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Stuart McCall was full of praise for his side after they avoided a cup shock by convincingly dispatching of Dundee at Dens Park.

With Dundee on a spectacular run of ten games unbeaten – with six wins on the bounce – many saw this as a stick-on giant-killing, especially given The Steelmen’s recent form of six games without a win.

Yet the formbook was turned on its head as McCall claimed his first win as Motherwell gaffer thanks to a John Sutton brace and strikes from Jamie Murphy and the excellent Steve Jennings.

“We’ve certainly bust a few coupons today; I think with the excellent run Dundee have been on, combined with us not winning in six games, made some people see this as a likely shock of this round,” the former Bradford boss conceded.

“The early goal was vital for us and it really settled the lads down. We said before the game that we would try to work the channels, like Jamie Murphy did for the first goal. We would try to work them like that and then we knew we would have to be up for the physical battle.

“I’m glad our quality shone through at the end, and you could see the talent we have from the goals we scored tonight.

“Scoring four goals, keeping a clean sheet, a place in the next round and getting no new injuries has to be considered a really good day for us.”

The boss was particularly fulsome in his praise for two-goal hero John Sutton and the returning Steve Jennings.

Sutton was starting his first match since the 10th November and grasped the opportunity with both hands, with two clinical finishes, while Steve Jennings returned following a three-match suspension to boss the midfield sublimely, even scoring a header to cap his afternoon off.

“Jennings quality is no surprise to me,” the 46-year old boss praised. “I tried to sign him when I was manager of Bradford and he put in the type of excellent performance I expect from him week-in week-out. He has good quality and he is a great leader.

“I was always going to play John Sutton today, regardless of whether Nick and Alan were still here. John has been terrific this week and deserves his chance.

“I know John has played out wide and a little deeper, but for me he is a centre-forward. Likewise I think Murph (Jamie Murphy) is a front-man and we are keen to get people playing in their best positions.

“However we had a few really good performances today.”

Motherwell face Dundee United on Wednesday, as The Steelmen enter a hectic phase of their season, but McCall insists he will continue to juggle coaching his squad with searching for bargains to strengthen his squad.

“We have a small squad and we’ve lost Alan Gow and Nick Blackman this week. We’ll try to bring in a few people this month if we can.

“I’m keen to get a left-sided player in to allow Murph and Sutton to play in their best positions. I’ve been down so many dead ends and then you think you are close, and someone else offers a few extra quid – but I had this at Bradford, I won’t let it get me down and I’ll work hard.”

Pictures from the 4-0 win over Dundee in the Scottish Cup Fourth Round at Dens Park. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

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[tab:Match report]

Stuart McCall claimed his first win as Motherwell boss in style as the Steelmen hammered Dundee 4-0 at Dens Park.

John Sutton opened the scoring inside three minutes when he found a yard of space inside the six-yard area to turn in a fine Jamie Murphy cross.

The former Dundee man made it a personal brace and 2-0 to Motherwell minutes into the second half when he slotted home from inside the area following some sublime approach work from Jamie Murphy.

Goals late on from Steve Jennings and Jamie Murphy ensured ‘Well went home with a handsome victory, and a late lunge from Leigh Griffiths on the reliable Steven Hammell meant the home side ended the match with ten men.

Motherwell welcomed back influential midfielder Steve Jennings after his three-match ban. John Sutton and Marc Fitzpatrick also returned to the starting line-up in place of departed duo Nick Blackman and Alan Gow as ‘Well looked to halt a six-match run without a win,

It didn’t take long for big Sutton to mark his return to the starting line-up with a goal. Jamie Murphy hared onto a lobbed through-ball and outpaced Craig McKeown in the left channel of the box. The Scotland Under 21 star proceeded to provide a perfect cutback for the former Dee, who fired in at the near post.

Minutes later Chris Humphrey cut inside from his right-hand berth and fired a left-footed shot just over Rab Douglas’ bar as Motherwell started in blistering fashion. In particular, the pace of Humphrey and Murphy was testing the home defence.

Following a whirlwind start from the Fir Park men Dundee started to come into the game as the half progressed, forcing a series of corners, although the Steelmen defence dealt with the Dark Blue threat with aplomb, with Darren Randolph in particularly commanding form.

Despite some enterprising stuff from the home side, Motherwell were the next to create a clear-cut chance. Stevie Hammell floated in a superb corner kick and the excellent John Sutton rose highest to head towards the corner, forcing a top save from Douglas low to this left.

A shot from distance five minutes before the break proved to be the closest Barry Smith’s men would come in the first period. Gary Harkins surged towards the edge of the area and fired a shot low, wide of Darren Randolph’s left-hand post.

It was a case of déjà vu all over again in the second half as Motherwell once again flew out of the traps and scored within three minutes. The goal was a thing of beauty as Jamie Muphy dinked a delightful through pass over the stationary Dundee backline for John Sutton, and the English front-man calmly slotted home from eight yards.

With their cup dreams dissipating, Dundee were quick to attempt a response and came within a matter of inches of halving the deficit moments later. The Dens Park side were given a disputed free-kick on the edge of the area, and sought-after Leigh Griffiths’ effort from the edge of the box took a massive deflection off the wall and struck the underside of the bar and was cleared off the line.

Dee pushed and put a degree of pressure on the ‘Well defence, but McCall’s side showed admirable organization and resoluteness to keep out the energetic hosts.

‘Well survived a penalty shout as an uproarious Dens Park claimed for a spot-kick when Leigh Griffiths appeared to be running clear. The young striker fell to the ground in the box, with Craigan and Reynolds in close attention, and appealed in vain for the decision as Steve Conroy waved play on. 

That decision was to come back to haunt the home side as Steve Jennings put the tie to bed with eight minutes left on the clock. Tom Hateley found space on the right flank and the former Reading man swung in a super ball for the returning Jennings, who bulleted his header past the helpless Rab Douglas.

Icing was applied to the cake in the 87th minutes as the superb Jennings fed Jamie Murphy through on goal, and the 21-year old finished coolly to make it 4-0. The afternoon was soured further for Dundee as Leigh Griffiths stupidly lunged into a high, dangerous challenge on Stevie Hammell. Steve Conroy rightly sent Griffith packing to round off a nightmare for the hosts, and a more than satisfactory afternoon for McCall’s troops.

[tab:As it happened]

90+2 The referee ends the match.

90+1 Stephen O’Donnell gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Tom Hateley. Chris Humphrey restarts play with the free kick.

90mins The ball is swung over by Chris Humphrey, clearance made by Craig McKeown.

88mins Substitution Jamie Murphy goes off and Robert McHugh comes on.

87mins Sent off The referee shows Leigh Griffiths a red card for serious foul play.

87mins Unfair challenge on Stevie Hammell by Leigh Griffiths results in a free kick. Darren Randolph restarts play with the free kick.

86mins GOAL – Jamie Murphy: Dundee 0 – 4 Motherwell Jamie Murphy finds the net with a goal from inside the area to the bottom right corner of the goal. Dundee 0-4 Motherwell.

84mins Substitution Ross Forbes on for Keith Lasley.

80mins GOAL – Steve Jennings: Dundee 0 – 3 Motherwell Steve Jennings finds the back of the net with a headed goal from deep inside the penalty area. Dundee 0-3 Motherwell.

79mins Jamie Murphy produces a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area and misses left.

78mins Gary Harkins gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jamie Murphy. Steve Jennings takes the direct free kick.

77mins Steve Jennings gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Stephen O’Donnell. Gary Harkins has an effort direct from the free kick, comfortable save by Darren Randolph.

76mins Stephen O’Donnell gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Keith Lasley. Direct free kick taken by Tom Hateley.

76mins Stephen O’Donnell crosses the ball, save made by Darren Randolph.

73mins John Sutton concedes a free kick for a foul on Stephen O’Donnell. Rhys Weston restarts play with the free kick.

72mins Free kick awarded for a foul by Craig Forsyth on Chris Humphrey. Tom Hateley takes the free kick.

71mins Kyle Benedictis gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on John Sutton. Direct free kick taken by Stevie Hammell.

69mins Stephen O’Donnell concedes a free kick for a foul on Mark Reynolds. Marc Fitzpatrick restarts play with the free kick.

67mins Booking Booking for Gary Harkins for dissent.

66mins Sean Higgins concedes a free kick for a foul on Mark Reynolds. Darren Randolph restarts play with the free kick.

66mins Booking Steve Jennings receives a yellow card.

66mins Booking Darren Randolph is cautioned by the ref for dissent.

65mins Booking Sean Higgins goes into the book for unsporting behaviour.

63mins Foul by Stephen Craigan on Leigh Griffiths, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Gary Harkins.

62mins Substitution Kyle Benedictis comes on in place of Johnny Stewart.

61mins The ball is sent over by Craig Forsyth, clearance by Stevie Hammell.

59mins Handball by John Sutton. Robert Douglas takes the free kick.

58mins John Sutton gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Craig Forsyth. Matthew Lockwood restarts play with the free kick.

57mins Stephen O’Donnell fouled by Keith Lasley, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Craig McKeown.

56mins Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Matthew Lockwood by John Sutton. Rhys Weston takes the free kick.

55mins The offside flag is raised against Leigh Griffiths. Darren Randolph takes the free kick.

54mins The official flags Leigh Griffiths offside. Darren Randolph restarts play with the free kick.

53mins Corner taken by Stephen O’Donnell, clearance by Steve Jennings.

52mins Corner from the right by-line taken by Craig Forsyth, clearance by Stephen Craigan.

49mins Inswinging corner taken by Stephen O’Donnell from the left by-line played to the near post, clearance made by Tom Hateley.

48mins Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Gary Harkins by Keith Lasley. Strike on goal comes in from Leigh Griffiths from the free kick, blocked by Stephen Craigan.

46mins GOAL – John Sutton: Dundee 0 – 2 Motherwell A goal is scored by John Sutton from deep inside the penalty area low into the middle of the goal. Dundee 0-2 Motherwell.

46mins Matthew Lockwood challenges Marc Fitzpatrick unfairly and gives away a free kick. Darren Randolph takes the free kick.

45mins The referee starts the second half.

45+1 Half Time – Dundee 0 – 1 Motherwel

43mins Stephen O’Donnell takes a shot. Save by Darren Randolph.

43mins Free kick awarded for a foul by Mark Reynolds on Sean Higgins. Stephen O’Donnell restarts play with the free kick.

42mins Effort from 18 yards by Tom Hateley. Save by Robert Douglas.

42mins Jamie Murphy delivers the ball, Matthew Lockwood manages to make a clearance.

40mins Stephen O’Donnell has an effort at goal from outside the box which goes wide right of the target.

32mins Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Steve Jennings by Matthew Lockwood. Free kick taken by Stevie Hammell.

31mins The offside flag is raised against Leigh Griffiths. Free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

30mins Corner taken left-footed by Stevie Hammell from the right by-line, John Sutton takes a shot. Robert Douglas makes a fantastic save.

29mins Jamie Murphy crosses the ball, Marc Fitzpatrick has an effort at goal from 12 yards. Craig McKeown gets a block in.

27mins Foul by John Sutton on Craig Forsyth, free kick awarded. Gary Harkins restarts play with the free kick, Steve Jennings crosses the ball.

26mins Centre by Mark Reynolds, clearance made by Rhys Weston.

26mins Gary Irvine takes a shot. Save by Darren Randolph.

26mins Stephen O’Donnell decides to take the corner short.

25mins Johnny Stewart sends in a cross, clearance by Stevie Hammell.

25mins Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Craig Forsyth, save made by Darren Randolph.

22mins The ball is swung over by Tom Hateley, save by Robert Douglas.

20mins Corner taken right-footed by Stephen O’Donnell to the near post.

18mins Foul by Stephen Craigan on Matthew Lockwood, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Stephen O’Donnell.

17mins Centre by Tom Hateley, Rhys Weston makes a clearance.

16mins Stephen O’Donnell takes a corner.

16mins Keith Lasley concedes a free kick for a foul on Stephen O’Donnell. Free kick taken by Rhys Weston.

12mins The assistant referee signals for offside against Leigh Griffiths. Free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

11mins Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Stevie Hammell, Robert Douglas makes a save.

9mins Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Stevie Hammell, Matthew Lockwood makes a clearance.

8mins The ball is crossed by Stevie Hammell, Rhys Weston manages to make a clearance.

7mins The ball is delivered by Stevie Hammell, Gary Irvine makes a clearance.

7mins Chris Humphrey decides to take a short corner.

5mins Chris Humphrey produces a left-footed shot from just outside the area that goes harmlessly over the bar.

2mins GOAL – John Sutton: Dundee 0 – 1 Motherwell John Sutton grabs a goal from close range to the bottom left corner of the goal. Dundee 0-1 Motherwell.

2mins Gary Harkins challenges Marc Fitzpatrick unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Mark Reynolds.

1mins The assistant referee signals for offside against Sean Higgins. Darren Randolph takes the indirect free kick.

1mins Sean Higgins concedes a free kick for a foul on Keith Lasley. Free kick taken by Tom Hateley.

0mins The game gets underway.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“We’ve certainly bust a few coupons today; I think with the excellent run Dundee have been on, combined with us not winning in six games, made some people see this as a likely shock of this round.

“The early goal was vital for us and it really settled the lads down. We said before the game that we would try to work the channels, like Jamie Murphy did for the first goal. We would try to work them like that and then we knew we would have to be up for the physical battle.

“I’m glad our quality shone through at the end, and you could see the talent we have from the goals we scored tonight.

“Scoring four goals, keeping a clean sheet, a place in the next round and getting no new injuries has to be considered a really good day for us.”

Dundee manager Barry Smith:

“We’re very disappointed with the result. I don’t think the team becomes bad overnight so it’s a result we’re not happy with but, all-in-all, Motherwell deserved their victory.

“They were more clinical than us; they defended better than us so they fully deserved the win.

“The first goal was disappointing to lose, just when we were trying to bed us in. Motherwell’s experience meant they could sit and pick us off and, being a better side, they pressed us high up the park and didn’t give us any time on the ball but that’s something our players have to cope with.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Fans travelling to Dens Park tomorrow should attempt to arrive as early as possible with the anticipated large crowd potentially causing congestion at the turnstiles.

Dundee fans have rallied magnificently around their club since plunging into administration for a second time and ‘Well fans always turn out in huge numbers on Scottish Cup weekends.

Turnstiles will open at 12.15pm, one hour before kick-off, with Motherwell fans house in the Bob Shankly Stand behind the goals.

Tickets, available on the turnstile, are priced at:

ADULTS:	£15
CONCESSIONS:	£5

• Concessions are listed as Under 16s and over 60s
• Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Elaine MacDonald at the club on 01698 338009 or email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Chris Humphrey grew up watching storied FA Cup runs in England, and the flying winger admits he is keen to create some cup history of his own.

The Steelmen are already in the semi-final of the Co-operative Insurance Cup and will face Rangers later this month, and Humphrey believes ‘Well can replicate that achievement in the Scottish Cup.

“Cup’s are a massive thing for this club, and we are lucky enough to be in the Semi-Finals of one cup and facing Dundee this weekend in the other,” the 21-year old said. “It would be nice to get equally far in this cup and create some good memories for the players and fans.

“I used to watch all the Cup Finals down south when I was growing up and it is a special occasion. As a player you want to be on the winning side of cup matches and you want to become a hero.

“Everybody wants to play in this game, have a good run, and be remembered at this football club.

“We need to get a win after the recent run, and hopefully the new manager – and everyone trying to impress him – will mean that we can get a victory on the board.

The former Shrewsbury Town winger also took time to praise the new boss Stuart McCall in front of the assembled press at Fir Park.

McCall has been in charge of the club for a full week now and Humphrey, along with the rest of the squad, is already excited about the ideas and methods being implemented by the former Bradford City manager.

“Training so far has been excellent with the gaffer. He has made it really enjoyable for all the lads and we are all desperate to come in and train and work hard,” Humphrey praised.

“It’s clear from his sessions so far – and the type of player he was – that he wants people tight and people closing down and working hard. He says that as long as people do their best then he will be happy with us.”

“I can’t wait to do more proper sessions with the new manager – and he’s already said that if any of the boys want to do extra sessions then he will take them so that’s brilliant because there are a lot of lads that like to do extra work.”

Tickets for the Co-operative Insurance Cup Semi Final versus Rangers will go on sale, from Fir Park, this coming Monday (10th January).

Motherwell have a sizeable allocation of 9,000 tickets, which will go on full general sale, priced at:

Section I:

Adults £20

Section G (Family Section):

Adult: £15
Under 16s: £5

Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Elaine MacDonald at the club on 01698 338009 or email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk.

New ‘Well boss Stuart McCall said, “There is nothing better than playing football at Hampden and the Semi Final against Rangers is sure to be a big occasion.

“We want as many Motherwell fans there, decked in Claret and Amber, as possible. We are going there looking to progress to the final and hopefully, put on a good performance for our fantastic fans.”

Stuart McCall is desperate to continue his excellent Scottish Cup pedigree with a win over Dundee at Dens Park this weekend.

The former Rangers midfielder won the fabled trophy three times in his spell with the Ibrox club and has now set his sights on more glory, starting with a win over Barry Smith’s in-form dark blues.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to win a couple of Scottish Cups,” McCall recalled. “And it’s my job to make sure Motherwell are still in the hat for the next round and that we can progress as far as possible.

“It’s a big game financially – as it is, of course, for Dundee – and it is a big game in terms of us needing a result, because the longer this run goes without a win the more difficult it is to get out of it. We have to turn fortunes around quickly.”

The boss is under no illusions about how tough the task will be for the Steelmen as they head north for the televised encounter.

Dundee are on a run of six consecutive wins, with ten games unbeaten, and haven’t conceded a goal since Mark Millar’s strike in a 3-3 draw with Falkirk back in October last year. Conversely Motherwell are on a run of six fixtures without a victory; a run which, according to McCall, must end this weekend.

“We go up to Dundee and we’ll try to get the win, get the belief back in to the players, and get the performances back to what they were earlier in the season,” the 46-year old insisted. “We are determined to go up there with a positive attitude.

“We’ll need to start well as they will be really fired up for this one and, naturally when two even teams play each other, we will need a bit of luck. It’s up to us to go up there.       

“Dundee is always a tough place to go, but it’s a big park which will hopefully suit our players and the way we want to set up. We go in to this match on the back of six matches without a win, whereas they are on a great run of wins on the bounce.”

The new manager has come into the club at a hectic time on and off the pitch at Fir Park. Not only is there a packed fixture list to come, but he has to deal with contract and loan deal expiries as well as trying to strengthen the squad for challenges to come.

He said: “What excites me is having trained with the lads in the last few days, is that the quality in the squad is extremely good. It’s a small squad in terms of numbers but I have been really impressed with training and the way they have gone about things.

“But Saunders is out this weekend, and we have decided not to renew the contract of Alan Gow. If you add that to the on-going Nick Blackman situation we have lost three players from last week’s squad.

“The Nick Blackman issue isn’t dead and buried, but it’s up to the player and Blackburn Rovers as to what happens next. However I would be confident that if he comes back to Scotland then he will be coming back to Motherwell – but there is no guarantee he will return to Scotland; he has his own contract to sort out.”

‘Well will receive a massive boost ahead of the match on Sunday with the return of Steve Jennings to the Motherwell fold. The influential midfielder has been suspended for the last three matches, and his potential return is bound add some steel and vitality to the ‘Well defence.

“One major plus is the return of Steve Jennings, who is raring to go,” the former Bradford boss praised.

“He’s shown in training that he is desperate to be involved again. We’ve had to pull the reins on him actually; we can’t afford any more injuries!

“He can’t wait to get back onto the pitch, and performing how he was before his suspension.”

The Scottish FA are urging fans to vote for their Scottish Cup Player of the Round and they could win tickets for the 5th round of the Scottish Cup.  Simply log onto www.facebook.com/scottishcup to vote and win.

Motherwell have decided not to renew the contract of striker Alan Gow and the former Falkirk and Rangers man has left the club.

The 28-year-old signed a short-term deal during the summer and played seventeen times in Claret and Amber, scoring twice.

However, manager Stuart McCall has decided not to offer the player an extended deal, and even although his contract expires next week, injury has ruled him out of Sunday’s clash with Dundee so he has been allowed to leave early.

McCall will now use the additional resource to strengthen the team elsewhere.

“The reason we have released Alan has nothing to do with his ability, it is financial,” said the ‘Well boss.

“We can strengthen other areas of the team using that wage, and we are looking to bring in players in the near future.”

Motherwell Football Club would like to thank Alan for all his efforts whilst at Fir Park and wish him every success in the future.

A decision on the future of fellow out-of-contract player Marc Fitzpatrick will be taken next week whilst the club remains hopeful of securing Blackburn’s Nick Blackman on an additional loan.