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Nick Blackman admitted his stunning goal against St Johnstone was “just a swing” at the ball but was delighted it helped Motherwell to victory.

The on-loan striker opened the scoring at McDiarmid Park with just three minutes on the clock when he found the top corner of the net from 25 yards.

“I looked up as I received the ball from Keith Lasley and I thought there was nowhere to go and no one for me to pass to,” said Blackman.

” I thought I’d just have a swing with my right foot and luckily it all worked out.

“It was with my weaker foot and I didn’t have the time on the ball to shift it on to my left foot, so I decided to hit it with my right.

“It was a great strike and obviously I’m pleased with it but the main thing is that goal helped the team get three points. That’s all that matters.”

Blackman’s impressive strike came just a matter of seconds after St Johnstone threatened through Sam Parkin and Murray Davidson at the other end.

“It was vital to get the first goal and to get it so early straight after they had a chance,” said the striker.

“It put them on the back foot and it got the home fans on the opposition’s back. That is what we want when we go away from home.”

His goal took his tally to two in three starts for the striker as he aims to fight off increased competition from the likes of Esteban Casagolda and new signing Alan Gow.

Gow replaced Blackman in stoppage time on Saturday afternoon but the 20-year-old hopes that his performance and goal will ensure that nobody replaces him in the starting lineup for next week’s match against Aberdeen.

“As a striker I’ll always be judged on goals, so all I can do is work hard and do my best for Motherwell and try and get on the score sheet. If I do that hopefully I will get plenty of games.”

Hard work is certainly not something which fazes the English youngster. His shift in Perth was almost as notable for his tracking back and selfless hold-up play as it was for his incisive attacking.

Diligence and effort is something Craig Brown has always demanded from his teams and Blackman is delighted to oblige. 

He added: “The gaffer here demands that everyone works hard, all the players – including the strikers – have to work back the way as well as working hard up front. This suits me as I always work hard on the pitch and I have a good defensive mentality.”

Craig Brown was full of praise for his side after they earned their second away victory of the campaign with a 2-0 win at St Johnstone.

The Steelmen eased to another three points on the road thanks to a stunning Nick Blackman strike and a Kevin Rutkiewicz own goal.

But it could have been different in the opening stages as St Johnstone made a promising start to the game.

Sam Parkin and Murray Davidson both passed up early gilt-edged opportunities to open the scoring and within a minute of those squandered efforts, Blackman’s blockbuster of a strike from 25 yards had Motherwell ahead.

Brown believes those early exchanges were crucial: “If St Johnstone had scored when they should have, in the first minute, then it would have been a totally different afternoon for us.

“The boys defended those early chances for St Johnstone well and they were throwing their bodies in the way of the ball – and we just managed to survive a couple of real scares.

“It all changed when we scored straight away after it. Once that goal went in I don’t think we had too many scares to worry about.”

The victory sees Motherwell move up to fourth in the table and Brown knows just how important it was for ‘Well to kick-start their season in Perth after something of a false start in the first few domestic matches of the season.

“We’re absolutely delighted to get the victory.” The boss confirmed. “To get an away victory is important at this stage and a victory here is always a good result.”

Chris Humphrey was among the stand-out performers in an excellent display by the visitors, as he gave Saints’ left back Danny Grainger a truly torrid time throughout the 90 minutes.

It was a continuation of the wingers’ excellent early season form and his gaffer believes that there is now more to come from the Englishman who is relishing a run in the first team.

“If Chris continues to progress at this rate he could explode on to the scene here this season. He has terrific attributes such as balance, pace and he’s a very clean striker of the ball.

“He is a most willing boy too. He is desperate to learn and to improve so we’re hoping from big things from him.

“The big difference in him this season is that he in first pick. Last season Jim O’Brien played in that position, but now Humphrey is getting a run in the team, and when a player knows he is in the team and is valued it gives their confidence a real boost.”

Nick Blackman was another who caught the eye of Brown and he admits the late decision to bring on Alan Gow for Blackman was as much a case of letting the young goal scorer get a standing ovation as it was to let Gow get his first minutes as a Motherwell player.

“When a player scores a stunning goal like that it is great for them to get a special reception,” he said.

“The great fans which travelled here loved the goal too, so I thought it was the right thing to do. It was also a bonus for the fans to get a look at Gow, albeit briefly.”

While Motherwell have launched themselves up the table St Johnstone are still marooned at the bottom of the SPL with one point from four games.

Yet even after watching his Motherwell side brush the Saints aside Craig Brown had comforting words for opposition boss Derek McInnes.

“I saw St Johnstone against Aberdeen when they were the unluckiest team in the world to lose, and against Rangers they were equally unlucky and I believe they are in a totally false position and I feel genuinely sorry for them.

“The fans booing the team is not right after Derek McInnes and Tony Docherty brought them up and I have no doubt their time will come this season.”

Pictures from the 2-0 victory over St Johnstone in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at McDiarmid Park. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

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[tab:Match report]

Motherwell returned to winning ways after the international break with a 2-0 victory over St Johnstone.

A Nick Blackman strike and a Kevin Rutkiewicz own-goal secured a comfortable win for the Steelmen at McDiarmid Park.

It was surprisingly easy victory for ‘Well, and one which sees them move up to joint third in the SPL table alongside Aberdeen.

Manager Craig Brown had to do without Steven Saunders for the trip the Perth following the defender’s sending-off against Celtic last time out.

So Tom Hateley deputised at right-back in his place while Nick Blackman came into the side up-front.

St Johnstone made four changes to their side which lost 2-1 to Rangers in their last fixture, including a start for 16-year-old midfielder Liam Caddis.

It didn’t take long for the new-look Saints to find their stride as Millar and Mackay linked down the right flank to set Marcus Haber free in the box in the first minute. His fluffed shot skewed across the face of goal to Sam Parkin at the back post, but the big strikers shot was blocked by Darren Randolph.

The ball was immediately crossed back into the ‘Well box and Murray Davidson found himself with a chance just six yards out but the midfielder couldn’t get any purchase on his effort.

Motherwell recovered from the early scare and went straight up the other end to open the scoring less than 60 seconds later. Keith Lasley won possession and teed up Blackman who found the top corner of the net from 25 yards. It was a stunning strike from the on-loan Blackburn man, silencing the home crowd.

Both sides exchanged free kicks in the proceeding minutes as an engaging encounter continued to flow. Danny Grainger fired low and wide from 20 yards out for St Johnstone and Hateley responded by firing his kick from a similar distance just wide of Graeme Smith’s near post.

Brown’s adventurous selection of Murphy and Humphrey on the flanks was paying dividends as the half wore on. With both players causing problems for Mackay and Grainger respectively and whipping in some terrific crosses across Smith’s goalmouth.

Humphrey, in particular, was having an impact as he continued his excellent early season form, and the Englishman was pivotal in the creation of a great chance for ‘Well to double their lead on 24 minutes.

Hateley, Lasley and Humphrey exchanged a delightful series of one-touch passes to get out of a tight spot on the right wing. This released Humphrey, who jinked inside and drove at the Saints defence before sliding Blackman through on goal – but the 20-year old hitman couldn’t grab his second as he fired straight at Smith.

It was no surprise when the visitors doubled their lead and it was no surprise at all to see it come from the flanks. Blackman played a beautifully weighted ball down the left for Murphy. He left Grainger for dead before squaring across the face of goal, forcing Rutkiewicz to divert into his own net.

A Sam Parkin header which flew over the bar from the penalty spot was the best McInnes’ men could muster before the half time break and Iain Brines’ whistle brought understandable boos of frustration from the home fans.

The home side brought on Alan Maybury to shore up the midfield, particularly the wide areas, replacing Caddis who struggled on his first SPL start against a ‘Well midfield on top form.

The move succeeded in curbing the goal scoring opportunities of Motherwell but the hosts failed to really create any chances of their own in the early stages of the second-half.

On the hour mark St Johnstone did finally cause the visiting defence a nervous moment as a Grainger corner was not properly dealt with and the ball fell to Cleveland Taylor six yards out, albeit at a tight angle. The English winger could only lash wildly wide.

Five minutes later Dave Mackay tried his luck from the edge of the area but his left footed drive cleared Randolph’s crossbar by a good metre or two and was a sign of the desperation of the home side as they desperately searched for a way into the match.

An ambitious penalty shout and a long range Davidson effort were the best Saints could muster in the closing stages as Motherwell continued to dominate midfield, while the solid pairing of Craigan and Reynolds mopped up anything the hosts could throw at them.

New signing Alan Gow even came on as late substitute to send the away support home happy on all accounts.

[tab:As it happened]

90+3′ FULL-TIME The final whistle is blown by the referee.

90+2′ Alan Maybury crosses the ball, clearance made by Stevie Hammell.

90+1′ Corner from the left by-line taken by Daniel Grainger, clearance by Stephen Craigan.

90′ SUB Nick Blackman leaves the field to be replaced by Alan Gow.

88′ Steven Milne fouled by Robert McHugh, the ref awards a free kick. Daniel Grainger crosses the ball in from the free kick, clearance made by Stephen Craigan. 

84′ Nick Blackman is fouled by Murray Davidson, the ref awards a free kick. Direct strike on goal from the free kick comes in from Ross Forbes, blocked by Michael Duberry. 

83′ SUB Robert McHugh is brought on as a substitute for Jamie Murphy.

82′ Murray Davidson concedes a free kick for a foul on Jamie Murphy. Direct free kick taken by Stevie Hammell.

81′ Outswinging corner taken left-footed by Daniel Grainger from the left by-line.

80′ Inswinging corner taken by Daniel Grainger from the right by-line, clearance made by Nick Blackman.

79′ SUB Steve Jennings leaves the field to be replaced by Ross Forbes.

79′ Shot by Steven Milne from outside the area goes high over the crossbar.

77′ Steve Jennings fouled by Murray Davidson, the ref awards a free kick. Mark Reynolds restarts play with the free kick.

76′ SUB Andrew Jackson comes on in place of David MacKay.

74′ Corner from the right by-line taken by Chris Humphrey, Steven Milne manages to make a clearance.

74′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Kevin Rutkiewicz by Nick Blackman. Free kick taken by Kevin Rutkiewicz.

68′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Nick Blackman by Alan Maybury. Stevie Hammell takes the direct free kick.

66′ Shot by David MacKay from just outside the area goes harmlessly over the target.

65′ Unfair challenge on Chris Millar by Keith Lasley results in a free kick. Daniel Grainger takes the free kick.

61′ Foul by Alan Maybury on John Sutton, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Stevie Hammell. 

61′ SUB Steven Milne joins the action as a substitute, replacing Marcus Haber.

60′ Shot by Cleveland Taylor from deep inside the penalty area misses to the left of the target. 

60′ Corner taken by Daniel Grainger from the right by-line to the near post.

58′ Murray Davidson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Nick Blackman. Free kick taken by Tom Hateley.

56′ The assistant referee flags for offside against Marcus Haber. Indirect free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

55′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Daniel Grainger by Chris Humphrey. Direct free kick taken by Graeme Smith. 

54′ Unfair challenge on Chris Humphrey by Daniel Grainger results in a free kick. The free kick is swung in right-footed by Tom Hateley, Murray Davidson makes a clearance. 

48′ Outswinging corner taken by Daniel Grainger from the left by-line, clearance by Stephen Craigan. 

47′ The ball is crossed by David MacKay, Mark Reynolds gets a block in. 

46′ Alan Maybury fouled by Keith Lasley, the ref awards a free kick. Michael Duberry takes the free kick.

46′ Unfair challenge on Daniel Grainger by Chris Humphrey results in a free kick. Graeme Smith takes the direct free kick.

46′ SUB Liam Caddis goes off and Alan Maybury comes on for St Johnstone.

46′ KICK-OFF The referee blows his whistle to start the second-half.

45′ HALF-TIME The first-half comes to an end.

44′ The offside flag is raised against Nick Blackman. Free kick taken by Graeme Smith. 

43′ Daniel Grainger delivers the ball, Headed effort from deep inside the penalty area by Sam Parkin goes harmlessly over the crossbar.

39′ GOAL Kevin Rutkiewicz scores an own goal for St Johnstone, deflecting a Jamie Murphy cross into his own net.

37′ Unfair challenge on Chris Humphrey by Cleveland Taylor results in a free kick. Stevie Hammell crosses the ball in from the free kick, Kevin Rutkiewicz makes a clearance.

36′ The offside flag is raised against Sam Parkin. Free kick taken by Darren Randolph. 

34′ Liam Caddis fouled by John Sutton, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Daniel Grainger.

31′ The referee blows for offside. Graeme Smith takes the free kick.

28′ Unfair challenge on John Sutton by Michael Duberry results in a free kick. Free kick crossed left-footed by Stevie Hammell, clearance made by Michael Duberry.

26′ The official flags Nick Blackman offside. Graeme Smith takes the indirect free kick.

25′ Nick Blackman takes a shot. Save made by Graeme Smith. 

24′ Free kick awarded for a foul by John Sutton on Michael Duberry. Free kick taken by Michael Duberry. 

22′ Unfair challenge on Steve Jennings by Murray Davidson results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Stevie Hammell.

20′ Outswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Daniel Grainger.

19′ Shot from just outside the penalty box by Jamie Murphy misses to the left of the target.

12′ Corner taken by Daniel Grainger, clearance made by Steve Jennings.

10′ David MacKay concedes a free kick for a foul on Jamie Murphy. Shot comes in from Tom Hateley from the free kick.

10′ Sam Parkin concedes a free kick for a foul on Stephen Craigan. Direct free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

7′ Nick Blackman concedes a free kick for a foul on Michael Duberry. Graeme Smith restarts play with the free kick.

6′ Mark Reynolds concedes a free kick for a foul on Sam Parkin. Daniel Grainger shoots direct from the free kick.

4′ Chris Humphrey delivers the ball, clearance by Michael Duberry.

3′ GOAL Nick Blackman scores from just outside the penalty area to the top left corner of the goal. Assist by Keith Lasley.

2′ Darren Randolph makes a save.

2′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Mark Reynolds by Sam Parkin. Darren Randolph takes the free kick.

2′ Nick Blackman is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Graeme Smith restarts play with the free kick.

1′ Marcus Haber takes a shot. Darren Randolph makes a save.

1′ KICK-OFF The match gets underway.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell boss Craig Brown:

“I was delighted to get an away victory. In fairness, had St Johnstone scored in the first few minutes when they should have it would have been a totally different game.

“We defended bravely and survived a couple of early scares but after that there weren’t many chances for the home team.

“To get an away victory is important at this stage and a victory here at McDiarmid Park is always a good result.

“St Johnstone are in a false position and I feel sorry for them. I was appalled when I heard the crowd booing. That’s a reprimand for the St Johnstone fans.”

Motherwell goalscorer Nick Blackman:

“I looked up as I received the ball from Keith Lasley and I thought there was nowhere to go and no one for me to pass to.

“I thought I’d just have a swing with my right foot and luckily it all worked out. It was with my weaker foot and I didn’t have the time on the ball to shift it on to my left foot, so I decided to hit it with my right.

“It was a great strike and obviously I’m pleased with it but the main thing is that goal helped the team get three points.

“It was vital to get the first goal and to get it so early straight after they had a chance. It put them on the back foot and it got the home fans on the opposition’s back. That is what we want when we go away from home.”

St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes:

“I’m disappointed to our reaction to going behind and that is something we are normally good at – we’ve bounced back from worse than that before but there was an anxiety about our performance today and we didn’t reach anything near the standard we can.

“Our second-half performance was a bit better but nowhere near enough and I expected more.

“We expect teams to work a lot harder than Motherwell had to do to win the game.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Motherwell boss Craig Brown admits he is excited by what he has seen from new signing Alan Gow on the training ground.

The manager has been so impressed, he told the media this afternoon that he is willing to pitch the former Rangers man straight into the side which faces St Johnstone on Saturday.

Gow joined the Steelmen on a short-term deal last week and, according to Brown, has shown signs that he is ready to recapture the form which made him an SPL star at Falkirk.

He said: “I can see what has been the attraction to Alan Gow for so many managers by watching him in training.

“He is a hugely talented player with wonderful close control and fantastic vision, so the only question mark there is over him is his fitness – and we’ll see how he is after tomorrow’s training session.

“We had a match behind closed doors in the week against Clyde and he played very well, so he is definitely in contention.

“He is extremely conscientious and is working very hard. I will be quite honest and say that if we start him on Saturday – and we may do – it would be a marvelous achievement if he was to last 90 minutes.”

Gow’s career has somewhat stalled since he left Falkirk for Rangers in the summer of 2007.

Since then he has had spells with Blackpool, Norwich, Plymouth and latterly re-joining his former Falkirk boss John Hughes at Hibs.

He showed glimpses of his natural talent without reaching previous heights – but his new boss has backed him to be a success at Fir Park.

“His career is getting on and he is here on a short term contract until the next transfer window – so it is in his best interests to do well for us because others will see him as well as ourselves.” Brown said.

“If that happens, and he plays the way he does in training, then we would hope that we would be able to keep him. If ever a guy had an incentive to do well then it’s Alan Gow.”

Despite some decent early season displays ‘Well find themselves down in seventh place in the early stages of this season with just three points, having lost to Hibernian and Celtic.

Saturday’s opponents St Johnstone have also combined some good displays with an inability to get results, but to a more extreme extent – sitting bottom of the table with just one point from three matches.

All of which means, even this early in the campaign, Saturday’s encounter at McDiarmid Park is a vital encounter for both sides.

“The start, in terms of results, has been disappointing.” The gaffer conceded. “Against Hibs our performance wasn’t disappointing, just the result. The Celtic performance was the one you could look at and say ‘That was a poor performance’ because we just didn’t play at all.

“In the previous six European games and two SPL matches I have been delighted with our displays.

“I’m saying to the lads that our season starts on Saturday. That is no disrespect to the teams we have already played, but we were very distracted by European matters. Now there is no excuse and we are totally focused on the SPL and we are determined to make an impact.”

Even at this early stage of the season, a lethargic display against Celtic prompted fears about the ability of a small Motherwell squad to cope with a season which has been extended by early Europa League success.

The international break has provided some respite for a squad which played nine matches before September but ‘Well gaffer has acknowledged the workload put on some of his players at this early stage of the season and the problems it could cause.

“Take Jamie Murphy as an example. He has played six European games, three in the SPL and four Scotland under-21 matches. That is an incredible strain this early in the season for a young player.

“There is a worry about burnout, but hopefully that won’t apply until next March or April. Even then I have faith in the work Archie (Knox) does on the training ground. He is an absolute master of knowing how much training to give players without overexerting them.

“He is the main man when it comes to getting our players ready for all matches this season and he knows how to avoid burnout without adversely affecting the performances.”

Brown’s boys, strengthened by the presence of Alan Gow, head to Perth in good numbers with pretty much a full squad of players to choose from.

However, Marc Fitzpatrick and Shaun Hutchison will miss out through injury once again.

The SPL today announced the launch of the first SPL Family Weekend, which will see a range of family activities taking place at Clydesdale Bank Premier League games on 18 and 19 September.

The Family Weekend has been developed in conjunction with clubs to support their efforts to attract more families to matches.

This follows the introduction of the Family Champions initiative last season which saw ‘undercover’ families attending SPL games to report back on their experience.

Clubs will be running family-focused initiatives including family tickets, giveaways and half-time entertainment.

Neil Doncaster, Chief Executive of the SPL, said: “The SPL is committed to supporting our clubs’ efforts to increase attendances and improve the matchday experience for all fans and the SPL Family Weekend is another step in the right direction.

“Driving more families into our grounds can only be a positive move, improving the financial health of our clubs and generating a lively and exciting atmosphere at games.”

More information on activities at each club will be announced on club websites and on the official SPL website, www.scotprem.com, in the build up to the SPL Family Weekend.

Football Fans in Training (FFIT) is a new nationwide health project being launched by every club in the SPL.

It comes to Fir Park in September and supporters can sign up to take part in sessions aimed at increasing physical activity, improving diet and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

FFIT is open to 35-65 year-old overweight males and is being provided by Motherwell FC as a FREE service to our supporters!

You will become part of the club for 12 weeks, being issued with official training kit to work with our football and health coaches one night 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!

To sign up all you have to do is meet the criteria below, and contact us with your details.

It’s a great opportunity to improve your fitness, lose weight, and train with fellow supporters at Fir Park.

Motherwell FC Football Fans in Training

Start Date: 21/09/2010, 3pm-5pm and 5.15pm to 7.15pm
Venue: Davie Cooper Suite, Fir Park

Eligibility

You are eligible to take part if you are a male between 35 and 65 years-old and meet any of the following criteria:

• BMI of 27+ (Calculate this by visiting http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/ )
• Belly 100cm + (measure your waist and go around your belly!)
• Trouser waist size of 38 inches +

Contact

To get involved please contact the community team on 01698 239926  or email graeme.mcarthur@motherwellfc.co.uk.

The youth team continued their impressive start to the season with a 3-0 victory over neighbours Hamilton Accies.

Steve Howarth put the Steelmen ahead early on before second-half goals from Josh Watt and substitute Lee Erwin confirmed the win.

Hamilton played their part in a competitive match though and Connor McGlinchey had a first-half penalty saved by Tom Bradley.

Manager Gordon Young made two changes from the side that triumphed over Inverness Caley seven days previous.

Grant Brown had been feeling the ill-effects of a bug all week and was only fit enough for the bench. He was replaced at right-back by Gavin Griffin.

Jamie Pollock made his first appearance of the campaign and got the nod ahead of Bradley Halsman, who had to settle for a place amongst the substitutes.

Hamilton were the first to threaten when Michael Devlin got on the end of a David Hopkirk free-kick but his header dropped harmlessly wide of Bradley’s left-hand post.

Motherwell then opened the scoring and it was a goal of some quality. Keiran MacDonald picked up a loose ball in midfield and immediately set about putting ‘Well on the attack. Dancing round two challenges, he played a neat one-two with Howarth on the edge of the box, got to the touchline before cutting it back for Howarth who finished it off with aplomb, drilling it past Kennedy from 12 yards.

Hamilton went immediately in search of an equaliser but were forced into shots from distance. Hopkirk and Keiran Miller both had long-range efforts but Bradley was comfortable enough to watch both sail harmlessly over.

At the other end, Ross McKinnon smashed a free-kick over the bar following clever lead-up play between MacDonald and Pollock. Five minutes later, Pollock almost doubled his side’s advantage when, taking advantage of space on the edge of the area, he fired a low shot that forced Kennedy into a good block.

That was it in a fairly even first-half until the dying seconds when McKinnon’s foul on the edge of the box conceded a penalty. McGlinchey stepped up and struck the ball well enough but Bradley guessed the right way and blocked the shot with the rebound hooked clear by Griffin.

Accies started the second-half much the better and dominated the first 20 minutes. However, for all their possession, Bradley didn’t have to make a stop of any note despite efforts from Hopkirk and two long range digs from left full-back Reece McGillon.

As so often happens in football, with a team under the cosh, Motherwell hit a decisive second on the counter attack.

Bradley started by rolling the ball short to Michael Lynch. The defender spotted Keiran McGachie dropping short and dropped a lovely lobbed ball into space for the big striker. The former Stenny man flicked it on for Josh Watt who burst clear of the last defender. One-on-one with Kennedy, the winger showed superb composure to round the goalkeeper before tapping into an empty net.

It was a sucker-punch which completely deflated the plucky Accies and then the Steelmen added insult to injury late on when substitute Erwin notched a third.

Pollock picked up on a loose ball in midfield and quickly slotted a lovely through ball for the striker who beat the offside trap. Similar to Watt, the youngster demonstrated excellent composure to round the goalkeeper and tuck the ball into the empty net.

Motherwell: Bradley, Griffin, Sloan, Lynch, McKinnon, Carswell, Watt (Connor 83), MacDonald (Scanlan 71), Howarth, Pollock, McGachie (Erwin 74). Subs not used: Brown, Halsman, McLean.