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The Cash Converters “Convert for Cash” challenge returns this Saturday when St Johnstone visit Fir Park and you can win £100.

It’s on STEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELMEN!!

The event that pits home fan against away fan, confronted by the site of our very own gaffer Stuart McCall, is back again.

Faced by a life-sized statue of Stuart McCall, fans must run round him 3 times, before composing themselves to score past our mascot, Claret, EITHER from the edge of the box (the £100 ball) or the penalty spot (the £50 ball).

Enter at the Cash Converters SPL Facebook page by CLICKING HERE.

In addition, Cash Converters will also be donating £150 per challenge to their official charity for the 2011/2012 season, Dreams Come True.

For your chance to win £100 in the “Convert for Cash” challenge against Saints, enter your details at the Cash Converters SPL Facebook page now: CLICK HERE.

The Facebook page will also give you the chance to win a whole host of other prizes, including tickets and exclusive, money-can’t-buy experiences. Simply “Like” the page, and get entering.

The draw will close at Noon on Friday 27th January.

*Please note: You must be aged over 18 to take part, and proof of age will be required on the day. You must also already possess a match ticket.

The ever popular Motherwell Supporters Trust Quiz Night will return to the Centenary Suite this Friday, 27th January.

It promises to be a memorable evening in the company of fellow ‘Well fans. It’s time to get your team organised!

There will be rounds covering the best in sport, music and television together with a few questions on the mighty ‘Well. The fun will start with a flyer round where winners will stand to bag a spot prize. 

Winning teams will leave with cash prizes.  Dougie Arnott will be on hand to offer you a drink from the ‘Well stocked bar from 7.30pm.

Trust Chairman David Crichton said, “The Trust has organised many Quiz Nights over the years and they always provide a great attraction for Motherwell supporters who bring along friends and family for an enjoyable evening. We are indebted to Keith Brown once again for setting the questions and look forward to his teasers.”

Entry for a team of up to 4 people is just £10 and you can register your interest and that all important name by emailing quiz@mstonline.net and teams are welcome on the night.

This event is sponsored by local property maintenance and business services firm Timetra.

Referee for Saturday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with St Johnstone at Fir Park is Calum Murray.

The experienced Murray has already taken charge of two ‘Well game this season. The first was a 2-1 win at Pittodrie with goals from Michael Higdon and Omar Daley and the other was a 1-1 draw with St Mirren last month, Michael Higdon grabbing Motherwell’s goal.

Motherwell fans will also be familiar with the 41-year old; the man in the middle four times last season, including the Scottish Cup Final last May.

Previous to the Cup Final, he handled the 1-0 defeat at McDiarmid Park in January. Saints won courtesy of a controversial penalty award when Stephen Craigan was adjudged to have clashed with Michael Duberry inside the area; Liam Craig dispatched the resulting kick from the spot.

He also officiated the 2-2 Scottish Cup Quarter Final draw at Tannadice which won wide applause for being end-to-end and exciting and Murray played his part with an excellent display, including getting a number of penalty calls spot on.

The replay was one of the best Motherwell displays of the campaign, Murphy, Humphrey and Jeffers scoring in an excellent all-round team display.

The season prior to last, he was the man in the middle for the 1-1 draw with Rangers; Tom Hateley netting a sensational equaliser for the Steelmen. That game was also marred by a controversial call when Ross Forbes’ goal was somehow disallowed for offside despite television pictures showing the midfielder to be at least two yards onside.

He also took charge of the 3-2 home defeat by Dundee Utd in April 2010 when a John Sutton double wasn’t enough to give ‘Well the points.

His overall record in charge of the Steelmen is fairly decent. Of the 18 games he has taken charge of, Motherwell have won eight, drawn four and lost six. The Fir Parkers have scored 25 whilst 23 have hit the back of the ‘Well net.

54 players have seen yellow on those fourteen matches, 29 of which were shown to a player wearing Claret and Amber. Only one player has been sent for an early bath, Bob Malcolm in the famous 1-0 win over Celtic back in early 2008.

Calum will be ably assisted on the day by Francis Andrews and Alan Mulvanny with Iain Brines on fourth official duties.

Goals from Henrik Ojamaa, Nicky Law and Chris Humphrey gave 10-man ‘Well all three points against Dunfermline at Fir Park.

-WATCH ALL FOUR GOALS ON MFC TV-

Scouser Steve Jennings was quick to praise his teammate’s character after Tuesday’s superb win over Dunfermline.

With the Steelmen down to ten men,  a gutsy performance was needed from every player on the pitch and the inspirational midfielder was the driving force behind his sides’ impressive and spirited display, which saw ‘Well earn three points at home for the first time since September.

“We showed a bit of character straight away,” the former Tranmere man said.

“As soon as we went down to ten men I thought that was when we started getting on the ball and having a go. Fair play to the lads. We don’t want to lose a man every week but it sort of gave us a little boost and we started creating a few chances. Fortunately Henrik has taken his goal early doors.

“I think you have to take the positives. They think they have one over on us and become lackadaisical and gaps would open up for us. I’d like to think the wheels are back on the wagon now with a draw and a win in two games.

“We’re looking forward to saturday now; it’s a really big game for us and we can go in full of confidence.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-

Stuart McCall couldn’t hide his pride after his ten-man Motherwell side roared to an excellent 3-1 win over Dunfermline.

Skipper Stephen Craigan was sent packing by referee Alan Muir for a clash with Pars striker Andrew Barrowman after just eighteen minutes.

But despite being a man down, every single ‘Well player stepped it up a level and outfought their opponents all over the pitch.

The win returned the Steelmen to third place in the SPL and the former Scotland International was quick to praise the effort and desire of his troops.

“I am so proud of each and every player,” said McCall.

“To lose a man so early was bad enough, but the fitness levels were excellent and everyone played their part; I am really delighted.

“It was a big win for us; everyone talked about the incentive Dunfermline had to get off the bottom but we had one too. That was to get back into third place with a really good performance, following on from the second half on Saturday, and we’ve managed that.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-

Pictures from the 3-1 win over Dunfermline in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Fir Park.

These action shots and more are available to buy online at motherwellPICS.

[svgallery name=”dunfermline24012012″]

[tab:Match report]

Andy Ross at Fir Park

Ten-man Motherwell moved back into third place with an excellent 3-1 victory over Dunfermline at Fir Park this evening.

After the dismissal of skipper Stephen Craigan, Henrik Ojamaa opened the scoring on his first full start for the club before Nicky Law doubled the hosts’ lead.

Andy Kirk restored hope for the Dunfermline on 63 minutes, before substitute Chris Humphrey netted ten minutes from time to secure all three points for the Fir Park side.

Defeat for Dunfermline means they remain one point adrift at the foot of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Dunfermline looked to test Motherwell keeper Darren Randolph in the opening minutes, but Mark Kerr’s effort was well wide of the target. The hosts were struggling to create an opening of their own and Jamie Murphy’s stinging effort was well blocked by Alex Keddie.

After 13 minutes the home support were angered when Henrik Ojamaa was flagged for offside as he raced through on Iain Turner’s goal following an excellent through-ball by Steve Jennings.

There was more controversy just three minutes later when Motherwell captain Stephen Craigan was dismissed by referee Alan Muir following a clash with Andrew Barrowman. The Dunfermline striker was also booked for his part in proceedings.

Craigan appeared to move his head towards Barrowman and Muir wasted little time in flashing a red card.

Stuart McCall responded to the dismissal of his skipper by replacing Murphy with Tim Clancy as he attempted to bolster his sides’ defence. From the resulting free-kick, Dunfermline came close to breaking the deadlock with Liam Buchanan forcing Randolph into a smart stop.

Ojamaa repaid McCall’s decision to hand him his first ever league start when he fired Motherwell in front after 29 minutes.

The Estonian striker twisted and turned on the edge of the penalty box before striking a low shot which bounced over the outstretched arms of Turner in the Dunfermline goal.

The visitors responded with a flurry of promising attacks and Joe Cardle brought out an excellent save from Randolph with his powerful close-range effort.

The Motherwell fans continued to vent their anger at referee Muir, as the whistler showed yellow cards to Clancy and then Ojamaa before the interval.

Motherwell started the second half brightly as they looked to build on their slender advantage.

Jennings flashed a shot wide of the target before the home side doubled their lead after 52 minutes.

Ojamaa got on the end of Michael Higdon’s flick and he laid the ball to Nicky Law who unleashed a superb drive into the roof of the net.

In a bid to help find his side a way back into the match Jim McIntyre introduced Paul Willis to replace Cardle.

Willis’ introduction seemed to add some extra width to the visitors’ game and on 63 minutes they gave their small band of travelling supporters some hope when Andy Kirk connected perfectly with Paddy Boyle’s cross to leave Randolph with no chance.

The hosts made their second switch of the night after 71 minutes when the influential Ojamaa made way for Robert McHugh.

Dunfermline continued to probe for an equaliser and Randolph did well to hold Willis’ shot from range.

Martin Hardie was introduced to replace Buchanan with 15 minutes remaining and Motherwell also made a change as Chris Humphrey came on in place of Law.

The visitors continued their assault on the Motherwell goal and Kirk passed up a glorious opportunity to level the match on 78 minutes when he found space in the box after good work from David Graham but his strike was inches past the post.

With ten minutes remaining Motherwell put the game out of the reach of their opponents, McHugh latched on to Randolph’s long ball and he found Chris Humphrey who coolly slotted the ball past Turner.

[tab:As it happened]

 Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

93mins – FULL TIME! Motherwell 3 – 1 Dunfermline.

90mins – 3 minutes added on time

85mins – 3,772 fans here tonight. ‘Well support brilliant. Special mention to the singing section in the east. They’ve never shut up!

83mins – A terrific night of entertainment at Fir Park. We’ve been superb with every player giving his all for the cause.

80mins – 3 – 1 The sub capitilises on a Higdon flick-on which McHugh brought down wonderfully. Cool finish from Chris.

GOOOOOOAL! HUMPHREY!

75mins – ‘WELL SUB: Law off, Humphrey on.

75mins –  DUNFERMLINE SUB: Buchanan off, Hardy on.

74mins – Willis unlucky with a left footed drive straight into Randolph’s arms.

71mins – Ojamaa has been tremendous tonight. Deserving of his ovation as he left the park.

71mins – WELL SUB: Ojamaa off for McHugh

65mins – And now a corner for the Pars. Well look a little rocked.

62mins: GOAL- Dunfermline, Andy Kirk

56mins — DUNFERMLINE SUB: Cardle off for Willis

52mins – It’s 2 – 0. Great work from Ojamaa lays in Lawsy who bangs in his first of the season. Great strike!

GOOOOOOAL! LAW!

46mins – Ball breaks to Jennings on the edge of the edge of the box but his volley bounces harmlessly past Turner’s post.

45mins – Teams are back out. No changes. Huge half for both teams. More of the same please boys!

HALF-TIME: And the half time whistle blows. ‘Well go in as 1-0 leaders.

45mins – 2 minutes added on.

43mins – Approaching half time. Few scares but to be expected with 10 men. Enthralling stuff. Can the ‘Well hold out?

37mins – Ironic cheers as he finally gives the home side a favourable decision. Free kick just inside the Pars half.

35mins – Alan Muir making no friends inside Fir Park tonight. The ‘Well faithful are furious with him!

34mins – Good spell of pressure from Dunfermline with 3 corners in a row, each seemingly resulting in a penalty claim for the Pars.

31mins – Clancy booked for a challenge on the edge of the box. Soft, is one way to describe that!

28mins – 1 – 0 ‘Well! Absolutely brilliant goal from the little Estonian. Quick foot work on the edge and a lovely curler into bottom corner.

GOAL! OJAMAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

26mins – DUNFERMLINE SUB: Barrowman off for Kirk

24mins – Uphill struggle for the Steelmen now with 10 men. Still, with 24 minutes on the clock, they are coping admirably and are arguably on top.

18mins – ‘WELL SUB: Tim Clancy on for Jamie Murphy.

17mins – RED CARD: Stephen Craigan – Referee Alan Muir seems to suggest a headbutt.

16mins – Cardle (I think) goes down in the box after minimal contact with Hutchinson, ref dismisses his half hearted claim

15mins – Ojamma flagged for offside denying what would have surely been a goal. Looked a tight one.

10mins – Ojamma breaks down the right hand side but his deflected cross trickles agonisingly across the box with no takers

5mins – Quiet start. Ojamaa making a nuisance of himself with energetic runs not quite coming off.

1min– And we’re off! ‘Well kick off. Come on!

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“We talked about before the game about how big an incentive Dunfermline had to win the game after their great result on Saturday but we had a massive incentive too.

“We were constantly reminded of how long it had been since we last won at home, tonight we scored three good goals and the players kept their energy levels up very well – it’s a happy but tired dressing room.”

Dunfermline manager Jim McIntyre:

“There’s a reason that we are bottom of the league and that is our consistency levels.

“When Motherwell went down to ten men that was the perfect chance to go and grab the game by the scruff of the neck, but we didn’t pass the ball well or play with enough tempo to force Motherwell into making mistakes.

“After you come off a result like the one we had on Saturday and with the early sending-off you hope that you can build on that but we were unable to do that tonight.”

 [tab:Man-of-the-match]

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