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Motherwell Under 20s came from behind to beat Dunfermline 2-1 at a rain-soaked Excelsior Stadium this evening.

After a fairly even first forty-five, the Pars took the lead nine minutes into the second half when midfield Stephen Husband’s long-range free kick squirmed through Ross Stewart and into the net.

The lead lasted just ten minutes though as Jack Leitch hauled Motherwell level from the penalty spot before Craig Moore curled home the winner eleven minutes from time.

Jonatan Johansson was forced into one change with Dale Shirkie missing with a fractured jaw sustained in last week’s win against Hearts. His replacement was the returning Jack Leitch, who skippered the side.

With the rain battering down and the wind making it difficult for the players, it perhaps wasn’t surprising that the game got off to a slowish start.

Indeed, twenty minutes had come and gone before a chance of note and it fell for the visitors. Declan O’Kane did well to meet a whipped corner from the left, but his powerful header came crashing back off the crossbar.

Five minutes later and it was another corner causing problems in the home defence, this time Husband flicked on a near post ball forcing Stewart to tip over.

‘Well went immediately down the other end and Craig Moore looked for a penalty after being brought down by Ross Millen but referee Colin Steven waved away the protests.

Whether it was a sense of injustice or not, that decision appeared to fire up the young Steelmen, and they should have been in front five minutes later. A quick-thinking Dom Thomas free kick rolled in Craig McCall but his stinging shot forced Ryan Goodfellow to turn around.

A minute later, Steven Higgins should have put ‘Well in front after racing clear of the Pars defence, but his low shot crept inches wide of the far post.

Both teams had a couple of long-range efforts comfortably dealt with before McCall had a great chance to get his first Under 20s goal just minutes from the break. The ball spun towards the midfielder after a poor defensive clearance, but his shot blazed into the stand.

Much like the first half, the second period took some time to get going but when it did, it was with the visitors getting their noses in front.

Husband, Pars’ most impressive player on the night, smashed a long range free kick at goal. It looked comfortable enough for young Ross Stewart to grasp but the wet ball squirmed through his body and rolled into the net.

To their credit, the Steelmen came roaring back and were almost level straight away; Thomas collecting after a quick counter only for his shot to be tipped into the side netting by the diving Goodfellow.

However, they did restore parity shortly after when Moore won his side a penalty kick. O’Kane fouled the striker inside the area, allowing Jack Leitch the chance to grab his fifth of the season. He kept his composure, drilling a shot hard down the middle.

Johansson’s men pushed hard for a second and half chances came and went for Moore, who curled over, and Thomas, who just failed to connect with a McCafferty cross towards the back post.

However, the defining moment came on the 73rd minute when Dunfermline passed up an incredible opportunity to get back in front.

Scott Mercer was the creator, doing well inside the area, before firing a shot across Stewart. It hit the base of the post, spun out to Gavin McMillan who had the goal at his mercy just four yards but he somehow blazed over.

It was to prove a vital miss as ‘Well would get the winner just five minutes later.

Leitch did well to force the ball over to the left channel where Steven Higgins was lurking.

Despite slipping, he managed to prod the ball back to Moore who curled a shot high past Goodfellow and into the far corner, his fifteenth Under 20s goal this term.

Although they displayed a ton of effort and endeavour, the Pars didn’t look like getting back into things. A long-range effort from Mercer was the closest they came in the closing ten minutes as ‘Well held out for back-to-back wins.

Motherwell: Stewart, Cadden, Ferguson, Murray, Neill, Leitch, McCafferty, McCall (Mackin – 74mins), Moore, Thomas, Higgins (Anderson – 85mins)

Subs Not Used: Long, Hall

Stuart McCall’s Motherwell are a huge part of the first ever SPFL sticker album – which is on sale now!

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In a real first, the sticker album features all 42 professional clubs from the Premiership, Championship, League 1 and League 2.

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Make sure you’re following our official twitter feed @MotherwellFC for exclusive “stickers” from the 2014 collection, every day this week.

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Extended highlights from Celtic Park as, despite a battling performance, Motherwell crash to a 3-0 defeat to league-leaders Celtic.

-WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Action pictures from the 3-0 defeat by Celtic at Celtic Park in the SPFL Premiership.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

[svgallery name=”celtic180114″]

Stuart McCall was in an upbeat mood despite his side’s 3-0 defeat at Celtic Park this afternoon.

Motherwell have struggled in the East End of Glasgow in recent years, and although they came away with no points, there was plenty to be positive about.

‘Well were in double-figures in terms of chances, and had little luck in front of their own goal.

A close offside call for the first goal, a penalty and an own goal did the damage at the other end with Kris Commons in particular shining for the hosts.

And whilst McCall ankowledged Celtic were worthy of the win, he took solace in how ‘Well played for long spells and the opportunities his side created.

[pullquote]There were a lot of positives. Okay, we didn’t score – we got beat again – but we have a lot to take away from the game.[/pullquote]

McCall said: “I’m disappointed, I’m not saying we should have won the game, but I’m disappointed that we didn’t score a goal.

“I thought we merited a goal. Sometimes we were sloppy and Celtic cut us open with the good quality they’ve got.

“To lose a goal after four minutes, the roof can come in, but we didn’t – we kept playing our football and I was pleased with a lot of things today.

“We had good opportunities to get shots in from outside the box, but we just didn’t hit the target. At 2-0 it looked like we could press and get the next goal, which we said to the players at half time – let’s not lie down,. Inverness have done it – let’s see if we can do it and have a bit of belief.

“There were a lot of positives. Okay, we didn’t score – we got beat again – but we have a lot to take away from the game.”

-WATCH STUART’S INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

[tab:Match report]

 Phil McGhee at Celtic Park

Motherwell were looking to make it a magnificent seven consecutive wins but it was Celtic who extended their winning run with a 3-0 victory.

However the scoreline, with a double from Kris Commons including one from the penalty spot and an own goal from Stephen McManus, doesn’t reflect the balance of play or Motherwell’s contribution to a entertaining ninety minutes.

And while up against an inform Celtic, it was amazingly that despite creating a host of chances, ‘Well’s goal drought at Celtic Park extended to eight games.

Intent on maintaining their winning run and breaking that goal hoodoo, Stuart McCall started with a positive line-up with James McFadden supporting John Sutton through the middle and Lionel Ainsworth supplying from the right.

However, it was the defence, with Zaine Francis-Angol covering for the injured Simon Ramsden, which was under immediate pressure.

Inside ninety seconds Gunnar Neilsen had to punch out a swerving freekick from Kris Commons.

Four minutes later Anthony Stokes beyond the ‘Well back four and although Neilsen got down to push out the striker’s shot, Commons followed up to stroke the ball beyond the ‘keeper to make it 1-0.

There were claims for offside against the Irishman but assistant Alan Mulvanny was adament the striker had time his run to perfection and waves away protests.

The visitor’s might have conceded a second goal as Celtic delivered a couple of inviting balls across the six-yard box, with no takers.

Gradually, though, ‘Well gained some composure and after 12 minutes might have been level.

Ian Vigurs sent in the free kick and Shaun Hutchison’s flick on found Sutton inside the six-yard box the ball bounced off his thigh into Fraser Forster’s hands.

The Fir Park side then had a bit more of the play around the home side’s box.

McFadden tried his luck from 20 yards but his shot was deflected to give the ‘keeper an easy save. Then after 24 minutes, the 48-times capped forward skipped past Efe Ambrose before sweeping the ball across the six-yard line and just beyond Sutton’s sliding boot.

Bobby Madden upset the home crowd when James Forrest’s angled drive got the merest of touches from the diving Nielsen to take the ball beyond the post, only for referee to award a goal kick. Within a minute the official compounded his mistakewhen, Ainsworth drove the ball beyond Forster’s reach but was rewarded with a corner.

Nielsen was tested again but Charlie Mulgrew’s powerful header was straight at the ‘keeper.

Six minutes from half-time ‘Well conceded a sucker second goal.

Stokes again raced through and as he rounded Niesen inside the box the ‘keeper brought him down earning the Faroese International a booking and Celtic a penalty. With the ‘Well ‘keeper diving to his left ,Commons hammered the spot kick high down the middle to make it 2-0.

Far from being dispirited the Fir Park side continued to make a game of it in the seond half and should have at least a couple of goas to show for their efforts.

After 52 minutes Vigurs’ curling shot was dipping under the bar but Forster’s flap sent the ball bouncing in front of McFadden who couldn’t capitalise on the ‘keeper’s mistake.

The Celtic ‘keeper was at his internationlist best though a minute later when the ball broke to McFadden eight yards out whose placed shot was brilliantly blocked by Forster.

It was end to end stuff and in the next Celtic attack Stokes’ shot bounced off the top of the cross bar.

Motherwell’s replied with Sutton setting Vigurs towards the home goal but he was downed as he rounded Ambrose who, although booked, may have been a little fortunate with Vigurs looking to be in on Forster. The ball spinning towards the corner probably saved the Nigerian.

Any faint hopes of a fightback were killed in the 68th minute when James Forrest raced to the goal line before drilling the ball across the goal, only for McManus to slash the ball behind Nielsen.

It was harsh on the former Celtic captain, who had put in a solid performance throughout.

Ten minutes from time Celtic were reduced to ten men when Stokes’ late tackle on Lasley resulted in a straight red card. Despite the extra man, and continuing to push towards the home goal, ‘Well couldn’t make the break through their play deserved.

In the closing minutes Scott Brown drilled a 20 yard drive just outside Nielsen’s left hand post, Vigurs flashed a similar effort narrowly close before McFadden’s mazy run and shot brought a thoroughly entertaining encounter to a conclusion.

[tab:As it happened]

 Ally Reilly at Celtic Park

FT: Celtic 3 – 0 Motherwell #CFCvMFC

4 minutes added on #CFCvMFC

89mins: Vigurs inches wide with a stunning effort from 25 yards #CFCvMFC

87mins: Celtic sub, Balde on for Ambrose #CFCvMFC

80mims: Celtic sub, Pukki on for Commons #CFCvMFC

79mins: RED CARD – Stokes off for a heavy challenge on Lasley #CFCvMFC

75mins: Motherwell sub, Sutton off for Anier #CFCvMFC

73mins: Motherwell sub, Kerr on for Ainsworth #CFCvMFC

68mins: GOAL! – A McManus OG makes it 3-0 #CFCvMFC

67mins: Celtic break and Commons curls his shot just past the post #CFCvMFC

65mins: Ball drops to Vigurs at the she of the box but his half volley is sliced well over #CFCvMFC

…..Forster gathers Ainsworth’s shot #CFCvMFC

61mins: Ambrose booked as ‘Well set up a FK in a good position…..

58mins: Stokes hits the bar with a curling right footed effort from 25 yards #CFCvMFC

54mins: Glorious chance for McFadden as the ball drops to him 10 yards out. denied by Forster’s foot! #CFCvMFC

52mins: Vigurs very unlucky as his bedding strike is saved by Forster who look uncomfortable #CFCvMFC

49mins: Brown sets up van Dijk on the edge of the box. Fires well over #CFCvMFC

Second half underway #CFCvMFC

Teams are back out for the second half CFCvMFC

HT: Celtic 2 – 0 Motherwell

1 minute added on

39mins: Penalty to Celtic……Goal! Commons makes it 2-0 CFCvMFC

28mins: Forrest glides past Hutchinson and gets a shot away on his left foot. Inches past the left hand post #CFCvMFC

24mins: Great play from McFadden to skip past Ambrose and get a good ball in. Sutton not far away from connecting. #CFCvMFC

20mins: Faddy tries his luck from range but a deflection takes the sting out it and Forster gathers with ease #CFCvMFC

15mins: Fisher booked for a clumsy tackle on Vigurs #CFCvMFC

12mins: Free-kick to ‘Well from a tight angle. Delivery finds Hutchinson who heads down to the thigh of Sutton. Straight at Forster #CFCvMFC

9mins: McManus booked for hauling down Forrest mid way into the ‘Well half #CFCvMFC

9mins: Commons tests Nielsen again from range but his curling effort lacks power #CFCvMFC

5mins: GOAL! – Commons makes it 1-0 after tapping home a rebound from Stokes’ shot #CFCvMFC

3mins: Celtic win a corner but Commons’ ball in eludes everyone. Goal kick to ‘Well #CFCvMFC

1min: Early free kick to Celtic, narrow angle in the right….Nielsen punches clear #CFCvMFC

We are underway here at Celtic Park! #COYW #CFCvMFC

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“That’s as well as we’ve played at Celtic Park in an attacking sense.

“I’m disappointed we haven’t scored.

“We didn’t cave in after losing the early goal. We’ve a lot to take for the game.”

Celtic manager Neil Lennon:

“That’s the best we’ve played at home this season. You’ve got to give Motherwell credit too.

“Our attacking play was sensational at times and Motherwell found it very difficult to cope with us.

“It was a brilliant atmosphere, I thought crowd were brilliant and I really enjoyed the whole afternoon.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Iain Vigurs says there is a determination in the ‘Well dressing room to keep the recent run of good form going when they face Celtic tomorrow.

The Steelmen have won every match since losing heavily to the reigning Champions at Fir Park in early December.

It was a painful evening, but one the former Ross County midfielder believes actually helped.

Asked at Motherwell’s weekly news conference how important it is to not go to Glasgow with a fear factor based on the last result, the 25-year old said: “I don’t think we will, we’ve got some strong characters in that changing room.

[pullquote]We are obviously aware of their quality, we’ve seen it first hand, but we’re going there full of confidence and looking for a result.[/pullquote]

“I think it was exactly what we needed, even though you don’t ever want to get beat 5-0. But 18 points from our last possible 18 is the perfect way to respond.

“It [the 5-0 loss at Fir Park] spurred us on, no doubt, but we’re mentally tough enough to not let our last result against Celtic play on our mind.

“We are obviously aware of their quality, we’ve seen it first hand, but we’re going there full of confidence and looking for a result. We’ve had good results and are playing quite well so it’s all to play for.”

-WATCH IAIN’S PRESS CONFERENCE IN FULL ON MFC TV–

Stuart McCall says he has a specific game plan in mind to try and win his first game at Celtic Park as Motherwell manager.

The Steelmen’s record in Glasgow’s East End isn’t great in recent years, with the last win coming back in April 2008.

However, following six consecutive league wins, the Fir Parkers go into the match full of confidence and McCall hopes his side can write another little piece of history.

Speaking at Motherwell’s weekly news conference, the former Scotland international said: “We need to come up with something that will give us more of an attacking threat and we’ll go there in a confident mood.

[pullquote]For us, it’s about trying to strike a balance between not leaving yourself wide open and being out the game after thirty minutes, and giving them something to think about.[/pullquote]

“We’ve not managed to score there in my time and, in truth, not created too many chances either.

“In saying that, the games have always been pretty tight and when we’ve lost, it’s been by the odd goal in a few of those matches.

“For us, it’s about trying to strike a balance between not leaving yourself wide open and being out the game after thirty minutes, and giving them something to think about and that’s our aim for tomorrow.”

-WATCH STUART’S PRESS CONFERENCE IN FULL ON MFC TV–

Goalkeeer Lee Hollis is the second Motherwell player to go under the knife this week after surgery to sort a troublesome ankle injury.

The 27-year old stopper, who has started ten first-team matches this term, picked up the knock in training three months ago, and has had a series of setbacks on the road to recovery.

He eventually had to get it operated on this morning, which will keep him out for a further six weeks or so.

It’s a blow to ‘Well boss Stuart McCall who admits he has now started a search to bring in another goalkeeper as cover.

[pullquote]It’s unfortunate for Lee as he made a really assured start to the season. Hopefully his operation today goes well and he gets back as quickly as possible.[/pullquote]

He said: “It’s unfortunate for Lee as he made a really assured start to the season. Hopefully his operation today goes well and he gets back as quickly as possible.

“It leaves us short and we’ll need to try and add some cover if possible.”

Further bad news came in the shape of Simon Ramsden whose injury was worse than expected.

The experienced defender is likely to miss six weeks too. The original hope was he would be back in time for the Partick Thistle game in mid-February, but that prognosis now looks optimistic.

Motherwell club sponsor Cash Converters is delighted to announce that the December Player of the Month is Lionel Ainsworth.

Lucky ‘Well fans Reece Mcgee and Robyn Stewart won the Cash Converters Player of the Month competition and they presented Lionel with the award at Fir Park this afternoon.

Speaking to MFC TV, Ainsworth said: “This award means a lot to me. In saying that, I am under no illusions that football is a team game and any award is for the collective rather than the individuals.

[pullquote]This award means a lot to me. In saying that, I am under no illusions that football is a team game and any award is for the collective rather than the individuals.[/pullquote]

“Hopefully, both the team and I can continue our form for the rest of this month too.

“I would like to thank our sponsors, Cash Converters, for hosting the award, the fans who voted for me and Reece, who travelled in to Fir Park today to present it.”

Look out for the next vote at the end of January to be in with a chance of presenting the award to the winner. Simply visit our Cash Converters SPL Facebook page by CLICKING HERE.

The Cash Converters Football Facebook page will also give you the opportunity to enter the draw to take part in the next Convert for Cash, and the chance to win a whole host of other prizes.

-WATCH LIONEL’S INTERVIEW IN FULL EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-