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A late Wes Fletcher goal sealed a 2-1 win for the Steelmen over Sligo Rovers tonight.

The Fir Parkers made the best possible start when Dom Thomas swept the team into the lead after eight minutes.

However, the home side were soon level through Keith Ward and it stayed that way until virtually the last kick of the ball when summer recruit Wes Fletcher slotted home his second goal of pre-season.

Ian Baraclough, back at the scene of his greatest managerial achievements, started with a trialist ‘keeper, Law, Laing, McManus and Hammell. A midfield four of Thomas, Leitch, Cadden and Johnson with Moult and Clarkson leading the line.

And the visitors made a strong start, Clarkson stinging the palms of Richard Brush before Johnson and Hammell combined on the left flank but a low searching ball wasn’t converted.

However, it wouldn’t be long before ‘Well got their noses in front. Clarkson and Moult combined on the edge of the area. The former was afforded too much time inside the area and he picked out Dom Thomas who swept home from eight yards.

The lead would last just four minutes thought when the Bit O’ Red levelled with their first attempt of the match. Jack Leitch conceded what could only be described as a very soft foul on the edge of the area. Keith Ward was in no mood for mercy, as he curled home a beauty to level things up.

Although pegged back, it was ‘Well who were creating all the chances. Clarkson almost went through one-on-one after a loose back pass, but Brush was out and cleared his line.

Eight minutes later and Clarkson had another shot saved by the keeper, following by a Johnson shot, which was again stopped by Brush.

The second half started much in the same way the first ended, with ‘Well creating chances. Clarkson teed up Thomas with a terrific through ball but with Moult the better option, the winger took on the shot but it was saved by Brush.

Clarkson passed up another chance when Johnson set up him with a nice square cross only to turn the shot wide of target, Thomas shot straight at Brush and sub Wes Fletcher’s first touch was a low drive well held by the Sligo keeper.

Another sub, Craig Moore, was quickly involved in the action when he fired a shot straight at the goalkeeper and then headed an Ainsworth free-kick over.

More chances came and went, Laing had a header saved, McManus fired wide from distance and Moore hit the bar from 35-yards when his attempted lob was palmed onto the frame of the goal by the recovering keeper.

However, with virtually the last touch of the match, ‘Well levelled. Ainsworth collected on the edge and when he unleashed a low effort, the keeper could only push it towards Wes Fletcher who kept his composure to slot home.

Mothewell: Trialist, Hammell (Chalmers), Laing, McManus, Law (Watt), Johnson (Moore), Cadden (Pearson), Leitch, Thomas (Ainsworth), Moult (Fletcher), Clarkson (McDonald)

Motherwell Football Club is this morning delighted to confirm the re-signing of striker Scott McDonald.

McDonald, 31, joined the club for a second spell back in February and played a huge part in the club retaining its SPFL Premiership status, netting five goals in ten SPFL Premiership league matches.

Despite several lucrative offers from various clubs around the globe, the 26-times capped Aussie International has chose to a return to North Lanarkshire and has penned a one-year deal with the option of a second.

McDonald joins Lionel Ainsworth and Louis Laing in committing from last term, with five other new faces arriving in the shape of Joe Chalmers, David Clarkson, Wes Fletcher, Louis Moult and Kieran Kennedy.

And McDonald, who was first a Steelman back in 2004 before subsequent spells with Celtic, Middlesbrough and Millwall, can’t want to get his teeth into a full campaign in Claret and Amber once again wearing the number 77 jersey..

He told MFC TV: “I’m delighted it’s all been sorted as there had been a bit of speculation. It’s great to have joined and I can’t wait until the start of the season.

“ I have nothing but good memories from my time at Motherwell and the warmth from this football club and what it gives me, and vice-versa, was a big attraction for me coming back.

“It’s a family orientated club and my family is ever growing, with a new arrival on the way, so a lot of that was taken into consideration. and where we would be happy as a family as well as where I would be happiest playing my football.

“I really enjoyed the end of last season and am hoping for some success here this season.”

‘Well boss Ian Baraclough added: “We’ve been talking to Scott for most of the summer and we’re obviously delighted he will form part of our squad for at least one more year.

“He carries a threat, that was proven in the last few months of the season, but we also think he can help assist in the development of other strikers at the club too.

“Whilst Lee Erwin finished the 2014/15 season fantastically well, it would be remiss to not acknowledge the role Scott played there and that was very much in our mind when setting our strategy for this summer.

“He’s also the type of player who will demand from himself and others around him and that’s something I see as a huge benefit. The squad in general is really taking shape now albeit we’re still in the market for both a goalkeeper and a centre midfielder, which we hope to tie up shortly.”

Ian Baraclough declared himself pleased with the progress thus far after his side ran out comfortable winners at the Energy Assets Arena today.

‘Well had previously drawn with Borussia Mönchengladbach and Heerenveen before losing midweek to Bradford, the former Scunthorpe and Sligo boss would have wanted to see signs of improvement.

And the players delivered, with a comfortable and composed performance. The hosts rarely threatening before second half goals from Lionel Ainsworth and Luke Watt gave ‘Well the win.

Indeed, with Louis Moult crashing the bar and ‘Well missing another couple of chances, it could have been more convincing for the Claret and Amber men.

[pullquote]I asked the players to play at a higher tempo and retain the ball better and although there were one or two frustrations, I thought we did that.[/pullquote]

Speaking to MFC TV, the 44-year old: “I’m pleased with the progression and where we’ve came from the first three games.

“I asked the players to play at a higher tempo and retain the ball better and although there were one or two frustrations, I thought we did that.

“We had several chances and not just the clear cut ones like hitting the bar and forcing the keeper to save. We’ve got another game under our belt, we’ve came through it injury free so all in all, it was a successful day.”

Extended highlights from the Energy Assets Arena as two second half goals give ‘Well a comfortable 0-2 win.

Two second half goals helped ‘Well to a comfortable 0-2 win over Livingston at the Energy Assets Arena today.

After a goalless first forty-five, Lionel Ainsworth opened the scoring before setting up Luke Watt who doubled the advantage shortly after.

It was Motherwell’s first win of pre-season after draws with Borussia Mönchengladbach and Heerenveen and a defeat to Bradford.

Both teams made a positive, attacking start with Scott Pittman firing over for the hosts and Wes Fletcher having a close-range effort deflected wide for a corner.

Shortly after, Jordan White had a snap shot from the edge drop just wide of target before Lionel Ainsworth had an effort of his own sail a yard or so wide of target with Darren Jamieson at full stretch.

Motherwell began to gain the upperhand and a nice one-two between Lasley and Ainsworth almost brought about the first goal but Fletcher was beaten to the ball as the hosts conceded a corner.

‘Well threatened again on the half hour when Pearson and Johnson combined down the left but the former’s fizzed ball across the six-yard box had no takers.

As the interval approached, Livi had a couple of half chances when Myles Hippolyte fired a free-kick way wide of target and Ben Gordon got on the end of a corner but could only flight a header at Twardzik who comfortably plucked it out the air.

The Steelmen, again in all black, made a positive start to the second half and Craig Moore fizzed a twenty-yard shot just wide after his initial free-kick had came back off the way.

Livi’s only real chance of the second half fell to Hippolyte twelve minutes in but his close-range shot was superbly deflected over by the sliding Louis Laing, who had made up four or five yards to make the block.

It was an important touch from the former Forest man as ‘Well countered the resulting corner to open the scoring. Twardzik started the attack, rolling it quickly to sub David Clarkson. He turned past Scott Pittman before releasing Ainsworth with a terrific ball over the top. The winger took two touches before lashing a low shot Jamieson off his left-foot.

That goal gave the hosts confidence and they came close to doubling the advantage five minutes later. A stunning Stevie Hammell cross-field pass played Ainsworth in on the right flank. His low, tantalising cross was begging to be finished but it squirmed away from Clarkson and the chance was gone.

However, it wasn’t long before ‘Well made it two and it was a nice little finish from youngster Luke Watt. The 18-year old combined with Ainsworth on the right flank before cutting inside his marker and firing low across Jamieson.

It was almost three when substitute Louis Moult got on the end of a teasing Ainsworth cross but his looping header came back off the bar before being cleared.

Just before the full-time whistle, another sub Chris Cadden almost got his name on the scoresheet but Jamieson saved his low, bouncing shot in what was the last action of the ninety.

Motherwell: Twardzik (B.Long – 80mins), Hammell (Thomas – 75mins), Laing, Ainsworth, Pearson (J.Leitch – 55mins), Fletcher (Moult – 68mins), Johnson (Chalmers – 55mins), Lasley (Cadden – 75mins), Kennedy (McManus – 68mins), Moore (Clarkson – 55mins), Watt (Ferguson – 85mins)

Motherwell’s first home match with Celtic on Saturday 17th October will be shown live on BT Sport.

Although the day of the match will remain the same, the game will now kick-off at 12 noon as opposed to 3pm.

It’s the only match been selected for live coverage in the opening round of matches, running up to 1st November.

Motherwell FC can today announce the team will face SSE Airtricity League side Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds this Tuesday night.

Ian Baraclough will face his old side on their own patch as the Fir Parkers prepare for the forthcoming SPFL Premiership campaign.

The team will travel to Ireland on Monday, returning on Wednesday with the fixture taking place on the Tuesday night (21st July) with kick-off set for 7.45pm.

The match is the final game of the summer schedule to be confirmed, with the schedule currently looking like:

Saturday 18th July 2015
Livingston -v- Motherwell
Energy Assets Arena, Livingston
Kick-off: 1500

Tuesday 21st July 2015
Sligo Rovers -v- Motherwell
The Showgrounds, Sligo
Kick-off: 1945

Friday 24th July 2015
Motherwell -v- Preston North End
Energy Assets Arena, Livingston
Kick-off: 1900

‘Well have already taken on Borussia Monchengladbach, SC Heerenveen and Bradford City in what has been a competitive pre-season so far.

Motherwell FC is today pleased to confirm 21-year old defender Kieran Kennedy has joined the club on a two-year deal.

Kennedy, a former England Youth International, is a former product of the Man City Youth Academy, having spent fourteen years coming through the system at the Etihad.

Nigel Pearson took him to Leicester last summer, but he has found first-team opportunities limited as the Foxes managed to retain their Premiership status.

Having been released, he spent time with the Steelmen at their Netherlands training base last week and impressed in games against both Borussia Mönchengladbach and Heerenveen.

A centre-back to trade, but with the ability to also play at right-back, Kennedy has also proven effective for both City and Leicester in opposition boxes, notching numerous goals from set-pieces.

[pullquote]I think have played enough football at Development Level and it’s time to make that step up. If I am training well and working hard, hopefully I get a chance but I know I’ll need to be patient.[/pullquote]

He becomes Motherwell’s seventh signing of the summer and speaking to MFC TV, Kennedy said: “I’ve been here for over a week after being with the team over in the Netherlands and I’ve been really impressed with the facilities and the club itself.

“I’ve had such a good time at both Manchester City and Leicester, both great clubs, but I’ve been lucky enough to get the move up to Scotland and I can’t wait to get started.

“I think I have played enough football at Development Level and it’s time to make that step up. If I am training well and working hard, hopefully I get a chance but I know I’ll need to be patient.

“I know Louis Laing having played with him for England and even in the short time I spent with Mick over in Netherland, it’s clear what good players we have but that’s up to me to work hard at it.”

Extended highlights from the Grangemouth Stadium as Motherwell lose 3-0 to English League One side Bradford City.

‘Well boss Ian Baraclough says his side still have a lot to do before the SPFL Premiership kick-off in just under three weeks time.

The Fir Parkers lost 0-3 to Bradford this afternoon but several players, including McManus, Law and Moult; all played the full ninety minutes.

However, with the big kick off against Inverness set for August 1st, Baraclough says he wants to see more from his squad.

The ‘Well boss told MFC TV after today’s match: “We know we’ve still got a lot to do and a long way to go before the start of the new season.

[pullquote]We’ve got three weeks to go and it’s our job to ensure we’re ready. The positive from today is it’s another game for the players and a good few of them have taken on the full ninety minutes.[/pullquote]

“Just because we’ve been in games doesn’t mean our speed of though or fitness can’t be improved and it will.

“We’ve got three weeks to go and it’s our job to ensure we’re ready. The positive from today is it’s another game for the players and a good few of them have taken on the full ninety minutes.

“Yes, we’ve taken on difficult games against teams who will be, at times, better than us. We need to ensure we take something from every game and we learn and today will do just that, particularly the younger lads who came in.”