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[tab:Match report]

 Phil McGhee Fir Park

Dundee United came from behind to beat Motherwell and send the Fir Parkers out the William Hill Scottish Cup.

Motherwell produced a battling and spirited Cup performance and, in the first half, showed signs of their real form as they tried to build on Henrik Ojamaa’s early lead.

But in a second half largely dominated by United, Dan Twardzik’s heroics couldn’t prevent goals from John Souttar and Keith Watson, seven minutes from time, taking the Tannadice side into the 5th Round.

It was a cruel end for ‘Well as their horrendous cup form continued and for the second consecutive season the Fir Park side found themselves knocked out of three Cups before Christmas.

Considering their current league form and recent cup record, the Steelmen started this Scottish Cup 4th round tie as underdogs.

But the home side looked to their 1-0 win over the Tannadice team three weeks for a confidence booster, and gave Jackie McNamara’s men no time to settle.

After a quiet opening, ‘Well stormed into the lead. Paul Lawson fed the ball to Ojamma and from 25yards he turned and hit a low skidding shot which sped past the diving Radoslaw Cierzniak and into the corner for the perfect start.

United replied immediately and when Gary Mackay-Steven slipped in behind the home defence, Twardzik raced from his line to make the first of a series of tremendous saves.

Iain Vigurs, along with Keith Lasley and Paul Lawson had an influential first half, and from his corner Mark O’Brien headed the ball straight at the ‘keeper.

Having dominated possession ‘Well should have doubled the lead after 21 minutes when a terrific run and cross from Zaine Francis-Angol picked out the unmarked Josh Law but from 8 yards his header failed to beat the ‘keeper.

The home side almost paid for that when Stuart Armstrong raced beyond the back four only to squeeze his shot beyond the advancing ‘keeper and the post.

Law then finished off a fine mazy run with a powerful drive, which was held by Cierzniak. Within a minute Twardzik came to ‘Well’s rescue again advancing from his line to block Ryan Dow’s shot with his foot.

The home side was on top though, and looked the more likely to score again but two inviting crosses from Vigurs and Francis-Angol found no takers in front of goal.

Within two minutes of the restart Kenny Black had to make achange when the luckless Lawson limped off, with a calf injury, with Craig Reid coming on to play in front of the back four.

Last year’s beaten finalists, aiming to embark on another impressive cup run, pressed for an equaliser in front of their 2,000 travelling fans, and only a fine diving save from Twardzik denied Chris Erskine.

United’s pace was causing problems for the home defence and when Mackay-Steven raced through on goal after 57 minutes he should have equalised but once again Twardzik came out to make a brilliant block.

The ‘Well keeper was helpless, though, in the 65th minute when Armstrong’s corner found Souttar unmarked in the 6 yard box and he headed home to the delight of the travelling Arabs.

Inside two minutes the visitors should have been ahead when Calum Butcher raced through but once again Twardzik stood firm to deny United.

With ‘Well hemmed in their own half a United winner looked on the cards.

And it seemed a certainty in the 79th minute as Armstong raced through unchallenged but as he rounded Twardzik the ‘keeper produced a fabulous save.

That should have been enough to earn ‘Well a replay but seven minutes from time Keith Watson outjumped Francis-Angol to power a header down and beyond Twardzik.

The home side had one final chance to force a replay their first half play merited but after getting above Souttar, John Sutton could only guide his header over the crossbar.

[tab:As it happened]

 Ally Reilly at Fir Park

FT: Motherwell 1 – 2 Dundee Utd #MFCvDUFC

92mins: Great chance for Sutton but he can’t keep his header down from 10 yards. #MFCvDUFC

3 minutes left to find an equaliser…#MFCvDUFC

84mins: Dundee Utd sub, Erskine off for Adeyemo #MFCvDUFC

83mins: Motherwell sub, Kerr on for Francis-Angol #MFCvDUFC

82mins: GOAL! Watson heads the ball into the net from 12 yards. 2-1 to Utd #MFCvDUFC

…Twardzik launches himself at his feet and gathers it to safety. #MFCvDUFC

79mins: Dan Twardzik…INCREDIBLE! Armstrong springs the offside trap and with all the time in the world surely has to score but..

76mins: Motherwell sub, Erwin on for Law

74mins: Twardzik yet again to the rescue. This time has to palm away Dow’s powerful effort from just inside the box 69mins: #MFCvDUFC

69mins: Connolly cuts in from the right wing on his left foot and fires a shot inches over the bar #MFCvDUFC

68mins: Another good block by Twardzik! This time Butcher went through 1 on 1 but he stands strong and beats the ball away #MFCvDUFC

66mins: GOAL! Utd back level, Souttar heading home a corner. 1-1 #MFCvDUFC

61mins: Huge let-off there as Twardzik slices a clearance to Armstrong. Thankfully the defence flood back and eventually clear #MFCvDUFC

61mins: Dundee utd sub, Mackaty-Steven off for Connolly #MFCvDUFC

57mins: Great chance for Utd but again Twardzik is on hand to block from Mackay-Steven who was through 1v1 #MFCvDUFC

55mins: Pretty even first 10 minutes of the second half. Still a very high tempo game #MFCvDUFC

52mins: ‘Well counter but from Ojamaa’s low ball into the box, the ball just doesn’t sit right for Sutton and Utd clear #MFCvDUFC

51mins: Good chance for Utd, Erksine firing it goalwards and only denied by the diving Dan Twardzik. Great save. Still 1-0. #MFCvDUFC

48mins: Corner for Utd…….ball flashes all the way across goal with no takers #MFCvDUFC

46mins: Gutted for Paul Lawson. Limping off after 46 mins, replaced by Craig Reid #MFCvDUFC

Dundee Utd sub, Telfer off for Butcher. Both teams are back out and the second half is underway. #MFCvDUFC

HT: Motherwell 1 – 0 Dundee Utd #MFCvDUFC

42mins: Good take from Cierzniak as he races from his line and plucks a Francis-Angol out the air before Law got to it #MFCvDUFC

40mins: Telfer spins and comes in off the right wing but he is off balance as he shoots and it flys well over #MFCvDUFC

39mins: Watson is booked for a last-ditch tackle on Sutton. Would have been a red but a Utd defender and got back far enough to cover

37mins: Great patient build up play there. Lawson finally floated a ball into the box but Sutton can’t get any power in his header #MFCvDUFC

32mins: Lasley booked for a hard tackle in the Utd half. Looked a fair challenge on first look. Very harsh #MFCvDUFC

30mins: It’s end-to-end and very open. Really enjoyable cup tie so far #MFCvDUFC

29mins: Utd win a corner, then ‘Well counter through Ojamaa who jinks up the field and wins ‘Well a corner. #MFCvDUFC

United are looking very dangerous now. Thats two great chances in as many minutes. #MFCvDUFC

27mins: Great chance for Dow as he is put through on goal but Twardzik gets a foot to it. Good save! #MFCvDUFC

26mins: What a break from Utd. Great bit of passing put Armstrong in 1v1 but he drags his shot inches past the post #MFCvDUFC

24mins: Motherwell on top here! Another corner…..headed over by Sutton #MFCvDUFC

21mins: Unbelievable diagonal ball by Lawson to pick out Francis-Angol who picks out Law in the box but hIs header is straight at Cierzniak

20mins: Bookings for Paton and Vigurs. Looked pretty harsh on first inspection. Petty handbags, nothing in it #MFCvDUFC

18mins: Some really good stuff from The Steelmen so far. ZFA gets some space on the left but his cross is easily dealt with by Cierzniak

15mins: Good interplay from Ojamaa and Francis-Angol but his high through ball to Ojamaa his overhit and it trickles back to Cierzniak.

10mins:Vigurs wins the first corner of the game. From delivery, O’Brien gets a looping header on it but it’s not enough to trouble Cierzniak

8mins: Great chance for Utd but McManus gets across wonderfully to slide clear from Armstrong as he pulled the trigger #MFCvDUFC

7mins: Lawson slides a ball into Ojamaa and from 25 yards he unleashes one into the bottom left corner. 1-0 to ‘Well! #MFCvDUFC

GGGOOOAALLLLL!!

5mins: Great feet from Mackay-Steven on the right wing to get past Francis-Angol but Twardzik is on hand to mop up his cross #MFCvDUFC

4mins: High-tempo start to the game, ‘Well with a couple of balls into the box that haven’t really caused Utd any problems #MFCvDUFC

Law and Lasley kick off the action #COYW #MFCvDUFC

And the teams are out the tunnel. Utd in their change kit, black shirt with white shorts and socks,’Well in their Claret and Amber #MFCvDUFC

The atmosphere is building up here at Fir Park, just moments away from kick-off #MFCvDUFC

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell caretaker manager Kenny Black:

Coming Soon…

Dundee Utd manager Jackie McNamara:

Coming Soon…

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Lionel Ainsworth hopes to repeat some of the Cup experiences he has had down south as ‘Well enter the William Hill Scottish Cup.

The 27-year old enjoyed a memorable run whilst at Shrewsbury when Graham Turner’s side eliminated Derby County and Swansea City before taking on Arsenal in the 3rd Round of the League Cup at the Emirates.

Incredibly, the Shrews went ahead in the match through former Hibs striker James Collins. However, Kieran Gibbs, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Yossi Benayoun all scored and the League Two side were eventually eliminated.

Ainsworth played a big part in that team, and he is hoping to create some memories of his own in this season’s tournament.

Recalling his time against the Gunnars, he said: “It was an amazing experience to play there, I remember we went 1-0 up and they just turned the lights on and, before we knew it, we were out.

“It shows you’re the magic of the Cup competitions though and how much it means to people and that’s no different here. Cup ties are a different sort of match, it’s a one-off, winner takes all so that gives it a different dynamic.

[pullquote]”We’ll be big underdogs tomorrow, few outside our changing room will give us a chance but we will concentrate on ourselves and look towards what we done three weeks ago and show it again.[/pullquote]

“We’ll be big underdogs tomorrow, few outside our changing room will give us a chance but we will concentrate on ourselves and look towards what we done three weeks ago and show it again.”

A major hurdle stands in the way in the shape of last season’s finalists, and SPFL Premiership high-flyers Dundee United.

And the Englishman is hoping a positive result can again give the Fir Parkers the chance to kick on after a few false starts.

“It would be great if we could win again, particularly if it gives the lads more confidence going into the next few games.

“I am absolutely sure whoever goes out there will give everything they have for each other, and the club.

“I went into that last match [against Dundee Utd] with confidence thinking we were going to win.

“We’ve played them a lot in the last year; they’re an excellent side. All we can do though is focus on ourselves, try to play our own game and hopefully it will fall into place.”

Caretaker boss Kenny Black wants to use the Scottish Cup as a launchpad to finally get Motherwell’s season going.

The Steelmen have had a tough time of it in the SPFL Premiership, with the side struggling to live up to previous season’s achievements so far.

However, one of the few positives came with a win against Dundee Utd at Fir Park three weeks ago, and it’s the same opposition who visit North Lanarkshire again tomorrow in 4th Round action.

Now Black wants to summon the spirit of that night and hopefully book the Steelmen’s place in the fifth round draw at Hampden on Monday afternoon.

Speaking to the broadcast press ahead of the big game, the 50-year old admitted, “Could the draw have been kinder to us, yes, probably, but at least we’re at home.

[pullquote]”These are the games you want to play in though and if you want to get to Hampden and the Scottish Cup Final, then it’s likely you’ll come up against good quality. It just so happens we have it in the first round that we play.[/pullquote]

“We’re obviously desperate to do well; it would give the whole place a lift.

“We were lucky to experience a Final in my first year at the club and although the game that day against Celtic didn’t go the way we would’ve wanted, it was a superb occasion.

“We want more of the same and to do that, we know we will need a similar performance to the one we had against Dundee United here three weeks ago.”

Referee for Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Cup 4th Round clash with Dundee Utd at Fir Park is Craig Thomson.

The 42-year old will be handling his first Motherwell match of the 2014/15 season.

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 13 years.

He handled three Motherwell matches last season.

The first was the 1-0 at St Mirren Park in September 2013 when John Sutton’s first-half header secured the points.

The second was the fine 2-1 win at the Caledonian Stadium last April, Henri Anier and Iain Vigurs doing the damage and, most recent, was the enthralling 3-3 draw with Celtic in the same month, when a last-minute Sutton goal earned the Steelmen a point in a topsy-turvy match.

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

He took charge of three ‘Well matches the previous term too.

The first was the 4-1 demolition of Aberdeen on Boxing Day 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 and final was the 2-0 home victory over Ross County in the last home game of that 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 39 matches. There have been sixteen defeats and nine 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 55 and conceded 53.

133 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 and Brian Templeton with Colin Steven on fourth official duties.

A reminder that Tickets for Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Cup 4th Round tie against Dundee Utd are available to pre-purchase or on the gate.

Season Ticket holders can pre-purchase their regular seat by popping into the Ticket Office or phoning 01698 333333.

Alternatively, fans of both clubs can pay at the turnstiles with prices as follows:

• Prices listed are for all stands, with Dundee Utd fans housed in the Maxim Office Park South Stand.
• Concessions are listed as 60 and over and full time students with a valid matriculation card.
• Juveniles are listed as 15 and under.
• Season Tickets are not valid for this match.

The famous Cash Converters “Convert for Cash” challenge is back when Dundee Utd visit on Saturday.

Faced by two giant inflatable footballs, fans must dribble the balls with their hands around a slalom course and, cross the goal-line to take home £150.

For your chance to win take part and win this fantastic prize, enter your details at the Cash Converters Football Facebook page now: CLICK HERE.

The Facebook page will also give you the chance to win a whole host of other prizes, including tickets and exclusive, money-can’t-buy experiences. Simply “Like” the page, and get entering. CLICK HERE TO WIN SOME GREAT PRIZES.

Entries will close at 12 noon on Tuesday 27th November 2014.

*Please note: You must be aged over 18 to take part, and proof of age will be required on the day. You must also already possess a match ticket.

Extended highlights from the Indodrill Stadium as ‘Well lose 1-0 to Dundee in the SPFL Development League.

Jonatan Johansson bemoaned his side’s lack of a killer instinct after losing 1-0 to Dundee this afternoon.

The young Fir Parkers creating a plethora of opportunities, but were either wasteful in front of goal or found German keeper Arvid Schenk in inspired form.

The disappointment and frustration was compounded by a poor goal conceded, a set piece just fifteen minutes from time.

Asked how his side managed to lose the match, the Finn was blunt: “We didn’t take our chances; it’s as simple as that!

[pullquote]Football is about scoring goals and we’ve had two or three games this season that we’ve created a lot of chances, but the killer instinct isn’t there which is unfortunate, because we are creating enough to win many games.[/pullquote]

“If you ask me, ‘Am I disappointed with how we played?’ – then no, not really.

“We played well both halves, the energy was there and there were some good individual performances. We put pressure on them, we pressed high up the park.

“However, football is about scoring goals and we’ve had two or three games this season that we’ve created a lot of chances, but the killer instinct isn’t there which is unfortunate, because we are creating enough to win many games.

“We will work hard at improving that side of our game for the upcoming matches.”

Motherwell Under 20s lost 1-0 to Dundee this afternoon in a game they really ought to have won.

Jonatan Johansson’s young side were on top for the majority, creating a host of chances, including hitting the frame of the goal and coming up against a keeper in inspired form.

However, they were punished at the other end fifteen minutes from time when Matthew Allan prodded home a swerving corner at the back post.

The Steelmen made four changes to the team that beat Celtic seven days ago. Adam Cummins, Paul Lawson, Stuart Carswell and Ross MacLean dropped out, replaced by Luke Watt, Ben Hall, Craig McCall and Steven Higgins.

And it was the visitors who made a positive start to the game and could and should have been ahead inside six minutes.

A teasing ball between the goalkeeper and right-back Andrew Black caused confusion, and when the defender nodded it past the outrushing keeper, it looked to be rolling into the net, but bobbled just past the post.

From the resulting corner, Dom Thomas’ cross was perfect for Morgyn Neill but despite a free-header from six yards, the big defender put it over.

Thomas had a shot of his own ten minutes later comfortably saved, before Dundee’s Josh Skelly had their first attack of note, sending a 20-yard shot over the bar.

Dylan Mackin also had a neat turn and shot inside the area well saved by German keeper Arvid Schenk. The former VfL Wolfsburg II stopper was even more impressive shortly after, getting down well to save from a stinging Thomas half volley at the expense of a corner.

Just before the break, the Dark Blues had their best effort of the half, Skelly capitalising on some good play down the left, only to see his darting shot well stopped by Ross Stewart in the ‘Well goal.

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first, with ‘Well creating chances. Thomas had the first shot after just three minutes, but Schenk was again up to the task.

Minutes later, Mackin played in Higgins with a lovely flick, only for the defender to be crowded out at the expense of a corner. From the resulting kick, Thomas got another shot away but again, it was comfortable for Schenk to catch.

It took Dundee ten minutes to register an effort in the second half, but when it came, it was close. Philip Roberts reacted quickly to a smart free-kick from Kevin McBride, but the former Inverness CT winger pulled a low shot narrowly wide of the far post.

However, it wasn’t long before play was back up the other end and Schenk was again able to thwart the Steelmen, racing off his line to stop Higgins’ chipped finish after the forward had been played in by a lovely Craig McCall slide rule.

Shortly after, Thomas had another shot from the left edge of the box, but with Schenk at full stretch, it dropped half a yard over the crossbar.

Dundee were content to hit on the counter and German striker Luka Tankulic sent a low shot three of four yards wide before Philips tried an ambitious shot from distance on his left foot, which hit the corner flag on its way out for a goal kick.

It was still stalemate but anyone inside the ground would’ve been scratching their head at how ‘Well didn’t take the lead on the 70th minute.

Schenk could’ve caught a corner but instead, opted to punch. When it squirmed out into the penalty box, there were big appeals for a penalty when Higgins was pulled down.

The referee played on and ‘Well had three or four shots at goal, all blocked in an over-crowded eighteen yard box.

It was to prove crucial as Dundee got themselves ahead just minutes later. The goal came from a corner after Stewart had turned around a low Philips shot. Motherwell’s marking was poor and when Matthew Allan peeled off his marker at the back post, he bundled it home despite ‘Well protesting for a handball.

Those of a Claret and Amber persuasion would struggled to believe how they were behind in a game they had controlled for the vast majority. It got even more frustrating when Mackin sent a blistering volley crashing off the post, albeit credit should again go to Schenk who got a slight, if unorthodox, touch on route.

The Steelmen threw the kitchen sink at in the last ten minutes. Sub Ryan Watters almost scored with his first touch, heading a Neill cross straight at Schenk before the big keeper was again in form, turning away a low drive by Cadden with no Motherwell striker there to gobble up the rebound.

It was a frustrating old afternoon for the Fir Parkers who left Clackmannanshire with nothing, but deserved so much more.

Motherwell: Stewart, Watt, McMillan, Hall, Neill, Ferguson, Mackin, Cadden, Higgins (Watters – 85mins), Thomas, McCall (R.Leitch – 77mins)

Subs Not Used: Currie, McNulty

Extended highlights from the Highland Capital as a poor Motherwell lose 3-1 to hosts Inverness Caledonian Thistle.