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Motherwell will make the long journey north to face top-of-the-table Inverness CT on Saturday.

Stadium Info:

Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club
The Tulloch Caledonian Stadium
East Longman
Inverness
IV1 1FF

Tel: 01463 222880
Web: www.ictfc.co.uk

By car

The stadium is located in the Longman area of Inverness, next to the Kessock Bridge, and so is very easy to find.

Head towards Perth on the M9 and take the first exit at Broxden roundabaout on to the A9. Then take the second exit at Inveraimond roundabout (signposted Inverness).

Continue on the A9 towards Inverness and take the third exit at Longman roundabout. The stadium will be clearly visible on the left.

Parking is available for visiting fans behind the South Stand, priced at just £1.00 per car.

By bus

Several operators run buses to Inverness, departing every hour from Buchanan Station in Glasgow city centre.

Further information and timetables are available online at www.citylink.co.uk.

The Motherwell Supporters Association will be running a combined Wishaw / Central bus to the match. contact Anne on 07878062614 / Andy on 07575238023 or email christopher_hutton@btinternet.com.

The Bellshill Branch are likely to run a minibus to the match too. If you would like to book a seat, contact Brian on 07763 061821.

By train

Inverness station is served by trains from Glasgow and is within walking distance of the ground.

Upon leaving the station, follow the signs for the car park and bus station. Cross through the car park, keeping the bus station on your left and on your right you can see a bridge crossing the railway line.

Go across the bridge and then continue straight ahead along Longman Road. Eventually you will reach the stadium on your left.

Further information and timetables are available online at www.scotrail.co.uk.

Traffic / Delays

Expect heavy traffic on the approach to the Kessock Bridge as renovation work continues. Delays can be as long as thirty minutes depending on the volume of traffic.

Tickets

Tickets for match are available from the ground priced at:

ADULTS: £21
CONCESSIONS: £16
JUVENILE: £10

• Concessions are senior citizens, Under 16s and 16 – 25 year olds. Please note there are no student concession tickets.
• Juveniles are listed as Under 12s.
• Please note that the 16 – 25 and Under 16s tickets must be pre-purchased from the ‘Away Ticket Kiosk’ at the Caledonian Stadium and not at the turnstile.
• Motherwell fans are welcome at the on-site Sports Bar for a pre-match refreshment.

A look back

Any Motherwell fan that made the long journey north last season would certainly have been treated to plenty of goals. Thirteen in fact… In just two matches!

We turned in arguably the performance of the season back in November as ‘Well swept to a 5-1 victory. Goals from Michael Higdon, Jamie Murphy, Adam Cummins, Henrik Ojamaa and Omar Daley gave the Fir Parkers the win while Richie Foran netted for the hosts.

Although the second match would prove fruitless in terms of points, the match was another incredible spectacle. Terry Butcher’s side roared into a 3-0 lead in the first thirty minutes but were pegged back by a Michael Higdon penalty and a James McFadden double.

Just as it looked as if ‘Well were going to go on and win, Ojamaa was sent off for a second bookable offence. To rub salt into the wounds, Billy Mackay scored with just three minutes left to give the Highlanders the win.

The Steelmen are once again running an exciting initiative that will let you get your message across in the matchday magazine.

Set up to help fund the Motherwell Academy, it is your chance to purchase a square or ‘box’ and in a specialised match page within our Steelmen match day magazine.

This section of the matchday magazine can be used by a supporter to place their own name into, the name of a loved one, an advertisement or even a message of support for the team.

Purchase a square at only £10 or Double Up on the Pitch for £20 guaranteed to feature in every single remaining match day programme.

Fans or businesses wanting a bit more can also purchase a single advertising space (shown in Claret or Amber in the diagram) for £50 for a small box or £100 for a Large Box in the Phil O’Donnell and East Stands, and £25 for small £50 for Large in the Davie Cooper Stand.

To buy a square for the new season, CLICK HERE TO BUY ONLINE. If you don’t want to do it that way, give the club a call on 10698 338001 or email commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Highlights from Fir Park as Motherwell U20s sink to a 4-2 defeat to Lanarkshire rivals Hamilton Accies.

-WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS ON MFC TV-

Jonatan Johansson was furious with his players in the aftermath of their 4-2 defeat by Hamilton Accies this evening.

The New Douglas Park side cruised the game and with a bit more composure in front of goal, could have won by more.

The first half in particularly was a real sore point for the Steelmen, who were second to just about every ball.

The former Finnish striker was visibly upset when speaking to MFC TV, particularly as ‘Well went into the match full of confidence after a good win at Rugby Park seven days ago.

[pullquote]It was a bit of an embarrassment, especially at the start of the game as I thought we were weak and slow.[/pullquote]

“It was a bit of an embarrassment, especially at the start of the game as I thought we were weak and slow,” he said.

“They were a lot sharper and at 3-0 after 25 minutes, it could have been a lot more. The game was lost by then and I’m very, very disappointed.

“I accept defeats but it’s about the manner we lost in and that is what disappoints me most because we were right up for it.

“Maybe a few got complacent and a with a few on the fringes of the first team, they forgot it’s hard work that it’s about.”

-WATCH HIS INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Graham Barnstaple at Fir Park

Motherwell’s first home match in the SPFL Under 20s ended in defeat as Hamilton Accies ran out 4-2 winners at Fir Park.

In truth, the result actually flattered the home side with Accies passing up countless opportunities to make the result more convincing, particularly in the first half.

The visitors had raced into a commanding 4-0 lead thanks to goals from Lee Kilday, Tony Andreu and an Andrew Ryan double.

Craig Moore pulled two back in the last twenty-five minutes to add some ounce of respectability but there can be no doubt, Accies thoroughly merited their win and were impressive throughout.

Jonatan Johansson was looking to build on the encouraging start at Kilmarnock last week and made two changes – Stuart Carswell and Fraser Kerr came into the side in place of David Ferguson and Chris Cadden.

However, ‘Well made the worst possible start when they fell a goal behind after just nine minutes. A free kick from Scott McMinn was bent into the box and met powerfully by the head of Lee Kilday to leave Ross Stewart in goal helpless.

‘Well tried to rally quickly but Lee Erwin’s long run into the box ended with him dragging a shot wide.

But the Accies were quick to get back on top with Anthony Andrew hitting the bar from 18 yards out before Eamonn Brophy headed narrowly wide.

The goal was only delayed to the 20th minute, Adam Cummins fouled Brophy at the edge of the box, and after initially give a free just outside the area the ref consulted with his linesman and awarded a penalty. Andrew Ryan took the kick and swept it home, sending Stewart the wrong way to double the lead.

Accies went three up three minutes later when a cross from the left was side footed home by Ryan from six yards out. It was all Accies at this stage with Craig Johnston shooting over from 18 yards and Ryan doing the same minutes later.

The closest the ‘Well came was a Fraser Kerr header which was acrobatically saved by keeper Blair Currie.

Any optimism the late chance gave was wiped away as Accies added a fourth goal only minutes after the re-start. A corner was half cleared to the edge of the box and Andrew’s shot wrong-footed Stewart.

Despite the visitors dominating possession it was the Well who scored next on 63 minutes.

Lee Erwin robbed the full-back and Craig Moore swept his cross home from a few yards out

Just as it looked as though the Accies would see out the game with a three-goal cushion, Motherwell pulled one more back in stoppage time.

Dom Thomas bent a corner to the back post where Moore was on hand to sweep home his second of the night.

It was a very bad night at the office for Motherwell who will look to bounce back against Dunfermline next week.

Motherwell: Stewart, Kerr (Higgins), Kellock, Cummins, Neill (Ferguson) Carswell, Leitch (Cadden) Erwin, Moore, Thomas, McCafferty.

Subs Not Used: Currie, Johnstone, Shirkie, Higgins, McNulty

Pictures: Craig Foy

Under 20s boss Jonatan Johansson says he is glad to be back at Fir Park as ‘Well face Lanarkshire neighbours Hamilton Accies tonight.

The young Steelmen have clocked up the miles in pre-season and kicked off the new SPFL Under 20s campaign with an impressive performance and victory at Kilmarnock seven days ago.

Now Johansson is hoping being back on home soil can inspire his kids in what is one of only two Lanarkshire derbies in 2013/14.

“I am really looking forward to getting back to Fir Park,” Johansson told MFC TV yesterday afternoon.

[pullquote]A local derby is always exciting no matter what level it is played at and it’s one we want our lads to enjoy.[/pullquote]

“Pre-season has gone well and to get a win in our opening match [against Kilmarnock last Tuesday] was really nice for everyone.

“We had some good games against Hamilton last year; we were perhaps lucky to take six points from two matches but hopefully we have a good performance and a win [tonight].

“As they are local and certain players know each other from different teams, I am sure both teams will be right up for it.

“A local derby is always exciting no matter what level it is played at and it’s one we want our lads to enjoy.”

-WATCH HIS INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

The U20s face Lanarkshire neighbours Hamilton Accies at Fir Park tomorrow in the first home match of the new season.

Jonatan Johansson’s men got off to a winning start last midweek with a 1-0 win at Rugby Park, substitute Steven Higgins netting the winner four minutes from time.

The 106-times capped former Finnish International striker will be looking to build on that when Accies make the short journey across the Clyde.

The Fir Parkers were successful in both of the matches last term, winning 3-1 at home before shading it away 3-2 in a match with four converted penalty kicks.

The match will take place at Fir Park Stadium, kick-off is 7pm.

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

A group of pensioners from Lanarkshire have shown they’re still game by setting up their own walking football team.

With help from the Motherwell Football Club Community Trust and North Lanarkshire Carers Together, Steel Game FC came together after a one-off game at Fir Park.

Although the side haven’t even finalised their training slot at Fir Park, the team are eagerly seeking out opposition to try out their walking football skills.

Among the newly formed squad is 70-year-old Ruth Gray from Motherwell.

She said: “Football is known for bringing people together and I know walking football certainly is inspiring unity here.

“You can tell because about half the team are women. We’ve been giving the guys a good run for their money, but at the end of the day we’re a close-knit squad – and we’d be delighted to take on any willing opponents.”

Fellow player Drew Weir, 72, added: “I’ve not kicked a ball in many a year, but it’s amazing how the touch comes back.

“The whole team are in their element. You can tell by the camaraderie and banter on the park.”

The original walking football event was organised by the multi-agency Reshaping Care for Older People (RCOP).

It aims to allow people to continue to live positive and independent lives by strengthening local communities.

Team organiser Melissa Keyes, of NLCT, reckons that walking football is an inventive new way of doing that.

She explained: “Walking football is becoming big for older people in England and Motherwell Football Club Community Trust wanted to set up a session to see how popular it is here.

“We issued an appeal for players last week and we were inundated with interest. There was an additional training session ahead of the actual event and we’ve now to put an 11-aside team together.”

She added: “People shouldn’t be fooled by the slower pace.

“Everyone is clearly bursting with passion for the beautiful game. The team are made of men and women and they’re eager to pit their skills against some opposition. They’re a competitive bunch.”

Andrew Gemmell, Football Development Officer from Motherwell’s Community Trust, has been leading the training sessions.

He said: “If I spot anyone running I award a foul. Sometimes I need to remind everyone of the rules – and even bring out the book for persistent offenders.”

Are you game enough to take on the might of Steel Game FC? Contact Motherwell Football Community Trust on 01698 239926 for more details.

Motherwell FC and Breathing Space, Scotland’s mental health helpline, have renewed their partnership for the 2013-14 season.

Steelmen boss Stuart McCall said: “I’m delighted that we have Breathing Space as our back of shirt sponsors for the third successive season.

“As a club we are committed to the health and welfare of our fans and the wider community; this partnership is testament to this commitment.

“Our staff and players will be promoting Breathing Space initiatives throughout the season. Low mood, anxiety and depression can affect us all throughout our lives, so raising awareness of this free helpline makes sense.”

Breathing Space National Coordinator, Tony McLaren, added: “We are looking forward to working closely with Motherwell FC again. The fans are most certainly at the heart of this club.

“We are confident that we will have another successful season of raising awareness of the helpline not only within Lanarkshire but across Scotland.”

Breathing Space handles more than 6000 calls each month.

The helpline is staffed by over 40 fully trained advisors who take calls relating to a wide range of issues including relationship difficulties, loneliness, isolation, stress, anxiety and bereavement.

Many people suffering from low mood and depression feel particularly bad in the evenings; as a result the helpline is open from 6pm to 2am Monday to Thursday and 24 hours at the weekend (6pm on Friday to Monday 6am).

If you think you need breathing space call 0800 83 85 87 or visit www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk for further information. A British Sign Language webcam service can be accessed from the website for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.