.

Similar to previous matches between the teams, Motherwell will also sell ‘Away Family Section’ tickets in the North (Cooper) end of the Phil O’Donnell Stand – priced at £25 for one adult and one juvenile.

‘Home Family Section’ tickets are also available in both the Davie Cooper and East Stand, again priced at £27.

Tickets are priced at:

• Concessions are listed as Over 60s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation card.
• Juveniles are listed as Under 16s.
• Family tickets consist of 1x Adult and 1x Juvenile (Away Family Tickets are only available in the Phil O’Donnell Stand ‘Family Section’)
• The cheaper priced ticket is for the East Stand only.
• If you are new to Fir Park, check our handy ‘New Fans’ section that will detail everything you need to know about matchdays.
• Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Sharon or John McCaskie on 01555 870122 or email disabledfans@motherwellfc.co.uk.

PAYMENT OPTIONS: You can either pay cash or, if you prefer, via credit or debit card at the Fir Park Ticket Office – There is no cash at the turnstile. Please note there is a 2.5% surcharge on any credit card purchase. Alternatively, you can pre-purchase your ticket by booking online – just click the link below. *The following credit cards are accepted at the Fir Park Ticket Office:

 Highlights from Excelsior Stadium where two Dylan Mackin strikes earned the young Steelmen a point against Ross County.