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[tab:Match report]

Phil McGhee at Fir Park

Two early second half goals gave ‘Well a 2-1 win over Ross County at Fir Park this afternoon.

A good second half performance and early goals from James McFadden and John Sutton, his 19th of the season, set ‘Well up for another home win and three points to keep them tied with Aberdeen in second top spot.

And although County pulled one back to make it a rather nervous finish, Stuart McCall’s men thoroughly deserved the three points.

Prior to the game County boss Derek Adam had highlighted defensive weaknesses in the ‘Well set-up but the former Fir Park player seemed more intent in denying the home side space in the visitors penalty area with a pretty defensive game plan.

In the first half that left the Motherwell players with plenty of time in possession in their own half but a bit restricted as they approached a packed County defence.

For their part, the Dingwall side seldom tested Gunnar Nielsen’s goal until the final ten minutes – although amazingly Derek Adams claimed they had the best of the first half chances when Jordan Slew fired a shot wide of the post.

In reality the best chances came at the other end the first after 30 minutes when Shaun Hutchison launched a long free kick into the penalty area. And when Iain Vigurs nod down fell in front of James McFadden he looked certain to score but his cute left foot lob found Mark Brown’s outstretched right hand to make a fine stop.

The former Motherwell ‘keeper again denied McFadden the opener eight minutes later when the ‘Well striker tried to force Stevie Hammel’s cross inside the post but Brown spread himself to block the shot.

Keith Lasley then came close with a flashing header from an Ainsworth cross but the County defence stood solid.

That all changed in the second half, when within three minutes the Fir Park side grabbed the lead to finally open up the game.

Stuart Carswell carried the ball across the box before laying it back to Vigurs who fired in a thundering 25 yard drive. Although Brown did well to beat the ball out, McFadden was following up to stroke the ball past the grounded ‘keeper to make it 1-0.

Brown then prevented it becoming two nil pushing away another stinging drive from Vigurs after Hutchison had raced 50 yards upfield with the ball to set up the midfielder.

The County ‘keeper looked less convincing when he spilled McFadden’s low shot from a well worked free kick. That was the last piece of action for Faddy as he was replaced by Craig Moore after 55 minutes.

And the 19 year old striker made an immediate impact when he set up ‘Well’s second goal on the hour.

Although his shot from the area swerved, Brown palmed it out to the waiting Sutton who couldn’t miss from 6 yards, although he did manage to find the net via the underside of the bar.

Motherwell looked in control at that stage and the more likely to add another goal but in the 78th minute Ritchie Brittain came within inches of getting his side back into the game when he side stepped a couple of defenders before drilling his angled shot off the foot of the post with Nielsen beaten.

The home side ignored that warning and with eight minutes remaining County pulled one back when Yann Songo’o wonderfully volleyed home Carey’s corner to set up a nervous end.

As County pressed for an equaliser Slew and Arquin missed a couple of half chances but the game ended without Nielsen having to make a save and ‘Well playing it out for a sixth home win from their last 7 games.

[tab:As it happened]

Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

FT: Motherwell 2 – 1 Ross County #MFCvRCFC

90+2mins: Vigurs’ does superbly to keep the ball in the County half and win a corner #MFCvRCFC

3 minutes added on #MFCvRCFC

88mins: Songo’o fires just past from Saunders’s delivery into the box #MFCvRCFC

85mins: Ttat goal has now set up a nerve shredding final 5 minutes, despite being comfortable the whole game #MFCvRCFC

82mins: GOAL! Songo’o pulls one back, tapping in from a corner at the front post . 2-1 #MFCvRCFC

79mins: Great chance for Francis-Angol to make it 3 but he scuffs his shot well wide from a good position #MFCvRCFC

78mins: Ross County sub, Saunders on for Cikos #MFCvRCFC

77mins: Brittain strikes the base of the post with a strike from 15 yards on the angle. #MFCvRCFC

76mins: Motherwell sub, Ainsworth off for Francis-Angol #MFCvRCFC

74mins: Bit of a lull in proceedings here. McManus booked for dangerous play #MFCvRCFC

71mins: Ross County sub, De Leeuw off for Glen #MFCvRCFC

67mins: Tidser booked for throwing the ball down after disagreeing with Brines’ decision #MFCvRCFC

63mins: Moore booked for a late challenge on Cikos #MFCvRCFC

60mins: It’s 2-0 to ‘Well!! SUTTON on hand to tap-in after Brown struggled to deal with Moore’s shot. Similar to the first goal! #MFCvRCFC

GGGOOOAAALLL!!!

56mins: Motherwell sub, Moore on for McFadden #MFCvRCFC

54mins: McFadden and Vigurs work one off the training ground but Faddy’s shot is easily taken by Brown #MFCvRCFC

54mins: Free-kick to ‘Well in a great position, 20 yards out on the right #MFCvRCFC

52mins: An adventurous run from Hutchinson sets up Vigurs whose powerful shot is beaten away by Brown #MFCvRCFC

49mins: Ross County sub, Kiss limps off for Carey #MFCvRCFC

47mins: McFADDEN follows up Brown’s save from Vigurs’ long range cracker and taps it in! 1-0 #MFCvRCFC

GGGOOAAALLLL!!!

Second half underway. It’s been pouring it down over the interval #MFCvRCFC

HT: Motherwell 0 – 0 Ross County #MFCvRCFC

44mins: Good opportunity for County but Arquin’s cross can’t find Slew who was waiting to tap it home #MFCvRCFC

39mins: 2 great chances for ‘Well! First McFadden is denied from close range by Brown then Sutton curls a shot just past #MFCvRCFC

33mins: Carswell darts forward and Vigurs sets him up just inside the box. On his weaker foot, hooks it well over #MFCvRCFC

31mins: Best chance of the game there! McFadden gets a toe on the end of Sutton’s knockdown but Brown does well to deny him! #MFCvRCFC

29mins: ‘Well win a corner but Hutchinson can’t get his header at the front post on target #MFCvRCFC

28mins: Ball drops kindly to Slew who drives his shot inches wide of Nielsen’s left post from 16 yards #MFCvRCFC

24mins: Corner to County, headed clear at the front post by Lasley #MFCvRCFC

22mins: Free-kick to County wide on the left. Nielsen does well to gather Brittain’s delivery #MFCvRCFC

17mins: Ainsworth”s delivery into the box is a little too long for McFadden who stretches to head it but see’s it go well wide #MFCvRCFC

15mins: Free-kick to ‘Well about 35 yards out on the left wing.Vigur’s delivery is gathered by Brown #MFCvRCFC

13mins: Decent effort by Sutton on his left foot but had a better option in McFadden just waiting to be slid in. Chance gone #MFCvRCFC

8mins: Corner for ‘Well but McManus’ header at the front post is blocked #MFCvRCFC

Tidser and Brittain get the game underway #MFCvRCFC

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“It was a more nervous finish than it should have been.

“We have been clinical in front of goal this season and if we had been in the first half the game would have been over sooner.

“To be fair James McFadden has come in at half-time and admitted he should have been more clinical with his chances but he has grabbed the opener.

“You always think it could come back and bite you when you don’t take your chances and it would have been a travesty if we hadn’t taken all three so we are delighted with the win.”

Ross County manager Derek Adams:

“Motherwell are a good side and flying high but it was two errors by our keeper that has given them their two goals. Mark Brown has taken responsibility and when your keeper plays the ball back straight to the opposition there is not much the other defenders can do.

“Although it didn’t cost us with all the terms around us also losing, we are only interested in looking after ourselves to get out of the relegation play-off position.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”185″]

Motherwell’s biggest ever Matchday Magazine is on sale again when Ross County visit Fir Park tomorrow.

We’ve joined last Wednesday’s match with Inverness along with the weekend’s clash in this bumper edition.

But what is inside this incredible 100-page issue?

‘Well boss Stuart McCall and Captain Keith Lasley both return with their regular columns.

The Fir Park gaffer looks back at the 3-3 draw with Hibs and what he expects from both Caley and County, in what is a huge week for the club.

Skipper Lasley does the same, and warns of the threat posed by the Highland duo.

The feature interview is with Fir Park and Scotland legend James McFadden. The 30-year old talks about his role at Motherwell and how he is taking pride in helping nurture the clubs’ stars of the future.

Faddy also features as the next in the centre-page souvenir poster collection.

There is the usual extensive section dedicated to both our visitors, Inverness Caley Thistle and Ross County.

As ever, Ray Morrison introduces both teams and there’s a player-by-player breakdown of who is likely to line up for Caley and County.

We also report from Celtic Park as Inverness agonisingly lose the SPFL League Cup Final on penalties to Aberdeen, as well as County’s impressive 1-0 win at McDiarmid Park last Saturday.

Graeme McGarry’s ‘Us and Them’ features former Inverness and Staggies midfielder Iain Vigurs. He chats about his ever-improving form and his time at both the Caledonian Stadium and Victoria Park.

We are also fortunate to have respected journalist Charles Bannerman write an interesting feature on the rise of the Highland clubs in the last two decades.

‘From the Press Box’ returns with regular host, the Herald’s Scott Mullen and, for one time only (we promise!), Press & Media Manager Alan Burrows also returns with ‘The Last Word’.

That’s not all… Club director Graham Barnstaple introduces two new columns: The first is a review of some of our counterparts across the globe who share our famous and unique Claret and Amber colours. We kick off with the obvious; Bradford City AFC.

His second is a review of some of the unique programmes throughout the last sixty plus years, starting with one of the first (in 1949), the Texaco Cup match against Spurs in the 1970’s and the first ever European programme against Katowice in 1991.

Gavin McCafferty also took the time to catch up with Academy Director Scott Leitch, who outlines his vision and talks about his pleasure at watching the club succeed in recent years.

We have another guest columnist too – the Bleacher Report blogger Paul Mullaney, a Queen’s Park far no less – who focuses on one of the SPFL’s most underrated talents, the man celebrating his Testimonial Dinner this week, Mr Keith Lasley.

The second of the Eggheads Semi Finals pits Simon Ramsden against Stuart Carswell for the right to face James McFadden in the Grand Final.

We also have an update from Barcelona as CEO Leeeann Dempster takes in the European Club Association’S (ECA) 12th General Assembly.

But wait, there’s more!

Our match reports section takes a look back at the 4-1 win over Hearts and the 3-3 draw with Hibs at Easter Road last time out. There’s also a detailed look at the Under 20s 4-3 thriller against Falkirk last week.

We have the latest from The Ticket Office, Commercial and Community Departments as well as the latest stats, facts and figures from the 2013/2014 campaign.

We also take a statistical look at the match official and the ‘Junior Steel’ kids page that will test the youngster’s quiz minds with puzzles and ‘Did you know’ facts.

As we’re combining the programme for the next two matches, this incredible issue is available for £5 and is will be on sale from the Club Shop as well as the usual sellers located in and around the ground pre-match.

You can also order back editions or take a season-long subscription to the magazine by visiting the website of our publishers – Curtis-Sport – CLICK HERE.

Stuart McCall knows it’ll be a much-changed Ross County side visiting Fir Park tomorrow, but wants ‘Well to focus on their own game.

The Staggies may have as much as seven different faces from when the teams last met back in mid December.

Those new players have sparked a mini resurgence in the Dingwall side, who have taken eighteen points since the turn of the year, as opposed to eleven in the first five months.

But ‘Well have enjoyed some good home form of their own in that same time period and although McCall admits they’ve done some additional homework on County’s additions, he has challenged his side to go and set the pace.

Speaking to the broadcast press, the Fir Park gaffer said: ” They did it last season and have done it again. They’ve brought some new players in and changed it completely. They’re one of the form sides since the turn of the year.

[pullquote]”They did it last season and have done it again. They’ve brought some new players in and changed it completely. They’re one of the form sides since the turn of the year.[/pullquote]

“I saw them up at St Johnstone and they had seven different players to the team we played back in December. They’re strong, powerful and have goals in them. They’ve been going with two strikers of late and Derek says he see’s flaws in us defensively and I can see why he thinks that because we like to attack. If we can win 5-4, I’d take that any day.

“We’re not sure how Ross County will line-up but we’ve been clinical at home and we always got out with our own shape and formation and hopefully we can counter-attack anything they throw at us.”

 -WATCH STUART’S INTERVIEW IN FULL ON MFC TV–

Referee for Saturday’s SPFL Premiership clash with Ross County at Fir Park will be the experienced Iain Brines.

Iain will be handling his third ‘Well fixture of the current campaign. The other two certainly won’ live long in the memory, a 2-0 defeat at the Caledonian Stadium back in August and a 2-0 loss at Celtic Park a month later.

The 46-year-old will need little introduction to many Scottish Football fans having been a top-flight official for well over a decade and amongst FIFA’s elite group for five years, He is now amongst the best and most respected in the league.

An interesting aside is that it will be Iain’s first match in charge at Fir Park for over a year. His last appointment at the home of the Steelmen was back in February 2013, and it was one to savour; a 2-1 win over Champions Celtic thanks to goals from Chris Humphrey and Michael Higdon.

That was one of four matches he handled during that campaign. The first was a 1-1 draw with St Johnstone in August 2012, Bob McHugh coming off the bench to level.

The second was a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Celtic – Gary Hooper opening the scoring before Adam Cummins scored an OG before being sent off in the second half.

The other was the 2-1 away defeat at St Mirren Park days before Christmas. Saints raced into a 2-0 half-time lead and although McHugh reduced the deficit, ‘Well couldn’t force an equaliser.

His overall record in charge of the Steelmen is a bit of a mix bag. Of the 38 games he has taken charge of over the years, Motherwell have won thirteen, draw six and lost nineteen.

In those games, 125 players have seen yellow, 55 of which in claret and amber, while six have been sent for an early bath – Stevie Hammell (vs St Johnstone) and Adam Cummins (vs Celtic) last season.

He will be assisted Alasdair Ross and Billy Baxter with Nick Walsh on fourth official duties. The referee observer is Gerry Evans and the SPFL Delegate is John Blackley.

Extended highlights from Fir Park as first half goals from Lionel Ainsworth and John Sutton gave ‘Well a 2-0 win. 

-WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Action pictures from tonight’s hard-fought 2-0 win over Inverness Caley Thistle at Fir Park.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

[svgallery name=”inverness190314″]

‘Well boss Stuart McCall admitted his side can play better, but was happy to take all three points against Inverness tonight.

The Steelmen were far from their best against a leg-weary Caley side, but first-half goals from Lionel Ainsworth and John Sutton secured the win.

The Fir Park boss, celebrating his 150th game in charge, conceded his team weren’t firing on all cylinders, but was delighted with a vital three points.

Speaking MFC TV, he said: “It’s one of the few times we’ve managed to win a game and not be at our best.

[pullquote]It’s one of the few times we’ve managed to win a game and not be at our best.[/pullquote]

“We always say that if we want to take anything in this league, we’ve got to be right at it, particularly against teams right in and around us.

“We’ve scored two good goals but, other than that, there wasn’t much to shout about. The second half performance wasn’t good enough, we know that and the lads know that themselves.

“But the bottom line is we’ve won the game, we’ve kept a clean sheet with Gunnar (Nielsen) doing ever so well for us. We’ll take the positives from it and move onto Saturday’s match.”

-WATCH STUART’S INTERVIEW IN FULL ON MFC TV–

[tab:Match report]

Phil McGhee at Fir Park

Motherwell maintained their superb home form to move joint second top of the Scottish Premiership with a 2-0 win over Inverness Caley Thistle.

However, although Stuart McCall’s men might have won the first of three consecutive home games which could go a considerable way to securing a Europa Cup slot, the win over an impressive Inverness side wasn’t as comfortable as the scoreline might suggest.

Two goals midway through the first half from Lionel Ainsworth and John Sutton should have taken the sting out of Caley Thistle. However, the Highlanders showed little after-affects from their marathon League Cup Final and Gunnar Nielsen, back in goal for the injured Lee Hollis, was required to make a handful of smart saves.

After their ten day break following the game at Easter Road, Stevie Hammell and Stuart Carswell were fit enough for a starting place. And it was Hammell who provided the first chance after five minutes, whipping a low ball across the face of the goal with Sutton just failing to make contact.

Despite an exhausting 120 minutes and the disappointment of losing on penalties on Sunday, Caley made the more energetic start. And after having to deal with a couple of teasing crosses, Nielsen produced a fine save in 12 minutes, getting down to hold a well-struck volley from Billy McKay.

Indeed it was the home side which looked slow in the opening stages and Nielsen again came to the rescue six minutes later when the Faroese ‘keeper reacted superbly to smother a low snapshot from McKay.

The Caley ‘keeper was forced into his first save after 23 minutes. Hammell clipped the ball back towards the penalty spot where Ainsworth met in on the volley only to see Dean Brill bundle the ball round his post.

A minute later Brill was beaten as the same ‘Well pair combined for the opening goal. Hammell’s long diagonal pass found Ainsworth who hared towards goal before smashing the ball past the helpless ‘keeper for his ninth goal of the season.

Hammell was finding plenty of space on the left and in 33 minutes his cross was touched across goal by McFadden allowing the unmarked Sutton to stoop at the back post and nod home his 18th goal of the season and make it 2-0.

That forced Inverness to chase the game as the Fir Park players were more content to keep possession but, in reality, it took some dogged defending from Motherwell to maintain their two goal advantage.

Shortly after the break McFadden had a couple of efforts on goal. Firstly he dragged the ball between two defenders before floating the ball over the bar. Then, seconds later, he stretched to meet an Iain Vigurs cross but could only direct the ball over the bar.

Shaun Hutchison came within inches of making it 3-0 when his his header from an Ainsworth corner bounced on the wrong side of the post.

The ‘Well goal then had a double escape. McKay watched his shot from eight yards blocked superbly by Nielsen but when the ball rebounded to Greg Tansey his volley looked destined for the back of the net until Hutchison chested the ball on the goal line before clearing.

A long range effort from Vigurs floated past the post with Brill retreating to guard his goal line.

But Inverness still pushed for a goal that would bring them back into the game and Nielsen was again lively low at his post to hold a Graeme Shinnie drive.

With 16 minutes remaining and Inverness looking the more likley to score, and ‘Well determined to see out the game, Zaine Francis-Angol replaced McFadden.

While Motherwell were not at their best, it was a hard earned three points, making it a highly impressive 16 points from their last 6 home games, with Ross County next to visit Fir Park on Saturday.

[tab:As it happened]

Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

Big three points for The Steelmen. Not a great game but valuable points in the bag! #MFCvICTFC

FT: Motherwell 2 – 0 Inverness CT #MFCvICTFC

Not a cracker here to be honest. ‘Well took their chances when they came whereas ICT didn’t. #MFCvICTFC

2 minutes added on #MFCvICTFC

88mins: Ball drops nicely to Tansey on the edge of the box but his shot is sliced well over #MFCvICTFC

86mins: Another corner to ICT….Nielsen punches clear #MFCvICTFC

81mins: Corner to ICT…ref blows for a foul in ‘Well’s favour. #MFCvICTFC

73mins: Subs: McFadden off for Francis-Angol and for ICT, Watkins is on for Vincent #MFCvICTFC

71mins: Christie drags his shot inches past from 20 yards. Looked like it was heading in #MFCvICTFC

69mins: Carswell and Foran find their way into the ref’s book. #MFCvICTFC

65mins: Free-kick about 28 yards out is struck well over by McFadden #MFCvICTFC

64mins: Shinnie tests Nielsen with a powerful low shot from 25 yards. Gathers safely. #MFCvICTFC

61mins: Bit of a cheeky effort from Vigurs who spots Brill not that far off his line but attempts the 30 yard lob anyway. Not far wide

56mins: McFadden is played through by Hammell however its an awkward bounce and his shot goes well over #MFCvICTFC

53mins: A let off as desperate defending keeps ICT out!Bodies being thrown in front of every shot before Hutch clears off the line #MFCvICTFC

52mins: Corner to ‘Well….headed inches wide by Hutchinson! #MFCvICTFC

49mins: A bit closer there as McFadden meets a Vigurs cross with a good volley. Just over! #MFCvICTFC

48mins: Bit ambitious from McFadden as he tries to curl it in from range. Well over #MFCvICTFC

Half time sub for ICT, Christie on for Doran #MFCvICTFC

Steelmen back out and the second half is underway. #MFCvICTFC

ICT back on the field. Big 45 minutes coming up…. #MFCvICTFC

HT: Motherwell 2 – 0 Inverness CT #MFCvICTFC

33mins: SUTTON nods home Hammell’s delightful ball into the box. Was on a plate for him! Superb! 2-0 #MFCvICTFC

GGGGOOOAALLL!

25mins: AINSWORTH burts clear of the ICT defence and finishes superbly from just inside the box, low past Brill! 1-0 #MFCvICTFC

GGGGOOOOOAAAALLLL!!

24mins: Great effort from Ainsworth who connects superbly with Vigurs’ cross. Brill tips it wide! #MFCvICTFC

22mins: A decent run from McFadden ends when he pulls the trigger and can only sclaff it well wide from 18 yards. #MFCvICTFC

19mins: Another good chance for McKay who catches Raven’s ball on a half-volley. Again, Nielsen is on hand to deny #MFCvICTFC

12mins: Good save from Nielsen to deny McKay whose left footed volley from 16 yards looked troublesome #MFCvICTFC

11mins: Raven works his way down the right wing and gets a decent ball in. Nielsen gathers with ease, though #MFCvICTFC

6mins: Great chance for Sutton as Hammell flashes the ball across goal but he just can’t get enough on it to stick it in the net #MFCvICTFC

4mins: First shot on target for ICT. Tansey with the long range effort straight at Nielsen #MFCvICTFC

Game’s underway here at FP! #COYW #MFCvICTFC

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“We know we can play better and we’ve got to aim to be better.

“But it is a clean sheet – something we’ve not been good at of late – a win against rivals going for Europe and two really good goals.

“We were up against a good side and they showed why they’re up there and why they’ll be challenging until the end of the season

“I certainly don’t think we were at out best, but we’ve had lots of games this season when we’ve been the better team and not won, so we’ll accept that tonight.”

Inverness CT manager John Hughes:

“I felt we could’ve taken something out of it. I felt Motherwell scored against the run of play, but it was a great finish and a real lapse of concentration on our part.

“Their goalkeeper had two or three great saves. We had a chance in the second half we should’ve put it in the back of the net. We have to be more ruthless in our defending.

“In terms of effort, commitment and passing the ball, I couldn’t ask for any more from the boys.

“We just lacked that cutting edge in the final third and it was a real lapse of concentration to concede two goals.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Motherwell FC has added the hugely popular photo messaging application Snapchat to its social media portfolio.

Snapchat is our latest addition and joins the already busy activity on our Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, AudioBoo and Google+ accounts.

We plan to use Snapchat to send exclusive and unique behind-the-scenes photos, videos and messages to our supporters – using the storyboard function.

To add us, all you need to do is download the app, which is available for free from the App Store and Google Play, then go to the ‘Add Friends’ page and search for ‘motherwellfc’.

When your add is confirmed, you’ll be able to view our content, starting at tonight’s match against Inverness Caley Thistle at Fir Park.

Extended highlights from the Excelsior Stadium as Dundee United edge out Motherwell by the odd goal in five. 

-WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–