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[tab:Match report]

 Phil McGhee at Fir Park

Motherwell earned their first point from Celtic this season after goals from Zaine Francis-Angol and a John Sutton doubled secured a 3-3 draw.

For the second consecutive match, ‘Well raced into a two-goal lead but the Parkhead side had fought back to take the lead five minutes from time it took an injury time equaliser to reward ‘Well for their fabulous contribution to an exciting game.

With captain Keith Lasley suspended, Jack Leitch Started in midfield with Craig Reid deployed in a holding role in front of the back four.

‘Well made the perfect start when they beat Fraser Forster for the first time this season.

The Parkhead defence failed to cut out Stephen McManus’ long floated pass, allowing John Sutton space in the box to drive a left foot shot across and under the ‘keeper’s body to give them a lead after only three minutes.

The Premiership Champions looked a bit stunned and as ‘Well grew in confidence, it should have been 2-0 after 13 minutes. A great through ball from Iain Vigurs sent Henri Anier haring towards the visitor’s goal but, after cutting across the box, the Estonian’s left foot shot was eventually blocked by Efe Ambrose.

Stephen McManus then had a brilliant block just outside the six-yard box to deny Scott Brown.

All Motherwell’s hard work looked to be undone when Vigurs’ trip on Anthony Stokes at the edge of the box presented Celtic with a penalty. Kris Commons, deadly from the spot this season, hammered his spot kick low to the right but Gunner Nielsen at full stretch palmed the ball off his line for a wonderful save.

That lifted ‘Well and Vigurs and then Leitch, who had another impressive game, drilled shots just wide of target.

Two minutes from the break the Fir Park side doubled their lead. Another long ball, this time from Hammell, floated over Celtic’s central defenders, and when Anier nudged the ball in front of Zaine Francis-Angol, the Antiguan squeezed his shot through Forster’s legs to make it 2-0.

That would have been commanding at half-time but for the third time in recent weeks, Stuart McCall’s men conceded a goal just before the break.

There appeared to be little danger as Stokes collected the ball deep inside the box with his back to goal but the striker turned and clipped a delightful shot high over the stretching Nielsen and under the cross bar.

While that gave Celtic the initiative to chase an equaliser from the start of the second half, Motherwell almost extended their lead after 53 minutes. Vigurs’ in-swinging corner found Fraser Kerr and his header was netbound until Beram Kayal stooped on the goal line to head clear.

Painfully, just two minutes later Celtic were level. Stokes shot was heading down the centre of the goal until Georgios Samaras stuck out a leg to redirect the ball high into the net.

It was the end-to-end stuff as both sides then went looking for a winner.

And after Leitch fired another shot narrowly wide Nielsen pulled of a great block to deny Brown.

Another inswinging corner from Vigurs caused panic in the Celtic goal forcing Forster to beat the ball off his line with claims it had already crept over.

With ten minutes remaining Neil Lennon’s men had another narrow escape when Anier turned well in the area but Forster excellently turned around his firm shot.

There were loud shouts for a penalty when Samaras appeared to control a cross with his hands but referee Craig Thomson waved aside claims. Television pictures would show it was an excellent decision from the official.

It turned out to be a doubly whammy five minutes later when Celtic grabbed the lead. Stokes ball from the edge of the box rolled in behind the home defence and Leigh Griffiths reacted quickest to sweep the ball behind Nielsen for what looked like the winner.

However with Craig Moore and Lionel Ainsworth coming off the bench ‘Well were determined to take something from the game and were rewarded in the final minute.

Reid, who had a terrific ninety minutes in his new role, fed the ball in behind Izaguirre leaving Ainsworth to race to the line before steering the ball across the goal line allowing Sutton to force the ball into the net for his 22nd goal of the season and boost ‘Well’s final push for a European place.

[tab:As it happened]

 Alan Burrows at Fir Park

Full Time: Motherwell 3 – 3 Celtic. A deserved point for a hard-working Motherwell. What a shift they put in!

90mins+1: GET IT! GET IN! GET IN! Lovely ball across goal is turned in by Sutton at the back post.

GOOOOOOOOOOOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!! SUTTY!!!!

90mins: There will be three minutes of time added on here at Fir Park.

90mins: Stokes turns well on the edge, but his low shot is well held by Nielsen.

88mins: Double sub for ‘Well. Moore and Ainsworth come on for the impressive Leitch and Henri Anier.

86mins: Football isn’t half cruel at times.

84mins: The sub makes a run from deep to get on the end of a Stokes through ball and coolly slots home.

GOAL Celtic! Leigh Griffiths makes it 3-2.

81mins: Big shouts for a handball against Samaras but it’s chest by the Greek forward. Good call by referee Craig Thomson to be fair.

81mins: Great stop by Forster to deny Anier. Turn and hit by the Estonian but it’s clawed away for a corner.

78mins: Almightily scramble inside the ‘Well six-yard box. It’s not properly cleared before Commons fires wide from 15 yards. Phew.

75mins: ‘Well float a free-kick into the area which is punched clear (to the half-way line no less) by Forster. Impressive.

73mins: Celtic make another change. Defender Herron comes off for striker Balde. Visitors have some amount of attackers on the pitch.

72mins: ‘Well apply some pressure but Celtic hold firm at the back. It’s anyone’s game here… Both teams deserve huge credit.

70mins: ‘Well get down the left flank – ZFA finds space, his ball is cut back for Sutton but Celtic forced into conceding a corner.

69mins: Lovely little Zidane-turn by Leitch gets away from Stokes before being fouled by Brown. Skills!

66mins: Celtic sub – Kayal comes off to be replaced by Leigh Griffiths. Visitors certainly going for it now.

65mins: Right down the other end, Hammell has to make an incredible last-ditch block to deny Commons again. What a game!

65mins: Incredible as Vigurs almost score directly from a corner. Great last-ditch block by Forster to save.

63mins: Celtic counter after robbing the ball in the middle of the park. Brown eventually get the ball but his shot is again saved by GN.

62mins: Intelligent little give and go move from Celtic – Kayal eventually get the shot away but it’s straight at Nielsen who saves.

61mins: Lovely little one-two move between Leitch and Vigurs. The former eventually gets a shot away on the stretch but it goes wide.

57mins: Wow – Celtic come close to making it 3-2. Corner to the back post finds van Dijk and he heads over. Let off there for sure.

56mins: Long throw in the box headed clear by McManus to Stokes. His shot is flicked into the net by Samaras from close range.

GOAL Samaras! 2-2 here at Fir Park.
h
54mins: Awww, ‘Well go so close to making it 3-1. Kerr’s header from a corner beats the ‘keeper but Kayal heads it off the line 🙁
h
52mins: van Dijk eventually takes the kick under the wall but it’s straight at Nielsen who collects.

51mins: Celtic have a free-kick about 25 yards out. Just right of centre. Quite a soft award by referee Thomson – Hammell on Commons.

50mins: Commons has the first effort of the second half, dragging a shot narrowly wide of Nielsen’s left hand post.

48mins: Celtic have switched too, away from the diamond and are now much more direct. Fascinating tactical battle.

48mins: Looks like a bit of a shape change for both sides. Sutton is deeper with Zaine over on the right!

46mins: Celtic get the second half going again – Motherwell now shooting towards the Cooper Stand.

Celtic are out already ready to go. Lennon has obviously gave them a clear and quick message. ‘Well coming out just now…

HT: Press Room 50/50 on Stokes shot vs cross debate. Excellent goal if he meant it. ‘Well need the same spirit again in the second 45.

HT: What a half of football that was. A bit of everything there. Celtic had loads of the ball, but ‘Well clinical. All to play for.

Half-time: Motherwell 2 – 1 Celtic

45mins: Celtic get a bit of luck as Stokes tries to hang up a cross to the back post but it drops into the corner.

GOAL Celtic! Stokes makes it 2-1.

44mins: Ball into the area is helped on by Henri Anier for the Antiguan International who pokes home under Forster. Incredible!

GOOOALLLL!!! ZAINE FRANCIS-ANGOL!!

42mins: Anier wins a corner of Ambrose but Celtic eventually clear the ball from Vigurs. Game stopped for a ‘Frimpong’ on Ambrose. #ouch

40mins: Kayal robs Vigurs in the middle of the park but when the Israeli took the shot on, he ballooned it high over the bar. Phew.

38mins: What a block by Stevie Hammell… Stops a certain Commons goal after Stokes’ low ball across the area. Brilliant from Hammy!

35mins: Kayal’s cross into the box almost has Commons in with the spectacular scissor kick but thankfully it hits a defender and is cleared.

33mins: ‘Well backline drop deep which allows Samaras in for a back post header… Thankfully it drops a yard or two past the post.

30mins: A Stokes shot from distance hits McManus on the head. Thankfully no penalty this week… Just a corner! :-p

26mins: Another wee half chance there. Good hassling allows Leitch in. Has options to his right but shoots high over the bar.

25mins: Decent ball into the box allows Sutton to leap but his header loops high and wide of target. Still 1-0 ‘Well here at Fir Park.

23mins: Down the other end, Vigurs is involved again but he drags a 25-yard shot a yard or so wide of the Forster’s post.

22mins: Celtic claim for another spot kick when Vigurs catches Commons. Looked like a foul, but outside the box. Ref doesn’t give anything.

SAVED!!! What a great block by Nielsen. That’s an incredible save by the Faroe Islander.

21mins: Penalty Celtic! Stokes goes down under after a tackle by Vigurs.

20mins: Celtic enjoying loads of the ball. They’ve had 74% possession in the last ten minutes. ‘Well working hard to contain.

19mins: Dutch defender van Dijk takes on a shot from distance but it sails high over the bar and into the Cooper Stand. Still 1-0 ‘Well.

17mins: Great block by McManus to deny Scott Brown (I think)… The experienced defender at full stretch to deny a certain goal.

14mins: Counter attack by Anier! Vigs puts the Estonian through but by the time he gets the shot away, it’s blocked out by Ambrose. Corner.

12mins: Good positive play down the right by Anier leads to an opening. Ball falls to ZFA but his cross is easily taken by Fraser Forster.

7mins: Izaguirre whips a decent ball into the area but Faroese International Gunnar Nielsen comes out well to collect.

4mins: Sutton gets onto a ball over the top of Ambrose and he fires it hard under Forster for 1-0. His 21st of the season. Great start…

GOOOALLLLLLL JOHN SUTTON!!!

3mins: Samaras has the first shot of the match, a Hutchinson clearance drops to the Greek striker but he curls it wide from 20 yards.

2mins: Celtic are on the attack. Couple of ball into the area that ping-pong around but the Steelmen hook them clear…

1min: Motherwell kick-off – shooting towards the Maxim Office South Stand…

The teams are coming out the tunnel and we’re almost ready to go! Good luck lads… #COYW

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“I really enjoyed that, I’m so proud of the lads today. I thought we played our best football at 2-2.

“We’ve done it so often this season, we lose silly goals right on half-time but it was a great goal by Stokes. We knew Celtic would come at us in the second half and they got an early goal.

“But we got what we deserved. There were some massive performances from the players.

“They looked dead on their feet but they dug out a point and next week’s game against Dundee United is massive.”

Celtic manager Neil Lennon:

“I am annoyed. We were poor defensively first half, gifted Motherwell two goals with poor defending.

“There was definitely a psychological edge missing first half. We got all that back in the second half, we were fantastic, and we should have won the game.

“We dominated the second-half from start to finish but switched off. Motherwell had one attack and scored from it.

“On the counter attack we had three four or five really good chances to make the game safe.

“The keeper has made a great save from the penalty, so overall, attacking wise, we were really very good, defensively we were sloppy.

“We were done with a straight ball for the first one but I think the keeper should save it, the second one we have missed the flight of a cross and the third one Emilio (Izaguirre) is sleeping and they have got in behind us.

“But I am really pleased with the quality and character in the second half.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”189″]

The seventeenth domestic Steelmen Matchday Magazine of 2013/14 is on sale when Celtic visit this Saturday.

But what is inside the 68-page issue?

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

The Fir Park gaffer reflects on the frustrating defeat at St Mirren Park and what is required to get the better of Celtic.

The captain, who is suspended for the match, talks about the SPFL Premiership run-in as ‘Well battle it out with as many as five clubs for a sport in next season’s Europa League.

The feature interview is with young striker Craig Moore. The 19-year old chats about overcoming some early setbacks in his fledgling career to play

in the top flight of Scottish football.

‘Moorey’ also features as the next in the centre-page souvenir poster collection.

There is the usual extensive section dedicated to our visitors, Kilmarnock Football Club.

As ever, Ray Morrison introduces Celtic and there’s a player-by-player breakdown of who is likely to line up for the Parkhead side.

Graeme McGarry’s ‘Us and Them’ feature also returns, speaking to Barnsley midfielder Jim O’Brien

The Irishman talks about his time at both clubs, recalling some sound advice from a Celtic legend, his up and down relationship with the Steelmen and his hopes for the Tykes.

‘From the Press Box’ is back with regular host, the Herald’s Scott Mullen and Graham Barnstaple’s two new columns make it in again…. They Wear Claret and Amber focuses on Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray and his ‘Programmes through the Years’ looks back at some of the editions from the 1960s.

‘This Week in Motherwell History’ focuses on 16th March to 23rd April with a reminder of one of the blackest days in the clubs’ history.

But wait, there’s more!

Our match reports section takes a look back at the controversial 3-2 defeat by St Mirren as well as the Under 20s 3-0 defeat at Lennoxtown.

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.

The programme is available for £3 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 wants his side to carry an attacking threat as ‘Well looked to best Celtic for the first time this season.

Neil Lennon’s men have won three from three against the Steelmen this campaign, including a convincing 5-0 success at Fir Park back in early December.

However, with the SPFL Premiership splitting, the race is now on for European spots with as many as five clubs still in contention.

McCall has encouraged a upbeat approach amongst his players and hopes that plays a part tomorrow.

“We’re going into tomorrow’s match with a positive mindset as we’ve managed to beat them here three times in the last few years,” he told the gathered press at Motherwell’s pre-match news conference.

[pullquote]We’ve got to carry an attacking threat. We want to cause Celtic problems and that will be our aim, to go and have a go[/pullquote]

“Most people will expect Celtic to win, but if we can take three points then obviously it would be a massive boost.

“We’ve tried various different things to beat them over the years. Some have worked well, some have done okay and others have not worked at all.

“A lot of it is down to how Celtic play too. I knew within ten minutes of their last visit to Fir Park that it was going to be tough. Everything stuck at Stokes. Brown, Commons and others all looked up for it.

“The magic formula, if you want to call it that, is to play at your very, very best, work hard, take chances when they come along, defend well, carry a bit of luck and believe.

“We’ve got to carry an attacking threat. We want to cause Celtic problems and that will be our aim, to go and have a go.”

-WATCH STUART’S INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Every month this season, Cash Converters will be giving you the opportunity to present your Motherwell Player of the Month with his trophy.

All you need to do is vote for the ‘Well player you think has been the stand-out performer for March and you could be chosen at random to congratulate our star man in person.

To cast your vote, simply visit our Cash Converters SPL Facebook page by CLICKING HERE.

The Cash Converters SPL Facebook page will also give you the opportunity to enter the draw for our Convert Your Seat competition and Convert for Cash race.

Competition closes at midday on Friday 18th April 2014.

Referee for Saturday’s SPFL Premiership clash with Celtic at Fir Park will be Craig Thomson.

The 41-year old will be handling his third Motherwell game of the current season after being the man in the middle for the 1-0 at St Mirren Park back in September and the recent 2-1 win at the Caledonian Stadium, Henri Anier and Iain Vigurs doing the damage.

It would have been his fourth but a New Year appointment between ‘Well and Caley was the postponed due to heavy rain.

Thomson, arguably the highest rated amongst the Scottish officials, regularly hosting Champions League, Europa League and International matches, will be a more than familiar face to ‘Well fans, having being a top-flight whistler for over 12 years.

He took charge three ‘Well matches last term.

His first was the 4-1 demolition of Aberdeen back in December when goals from Tom Hateley, Michael Higdon and a Jamie Murphy swept Craig Brown’s side away.

The second was the 2-1 win at Tynecastle, when two early goals from Michael Higdon and a Dylan McGowan own-goal was enough to see off the Jambos.

The third was the 2-0 home victory over Ross County in the last home game of the campaign – James McFadden and Chris Humphrey amongst the scorers.

His record in charge of the Steelmen is a bit of a mix bag with fourteen wins from 38 matches. There have been sixteen defeats and eight draws too.

Not included in that list was the 2007/08 Scottish Cup fourth round replay win against Hearts at Fir Park, when he replaced the injured Stuart Dougal midway through the second-half.

In those games, Motherwell have scored 52 and conceded 50.

132 players have gone into the book, 65 were wearing claret and amber, while five players, including former and current captains Stephen Craigan and Keith Lasley, have been dismissed.

Craig will be ably assisted by Alastair Mather, Douglas Ross with Craig Charleston on fourth official duties. Referee Observer is Bryan Robertson and SPFL Delegate is Alan Dick.

Mascots Claret and Amber will be in the town centre this Friday at the launch of our third community newspaper, Fir Park News.

There will be lots of FREE giveaways and fun things to see and do, including music by Motherwell FC’s own announcer Philip Speedie, ‘keepy-uppy’ competitions and Giant Football!

There’s also a chance for youngsters to try out Motherwell FC’s Fans’ Drum and a visit to the main stage by Motherwell FC players.

Come along this Friday between 12-3pm and get involved.

Extended highlights as Motherwell Under 20s edge out St Johnstone in a thrilling match at Fir Park.

-WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Jonatan Johansson praised the character of his side as they twice came from behind to beat St Johnstone.

The Steelmen had to survive a first-half onslaught as Saints spurned numerous chances to race into an insurmountable lead.

They did score twice, but Steven Higgins netted for ‘Well to keep it close at the break.

‘Well were much better after the interval and Dale Shirkie and Lee Erwin both scored to eventually secure all three points and Johansson was quick to hail his side’s resistance in what an incredible evening at Fir Park.

Speaking to MFC TV after the match, he said: “It was a game of one hundred chances.

[pullquote]Aggression is not about screaming at refs or giving away stupid tackles, it’s about putting your body on the line and winning all your battles and we did that the second half. The lads deserve credit.[/pullquote]

“We were lucky to be only one goal down at the break. It was such a disappointing start to the game. We lacked aggression and lost a goal at a set-piece, which we’ve talked about and worked on all week.

“However, in the second half we’ve shown great character and put in some great individual performances.

“We got a bit of luck but that came from us being aggressive and we all worked for each other. I think, as a young player, you forget that aggression is really, really important as we all talk about skill, passing and moving.

“Aggression is not about screaming at refs or giving away stupid tackles, it’s about putting your body on the line and winning all your battles and we did that the second half. The lads deserve credit.”

 -WATCH JONATAN’S INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Motherwell edged out St Johnstone by the odd goal in five in a topsy-turvy evening at Fir Park.

Saints completely dominated the first half and could have scored six or seven goals, but only had two courtesy of Alex Kitchen and Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson, who himself could and perhaps should have had at least a hat trick.

In between those two goals, Steven Higgins capitalised on a defensive slip to reduce the arrears and ‘Well would have been thankful for trailing by just one at the break.

Dale Shirkie got his side level minutes after the interval before Lee Erwin eventually put the Steelmen in front on the hour and that’s how it finished, as ‘Well aim to end the season on a high.

Jonatan Johansson made three changes to the side that lost 3-0 at Lennoxtown eight days ago. Zaine Francis-Angol, Euan Murray and Craig Moore dropped out, replaced by Jack McMillan, Ben Hall and Steven Higgins.

But it was the Perth side who came out the traps flying and Fortnam-Tomlinson had one of an almost countless amount of first-half chances inside thirty seconds, but flashed his shot wide. Two minutes later he was at it again, but this time Stewart saved.

The Steelmen stopper also saved really well from Craig Thomson but was helpless to stop Saints’ opener when defender Kitchen rose well at the back post to head home a Scott Brown corner.

Motherwell were rarely out their own half but Dom Thomas at least registered a chance for the hosts with a shot straight at keeper Mark Hurst.

Erwin had a couple of chances at the midway point of the half but the away keeper comfortably saved both shots.

But it was Saints who continued to threaten and create opportunities. Fortnam-Tomlinson was causing problems, but his finishing was letting him down. He had another three attempts before the half hour, one wide of the post, one high over the bar and one sliced into the Cooper Stand.

He wasn’t the only one though; Thomson also passed up a good chance after cutting in from the right only to blaze high and wide.

Amazingly, after being under the cosh for much of the half, ‘Well leveled eight minutes from half time. Steven Higgins was alert to a short pass back by Stewart and he raced in to coolly slot under Hurst for his seventh of the campaign.

It didn’t stay level for long though as Saints were back ahead within two minutes and it was Fortnam-Tomlinson who finally scored at the sixth time of asking. Fullback Scott Gray sent in a good ball towards the near post for the striker who nipped in ahead of Morgyn Neill to net from a few yards out.

Amazingly, ‘Well should have equalised before the break but Dale Shirkie didn’t get enough on David Ferguson’s cross and headed wide.

‘Well came out for the second half with fire in their belly and equalised inside two minutes. Dom Thomas skinned Scott Gray on the flank and his cross eventually found Shirkie at the back post, who smashed home a half-volley with the aid of a slight deflection off Stewart.

Both sides made changes but it was Saints who should have got themselves back in front.

Fortnam-Tomlinson was again involved as he raced clear of the defence. He was blocked once again by Stewart but picked up the rebound. He squared it for Scott Wilson who was only denied by an excellent goal line clearance by McMillan.

‘Well went immediately on the attack and Erwin almost got amongst the goals.

He collected after good hassling by Cadden on the halfway line. After striding into the box, he danced around two challenges but could only scoop his left-footed effort high and wide.

However, the big striker wouldn’t be denied shortly after. Ferguson’s brave header landed at the 19-year old at the edge of the box. He turned his marker Stewart once and then again, leaving him on his backside, before smashing high into the net from an acute angle.

Saints, clearly shell-shocked, went in search of an equaliser themselves. Fortnam-Tomlinson had another effort straight at Stewart before the ‘Well stopper made another great block to deny Wilson.

Lee Erwin could have wrapped up the win after racing clear on the left flank, but his neat chipped finish came back off the post and dropped wide. Minutes later, Saints sub Fisayo Adarabioyo raced clear too but Stewart was again quick off his line to make the save.

‘Well managed to hang on to the end, but there was still time for one more scare late in the game when Adarabioyo got on the end of a fired Dylan Easton cross but it squirmed inches wide.

It was an amazing win for Johansson’s men. Saints will have travelled back to Perth thinking what might have been given the chances they created in the game.

Motherwell: Stewart, Ferguson, McMillan (McCall – 75mins), Hall, Neill, Cadden, McCafferty, Erwin, Shirkie, Thomas, Higgins (MacLean – 55mins)

Subs: Currie, R.Leitch, Clarke, Mackin

The Under 20s are back in action tomorrow (Tuesday) night when they face St Johnstone at Fir Park.

Jonatan Johansson’s men are coming to the end of their campaign but face the Saints for the first time.

‘Well sit fifth in the table, three points behind neighbours Hamilton Accies having played a game less.

With just four games remaining, the Finn will be looking to finish the season on a high.

The match will take place at Fir Park Stadium, kick-off is at 6pm.