Motherwell FC

[DavidMc]

Motherwell v Falkirk
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 22nd December 07
Fir Park, Motherwell

Final Score 0-3

Falkirk stunned high-flying Motherwell with a flurry of second-half goals to record their first victory at Fir Park in 15 years.
After a subdued first half with chances few and far between the visitors sprung to life after the break.

Michael Higdon headed Falkirk in front after 49 minutes and doubled their advantage on the hour mark with a sweetly struck volley.

A third from Patrick Cregg on 65 minutes put Falkirk on cruise control.

Ross McCormack had the first shot of the game on five minutes, blazing over the bar from 25 yards after Phil O'Donnell fed him from a free kick conceded by Higdon.

Chris Porter then headed on to the roof of the net from close range after strike partner McCormack had weaved his way to the left touchline and supplied a probing cross.

McCormack forced Tim Krul into his first save on 12 minutes with a powerful strike from the left corner of the box which the Falkirk goalkeeper smothered at the near post.

Falkirk enjoyed plenty of possession and passed the ball well but never troubled home goalkeeper Graeme Smith in a cagey opening quarter.

Their only real effort on goal was a Steven Thomson strike from just outside the box which sailed well over the bar.

Motherwell had a spell of pressure on 25 minutes as they pressed for the opening goal.

First Stephen Hughes slipped the ball to Porter on the right wing, who worked his way past Scott Arfield to play in David Clarkson, but Krul gathered it easily at the right-hand post.

Porter then headed over when Falkirk failed to clear their lines and saw a dangerous ball pumped back into the box from the left by Steven McGarry.

But scoring chances were otherwise thin on the ground.

Smith made his first save of the game six minutes from the break when he collected Higdon's header at the far post following Dean Holden's cross.

Falkirk took a surprise lead four minutes into the second half.

It was Higden who broke the deadlock with a neat header from another Holden cross.

Motherwell came close to a rapid equaliser from a McCormack free-kick just outside the right edge of the box, as Hughes' drive was well blocked by Krul.

And Higdon doubled Falkirk's lead on the hour mark with a well-taken volley from Moutinho's corner.

Motherwell fans thought their team had reduced the deficit after 64 minutes when Porter unleashed a powerful drive, only to see it go into the side-netting.

And almost immediately Falkirk went 3-0 ahead.

The goal was again well-worked, with Steven Thomson passing inside to Cregg, who turned and shot past Smith to spark raucous celebrations among the travelling players and fans.

Motherwell responded and youngster Jamie Murphy forced Krul to make an excellent save after 70 minutes, the goalkeeper beating away his drive.

Fellow home substitute Darren Smith stabbed one close-range effort over the bar and saw another saved.

Holden hit the bar following a Russell Latapy corner in the final minute.

The defeat meant that Motherwell, who were on run of five straight wins, missed the chance to go second in the league and equal a 70-year-old club record.



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Motherwell: Graeme Smith, Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds, Paterson, Clarkson (Murphy 67), Hughes (Lasley 84), O'Donnell (Darren Smith 65), McGarry, McCormack, Porter. Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Corrigan, Brian McLean, Fitzpatrick.

Booked: Quinn.

Falkirk: Krul, Ross, Holden, Barr, Scobbie, Moutinho (Latapy 83), Cregg, Thomson (Mitchell 90), Arfield, Barrett (Finnigan 76), Higdon. Subs Not Used: Olejnik, Allison, Riera, Moffat.

Booked: Barrett, Ross.

Goals: Higdon 49, 60, Cregg 65.

Att: 5,241

[DavidMc]

Rangers v Motherwell
Scottish Premier League
Wednesday 26th December
Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow

Rangers'midfielder Lee McCulloch will miss out through suspension after his red card against Aberdeen.
Jean-Claude Darcheville could return after a family bereavement but Nacho Novo, DaMarcus Beasley, Andy Webster and Steven Smith remain sidelined.

Motherwell have no fresh injury problems following Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Falkirk.

The Fir Park side's impressive run came to an end but boss Mark McGhee's men came through the match unscathed.



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Rangers (from): McGregor, Hutton, Cuellar, Weir, Whittaker, Gow, Ferguson, Thomson, Naismith, Boyd, Burke, Adam, Carroll, Hemdani, Papac, Cousin, Furman, Efrem, Ehiogu, Darcheville.

Motherwell (from): G Smith, Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds, Paterson, Clarkson, Murphy, Hughes, Lasley, O'Donnell, D Smith, McGarry, McCormack, Porter, Meldrum, Corrigan, McLean, Fitzpatrick.

[DavidMc]

Motherwell 5-3 Dundee United
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 29th December 07
Fir Park, Motherwell

Motherwell consolidated their place in third spot by sweeping aside nearest challengers Dundee United at Fir Park.
The home side made a whirlwind start, with Stephen Hughes drilling home before Chris Porter's clever header.

Ross McCormack smashed in a third with just 17 minutes gone, while United's David Robertson powered in a header before the interval.

David Clarkson added a header and a sensational chip, while Noel Hunt bagged two late consolation goals.

Managers Mark McGhee and Craig Levein are among the front-runners for the vacant Scotland post and, on this evidence, the Motherwell boss has certainly stolen a march in that race.

Motherwell responded in positive style after two consecutive losses, while United slumped to their fifth defeat in six outings.

Goalkeeper Grzegorz Szamotulski may be regretting his decision to stay with United until the end of January since he was offered very little protection in a breathtaking start to the match.

Motherwell simply tore the visitors apart with their sharp once-touch passing and the Pole made an early save from McCormack before the striker cleared the crossbar with his next shot.

Steven McGarry then fired narrowly wide before good work from Clarkson set up Hughes for the opener.

The former Rangers and Leicester midfielder ran out to a smart cutback and rifled a shot beyond Szamotulski from 15 yards out.

Clarkson was again involved in the second goal when he laid the ball off to Jim Paterson, who crossed from the left for Porter to guide a header home from the centre of the penalty area.

Levein's side were undone again when McCormack had time to take the ball on his chest before blazing in a volley from close range after Szamotulski had blocked Porter's header.

Dundee United made two substitutions after just 23 minutes, throwing on Garry Kenneth and Robertson, with the latter reducing the deficit before half-time.

With towering defender Lee Wilkie pushed into attack, United got a foothold in the match when Robertson threw himself at a Sean Dillon cross to bullet in an impressive header.

Robertson was denied a second early in the second half, with keeper Graeme Smith diving bravely at his feet as he charged on to a Wilkie knock-down.

However, Motherwell stretched their lead again when Clarkson nodded home from a whipped free-kick from McCormack on 53 minutes.

Two minutes later, Clarkson grabbed his second goal with a wonderful chip over the stranded Szamotulski.

United battled away gamely and skipper Barry Robson clipped the crossbar with a strong shot from 18 yards.

The visitors were rewarded when Willo Flood's cross into the danger zone saw the ball fly home, with Hunt claiming the strike as he challenged with Phil O'Donnell.

Wilkie then spurned a glorious chance, somehow heading wide of a gaping goal from six yards.

And that miss was to prove costly as United pulled back yet another scrappy goal, with Smith flapping at a cross and Hunt again applying the final touch.



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Motherwell: Graeme Smith, Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds, Paterson, McGarry (Lasley 77), Hughes, O'Donnell (Fitzpatrick 78), Clarkson (Darren Smith 85), Porter, McCormack. Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Corrigan, Brian McLean, Murphy.

Booked: McCormack.

Goals: Hughes 11, Porter 14, McCormack 17, Clarkson 55, 56.

Dundee Utd: Szamotulski, Dillon, Wilkie, Dods, Flood, Gomis, Kerr, Buaben (Kenneth 24), Robson (Conway 72), Jordan Robertson (David Robertson 24), Hunt. Subs Not Used: McLean, Cameron, Duff, Milligan.

Booked: Dods.

Goals: David Robertson 36, Hunt 75, 90.

Att: 5,227

[DavidMc]

Motherwell v Celtic postponed in mark of respect to Phil O'Donnell

Motherwell's home match against Celtic on 6 January has been postponed following the death of Phil O'Donnell.
The Well skipper, 35, died shortly after suffering a suspected seizure against Dundee United on Saturday.

Motherwell's SPL game with Hibernian, scheduled for Wednesday, has already been called off, as has Gretna's match against St Mirren on the same day.

SPL chairman Lex Gold said O'Donnell's family had requested that the game against Celtic should not take place.

"We understand from Phil's family that they would appreciate it if the Motherwell v Celtic game could be postponed," he said.

"Both clubs are happy to meet the request and we have called the game off."

To contemplate going on a training ground, never mind a football ground at this moment is impossible

Gretna are currently tenants at Motherwell's Fir Park ground because their Raydale Park does not meet SPL standards.

Gold added: "It is clear that Fir Park has become a place of homage for many fans of Phil.

"Sensitive to this, Gretna and St Mirren have agreed with the SPL that the game should be postponed.

"The four other games on Wednesday will proceed as planned with the clubs being invited to honour Phil's memory before the start of those games."

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee backed the decision to cancel his team's next two fixtures.

"Our players in particular are so close," he said.

"It has been well-documented how few we have used this season and that is something that brings them together. There is a unity about them.

"Phil was a figurehead to them. He was not just any player, he was the focal point and the senior member of the squad.

"For any of us to contemplate going on a training ground, never mind a football ground, at this moment is impossible.

"We are all going to need time to get back to work."

[DavidMc]

McCormack looks to extend stay

Motherwell striker Ross McCormack is open to extending his stay at Fir Park and will sit down to discuss a contract extension soon.
The 21-year-old, who has netted eight goals this season, will see his current deal expire in the summer.

But he told the club website: "I've always said that I would benefit from another season or two at Motherwell to progress my game and develop.

"That is still the case so we just need to get the right deal sorted out."

The death of club captain Phil O'Donnell has put all other matters on hold recently.

Motherwell will play their first match since O'Donnell suffered heart failure on 29 December when they visit Hearts on Scottish Cup duty on Saturday.

And the players will gather in a huddle in front of the visiting fans at Tynecastle to remember their skipper.

He has had an impressive season so far. I remember him scoring against Porto in Portugal in the Champions League a few years ago for Rangers. He has matured a lot as a player since then.

If he keeps developing he could definately move onto a bigger club. Motherwell have helped him develop aswell so its no surprise he is looking to stay.

[DavidMc]

Motherwell re-name main stand in honour of Phil O'Donnell

Motherwell have renamed their main stand after former captain Phil O'Donnell, who died last month.
O'Donnell, 35, collapsed and died of heart failure during a match against Dundee United on 29 December.

Well owner John Boyle said everyone at the club wanted a lasting tribute to O'Donnell and revealed that the stand would be renamed for next season.

O'Donnell's father, Bernard, said: "The family regard the naming of the stand after him as a great honour."

Boyle said the club were keen to recognise the outstanding contribution O'Donnell had made to the Fir Park club.

"We consulted members of Phil's family who have indicated their support and appreciation of this tribute," said Boyle.

Bernard O'Donnell said: "We have all been deeply touched by the reaction to Phil's death and Eileen and the rest of the family will always be grateful for the kindness that has been shown.

"The family regards the naming of the stand after him as a great honour and we will always appreciate this in the years to come."

Martin Rose, chairman of the Motherwell Supporters' Trust added: "On behalf of the Motherwell fans I would like to say we are fully behind this decision."


Well's players will wear shirts bearing O'Donnell's autograph

Motherwell postponed two of their games following O'Donnell's death as a mark of respect.

Well face Hearts in the Scottish Cup fourth-round tie at Tynecastle on Saturday and the Motherwell players will wear strips with O'Donnell's autograph embroidered on the front.

The players asked for the signature to be woven into their shirts as a tribute to their former skipper.

Club kit-man Alan McDonald said: "It will be exclusive to the first-team kits as it's the team's own tribute.

"It's something small but sometimes it's the small things that make all the difference.

"It's on the home and away kits as well as the coach's gear and we'll wear it proudly for the rest of the season."

Nice tribute by Motherwell. I would like to see them have a good run in the cup and im sure they will.

[DavidMc]

Heart of Midlothian 2-2 Motherwell
Scottish FA Cup
Saturday 12th January
Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh
(Match goes to a replay)

Motherwell recovered from two goals down to drag Hearts to a Fir Park replay in a sparkling cup tie.

Deividas Cesnauskis volleyed home for the Jam Tarts in 10 minutes after Audrius Ksanavicius found him unmarked with a low cross from the left flank.

Andrius Velicka made it 2-0 after 52 minutes, eluding the Well defence from a long ball before rounding keeper Graeme Smith to slot home.

Chris Porter responded, slamming a double in 64 and 78 minutes for Well.

Well boss Mark McGhee spoke of his admiration for the character his team displayed in their first outing since the tragic death of Phil O'Donnell.

"We came here determined to enjoy it regardless of the result," he said.

"There was a big crowd, our crowd were brilliant, I just wanted it be a football match worthy of a Scottish Cup tie.

"Obviously we made it difficult for ourselves going two behind but even at 2-0 I said to Scott Leitch 'there is still something here for us'."

The visitors were boosted with the backing of 3,500 travelling fans in the capital.

New captain Paul Quinn featured while Keith Lasley faced the difficult task of stepping into the midfield position occupied by the late Well skipper.

David Clarkson, O'Donnell's nephew, retained his place in the Well starting line-up.

The Edinburgh side were forced to bring in Eduardas Kurskis in goal with Anthony Basso also injured, and caretaker boss Stephen Frail also brought back Michael Stewart following suspension and the fit-again Andrew Driver.

Hearts started with verve, Velicka screwing a snap shot wide following good work by Andrew Driver.

The opener arrived for Frail's men, however, with Cesnauskis finishing off with aplomb to give the current SPL strugglers a timely lift.

Well responded to the early blow in positive manner, with Kurskis palming away a dangerous Ross McCormack free kick.

But the home side retained their discipline, and Motherwell's only further chance of the half came on the break when Porter headed wide under pressure following Jim Paterson's cross.

Velicka made it much more comfortable for Hearts with the second, racing onto a speculative raking pass, and as the Well defence hesitated, the Lithuanian pounced for his 11th goal of the season.

The Lanarkshire side were far from downhearted though and endeavoured to haul themselves back into contention.

And their persistence paid off, when Keith Lasley flicked the ball into the path of McCormack who squared for Porter and the Englishman made no mistake.

McGhee had called for a powerful performance from his side, and their determination shone through as the second period ebbed and flowed.

And when Porter equalised in an almost carbon copy of their first, with McCormack inspired, it was no less than McGhee's men deserved.

The drama was far from over, with both teams doing their utmost to avoid a replay, and the dangerous Velicka clipped the Well crossbar in the dying minutes.

Both sides were forced to settle for the draw, with the Steelmen now anticipating a second chance to progress at home.



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Hearts: Kurskis, Neilson, Karipidis, Berra, Goncalves, Cesnauskis (Mikoliunas 74), Stewart, Palazuelos, Driver (Wallace 77), Ksanavicius (Pospisil 87), Velicka. Subs Not Used: Bjornsson, Jonsson.

Booked: Stewart, Neilson.

Goals: Cesnauskis 10, Velicka 52.

Motherwell: Graeme Smith, Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds, Paterson, Clarkson (Fitzpatrick 90), McGarry (Darren Smith 63), Lasley, Hughes, Porter, McCormack. Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Brian McLean, Murphy.

Booked: Quinn, Craigan.

Goals: Porter 64, 78.

Att: 13,651

[DavidMc]

St Mirren 3-1 Motherwell
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 19th January 08
Love Street, Paisley

Potential Scotland manager Mark McGhee's in-form Motherwell side suffered defeat by St Mirren thanks to two goals from Ian Maxwell.
Mark Corcoran fired St Mirren into the lead after just nine minutes, but David Clarkson's powerful drive put the sides level two minutes later.

Maxwell headed home a Corcoran corner after 38 minutes to restore the lead.

And the defender grabbed his third goal in three games, driving home after Corcoran cut the ball into his path.

McGhee, interviewed this week by the Scottish FA, brought in Marc Fitzpatrick for the suspended Jim Paterson at left-back.

Martin Grehan, a January signing from junior side Dundonald Bluebell, was on the bench for the first time.

Recent St Mirren signing Andy Dorman made his first start in place of the suspended Gary Mason, while Alex Burke dropped to the bench to allow Hugh Murray to join the Englishman in midfield.

Dorman forced Graeme Smith into an early stop, while striker Craig Dargo sent a difficult bicycle kick just wide of the left-hand post as the hosts made a bright start.

And the opening goal came when Dorman played the ball for Corcoran, who sprinted down the left wing and confidently drilled the ball low past Smith and into the net.

It was a deserved lead but one that proved short-lived.

With St Mirren appealing in vain for a handball decision in the box, the ball was played back from the byline to Clarkson just inside the area and he left goalkeeper Chris Smith helpless with a powerful strike that sailed into the top corner.


David Clarkson had equalised for the visitors

Clarkson then played a one-two with Ross McCormack but dragged his effort wide of the right-hand post.

But it was the Buddies who regained the lead, Maxwell meeting a Corcoran corner and heading low into the net from six yards.

St Mirren were in the ascendancy and it was 3-1 four minutes after the break, when Corcoran cut the ball back for Maxwell, who drilled the ball home from the penalty spot.

Motherwell's Stephen Hughes tumbled inside the box under a challenge from Hugh Murray, but referee Dougie McDonald waved play on.

Dorman came close to a fourth when his shot from six yards was turned just round the left-hand post.

Clarkson had a chance to reduce the deficit, but Chris Smith clutched his shot at the base of the right-hand post.

Maxwell hooked the ball over the bar late on and goalkeeper Smith again had to get down at the left-hand post to prevent Murray's long-range drive sneaking in.

Grehan made an energetic late debut for Motherwell and Clarkson had a header clutched under the bar.

But the visitors never looked likely to stage a comeback and Smith prevented Dargo adding another for the Buddies late on.



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St Mirren: Smith, Barron, Haining, Potter, Maxwell, van Zanten, Murray, Dorman, Corcoran, Mehmet, Dargo (Kean 90).
Subs Not Used: Howard, Burke, Brady, Miranda, McCay, McGinn.

Booked: van Zanten, Murray, Dorman.

Goals: Corcoran 9, Maxwell 38, 49.

Motherwell: Graeme Smith, Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds, Fitzpatrick, Lasley, McGarry (Murphy 63), Hughes, McCormack (Brian McLean 75), Porter (Grehan 85), Clarkson.
Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Darren Smith, Maguire, Archdeacon.

Booked: Craigan.

Goals: Clarkson 11.

Att: 4,291

Ref: D McDonald

[kenny hoggan]

great result for the buddies

[DavidMc]

Motherwell 1-0 Heart of Midlothian
Scottish Cup
Tuesday 22nd January 08
Fir Park, Motherwell

Ross McCormack's penalty was enough to give Motherwell victory over Hearts and a place in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup against Dundee.
The vital breakthrough came after 23 minutes, when McCormack played the ball against Eggert Jonsson's hand and the striker fired the spot-kick home.

Motherwell dominated thereafter, but Hearts put in a desperate effort in the closing stages.

And, when Andrius Velicka fired against the post, the chance was gone.

It was a night of double joy for the Motherwell fans following the news that manager Mark McGhee is likely to miss out on becoming the Scotland manager.

There had been a 10-minute delay to kick-off as a large crowd gathered for Motherwell's first home game since the death of captain Phil O'Donnell.

The home fans' hopes of marking it with a victory suffered a pre-match blow when Steven McGarry took ill just before kick-off.

Jim Paterson, in the middle of a league suspension but free to play in the cup, was the midfielder's replacement.

But, during a tense opening, it was the home side who threatened first and McCormack whipped in a dangerous free-kick that just evaded Chris Porter and the far post.

Michael Stewart had recovered from a stomach complaint to retain his place in Hearts' midfield.

And it was his corner that gave Deividas Cesnauskis a chance from 12 yards, but the winger's prodded effort was cleared a yard from goal by Marc Fitzpatrick.


Jonsson conceded the penalty when the ball struck his hand

But it was the home side who took the lead when Jonsson blocked the ball with his arm as McCormack crossed the ball into the penalty area.

Referee Stuart Dougal immediately pointed to the spot and, after some treatment to Porter, McCormack stepped up to fire the ball high in to the net.

Motherwell dominated the first half thereafter.

Saulius Mikoliunas had come in for Andrew Driver on the wing and the in-form Englishman's absence appeared to adversely affect Hearts' midfield creativity.

Hearts brought Christian Nade on for the ineffective Cesnauskis at the break and the visitors drove at the Motherwell goal with renewed vigour without causing great problems for goalkeeper Graeme Smith.

Motherwell, meanwhile, missed the aerial presence of Porter, who had gone off through injury.

And Hearts missed a great chance when Paul Quinn failed to cut out Jonsson's cross and Velicka cracked the ball off the post from 12 yards with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Nade slalomed past a couple of Motherwell players on the byline before sending in a shot that was saved at the near post by Smith.

The goalkeeper made a brave save at the feet of Nade as McGhee's side progressed to the fifth round.



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Motherwell: Graeme Smith, Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds, Paterson, Hughes, Lasley, Fitzpatrick, Clarkson, McCormack, Porter (Darren Smith 45).
Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Brian McLean, Archdeacon, Murphy.

Booked: Lasley, Quinn.

Goals: McCormack 23 pen.

Hearts: Banks, Neilson, Berra, Karipidis, Goncalves, Mikoliunas, Jonsson, Stewart, Cesnauskis (Nade 45), Velicka, Palazuelos.
Subs Not Used: Bjornsson, Beniusis, Wallace, Ivaskevicius.

Booked: Neilson, Mikoliunas, Jonsson.

Att: 8,300

[kenny hoggan]

Wigan keen on Motherwell striker

McCormack has helped Motherwell to third in the SPL
Wigan Athletic have registered their interest in Motherwell's in-form striker Ross McCormack.
McCormack has already held talks with fellow English Premier League side Middlesbrough but appears keen to remain at Fir Park until May.

Wigan boss Steve Bruce has admitted the 21-year-old is a player he would like to add to his squad.

"McCormack is one who is interesting us because he's out of contract in the summer," he said.

McCormack has been in terrific form for the Steelmen this season, scoring nine goals so far.

The Scotland under-21 international also scored the club's Scottish Cup fourth-round replay winner against Hearts this week.

But Motherwell manager Mark McGhee is reluctant to let the player leave and want to extend his contract.

However, Lactics boss Bruce said any potential move for the player was at an early stage.

"At the moment, we're just having a look at him, monitoring the situation," he added.

"He's one for the future really."

Motherwell would be due compensation should McCormack reject a new contract and leave for another club at the end of the season.

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Motherwell | Wigan keen on Motherwell striker

[kenny hoggan]

Best decision McCormack made was to go to motherwell, made a big impact and has been one of wells best players, would be a big blow for them if he left.