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[tab:Match report]

 Phil McGhee at Rugby Park

A goal in each half gave Kilmarnock all three points against a ten-man Motherwell.

Muirhead opened the scoring after nine minutes with a thundering long-range effort from distance.

It stayed that way until the 78th minute when Fraser Kerr was ordered off for a high challenge on Jamie Hammil and to add insult to injury, Sammy Clingan curled home the resulting free-kick.

The reverse at Rugby Park was Motherwell’s third league defeat in a row – the first time the Steelmen have lost three on the bounce in the top league for almost two years.

Motherwell handed Henrik Ojamaa his first start since his return to the club. The Estonian forward came off the bench for the second half of last week’s defeat to Inverness and was added to the team for the visit to Rugby Park.

McCall also drafted in Iain Vigurs and Jack Leitch who replaced the injured David Ferguson and Lee Erwin.

Killie were missing both Michael Ngoo and Craig Slater from the matchday squad.

Motherwell looked good on the ball in the opening exchanged but it was the hosts who created and scored. Muirhead had passed up a glorious chance in the first few minutes, but, with just nine minutes on the clock, he made amends by grabbing the opener.

He collected the ball from Chris Chantler before letting fly with an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area that had Dan Twardzik well beaten.

However, the Motherwell goalkeeper came to the rescue when he found himself one on one with Josh Magennis and raced off his line to block.

The Northern Irishman was thwarted again seconds later when his shot from distance was smothered by Twardzik as the home side heaped on the pressure.

Magennis then attempted to turn provider, nodding into the path of Muirhead 18 yards out, but his volley dipped just over the crossbar and he was denied his second goal of the day.

‘Well had to weather a storm. They were good on the ball but were getting cut open far too easy. Rory McKenzie had a go with a 25-yard drive that a full-stretch Twardzik just managed to turn past a post.

The Fir Parkers got through most of what Killie were throwing and as the half wore on, were edging their way back into things. Ojamaa saw an angled drive clawed away by Craig Samson, with Craig Reid unable to get a clean shot from the rebound.

Motherwell stepped up attempts at a fight back after the break, but a curling free-kick from the fit-again Iain Vigurs did little to trouble Sampson in the Killie goal.

McManus headed over a Vigurs corner and Ojamaa looked to be in on goal following some confusion in the home defence but Hamill got back to cover. Vigurs also had an effort sail high over the bar after a nice bit of skill in the build up.

However, there appeared to be no way back for ‘Well when they found themselves down to ten men. Fraser Kerr was shown a straight red card for a high tackle on Jamie Hamill on the edge of the area.

From the resulting free-kick, Northern Irishman Sammy Clingan stepped up to smash home and seal the points.

[tab:As it happened]

Ally Reilly at Rugby Park

FT: Kilmarnock 2 – 0 Motherwell #KFCvMFC

94mins: Another fine save from Twardzik to deny Magennis

93mins: Leitch booked for clipping McKenzie’s ankles.

5 minutes added on

86mins: Kilmarnock sub: Cairney on for Obadeyi

83mins: McKenzie should have made it 3 but again Twardzik does well to block at his feet.

And a ‘Well sub, Ainsworth on for Ojamaa

80mins: Kilmarnock subs, Eremenko and O’Hara on for Hamill and Muirhead

77mins: GOAL! From the free-kick, Clingan fired it low past Twardzik. 2-0

76mins: RED CARD: Kerr sent off for what looked like a high foot going into the challenge.

71mins: Nice bit of skill from Vigurs some 25 yards out but with Law as an option out wide, he opts to shoot but it it well wide.

67mins: Decent chance for Ojamaa who dispossesed Barbour and darted into the box. Hamill did enough to cover and make the saving tackle

65mins: Vigurs outmuscles Pascali and wins a corner. Vigurs delivers to the front post to McManus but he can only flick a header well wide.

61mins: Free-kick in a decent area about 30 yards out on the left but Vigurs’ ball in eludes everyone.

57mins: Corner to Killie after Twardzik takes no chances and punches it behind. Pascali heads harmlessly wide.

4,146 here at Rugby Park #KFCvMFC

50mins: Stoppage in play as we await a substitute corner flag. Reid snapped the last one trying to chase down a through ball.

49mins: Great effort from Vigurs from the free-kick. Samson got across his line well and managed to gather it to safety.

48mins: Hamill booked for a foul on on Sutton. Didn’t look worthy of a yellow to be honest.

Second half underway!

A frustrating first half for ‘Well as yet again they go behind to a great strike. Playing some good football, just lacking the final ball.

HT: Kilmarnock 1 – 0 Motherwell #KFCvMFC

40mins: Drama as Sutton races through 1v1. Looked to have been clipped by Pascali but ref says no! Interesting to see that back.

38mins: Killie counter and on the edge of the box, Barbour spins McManus and gets a shot away. Straight into the hands of Twardzik, though.

36mins: Great passing play from ‘Well but Connolly is there to intercept Reid’s cross.

Great delivery from Lasley has Samson backtracking and having to punch it clear.

33mins: Corner to ‘Well, swung in by Leitch and headed clear by Magennis. Another corner to ‘Well…

31mins: McKenzie tries his luck from range and does enough to test Twardzik who has to dive to his right and tip it wide.

27mins: Leitch swings a deep ball towards the back post which Kerr and Sutton both rise for. Kerr wins the header but it’s well past.

26mins: Magennis heads it into the path of Muirhead again who catches it almost too cleanly on the volley and it’s just over.

25mins: Killie still 1 up. ‘Well are playing some not bad stuff and getting a lot of the ball. Just no end product as yet.

18mins: Magennis meets a cross from the right with a well-timed header. Thankfully it is dealt with by Twardzik.

13mins: And another great save from Twardzik! This time he is called into action to deny Magennis from the edge of the box!

11mins: Great stop from Twardzik to deny Magennis! He should have scored 1v1 but Dan spread himself well to make the save.

10mins: Leitch is slid in out wide by Vigurs but his drilled cross is plucked out the air by Samson.

8mins: GOAL! – Muirhead smashes one in from distance! 1-0 to Killie

3mins: Great effort from Ojamaa, on the right edge of the box. Unlucky to see his volley flash just wide!

Game is underway. COYW!!!!

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“The second goal just summed things up for us. The second goal, with 10 men, just killed it off.

“Stephen McManus collapsed in a heap, the ball bounced around and Fraser Kerr made a challenge and they scored from the free-kick.

“Fraser Kerr doesn’t have a malicious bone in his body but it was a late challenge. It looked bad, it looked like a red card.”

Kilmarnock manager Allan Johnston:

“You look at Motherwell’s squad and it’s more or less the same as last year and they brought in Ojamaa, who’s a top player.

“But I thought we created a lot of chances and defended well. It was good to get a clean sheet as well.

“There were times we passed the ball well and we had to defend well too but I don’t think we looked like we were going to lose goals.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Stuart McCall has challenged his players to bounce back from back-to-back defeats last week.

The Steelmen kicked off the new season with a win against St Mirren but lost at Tannadice and then at home to Inverness CT.

McCall will take his side down the M77 to Ayrshire looking to bounce back and the ‘Well boss hopes a good week on the training pitch will have helped his side.

Speaking to the gathered press at the pre-match news conference, the 50-year old said: “We’ve just got back on the training ground and work at what we want to do.

“There’s no doubt we have lacked quality in possession of the ball, control, passing. We’ve not created a lot of chances as we normally do so we have done a little bit of work on that.

“It [Inverness CT defeat] was disappointing, we all know that, and the players are the first to take that on board as am I and the coaching staff. But it’s gone now and we’ve had a good week’s training and we look forward to going down to Kilmarnock.

[pullquote]”The training’s had a good tempo as you would expect because there is no-one that can be thinking they are a first-team regular at this moment. We just need to put in a good performance, we are well capable and we have good players and good quality.[/pullquote]

“Defensively we have not been too bad, the three goals we have conceded lately have been good goals, but that doesn’t mask the fact that we have not been good enough individually and collectively.”

The injury situation shows no signs of letting up and McCall revealed two more players are on the sidelines.

“Unfortunately young David Ferguson and Lee Erwin have picked up injuries so they will be out,” he added, “but we have the likes of Vigurs and Lawson back in and obviously Henrik Ojamaa and Mark O’Brien have had an Under 20s game under their belt.

“The likes of Hammell, Ramsden and Francis-Angol will be ready after the international break, I would imagine.”

Craig Reid is adamant there is more to come from Motherwell and says the squad aim to prove it.

The Steelmen have had an injury-ravished start to the new campaign with Steven Hammell, Simon Ramsden, Craig Moore, Zaine Francis-Angol, Paul Lawson and Iain Vigurs all missing the majority of the league campaign.

Lee Erwin and David Ferguson have joined them on the injury list this week but Reid says it’s up to those who are available to take up the challenge.

“The onus is on everyone to stand up and be counted and if you need to fill in a different position then so be it, that’s football,” the former Celtic and Morton man said.

“We’ve got to pick up our performances, raise the standard and start to get results.

[pullquote]We’ve enjoyed training this week, spirits are high amongst the players and we want to start showing everyone we’re the good side that we are.[/pullquote]

“We won the first game [against St Mirren] but weren’t at our best but that’s the sign of a good side, I suppose.

“Tannadice [against Dundee Utd] was a close game, I thought we dug in well and although it was a little backs to the wall at times, it was an unfortunate goal, there was nothing we could have done about it.

“Last Saturday [against Inverness CT] was far more disappointing with that. We set our standards here and we didn’t meet them. They scored two good goals and outplayed us at times but there’s a lot more to come from us and hopefully that starts at Kilmarnock this weekend.

“We’ve enjoyed training this week, spirits are high amongst the players and we want to start showing everyone we’re the good side that we are.”

Willie Collum will take charge of Saturday’s Scottish Premiership meeting with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

Regarded as one of Scotland’s best and most recognisable officials, Willie will be handling his first ‘Well game of the new campaign

He took charge of three during the 2013/14 season.

His first was a 3-0 win over St Mirren back in December when Lionel Ainsworth and a Henri Anier double separated the sides.

The second was at Tynecastle a few weeks later, John Sutton scoring the game’s only goal.

And, most recently, he was the man in the middle for the 2-1 win over Inverness back in May with goals coming from Sutton and a Gary Warren OG.

Willie is no stranger to ‘Well fans having been a top-flight whistler for a number of years, taking charge of six Motherwell matches the previous term too.

The first was the 1-0 defeat at Tynecastle in October 2012 when Danny Grainger’s long-range effort separated the sides.

He also took charge of both William Hill Scottish Cup clashes with Aberdeen last December.

In the first meeting at Pittodrie, Niall McGinn headed home a late equaliser to cancel out Jamie Murphy’s opener 10 minutes from time.

There would be disappointment for the Steelmen in the replay as goals from Rory Fallon and Joe Shaughnessy helped the Dons progress to the next round.

Motherwell were handed a lifeline in injury-time when Michael Higdon netted from the penalty spot, however Craig Brown’s side held firm in the final minutes.

He was also the man in the middle for the narrow 3-2 win over St Johnstone in January; Michael Higdon’s hat-trick sealing a terrific three points and also the disappointing 3-0 defeat at Ross County shortly after.

He also handled the James McFadden-inspired 4-1 victory over Hibs in March and, finally, the 4-3 defeat to Inverness Caley in the Highlands in May.

His overall record in charge of the Steelmen reads eight wins, twelve defeats and five draws from twenty-five matches (in all competitions).

In those games, Motherwell have scored 37 and conceded 44.

50 players have gone into the book, 23 wearing Claret and Amber, while four players have been dismissed – Ian Murray of Hibs at Easter Road five years back, Jerard Aafjes at Falkirk four seasons ago, Paul Dixon at the end of 2009/10 and, most recently, Henrik Ojamaa in that game at Caley fifteen months ago.

Willie Conquer and Gavin Harris will run the lines with Des Roache on fourth official duties. The referee observer is Brian Cassidy and the SPFL Delegate is Tommy McLean.

Stadium Details

Rugby Park
Rugby Road
Kilmarnock

Tel: 01563 545 300
Web: www.kilmarnockfc.co.uk

Stadium Opened: 1899
Capacity: 18,128
Sat Nav: KA1 2DP
Distance from Fir Park: 36.4 (0 hrs 41 mins)

Tickets

• Concessions are listed as Under 18s, Over 60s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation card.
• Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Sharon or John McCaskie on 07745494631 / 07711 992161 or email disabledfans@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Travel

By car

The stadium is located close to the town centre is well signposted for travelling fans.

Follow the A71 towards Kilmarnock and then take the A759 (Dundonald Road) into the town. You will eventually come to the stadium on the left.

If travelling from the North, follow the M77, which becomes the A77 on approach to Kilmarnock. Exit on to the B7802 (Grassyards Road) and head towards the town centre.

Continue forward on to High Street, turning right at the traffic lights on to Fowlds Street. Then turn left at St Marnock Street on to the A759 (Dundonald Road). The stadium will be clearly visible ahead.

Street parking is available on numerous streets around the ground.

By bus

Several operators run buses which will take you within a five to 10 minute walk of the ground, including First service X76.

Further information and timetables are available online at www.firstgroup.com/glasgow.

The Central Branch of the Motherwell Supporters Association is running a bus. It leaves the Bentley Hotel in Motherwell at 1.30pm.

By train

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

Upon leaving the station, walk down John Finnie Street and turn right at the traffic lights on to Portland Road. Then take the second left on to South Hamilton Street and the stadium will be clearly visible ahead.

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

Motherwell F.C. and Breathing Space, Scotland’s mental health phone line have renewed their partnership for the 2014-15 season.

As well as a refreshed look on the back of the shirts this season, striking new banners and signage with the freephone number were unveiled at Fir Park last weekend.

‘Well Manager Stuart McCall said: “It’s our fourth season with Breathing Space and we’re delighted to be renewing the partnership. The new banners and signage reflect our fresh enthusiasm for promoting good mental wellbeing and raising awareness of the helpline.”

Breathing Space will be marking 10 years as a national service this November. The phone line now receives around 6,000 calls each month from Scots experiencing, low mood, anxiety or depression.

Kirsten Donald, Breathing Space National Development Officer, said: “It’s great to see a club like Motherwell F.C. once again embracing the mental wellbeing message and promoting this to football fans and the wider community. We are looking forward to working closely with Stuart and the rest of the team for the new season.”

Steelmen Captain Keith Lasley added: “I’m proud that the club is associated with Breathing Space. Getting the message out there that you can pick up the phone and talk to someone when you’re feeling low is important.”

Breathing Space advisors can listen, offer advice and signpost callers onto help in their local area. They are available 6pm – 2am weekdays and 24 hours at weekends on freephone 0800 83 85 87.

Highlights from Fir Park as the Under 20s lose 1-3 to Aberdeen in the new SPFL Development League.

Jonatan Johansson was left frustrated as sloppy goals cost his side dearly against Aberdeen this evening.

Lawrence Shankland had put the Reds ahead but Jack Leitch cancelled that out with his first of the season.

However, two Joe Shaughnessy goals, both from corner kicks, would lead to ‘Well’s downfall and the 106-times capped former Finnish International spoke of his anger at gifting a good side such an easy way to goal.

Speaking to MFC TV on Motherwell’s Official You Tube channel, Johansson said: “I am disappointed; the first half in particular was poor. We didn’t do enough to get on the ball and that’s why we had so many bad passes.

[pullquote]However, if we concede goals like we did then we’re always going to struggle. I thought all three were poor from our point of view.[/pullquote]

“We gave away the ball far too easily to a counter-attacking side, which plays into their hands. We scored a goal, but that aside we didn’t have any other real chances.

“The second half was a little bit better; we looked a bit angrier and were more aggressive in the tackle and created more chances.

“However, if we concede goals like we did then we’re always going to struggle. I thought all three were poor from our point of view. Two from corner kicks and the first was bad marking.

“We’ve got a lot to work on and that begins tomorrow.”

Motherwell Under 20s lost 1-3 at home to Aberdeen at Fir Park in the SPFL Development League this evening.

The Dons took the lead early on through Lawrence Shankland but Jack Leitch levelled the scoring shortly after. However, the Dons were back in front thanks to a Joe Shaughnessy header before the same player sealed all three points late in the game.

Jonatan Johansson was able to call on a relatively experienced team with new signings Mark O’Brien and Henrik Ojamaa joined in the starting eleven by over-aged players Lionel Ainsworth, Bob McHugh and Paul Lawson. Over and above that, Ross Stewart, Chris Cadden, Jack Leitch and David Ferguson could all count on first-team experience.

It was Motherwell who would have the game’s first shot when Ojamaa and Thomas combined to tee up Lawson on the edge of the area, but he scooped his effort high and wide of target.

Nicky Low replied quickly for the Dons with a long range shot straight at Stewart before Shankland forced the ‘Well stopper into a good low save with his feet and subsequent stop from a swerving volley.

However, he was powerless to stop the next attack as Shankland opened the scoring for Paul Sheerin’s side . The former Queen’s Park hitman had Scott Wright to thank, the midfielder jinked past a few challenges before squaring it for Shankland who smashed it home into an unguarded net.

The Steelmen were only behind for seven minutes though as Leitch levelled things. It was Leitch himself who started the move, releasing Thomas down the left flank. After cutting in, the ball ricocheted out to the skipper who curled home from twenty yards.

The game began to stretch and incredibly, with their next attack of note, the Dons got their noses in front once again. ‘Well were forced into conceding a needless corner when Morgyn Neill took the ball off the gloves of Stewart. Low’s delivery was inch-perfect for Shaughnessy who got above his marker to bullet a header home at the back post.

Jonatan Johansson was forced into a change with another defensive injury – David Ferguson was caught in a 50/50 challenge and was carried off the park, replaced by young Jack McMillan.

The game flowed back and forth, Craig Murray fired over the bar from distance and Cammy Smith should’ve made it 3-1 with a strike from just inside the area, but the hosts survived.

At the other end, McHugh had a pop from the edge but it sailed high over the bar and into the Maxim Office Park South Stand.

Motherwell started the second half on the front foot and Ojamaa teed up McHugh for a shot from the edge but once again he curled it over.

Two minutes later, the Estonian would shoot himself but his low poked effort dropped a foot or so wide of target. Ojamaa and Shaughnessy were both carded for a skirmish in the build-up , it looked like nothing more than handbags and a talking too would’ve sufficed, but after advice from the stand side assistant, both were cautioned.

Both teams continued to look dangerous on the break but it was the hosts who were creating; Ojamaa again going close after Ainsworth’s floated cross wasn’t cleared properly by Shaughnessy.

Shortly after, Thomas danced around a few tackles in the box only to watch his powerful low shot expertly turned around by Robbie Mutch in the Reds goal.

Motherwell continued their attacking intent and Ainsworth came within an inch of levelling, latching on to a loose ball only to drag his shot narrowly wide.

The home side were doing all the pressing but, typically, it was Aberdeen who extended their lead with a sucker-punch at the other end. Smith brought about a decent save from Stewart, turning around a stinging effort. ‘Well failed to properly clear the resulting corner and Shaughnessy was afforded too much time to slot home his second of the night from ten yards.

The home side continued to plug away and were so unlucky not to half the lead when Ainsworth rocketed a shot off the bar. There was a claim for a penalty when sub McLean was tugged at the rebound, but there was nothing doing from the referee.

McHugh saw a late shot blocked at the expense of a corner but that was the end of the scoring as the Dons headed back north with all three points.

Motherwell: Stewart, Cadden, Ferguson (McMillan – 36mins), O’Brien, Neill, Leitch (McCall – 73mins), Ainsworth, Lawson, McHugh, Ojamaa (McLean – 73mins), Thomas

Subs Not Used: Currie, Hall, Mackin, Higgins

The Under 20s return to action tomorrow (Tuesday) when they take on Aberdeen at Fir Park.

Jonatan Johansson’s men made a disappointing start to the campaign with a 1-0 defeat across the River Clyde at New Douglas Park two weeks ago.

The Dons, on the other hand, kicked off with an impressive 4-0 win at home to Hibernian, so it’s sure to be a tough game for the young Steelmen.

‘Well had the upper hand at home last season, winning 3-0 with goals coming from Craig Moore and a Bob McHugh double.

Kick-off at Fir Park is 6pm.

PRICES:

Adults and Concessions:
Season book holders or Well Society membership: £2
Standard: £3

Under 16s:
Season book holders or Well Society membership: £1
Standard: £2