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[tab:Match report]

 Alan Burrows at St Mirren Park

A first-half John Sutton header handed ‘Well a deserved three points at St Mirren Park this afternoon.

The big striker notched his third in consecutive matches to give the Steelmen all three points in a match they were rarely troubled.

Indeed, with as many five good chances missed in the second half to kill the game off, the scoreline could have been more flattering.

At the other end, other than a comfortable stop from McGowan and a late scramble in the six-yard box, Saints offered little that would trouble Lee Hollis.

The win keeps Motherwell in third spot, a point behind Celtic and four behind leaders Inverness CT.

Stuart McCall was forced into one change from the side that beat Kilmarnock two weeks ago. Simon Ramsden would sit it out after his red card, his replacement in the side with Antiguan International Zaine Francis-Angol.

James McFadden would sit at the top of a midfield diamond, playing in behind Sutton and Estonian International Henri Anier, who started despite playing ninety minutes for his country on Tuesday night.

Both teams started positively and one flashed shots wide of the post. It took eight minutes for the game’s first real chance and it almost fell to Hammell, filling in at right back for the first time in his career.

His super cross from the flank almost found McFadden but was just too high. It continued on and almost bounced through and into the net, narrowly evading John Sutton who was charging in at the far post.

Motherwell had a fairly strong penalty claim turned down three minutes later when McAusland appeared to trip Sutton inside the area. On first viewing it certainly looked like a spot kick but referee Thomson was having none of it.

Steven Thompson fired narrowly wide for Saints and, at the other end, Anier blazed over after a quick-thinking Keith Lasley free-kick, as both teams searched for the opener.

There was a moment of huge controversy on the half-hour mark when Conor Newton broke through the Motherwell rearguard and was fouled by Keith Lasley on the edge of the box.

Inexplicably, Craig Thomson awarded a penalty despite the challenge clearly taking place at least a yard outside the area. The referee eventually made the correct call after consultation with assistant referee Alan Mulvanny, awarding a free-kick. Danny Grainger blazed the resultant free-kick high over the crossbar.

Hollis had to save well at the feet of Newton before ‘Well scored what turned out to be the winner seven minutes before the half-time interval.

Excellent link-up play between Iain Vigurs and Francis-Angol on the left allowed the latter space to hang up an inviting cross to the back post where Sutton rose highest to head his third goal of the season through David Cornell.

St Mirren started the second half at a high tempo as they tried to find a way back into the game, Newton immediately finding space in the Motherwell box before his shot was blocked by a combination of Stephen McManus and Shaun Hutchinson.

Motherwell absorbed the pressure before going on to create five good chances to kill the game off.

The first came after a free-flowing move resulted in Francis-Angol winning a corner. Vigurs’ floating delivery found Hutchinson on the penalty spot but his looping header hit the bar and dropped over.

This signalled a good spell for Motherwell in which the hesitant Cornell almost presented Sutton with an opening, James McFadden clipped over following more good work from Francis-Angol and Cornell made amends for his earlier mistake by saving well from Henri Anier after the Estonian had been put clean through by Vigurs.

The former Ross County midfielder then had a shot from just outside the box blaze over the bar when, give his quality and history of long-range efforts, he will have been disappointed to not hit the target.

St Mirren were finding it hard to get the ball forward now, and substitute Bob McHugh shot just wide shortly after replacing Anier on 70 minutes, latching on to Lasley’s pass after Grainger had presented him with the ball.

Having taken none of those chances, Saints pushed hard for a leveler in the closing stages but bar a McGowan shot straight at Hollis, a scramble in the six-yard box following a corner and late, later Goodwin free-kick that flashed way over, Saints couldn’t get that vital goal as the Steelmen held on for their first win in Paisley for two years.

[tab:As it happened]

Ally Reilly at St Mirren Park

‘Well take all three points home from Paisley #COYW

FT: St Mirren 0 – 1 Motherwell

Goodwin fires over!

93mins: Goodwin wins a free-kick 25 yards out. Going to be the last kick of the ball….

92mins: Big chance there as Teale curled the ball into the box. Sutton had to be alert and head wide for a corner!

3 minutes added on.

90mins: McLean inches away from meeting Teale’s cross! Let off.

87mins: Vigurs finds some space 30 yards out and tries his luck. Curled well over!

85mins: Final change of the day for ‘Well. Off comes Francis-Angol for Cummins.

879 ‘Well fans here today. Fantastic as usual!

81mins: St Mirren piling on the pressure! Cross from MacAusland just missed the head of Thompson.

Been an uneventful second half in terms of chances. last ten minutes, looking to hold on.

80mins: St Mirren sub, McLean on for Harkins.

74mins: Motherwell sub, McFadden off for Lawson.

73mins: Teale whips in a great ball but no takers as it drifts out for a throw-in

71mins: Another St Mirren sub, Caprice on for Grainger

St Mirren sub, Bahoken off for Reilly

67mins: Motherwell sub; McHugh on for Anier.

60mins: Anier has a great chance to make it 2 after Vigurs slid him in. From 15 yards, Cornell comes out to make a good block with his chest

58mins: Fantastic play from Francis-Angol to skin Teale on the wing and square to McFadden who stabs his shot just over.

55mins: Hutchinson hits the bar with a free header from a corner. So close to doubling the advantage!

50mins: St Mirren win a corner which McGregor misses at the far post. Scrappy start to this half.

We’re back underway here at St Mirren Park. COYW!!!!!

HT: St Mirren 0 – 1 Motherwell

1 minute added on to the first half.

Ball came in from the left and there was big Sutty to stick it by Cornell.

39mins: John Sutton has scored for ‘Well!! 0-1

GOALLLLL!!!

33mins: Hollis gathers at the feet of Newton who had bundled his way into the box and was about to pull the trigger!

30mins: Phew, linesman overturns the referee’s verdict of giving a penalty to St Mirren. It’s a free-kick on the edge now. Good decision.

28mins: Great football there from McFadden, Lasley and Carswell. The Captain’s final cross just evading Sutton in the box.

26mins: Hammell shoves over Bahoken for what is a clear free-kick, Should probably have been a booking too. …

20mins: Goodwin booked for using his hand to prevent the ball travelling through to Anier.

19mins: Hutchinson wins a header at the back post from Vigurs’ delivery. Loops just over.

16mins: Quick thinking by Lasley to chip the ball into Anier from a free-kick. He blazes it well over as he shot on the turn, though.

14mins: Hutchinson booked for winning the ball. Ref judged it a heavy challenge, I guess.

13mins: Danger as Gary Teale swings in a ball for Thompson. Heads it just over.

10mins: Claims of a push on Sutton inside the box. ‘Well players claimed, but ref waved it away. Hard to tell without another look.

9mins: Hammell just inches away from opening the scoring. His curled delivery was missed by McFadden and bounced just past!

8mins: Hutchison JUST gets his toe to the ball to poke it away from the onrushing Steven Thompson. Vital interception.

4mins: Another corner to St Mirren. Hollis does enough to clear from McGregor.

3mins; Lively start! McFadden was free in the box had Anier looked up after being slid in by Sutton. Instead, the ball runs out the park

2mins: And up the other end Francis-Angol wins Motherwell a corner. Ref judges Hutchinson had fouled upon deliver. FK to St Mirren.

1mins: Bahoken wins Saints an early corner, Which Thompson knocks well wide at the front post.

Anier and Lasley get us underway. #COYW

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“I thought we had a clear spot-kick on John Sutton that wasn’t given, and then they get one that thankfully the linesman intervened as he saw it was outside the box, and I believe that was the case, so at least they came to the right decision.

“I think it was a fair result on chances created. In the second half St Mirren were obviously going to come at us, but we hit the bar, had a one on one and another chance just wide, so chance-wise, I think that it was a deserved three points.”

St Mirren manager Danny Lennon:

“I felt that we got a lot of our own identity back today, there was a lot of pleasing stuff from us.We had a new formation that we worked hard on all week, and we dominated a lot of possession and got a lot of deliveries into their box.

“We still have to work on our end product though and the one and only ball we don’t deal with today, we find ends up in the back of our net.

“I am buoyant. Once again there will be a lot of focus on Danny Lennon’s managerial record and ability, but let me tell you, the only focus I have is to prepare this group of players mentally, physically and tactically for a very difficult game against Hibs next Saturday.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Tickets for Saturday’s match against St Mirren will be on sale from the ‘Away Ticket Kiosk’ at St Mirren Park.

Tickets are priced at:

• Concessions are OAPs, Under 18s, full-time students and the unemployed (with valid proof).
• Juveniles are listed as Under 12s.
• Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Sharon or John McCaskie on 01555 870122 or email disabledfans@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Stuart McCall has a selection headache ahead of tomorrow’s match with St Mirren with several defensive options missing.

Simon Ramsden will miss the match after his red card against Kilmarnock two weeks ago.

Fraser Kerr has also been ruled out through injury and youngster Euan Murray is still recovering from a hamstring knock.

And McCall admits he will have to promote some of the youth players to fill spots on the substitutes bench.

[pullquote]We obviously have some decisions to make on how we line up. We know it is going to be difficult against St Mirren; the matches between the two teams always seem to be very close.[/pullquote]

“Simon Ramsden is obviously suspended and the ready-made replacement, Fraser Kerr, is out with a bit of sciatica.

“Young Euan Murray is also still carrying a hamstring injury and, at the other end of the park, Lee Erwin is obviously out on loan.

“That means we will need to promote some of the young lads to sit on the bench.

“We obviously have some decisions to make on how we line up. We know it is going to be difficult against St Mirren; the matches between the two teams always seem to be very close.

“We weren’t able to beat them last season so the lads are keen to try and put that right tomorrow. Confidence is high; we have won the last two and we are obviously desperate to keep that run going.”

-WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Goalkeeper Lee Hollis has won the Cash Converters Player of the Month for August.

The 27-year old has had the unenviable task of replacing Darren Randolph between the sticks at Fir Park; but has made a great start, keeping two clean sheets from the first five SPFL Premiership fixtures during the month.

Included in that was a stunning last-minute double save against Kilmarnock that ensured ‘Well secured all three points against Allan Johnston’s side last time out.

Lee’s achievement is even more impressive when you consider he has the talented Faroe Islands International Gunnar Nielsen breathing down his neck for a first-team slot.

[pullquote]I am pleased with how things have gone for me personally but I always know there is great competition for places here and that’s healthy.[/pullquote]

The Player of the Month is voted for by the ‘Well fans on Cash Converters’ official SPFL Facebook page and Lee was handed the trophy by Shona Bryson and John Paul McCafferty.

Lee said: “I am absolutely delighted to win the award, particularly as it was voted for by our supporters.

“We have made a decent start to the season and it’s the challenge for all of us to try and maintain that during September and beyond.

“I am pleased with how things have gone for me personally but I always know there is great competition for places here and that’s healthy. It keeps everyone on their toes.

“I would like to thank the fans who voted for me and the sponsors, Cash Converters, for hosting the award.”

-WATCH THE INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Motherwell Under 20s are next in action this Tuesday when they take on St Mirren at Bathgate’s Creamery Park.

The youths will be aiming to put a halt to a poor run of four consecutive defeats.

Jonatan Johansson will take some encouragement from the way his side finished Monday’s match with Hibernian at Almondvale and will, no doubt, be encouraging his side to start the way they ended against David Longwell’s side.

Like ‘Well, Saints have had a difficult start to the campaign with just one win from their opening five matches. They sit one point and two places ahead of the Steelmen in the table, so there’s all to play for.

The match will take place at Bathgate Thistle’s Creamery Park with a 6pm kick-off. Entry to the match is free of charge.

>> Click Here for the Under 20s Fixtures & Results

>> Click Here for the Under 20s League Table

Tickets for the League Cup Third Round tie against Livingston at the Energy Assets Arena (Almondvale) can now be confirmed.

Tickets will be available on the gate priced at:

• Concessions are listed as Over 65s and  full-time students with a valid matriculation card.
• Juveniles are listed as Under 16s.
• Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Sharon or John McCaskie on 01555 870122 or email disabledfans@motherwellfc.co.uk

Please note that the match will take place on Wednesday 25th September 2013 – kick-off will be 7.45pm.

Skipper Keith Lasley believes the Well Society can further cultivate the togetherness that has helped the team to recent success.

Lasley is a member of the ‘Well Society and has filled in the 60-second online survey that was launched to help Motherwell fans to “Have Your Say” in the future of the club.

There is a separate survey for members and non-members as the Well Society looks to boost recruitment and make further progress on the way to securing the long-term financial security of the club and community ownership.

And Lasley is convinced the fan ownership model can help the team consolidate their consecutive top-three finishes.

The midfielder said: “We are all in together. We are trying to help the fans by entertaining them, the fans are trying to help us by giving us that extra yard.

“The Well Society adds another layer. You really are in it together because you have a part of the club and a share in the company. That can only help bring everyone together.

“Motherwell have done really well in recent years and I think one of the big plus points for the club as a whole is how close knit it is between the players and the fans and the people from the boardroom all the way down.

“New players who come to the club find it easy to settle in because there is a real good feeling within the club.

“The Well Society can bring everybody together and that can only be a good thing for the team.”

Fill in the survey by clicking one of the appropriate links below:

Members: CLICK HERE

Non-members: CLICK HERE

Get Involved – 5 a side tournament.

The Well Society are also delighted to announce the first ever Annual Five a Side tournament with the Well Society Trophy at Stake.

When: Saturday 12th October, 1:30pm-4:30pm

Where: Fir Park Astro Turf

Conditions: 5 a side, maximum 7 players per team (5 players + 2 subs)
Entry £50 per team.
Participants must be 16 years & over.

The competition is open to Non-members as well as Members

What’s at stake: The Well Society Trophy + £150 cash for winning team.

Tournament Structure: The tournament is restricted to 16 teams participating & they will be split into 4 groups of 4. The top 2 teams from each group will then go through to the knockout phase / quarter final.

Register your team by sending the details to wellsociety@motherwellfc.co.uk

Highlights from Almondvale as Motherwell U20s late comeback was not enough to stop them losing 2-1 to Hibernian.

-WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Jonatan Johansson bemoaned a poor first-half as ‘Well Under 20s lost for the fourth successive match.

The Steelmen were completely out of sorts in the first forty-five and found themselves 2-0 down at the interval.

A late charge, brought about after a super Steven Higgins goal, almost yielded a leveler but Hibs held on for all three points.

Former Charlton striker Johansson was left to count the cost of his side’s slow start but did praise his side’s determination.

“It’s an old cliché but it was a game of two halves,” he told MFC TV after the match.

[pullquote]The first half was really, really poor. You can’t play football without confidence, without wanting the ball, helping each other out and wanting to run.[/pullquote]

“The first half was really, really poor. You can’t play football without confidence, without wanting the ball, helping each other out and wanting to run.

“It’s just basic, basic stuff and we just didn’t show up.

“However, in the second half, I was quite happy. We played against a good side away from home and really applied ourselves.

“We were brave and created some chances, especially in the last 15-20 minutes where we pushed them back and could have equalised.

“I have to be happy with the second half, although it is frustrating that in the first half we never showed up and looked like we were scared and feeling sorry for ourselves.”

-WATCH THE INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Despite a late charge, Motherwell Under 20s went down 2-1 to Hibernian at Almondvale this evening.

The hosts completely dominated the first-half and were well worthy of their 2-0 lead, thanks to goals from Cody Mulhall and Jason Cummings.

The Steelmen rarely threatned until a moment of brilliance from Steven Higgins got the Fir Parkers back in it with fifteen minutes left on the clock.

‘Well threw everything at it in search of leveler but it wouldn’t come, leaving Jonatan Johansson to pick the bones out of a fourth successive defeat.

The Finn opted to mix it up again after the Ross County defeat last Tuesday. Currie, McNulty, Cummins, Ainsworth, McHugh and Thomas all dropped out, replaced by Stewart, Kellock, Hall, Johnstone, Higgins and Cadden.

It was a quiet opening and it took the home side almost ten minutes to pierce through the Steelmen rearguard. Euan Smith and Ross Caldwell teamed up down the right but the striker’s shot would fizz just wide of the post.

However, it was merely a warning shot across the bow as, with their next meaningful attack, Hibs scored the games’ opening goal.

Smith was again involved, finding space on the right wing before sending a teasing cross into the middle. It skidded thought to Mulhall who took a touch before slotting it past the despairing Stewart.

It could have gone from bad to worse just minutes later when Mulhall turned provider for Cummings but his snapshot hit the outside of the post and wide for a goal kick.

Hibs were well in control, dominating possession and forcing Motherwell to knock it long for the helpless Higgins, who wasn’t able to feed off scraps from his more experienced opponents James McPake and Alan Maybury.

The hosts passed up further chances when Smith dragged a shot wide of the post after a poor clearance and Mulhall fired over after a terrific ball across the face of goal.

Hibs did eventually grab a second goal two minutes before the interval, although there was a slice of good fortune attached to it.

Cummings collected on the right before cutting inside to take the shot on. It flicked off the unlucky Ross Kellock to take it past the helpless Ross Stewart and into the net.

Jack Leitch had Motherwell’s first effort on goal with what was virtually the last kick of the half, but dragged it inches wide of the post.

It brought to an end a terrible first forty-five for the Claret and Amber men.

They did, however, start the second half on the front foot and almost got back into things when David Ferguson got on the end of a Leitch corner but couldn’t get anything behind his close-range shot and the chance was gone.

Hibs had one or two half chances to kill the game; Cummings knocked it wide after bursting clear of the ‘Well defence and Caldwell blazed over from the edge of the area.

As the game approached the last quarter, Motherwell pulled one back in spectacular circumstances via Steven Higgins.

The little striker, who has had to be patient in recent weeks, got on the end of a Ferguson pass. He took an exquisite first touch and, with his back to goal, sent a deft lob over the scrambling Horne and into the net.

It transformed Johansson’s men. For 75 minutes they hadn’t mustered anything in the way of an attacking threat, but would dominate for the closing stages.

Ferguson sent a curling shot straight into the arms of Horne, Moore flashed a free kick over the bar before sending a shot agonisingly wide of the far post after outpacing McPake on the edge of the area.

In the end, if was too little, too late as the home side held out for a deserved victory. Motherwell will now look to try and get their season back on track against St Mirren next Tuesday.

Motherwell: Stewart, Ferguson, Kellock (Shirkie – 67mins), Hall, Neill, Leitch, McCafferty, Johnstone (Thomas – 53mins), Moore, Higgins, Cadden

Subs Not Used: Long, McCall, Anderson, Mackin