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Several Motherwell players were in action over the last week in the latest round of international fixtures.

Full-back ZAINE FRANCIS-ANGOL was again capped for Antigua and Barbuda as they lost to both the USA and Jamaica.

The Benna boys were desperately unlucky against the States, losing to a late, late Eddie Johnson goal. However, Jamaica were too strong when the sides met in Kingston last night, Theodore Whitmore’s men running out comfortable 4-1 winners.

Goalkeeper DARREN RANDOLPH had to be content with a place on the bench as the Republic of Ireland enjoyed mixed fortunes. Giovanni Trapattoni’s men were thrashed 6-1 in Dublin by a rampant Germany side but got back to winning ways in the Faroe Islands yesterday, winning 4-1.

HENRIK OJAMAA won his seventh and eighth cap for Estonia as the Sinisärgid lost to Hungary before beating minnows Andorra. Ojamaa started in Tallin but a single Tamas Hajnal gave the Hungarians all three points. The 21-year old was a late substitute for Tarmo Kink last night in the 1-0 win in the Estadio Comunal de Aixovall.

On-loan Birmingham City defender FRASER KERR played both matches as Scotland U21s played a double-header in Marbella against the USA and Canada. The US won the first match 2-0 but Billy Stark’s side got back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory of their own, goals coming from Armstrong and Watt.

Extended highlights from Fir Park as the Motherwell Under 20s go down 3-2 to table-toppers Dundee United.

-WATCH HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUIVELY ON MFC TV-
(Audio Summary from Gordon Duncan)

Under 20s boss Jonatan Johansson was left frustrated as once again his side turned in a decent showing but slipped to a narrow 3-2 defeat at the hands of Dundee United this evening.

Not for the first time this campaign, the young Steelmen displayed glimpses of attacking prowess but were hamstrung by defensive frailties.

United raced into a two goal lead, Hilson and Ferguson firing the visitor’s in-front on the hour mark. Craig Moore reduced the arrears before Jordan Moore secured the points in the ninetieth minute. There was still enough time for Bob McHugh to thunder home a consolation but Stevie Campbell’s side hung on for all three points.

Johansson was pleased with his players’ application but disappointed ‘silly’ goals once again cost his side dearly.

[pullquote]I don’t want to be negative but at the same time you’ve got to go through the goals and analyze why they happen. It’s something we need to change but we’ll work on it as a team.[/pullquote]

“It was a good game to watch,” said the former Charlton striker.

“We looked really good with the ball and they anybody who comes to our game will enjoy themselves but we go back to some negatives and unless we cut out the silly goals, we are not going to win games.

“You can’t lose two or three goals and expect to win games. We are a bit short at the back, and although the two fullbacks did a good job they are not natural defenders. No excuses but we concede far too easy goals at this level.

“Their first two goals were assists from our players and that is disappointing. I don’t want to be negative but at the same time you’ve got to go through the goals and analyze why they happen. It’s something we need to change but we’ll work on it as a team.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ONLY ON MFC TV-

Motherwell U20s went down 3-2 to Dundee United in an entertaining match at Fir Park this evening.

Both teams were level at the interval but it was United who drew first blood, Dale Hilson latching on to a long ball to slot under the advancing LEE HOLLIS.

Stevie Campbell’s side made it two on the hour with a superbly taken goal from Ryan Ferguson who curled a belter high into the top right corner.

The Steelmen hit back quickly though and CRAIG MOORE bagged his fourth of the season when he capitalised on some slack United defending.

The match was held up for five minutes after Willy Robertson had to be stretchered off with a nasty head injury.

United secured all three points on the ninetieth minute when Jordan Moore slid home from close range.

There was still enough time for BOB McHUGH to smash home a late consolation deep into injury time but it wasn’t enough as the Steelmen remain in eleventh position.

Jonatan Johansson’s young side were looking to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat at East End Park last time out, where Bob McHugh’s opener was cancelled out by strikes from veteran forward Craig Drago and Alex Whittle.

The Finn made just one change from the side that started against Dunfermline, FRAZER JOHNSTONE coming in for MORGYN NEILL with ADAM ASGHAR moving to right back and ADAM CUMMINS partnering EUAN MURRAY at centre back.

The game started vibrantly with United passing the ball about well. Hilson should have done better than sclaff his effort when weaving his way in to the box for the visitors, after carving out the best of the early chances.

Moore then almost put ‘Well ahead slightly against the run of play, after beating John Souttar to a bouncing ball. He clipped his effort over the onrushing United goalkeeper, but looked on in vain as the ball was scrambled off the line.

JOSH WATT then forced Anderson in to a fine save after cutting in from the left, with Moore offside as he tried to prod in the rebound.

Down the other end and Ryan Ferguson then brought Hollis in to action for the first time, with the Steelmen stopper blocking with his feet as the United midfielder hared in to the box. Hilson’s follow up on the loose ball was also dealt with easily by the former Airdrie ‘keeper.

The visitors came closest to taking the lead when Jordan Moore rose in the box to bullet Ross Gilmour’s cross off the post. The striker will perhaps feel he should have netted given the time and space he had so close to goal. Watt then found Anderson in inspired form once more as he tested the away goalie with a vicious hit from 30 yards, which the keeper beat out at full stretch.

As the half came to a close, Hilson almost gave the away side the lead, but dragged his effort just wide of Hollis’ left hand post after making space at the edge of the box.

Where chances were squandered in the first half, they were duly tucked away in the second, as the fans were treated to a five goal thriller in the remaining 45 minutes.

United took the lead when a long ball over the top came off the head of Cummins and fell perfectly for Hilson. The striker still had it all to do but he kept his composure and stroked the ball past the oncoming Hollis and in off the post.

The lead was doubled a few minutes later when a wayward strike from Willy Robertson deflected off Murray and straight to the feet of Ryan Ferguson. The blonde-haired midfielder curled a pearler up and over Hollis from just inside the box. Having taken their chances, United were now 2-0 up, but they quickly saw their lead halved, after a defensive mix up allowed Craig Moore an opportunity.

A poor looking pass forward from STEVIE HETHERINGTON split two defenders, and as Moore managed to stay onside he beat Anderson at the front post from an angle to bring his side right back in to it.

With the game poised at 1-2 to the visitors, the hosts sensed they could get back in to the game, but despite the best efforts of Watt and Moore in trying to create, a leveller could not be found.

The game was delayed in the final ten minutes after a sickening clash of heads between United’s Souttar and Robertson saw the latter knocked out cold, and taken off the pitch on a stretcher. No sooner had the game resumed than United sealed the win with a third goal.

Hilson showed his strength and pace to outrun Asghar going in to the box, before laying a slide rule pass on a plate for Jordan Moore to tuck home from six yards, making it 1-3 to the Arabs.

There was still time for another goal though as McHugh timed his run on to Watt’s weighted pass to perfection before blasting past Anderson to bring the game back within a one goal margin.

The injury time for the head knock ticked over, as United ran out 3-2 victors at the end of a great game of football.

Motherwell: Hollis, Asghar (Shirkie – 90), Leitch, Murray, Cummins, Hetherington, McCafferty, Johnstone (Thomas – 79), McHugh, Watt, Moore

Subs Not Used: Stewart, Green, Neill

Goals: Moore (62), McHugh (90)

Booked: Hetherington, Murray

Jonatan Johansson’s Under 20s return to action tonight when they take on high-flying Dundee United at Fir Park.

The young ‘Well will be looking to get back to winning ways after losing out narrowly at East End Park last Tuesday.

The Arabs are two points clear at the top of the new U20s table with six wins from eight matches.  They cemented their spot after beating St Mirren 5-2 at Glebe Park on Tuesday night.

Jordan Moore hit a hat-trick and Scott Smith and Willie Robertson were also on target.

All the ingredients are there for a top match. You are encouraged to come along and support the young Steelmen side (kick-off: 7pm) with prices set at:

SEASON PRICES:

Adults and Concessions:

Season book holders or Well Society membership: £2
Standard: £3

Under 16:

Season book holders or Well Society membership: £1
Standard: £2

If you cannot make the game, MFC TV will have full live commentary from Fir Park. A full match report, pictures, reaction and highlights will also be available on the official site after the match.

Next up to try his hand at the MFCTV 10-yard bucket challenge this season is flying winger Chris Humphrey.

The Jamaican internationalist, who by the looks of things has never swung a golf club in his life before, follows in the recent footsteps of Gordon Marshall and Michael Higdon in the quest to knock Shaun Hutchinson off the top of the leaderboard.

Stevie Hammell is third with 42 behind Gordon Marshall and Hutchy whilst Jamie Murphy is now out of the top four and therefore has no chance of scooping a fourball at one of Scotland’s top courses as a prize.

-WATCH CHRIS CHIP IN ONLY ON MFC TV-

Motherwell’s match with Dundee Utd, postponed on Saturday due to a regional power failure, will now go ahead on Wednesday 7th November with a 7.45pm kick off.

Fans who are in possession of a ‘Match Abandoned’ voucher will use it enter the re-arranged match or, if you are unable to attend, to receive a full refund.

Anyone seeking a refund should contact Motherwell Ticket Office Manager Wendy MacFarlane direct by close of business on Tuesday 16th October 2012.

Her contact details are:

Telephone: 01698 333333 (ext 212)
Email: wendy.macfarlane@motherwellfc.co.uk

Please note that entry for this game will be by Match Abandoned Voucher only, pay at the turnstiles or by tickets purchased at the ticket office.

>> UPDATED FIXTURE LIST

Motherwell Football Club are giving Season Ticket holders the chances to upgrade to Centenary hospitality for just £25.

Ann and Bill Steven hold season tickets for the East Stand but booked a pre-match meal for our game versus Celtic at the weekend.

Ann said “The meal was efficiently served and the staff were all very attentive and very warming, especially on a day like Saturday; the food was absolutely delicious.

“We had plenty of time to enjoy our meal and were in our own seats in the East Stand in plenty of time for kick-off.

“I’d recommend the season ticket upgrade, fantastic value for money and very enjoyable.”

To upgrade your Season Ticket for this weekend’s match against Dundee United, contact Diane Harvey on 01698 338062 or email commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk.