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[tab:Match report]

Gavin McCafferty at Tannadice

Lionel Ainsworth struck a glorious first goal for Motherwell to earn a 2-2 draw against Dundee United at Tannadice.

The on-loan Rotherham winger hit a superb long-range strike in the 76th minute, on his second appearance off the bench, after Dundee United had cancelled out Henri Anier’s opener with two goals in four minutes early in the second half.

Anier’s well-executed volley had given the visitors a deserved lead on the half-hour mark but United, who were without Gary Mackay-Steven, got going soon after following a slow start and Nadir Çiftçi and Andrew Robertson both exploited space down Motherwell’s right-hand side.

Each team had come into the match on form with Motherwell on a three-match winning streak and United having hit eleven goals in their previous four games and they both pushed for a winner in an exciting finale.

Motherwell started well and their first real chance came inside eight minutes when Stephen McManus met Iain Vigurs’ corner with a diving header, but the defender sent it wide of the far post from 10 yards.

Anier’s strength and movement was causing problems for United’s defence and he got his first sight of goal when he ran on to Vigurs’ pass and struck a vicious left-footed effort on the run, which just cleared the bar.

The breakthrough came as a result of a powerful run down the left wing by Zaine Francis-Angol. The Antiguan International got away from Ryan Dow just inside United’s half and got to the penalty box before cutting across John Rankin to cut the ball back.

The delivery was far from easy for Anier to take but the on-loan Viking Stavanger forward chested the ball down and repositioned his body perfectly to fire a powerful left-footed volley beyond Radoslaw Cierzniak’s outstretched hand from around the penalty spot.

Motherwell went on the hunt for more goals and John Sutton met Ramsden’s cross before the near post but could not steer the ball on target.

United, who barely got a kick in the first forty-five, responded in the latter stages of the half as Çiftçi set up two chances.

The first fell for Dow but the midfielder never looked confident and volleyed well over and Stuart Armstrong then dragged a left-footed shot wide of the far post from 15 yards after getting in front of Ramsden.

United stepped up a gear after half-time and equalised in the 53rd minute after Motherwell had defended a series of corners.

With Ramsden breaking down the right, Keith Lasley and then Shaun Hutchinson saw balls forward cut out. Ciftci peeled into the space on the left and collected the pass from John Rankin to fire an angled drive underneath Lee Hollis and into the net.

Motherwell were playing without a wide-right midfielder and United exploited the same space to take the lead. Robertson picked the ball up midway inside his own half and ran unchallenged before unleashing a 25-yard strike that nestled inside the far corner.

Well boss Stuart McCall rectified that situation by bringing on Ainsworth for Vigurs and Lasley came so close to equalising on 65 minutes when he curled a 30-yard free-kick off the inside of the post.

Çiftçi set up another chance but Hollis held after Armstrong slid in to stab the ball towards goal.

Anier had a 20-yard curler held before making way for McFadden, but it was the other substitute who immediately stole the show.

Ainsworth controlled a second ball from a Hollis goal kick and fired a powerful 25-yard strike inside Cierzniak’s near top corner.

United manager Jackie McNamara made an ambitious double switch as he brought on strikers David Goodwillie and Brian Graham for Dow and Ryan Gauld, while moving Çiftçi to wide right.

But Motherwell were not satisfied with a point either and Sutton headed just wide following an up-and-under in the 89th minute before Goodwillie elected to head the ball back to a team-mate when presented with a stoppage-time chance.

[tab:As it happened]

Ally Reilly at Tannadice

FT: Dundee Utd 2 – 2 Motherwell. Entertaining game!

90mins: Lasley booked for crunching down Goodwillie

90mins: 3 minutes added on.

88mins: Sutton inches away from winning it for ‘Well! Ball fell to him 10 yards out and he headed just wide.

87mins: Utd sub, Ciftci off for Oyenuga

85mins: Utd charge up the pitch and win a corner of their own. Great header from Hutcinson to divert the danger

83mins: Free-kick in Lasley territory…. ends with a corner.

80mins: Utd subs: Goodwillie and Graham on for Gauld and Dow

77mins: Ciftci booked for leaving a boot in on Hollis

75mins: Lionel has absolutely pinged one in from 30 yards! A screamer!

75mins: GOOOOAAALLLL!! WHAT A GOAL FROM LIONEL AINSWORTH!!!!

74mins: Motherwell sub, McFadden on for Anier

73mins: Motherwell coming back into the game a little as they search for the equaliser. ….

69mins: Todays attendance is 5808

67mins: Great chance again for Utd! This time it is Armstrong on the end of Ciftci’s cross. Thankfully it’s straight at Hollis.

65mins: Free-kick won by Sutton about 35 yards out. ….Lasley thumps it off the post! Great effort!

62mins: Motherwell sub, Ainsworth on for Vigurs

56mins: GOAL!: Utd make it two through Robertson! Far too easy again to get forward and get his shot away. Good finish though

52mins: GOAL! Utd equalise through Ciftci! Seemed to have far too much space to move into and rifled his shot past the helpless Hollis

47mins: Utd start the half with a succession of corners. ‘Well defence holds strong!

Back underway here for the second half. #COYW

HT: Dundee Utd 0 – 1 Motherwell

43mins: Bit of a let off there just before half-time as Rankin powers into the box but can only drag his shot wide.

38mins: Dow should really have done better after Ciftci’s header down to him in the box. Volleys well over from 10 yards

36mins:Ramsden goes on a run up front, eventually getting the ball across to Sutton. The big striker can only volley wide from a tight angle

30mins: 1-0 to Motherwell

GOAALL!! Stunning goal from Motherwell Absolutely superb run from Francis-Angol to get into the box,. He cuts it back to Anier who finishes in style!

17mins:Lively looking start for ‘Well! Anier goes very close again with a left footed shot on the edge of the box after Vigurs sent him clear

14mins: Patient build-up play from Vigurs and Lasley eventually releases Anier. His cross is deflected into the arms of Cierzniak

11mins: Good play from Anier to win ‘Well a corner…..Utd clear the danger.

8mins: Big Sutty almost hits the corner flag with his shot from 25 yards. He’ll know he can do better.

7mins: McManus’ diving header from 10 yards flashes just past from Vigurs’ corner!

5mins: Not a lot to speak of so far! As I type, Lasley see’s his effort from 25 yards sail well over

1min: Underway here at Tannadice. Internet seems slow but will do our best! Motherwell playing in their black away top with white shorts and socks, Utd in their usual Orange and black.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“There were four great goals, but the two goals we lost were so disappointing. The second one we let the kid run 50 yards. In fairness to him it’s a good finish but we have got to close the ball.

“I’m disappointed with the way we let them get back into it, although they deserved it with the way they played. We certainly deserved the equaliser and then both teams just went for it.

“(Ryan) Gauld needed looking after in the pockets so we had to play one extra in the middle of the park. But I just don’t like playing one up on their own. We had to go lopsided and play without a natural right-sider.

“We knew the left-back would be an outlet, hence my anger at letting him come so far down the park because we had been warned about that.

“I have left Zaine Francis-Angol out twice now after two good performances and I thought he was our best player against St Mirren and deserved to keep his place. It was nothing detrimental against James.”

Dundee Utd manager Jackie McNamara:

“In the first half, they dominated us. It took us 40 minutes to win our first header in the centre of defence.

“I’m delighted with the spirit in the second half, to come back like that.”

“I think in the end, it’s two points lost. I thought we were terrific in the second half and [Stuart] Armstrong could have put the game to bed to go 3-1 up, but unfortunately he side-footed into the keeper.

“The lads battled well to go 2-1 up. I thought it was a good match, a lot of energy throughout the match. Motherwell started the game well with good energy.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Highlights from  this morning’s game at Bayview where Motherwell u20s progressed to the second round of the youth cup with a win over East Fife

-WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Motherwell finally excised their Bayview ghosts from last season with a comfortable 3-0 win in the SFA Youth Cup.

Jonatan Johansson’s men crashed out the Cup at the first stage last season with perhaps the most disappointing performance of the campaign.

Two first half goals from Craig Moore made sure there was to be no repeat of last season’s shock result. A further goal in the second half from Liam Anderson secured progression to the next round.

Motherwell almost made the best possible start to the game when Craig Moore was sent clean through in the second minute but chipped his left foot shot wide of the post. The little striker made amends five minutes later when he did open the scoring.

A Steven Higgins cross to the far post was turned back into the six yard box by Paul McCafferty for Moore was on hand to stab the ball home from close range.

Young McCafferty almost turned provider again only minutes later but Moore could only scoop his cross over the bar.

Moore came close again mid way through the half when he hooked a Jack Leitch free-kick wide of the front post. Higgins should’ve doubled the lead when he burst into the box but shot wide from a tight angle.

It was all Motherwell by now and the second eventually came in the 29th minute and once again Moore was the scorer. He ran on to a Dom Thomas through ball and rounded the keeper before slamming home with his left foot.

The home side almost pulled one back just before the break but Ritchie Hutton could only shoot over from a tight angle after being sent clear.

Moore could have added two more in the early stages of the second half, firstly he chested a Thomas wide at the front post. His second chance also came from a Thomas cross this time he headed narrowly wide at the back post.

The sides swapped long-range efforts with Daryl Falconer’s effort for the home side not troubling Ross Stewart in the ‘Well goal. At the other end, centre-half Nathan Doig blocked Thomas’ goalbound effort.

With less than ten minutes to go, Motherwell finally made it three. Sub Liam Anderson latched on to a loosed ball twelve yards out and smashed a left-foot volley high into the net.

This was the final action of the game and Motherwell can now look forward to the draw for the next round having put this tricky tie behind them.

Motherwell: Stewart, Ferguson, Cadden, Hall, Neill, Leitch, McCafferty (McCall – 85mins) Thomas, Moore, Shirkie, Higgins (Anderson – 71mins) subs: Currie, Macken

Subs Not Used: Currie, Mackin

Stuart McCall is predicting a close encounter when two of the league’s form teams meet at Tannadice on Sunday.

Dundee United host the Steelmen with both teams going into the match after some encouraging recent results.

The Tangerines have won three of the last four, only losing to Champions Celtic, and have scored eleven goals in the process.

‘Well are on the back of three consecutive wins which have pushed them to third in the table.

It is so finely poised ahead of the match and McCall is expecting a tight affair.

[pullquote]People would probably say that we both made slow starts but have come into a bit of form in recent weeks.[/pullquote]

“Both teams have had an overhaul of players during the summer,” he told Motherwell’s weekly media conference.

“People would probably say that we both made slow starts but have come into a bit of form in recent weeks.

“It’s a place we have been fortunate enough to have had good results in recent years, and hopefully we can do so again.

“Make no mistake; it will be a tough one. They have been free-scoring lately and have talents in the attacking department that can hurt anyone.

“However, we have a plan in place and will go there on Sunday in confident mood, looking for the win.”

-WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Skipper Keith Lasley has challenged his teammates to continue their good run of form when they face Dundee United this Sunday.

The Fir Parkers have won their last three matches, disposing of Partick Thistle, Kilmarnock and St Mirren respectively.

One theme that has been consistent through those matches has been the amount of chances ‘Well have struggled to convert, making for a somewhat nervy ending.

And the veteran midfielder admitted the players themselves are keen to show more of a ruthless streak in forthcoming matches.

“We have been pleased with how results have gone but the one criticism of ourselves, in the dressing room, is the need to be a little more ruthless,” he told the gathered press at Motherwell’s weekly news conference.

“We’ve had a fair amount of chances to kill teams off; you think back to the two home games against Partick Thistle and Kilmarnock and in both those occasions, we have opportunities to extend our lead, and make it a little more comfortable in the closing stages.

[pullquote]It is obviously going to be very tough against Dundee United on Sunday, but there is certainly a real desire and belief amongst the lads to keep our little run going.[/pullquote]

“We just need to make sure that when we are on top in matches, we need to take advantage that little bit more than we currently are.

“That being said, we have been delighted to take nine points from the last three matches, particularly as it came after a couple of disappointing results against Aberdeen and Inverness.

“It is obviously going to be very tough against Dundee United on Sunday, but there is certainly a real desire and belief amongst the lads to keep our little run going.”

-WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

There are still Home, Away and Euro sponsorship opportunities available for the 2013/14 season.

With the arrival of Lionel Ainsworth and Henri Anier, along with the emergence of some of our younger talent in to the first-team, this is your chance to own a piece of Motherwell history.

As a sponsor, your name or company name will be listed in our award-winning matchday magazine and on the official club website – motherwellfc.co.uk.

Your name will be highlighted by our PA announcer alongside that of your chosen player on a matchday if he is selected in the first-team; fantastic exposure for any small business or as a special gift to the ‘Well fan in your life!

At the end of the campaign, you will be invited to the annual sponsor’s evening.

Mix and mingle with Motherwell stars from the past and present before your chosen player joins you at your table for dinner and later, presents you with his jersey.

The evening also includes a fabulous three-course meal, an intimate Q & A with the Management Team, as well as entertainment from Fir Park favourite, Tam Cowan.

To check the outstanding availability and purchase online, please CLICK HERE.

For more information or to sponsor a player please contact 01698 338008, email (including your contact telephone number) commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Join us for an amazing night of music as Alan Walker performs his sensational Robbie Williams Tribute act.

Alan is a multi-talented tribute act artist with many years of experience and his accurate and energetic tribute to the former Take That star is sure to be a huge hit.

For just £20 per person you will be treated to Robbie’s biggest solo hits throughout the years and a delicious three course meal in the atmospheric Centenary Suite at Fir Park.

It’s a perfect night out for the ladies – come along on Friday 18th October at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

You can book your place online now by clicking here. Alternatively, phone the club on 01698 333333.

Referee for this Sunday’s Scottish Professional Football League Premiership clash with Dundee Utd at Tannadice is Kevin Clancy.

With the season only recently kicking off, it will come as no surprise to learn that it’s Kevin’s first Motherwell match of the new campaign.

It would have been his second but he was replaced at the last minute ahead of our clash with Aberdeen last month, replaced by John Beaton, after a hectic midweek European jaunt.

Coincidentally, his last Motherwell match was against Aberdeen, at Pittodrie, back in March when the teams drew a blank in a 0-0 draw.

It was one of two ‘Well fixtures the 29-year old took charge of last season, his other being the 2-1 away win at Dundee when Michael Higdon bagging a double as Stuart McCall’s men came back from a losing position to pick up all three points.

His only other Motherwell match was in the 2011/12 Scottish Cup, where he was the man in the middle as the Fir Parkers demolished Queen’s Park 4-0, a certain Henrik Ojamaa smashing home a debut goal.

His overall record in charge of Motherwell reads three matches in total, Motherwell winning two and drawing one. ‘Well have scored six and conceded just the one. There have been six cautions dished out in those three matches, five of them to a man wearing Claret and Amber and zero dismissals.

He had a busy season in 2012/13, with some high profile matches including Celtic’s 5-0 win over Dundee at Celtic Park, Spain U17s wins against both Poland and Azerbaijan and the UEFA Europa League qualifier between Inter Baku and JK Trans Narva of Estonia.

Already this term he has taken charge of Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s opening day win over St Mirren in the highlands with Saints reduced to ten men after David van Zanten was sent for an early bath. That and Hibs 2-1 win at Rugby Park a few weeks ago.

Coincidentally, Kevin was in Russia the same time ‘Well faced Kuban Krasnodar. He was appointed to take charge of FC Rubin Kazan vs Randers in the second leg tie of the 3rd Qualifying Round of the Europa League

He has also been in Croatia on Europa League duty when he handled Lokomotiva Zagreb’s match with Dinamo Minsk, managed by ex ‘Well defender Bob Maaskant. The Belarusian side ran out 3-2 winners.

Slightly less glamorous, he also had Dundee’s 1-0 win over Alloa in the Ramsden’s Cup two weeks ago.

Kevin will be ably assisted by Graham Chambers and Douglas Rose with George Salmond handed 4th Official duties.

Highlights from Creamery Park in Bathgate where goals from Dom Thomas and Craig Moore saw off St Mirren U20s 2-0.

-WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Jonatan Johansson paid tribute to the first-team players who helped ‘Well to their first win in six weeks.

The Finn had the luxury off adding the likes of Paul Lawson, Lionel Ainsworth and Adam Cummins to his squad and all three contributed to a much better showing from the young Steelmen side.

That additional experience, coupled with some fine individual performances from the likes of Ross Stewart and Jack Leitch, laid the foundations for the success.

And Johansson hopes the win will help kick-start the season ahead of Sunday’s SFA Youth Cup clash with East Fife.

[pullquote]There were a lot of players that have played their best game for me, and they were helped by the first team players who came here to play tonight on a difficult surface with no complaints.[/pullquote]

Speaking to MFC TV, Johansson said: “There were a lot of players that have played their best game for me, and they were helped by the first team players who came here to play tonight on a difficult surface with no complaints.

“It was a very professional performance.

“We’ve got players who have great delivery from set-pieces and that showed tonight when Leitch put the ball in for our first goal. It was great for Dom to get it and it settled us down as it was a little scrappy before that; it helped give us a platform to build on.

“The second goal was a great goals and great work again from Dom. There was a good deep run from Lawson to open it up and we don’t do that often enough. Dom saw that run and although he didn’t play it to him, he used it as a decoy, cut inside and did really well to slide in Moore who had a great finish.

“We can now look ahead to the cup game on Sunday and hopefully start a good run in the Cup.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–