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Stuart McCall was left rueing sloppy marking and a wonder-save from Dusan Pernis as Motherwell lost 2-0 to Dundee United.

Johnny Russell found space inside the box to net the opening goal on 53 minutes and David Goodwillie added shine to the score with a last-minute breakaway strike.

[onlymembers]Yet, it could have been so different at Tannadice had Chris Humphrey’s back-post header found the net late on.

“With five minutes to go the keeper, Pernis, has made an unbelievable save on the line from a header at the back-post. After that we huffed and puffed but just couldn’t create anything concrete.” The gaffer conceded.

“In the second half we have come out and lost a goal early and that is something you always want to avoid. It was also very disappointing to lose a goal to a set piece. Kenneth is a big lad and there’s always a chance he’ll win the first ball, but we have to be a live to the second ball – and we weren’t.

“It’s a disappointing result. We didn’t start well enough in the first ten or 15 minutes but once we weathered the storm in the first half, I thought it ended up quite even.

“But, when you are up against a strike-force like Daly, Russell and Goodwillie you have to accept that you will be on the back-foot at times.

“I’m relatively pleased with the possession we had. We had the ball in good areas – perhaps we should have done more with it. We didn’t make the keeper do enough work.”

McCall was forced into one change from the side which defeated Dundee across the road just three days earlier, with Marc Fitzpatrick left out of the squad following his decision to leave the club.

It’s another blow to the new Motherwell boss, who has admitted he is conscious of his lack of numbers – something he is working hard to resolve.

“It’s clear we are short on numbers,” he said. We have to get bodies in, and they have to be players who will make the team better, not just for the sake of filling the squad.

“We’re working really hard and I hope to have some movement on that front soon. No promises before Saturday, but we’ll wait and see.”

The manager is also focused on lifting his troops for the visit of away-day specialists Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday.

“We’ve had three home games on the bounce now, and this defeat just makes it all the more important that we get back to winning ways on Saturday against Inverness,” added McCall.[/onlymembers]

Pictures from the 2-0 defeat to Dundee United in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Tannadice. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

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[tab:Match report]

Motherwell suffered a 2-0 defeat to Dundee United this evening following a lacklustre performance at Tannadice.

Second-half goals from Johnny Russell and David Goodwillie earned the home side a comfortable victory over the Steelmen.

After a first period of fairly concerted pressure from the hosts, they eventually took the lead after the break when Russell nodded home after Garry Kenneth won a header from a Paul Dixon corner.

Russell then turned provider for Goodwillie to make sure of the points on the stroke of full-time following a swift breakaway.

It was a disappointing night for Stuart McCall’s men, who returned to Dundee in a confident mood just three days after the Scottish Cup victory over United’s neighbours.

The manager made one change to the team which won 4-0 at Dens Park, with Ross Forbes taking the place of Marc Fitzpatrick, who turned down a contract extension to remain at the club.

That change facilitated a change in formation, with Motherwell playing a 4-3-3 with Chris Humphrey and Jamie Murphy flanking lone striker John Sutton.

Peter Houston’s men were playing their first SPL home game in two months and were clearly keen to claim a comprehensive victory, starting with Russell, Goodwillie and captain Jon Daly in an attacking starting eleven.

It didn’t take long for their attacking intent to become apparent, striking the post within three minutes. A long ball was played up to the sought-after Goodwillie, and he cushioned a delightful flick into the path of Daly. The United captain teed up Russell on the edge of the box and he saw his low drive come crashing back the base of the post.

Five minutes later the hosts created another chance as a Scott Robertson cross was only cleared as far as Morgaro Gomis on the edge of the area but he dragged his volley well wide.

United remained on top in the opening stages and two more chances soon followed. Firstly, Prince Buaben fired in a vicious 20 yard drive which forced Darren Randolph to parry wide before Goodwillie shot tamely at the Motherwell keeper from close range.

Then out of nothing and against the run of play, Jamie Murphy almost scored at the other end when he jinked in from the right flank before firing in a rasping drive inches past the post.

Dundee soon regained control however and Morgaro Gomis was obviously fancying his chances of getting his name on the score-sheet to warm up a bitterly cold Dundee night as he fired two shots from distance in the space of five minutes.

The first effort was straight at Randolph following some neat build-up play, before, with 15 minutes until the break, he forced the big English stopper to sprawl full length to parry another shot from the edge of the box wide.

A Forbes free-kick from 30 yards out proved to be the closest ‘Well would come in the remainder of the first half. His powerful strike drifted just over Pernis’ crossbar as the opening 45 drew to a close.

United flew out of the traps in the second-half and almost broke the deadlock when Goodwillie broke down the left and fired in a teasing cross. With Daly arriving, Randolph could only parry the ball as far as Buaben, who fired wide from the corner of the six-yard area.

The already-frustrated hosts had even more cause for complaints moments later as Russell appeared to be bundled over in the box by Chris Humphrey, although referee Iain Brines booked the midfielder for diving.

United continued to attack and their pressure paid off on 53 minutes with the opening goal. A Dixon cross was won at the back post by the towering Kenneth and his header across the six-yard box was nodded home by Russell, via the post.

With Motherwell looking to steady the ship, the Arabs were restricted to long range efforts, the most dangerous of which was from Goodwillie, who thrashed a 25-yard dive towards goal. Randolph spilled the ball at first but then threw himself to the ground to grasp the ball ahead of the incoming Daly.

United were nearly made to pay for not taking advantage of their dominance as Motherwell went close to snatching the most unlikely of draws late on. Murphy lifted a beautiful ball to the back post where Humphrey arrived to head the ball towards goal, only for Pernis to push the ball away on the line.

But they did make sure of the points in the 90th minute with Russell broke free and fed Goodwillie, who slotted home from six yards to make it 2-0.

[tab:As it happened]

90’+2 FULL-TIME The referee signals the end of the game.

90′ GOAL David Goodwillie finds the net with a goal from inside the penalty area to the bottom left corner of the goal.

89′ SUB Stuart Armstrong comes on for Jon Daly.

84′ A cross is delivered by Jamie Murphy, Chris Humphrey takes a shot. Brilliant save by Dusan Pernis.

83′ SUB Craig Conway joins the action as a substitute, replacing David Robertson.

81′ SUB Esteban Casagolda comes on for Keith Lasley.

79′ Foul by John Sutton on Garry Kenneth, free kick awarded. Sean Dillon takes the free kick. 

79′ SUB Scott Robertson replaces Prince Buaben for the home side.

78′ David Goodwillie takes a shot. Save by Darren Randolph.

77′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Steve Jennings on Morgaro Gomis. Free kick crossed by Paul Dixon, Stephen Craigan manages to make a clearance. 

75′ SUB Jamie Pollock comes on for Ross Forbes.

69′ Ross Forbes concedes a free kick for a foul on David Goodwillie. Sean Dillon takes the free kick.

65′ Inswinging corner taken by Paul Dixon from the right by-line played to the near post, Tom Hateley manages to make a clearance.

64′ Keith Lasley fouled by Prince Buaben, the ref awards a free kick. Tom Hateley has an effort direct from the free kick, Prince Buaben gets a block in.

62′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Mark Reynolds by Jon Daly. Direct free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

62′ David Goodwillie takes a shot. Save by Darren Randolph.

53′ GOAL Johnny Russell scores a headed goal from a Paul Dixon corner, assist by Garry Kenneth.

51′ BOOKING Paul Dixon is shown a yellow card.

46′ KICK-OFF The match restarts for the second half.

45′ HALF-TIME Referee Iain Brines brings the first-half to an end.

44′ Outswinging corner taken by Paul Dixon from the left by-line, Steve Jennings manages to make a clearance.

35′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on John Sutton by Garry Kenneth. Direct effort from the free kick comes in from Ross Forbes.

33′ The assistant referee flags for offside against Jamie Murphy. Garry Kenneth takes the indirect free kick.

33′ Unfair challenge on Tom Hateley by David Goodwillie results in a free kick. Ross Forbes delivers the ball from the free kick left-footed from right wing.

30′ Unfair challenge on Jamie Murphy by Sean Dillon results in a free kick. Jamie Murphy takes the direct free kick.

29′ Morgaro Gomis takes a shot. Save made by Darren Randolph.

28′ Foul by Keith Lasley on Johnny Russell, free kick awarded. Sean Dillon takes the free kick.

25′ The offside flag is raised against Jon Daly. Stephen Craigan restarts play with the free kick.

24′ Morgaro Gomis takes a shot. Darren Randolph makes a save.

20′ Shot from just outside the box by John Sutton goes over the bar.

19′ Corner taken left-footed by Paul Dixon from the right by-line, save made by Darren Randolph.

16′ David Goodwillie takes a shot. Save by Darren Randolph.

14′ Outswinging corner taken by Paul Dixon from the left by-line, Stephen Craigan manages to make a clearance.

14′ Prince Buaben takes a shot. Darren Randolph makes a save.

13′ Keith Lasley challenges Garry Kenneth unfairly and gives away a free kick. Paul Dixon takes the direct free kick.

9′ John Sutton challenges Sean Dillon unfairly and gives away a free kick. Garry Kenneth takes the direct free kick.

9′ Morgaro Gomis has an effort at goal from just inside the box that misses to the right of the goal.

4′ Johnny Russell has an effort at goal from outside the box, hitting the post.

1′ KICK-OFF The game begins.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“It’s a disappointing result. We didn’t start well enough in the first ten or 15 minutes but once we weathered the storm in the first half, I thought it ended up quite even.

“But, when you are up against a strike-force like Daly, Russell and Goodwillie you have to accept that you will be on the back-foot at times.

“All managers will tell you they are hugely disappointed to lose a goal from a set-piece. Kenneth is a big lad but it’s the second balls you have got to be alert to and we weren’t.

“After that we huffed and puffed. The ‘keeper made an outstanding save from Humphs with five minutes to go and we just got caught pushing forward at the end.

“I’m relatively pleased with the possession we had. We had the ball in good areas – although perhaps we should have done more with it. We didn’t make the keeper do enough work.”

Dundee Utd manager Peter Houston:

“Johnny Russell scoring was so well deserved because he put in a great shift. The boy has a great chance in the game.

“He is not even playing in his best position yet because he was a right good striker and a good goalscorer through all the youth teams.

“It was great to see a young lad like Stuart Armstrong come on and be positive, driving forward into the box, and one where I thought he was going to pull the trigger, he laid Goodie in, who showed good composure and a great finish.

“It wasn’t Goodie’s best night but I thought if you keep him on the park, he is liable to score a goal, and he did.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”28″]

Motherwell Football Club have have teamed up with The Co-operative Insurance to offer one fan a great prize.

We’re giving a lucky young Motherwell fan, the dream opportunity to lead their team out in the Rangers v Motherwell semi-final of The Co-operative Insurance Cup on Sunday 30 January at Hampden Park.

[onlymembers]As well as leading their side out in The Co-operative Insurance Cup, the lucky winner will receive a pair of match tickets for themselves and an accompanying parent or guardian.  They will be able to enjoy all the excitement of the match from some of the best seats in the stadium – AND get their hands on a special Co-operative Insurance Cup mascot kit.

To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic football prize, courtesy of The Co-operative Insurance, all you have to do is answer the following question:

Who was the last Motherwell player to score in a Semi Final back in February 2006?

Was it:

A> Richie Foran
B> Willie Pettigrew
C> Crawford Baptie

Entrants must be aged between 8 and 12 years old and the winners must be accompanied to the game by a parent or guardian.

Please send your answer to mfc@motherwellfc.co.uk (with Subject Line “Semi Final Mascot Competition) including the following information:  

Name
Address
Telephone number
Age

The competition will close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 19th January. A winner will be drawn, at random, on Thursday 20th January with winners notified the same day.

This season is the twelfth consecutive season of The Co-operative Insurance’s sponsorship of the Scottish League Cup. Over the past twelve seasons eleven different teams have participated in the Final with four teams going on to lift The Co-operative Insurance Cup – Celtic, Rangers, Livingston and Hibernian.

As well as the sponsorship of The Co-operative Insurance Cups in Scotland and Northern Ireland, The Co-operative Insurance has been investing in football since the 1970s and supports grassroots initiatives throughout the UK.

Since The Co-operative Insurance grassroots programme began in 1999 youth teams have been supplied with over 3,700 sets of kit and 750 sets of equipment and football coaching has been provided for more than 16,500 children.

The Co-operative Insurance is part of the wider financial services group, The Co-operative Financial Services, which is the name for the group of businesses consisting of The Co-operative Insurance, The Co-operative Investments and The Co-operative Bank including smile and Britannia.[/onlymembers]

Football Fans in Training (FFIT) is a nationwide health project running across every club in the SPL and set to kick off for a second time this February at Fir Park.

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 Motherwell FC training kit to work with our football and health coaches one evening per week.

Similar programmes have proved a massive success with clubs in the English Premiership and Championship. And Motherwell were top of the table when it comes to weight loss in the previous programme ran up until Christmas.

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 and also help shift some of the excess Christmas weight!

MOTHERWELL FC FOOTBALL FANS IN TRAINING

Start Date: Monday, 7th February, 5pm-7pm and 7.15pm-9.15pm  
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 email us on graeme.mcarthur@motherwellfc.co.uk with the details below:

Name
Address
Postcode
Contact Telephone
BMI / Belly / Trouser size

Or contact the MOTHERWELL FC FFIT team on:

Telephone:  01698 239923
Text:  07912389936
Email:  Graeme.mcarthur@motherwellfc.co.uk

CLUB ACTION: Scottish Government funding requires us to keep a record of everyone who has responded even if they turn out not to be eligible, or drop out of the programme.

‘Well boss Stuart McCall has confirmed that Marc Fitzpatrick has been offered a new contract after his deal expired yesterday.

The 24-year-old, who has had a torrid time with injuries in recent years, has fought his way back into contention in recent weeks and started games at both Celtic Park and last Sunday at Dens Park.

[onlymembers]His previous contract, signed during the summer, was designed to allow the Lanark-born midfielder time to get himself fully fit after an injury sustained against Hamilton last February.

And McCall told the gathered media this afternoon that the club have made the player another offer.

“We’ve offered Mark a deal and we hope to hear back from him in the next 24-hours or so,” said McCall.

“He does have an offer from another club on the table though so it’s something he will have to consider carefully and we are respectful of that.”[/onlymembers]

Stuart McCall is keen for another vital win in Dundee, a matter of days after his Scottish Cup success in the City of Discovery.

The comprehensive 4-0 win over Dundee ensured the run of six games without a win came to a spectacular end, and the gaffer is now keen to kick on and get back to winning ways in the SPL.

[onlymembers]“I’m delighted with the result against Dundee at the weekend; it has breathed confidence back into the lads after the run without a win,” McCall praised. “But the league is where we need to get back to winning ways – especially when there are so many teams close to each other.

“I watched United at the weekend and they would be disappointed to draw with Ross County, but they were without David Goodwillie and we know he will make a massive difference on Wednesday.

“We know they are a very good side – they did brilliantly last season – but we are close in the table and it is vital we keep them below us.”

The former Bradford City boss was speaking to the press from the depths of Hampden, as he attended the draw for the Scottish Cup fifth round – a competition he knows well, having lifted the trophy three times with Rangers as a player.

Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro made the draw and handed The Steelmen a tie with Stenhousemuir, Threave Rovers or Stranraer.

‘Well will find out their exact opponents after Threave Rovers face Stenny in the re-arranged third round tie, and then the winners of that face Stranraer in the fourth round.

“You always want a home draw, however if you don’t get a home draw then you want to avoid the Old Firm of Hearts because they are the toughest ties.” The 46-year old insisted.

“I know it will be a tricky tie, whoever we get out of the three sides, but we will hope to progress.

“It’s brilliant to have these Cup games. I’m fortunate in the fact I have come to Motherwell when they are already in one Semi-Final; that’s fantastic, but for now we must concentrate on the league games – the tough league games – that we have coming up.”[/onlymembers]

Motherwell will face lower league opposition in the fifth-round of the Scottish Cup following today’s draw at Hampden.

Stuart McCall’s side, who overcame Dundee on Sunday, will play either Stenhousemuir, Threave Rovers or Stranraer.

[onlymembers]This season’s competition has been disrupted by the bad weather and some teams have yet to complete their third-round matches.

Indeed, the replay between Threave and Stenhousemuir was postponed for a fourth time today and is now scheduled to take place on Wednesday night.

The winners of that tie will then host Stranraer later this month with Motherwell lying in wait in the next round.

Elsewhere, Rangers have been drawn against Celtic and Hamilton Accies will play either holders Dundee United or Ross County.

The full draw is as follows:

• Aberdeen v Montrose or Dunfermline
• Inverness CT v Morton or Airdrie
• Hamilton v Dundee United or Ross County
• Stenhousemuir or Threave Rovers or Stranraer v Motherwell
• East Stirlingshire or Buckie v Queen of the South or Brechin
• Rangers v Celtic
• Hibernian or Ayr v St Mirren or Peterhead
• Hearts or St Johnstone v Falkirk or Partick Thistle

All ties are due to take place on 5th and 6th of February.[/onlymembers]