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Today’s scheduled Ladbrokes Premiership match at Tannadice has been postponed due to a water-logged pitch.

The Steelmen were hoping to make it four matches undefeated when they faced the Terrors, but extremely heavy overnight rain, together with a bleak forecast for the rest of the day, forced the match official to call the game off after a 10am inspection.

No date has, as yet, been confirmed for the re-arranged fixture.

On behalf of the Board, staff and players, we would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a very happy, healthy and successful 2016.

We all received an early Christmas present from Mark, his coaching staff and the players last weekend… Very well done to all concerned.

In addition, I would like to say a special thanks to the 624 people who have currently made a regular financial commitment to the ‘Well Society, at an average of £11.46 per month.

Without your funds the club would be in some financial difficulty during this transition period toward the new plan for Motherwell FC. I am sure you would agree, thanks to the hard working employees of the Club, we are heading in the right direction.

I would once again encourage everyone to join the fight for fan ownership and for the future stability of the club.

We need at least 2000 people donating on average £10 per month if we are to be successful during this transition period.

Because this target was not achieved this year, there is now some urgency to push for this target as soon as possible in 2016.

My final thanks are to you, the Motherwell supporters and the ‘Well Bois’ group, who have stood by the team and provided much needed noise and encouragement through “Thick and Thin”.

Very best wishes,

Les Hutchison
Vice Chairman

Mark McGhee hopes last weekend’s stunning win at Celtic Park will further boost the player’s confidence ahead of the Boxing Day clash at Tanandice.

The Steelmen have taken seven points from the last nine available, including a rare win in the east end of Glasgow.

And the 58-year old current Scotland assistant says that’s the benchmark the players have set, and encouraged them to redouble their efforts to maintain the recent improved form.

Speaking to the Broadcast media at Thursday’s pre-match news conference, McGhee said, “A win like that, and particularly a performance like that, should give the players the belief they can beat anyone in this league.

“Of course we’re not going to always beat everyone, we’ll obviously lose again before the end of the season although I hope it’s not this Saturday.

“However, what we have now is a measure and a benchmark for me to say to the lads ‘that’s the standard and what you’ve got to achieve’.

“I still maintain it’s much more about us than the opposition. If we can produce more performances like we did last weekend, we’ll win games. We’ve had three good results and we’ve now got to work hard for another.”

Despite their current position in the table, McGhee insists absolutely no one at Fir Park is under any illusions as to how difficult a task it will be.

United, under Mixu Paatelainen and former Motherwell Academy Director Gordon Young, have been playing well and creating chances, but have been unlucky with results.

However, the Fir Park boss is adamant his mindset is focusing on what ‘Well need to do to win the match.

He continued: “I view the Dundee United match as a big game. I still of the same psyche as I was when I was a player and that is a fixture against Dundee Utd is one of ‘the’ big ones in the calendar.

“When I think of them, I think of one of Scotland’s biggest clubs and therefor, I fully expect a very difficult game, regardless of their current position in the table.

“I saw them first half at Kilmarnock the other week and they were decent, and I’ve watched some of their recent matches on DVD, so I know what to expect and know we’re going to have to play as well as we did at Parkhead to come away with three points.

“From our point of view though, we’ll concentrate on ourselves, we’ll concentrate on trying to remain unbeaten and if we’re making our way down the road with our recent run still intact, I think we can be quite satisfied.”

On Tuesday 29th December, we are offering a limited number of places for this fantastic festive experience to meet and greet the current squad of players, have your picture taken with them and sign your memorabilia – an ideal Christmas gift for any ‘Well supporter!

You’ll enjoy the same lunch as the players, freshly prepared by our in-house Chef with your day culminating in a memorable behind the scenes, access all areas tour of Fir Park where you will learn all about the Club’s history, a fantastic trip down memory lane for all fan’s – young and old!

If you’re a season ticket holder or a member of The Well Society, lunch places can be purchased at a favourable £24.95 for adults and £14.95 for Juveniles with a family ticket priced at £34.95

Regular adult places are priced at £29.95 and £19.95 for a juvenile or a family ticket at £39.95

Arrival on the day from 12pm at the Centenary Suite here at Fir Park.

To book your place, call 01698 333333 or buy online at www.motherwellbuyonline.co.uk

Highlights from Balmoor Stadium in Peterhead where ten man Motherwell lose 2-1 to Aberdeen in the Development League.

Motherwell’s Under 20s suffered a 2-1 defeat this afternoon at the hands of Aberdeen in a quiet game of football in Peterhead.

The young Steelmen took the lead through a Luke Watt free-kick but were quickly pegged back by a Louis Laing own goal and eventually consigned to defeat by a late Connor McLennan strike.

The game looked in doubt as a strong wind coming in from the North Sea was causing havoc with the goalkeeper’s kick-outs, barely getting beyond 40 yards but referee Thomas Shaw deemed the conditions suitable, much to the relief of the travelling side.

In a game of precious little chances, ‘Well edged the opening spell and opened the scoring after twelve minutes.

McFadden was impeded wide on the right and up stepped Luke Watt who fired in a dangerous low ball which came through a ruck of bodies and ended up in the net.

The lead would only last two minutes, though, as Aberdeen levelled in unfortunate circumstances.

A harmless ball forward from Dylan Thomas fell to Louis Laing’s feet but the big defender didn’t realise Brett Long had raced off his line and fired the ball into his own net from twenty-five yards.

Five minutes later Dylan Mackin almost nodded  Motherwell  back in front from Adam Livingstone’s deep ball in but couldn’t quite produce the accuracy required to beat Brown in the Aberdeen goal.

With half-time approaching, the ball was knocked with to Norris who was quickly chased down by Livingstone. In his desperation to get there, the full back flew in recklessly with both feet off the ground, and although he won the ball, it was dangerous enough to warrant the red card.

Ten men Motherwell reshuffled for the second half, with Stephen Craigan sacrificing striker Dylan Mackin and replacing him with Barry Maguire as they looked to soak  up any pressure and hit on the counter.

Indeed, this was effectively how the second half played out, with neither goalkeeper having any real work to do. There was some decent football played but neither side could carve out a chance. It was very much “next goal’s the winner” stuff.

Unfortunately for Motherwell that goal came for Aberdeen three minutes from time, courtesy of Connor McLennan.

The Dons broke and substitute David Dangana whipped in an inviting low ball which McLennan did superbly to prod back across Long and into the top corner.

Motherwell U20s: Long, Watt, Livingstone, Ferguson, Laing, Campbell, McFadden (Falconer), Fletcher (Turnbull), Mackin (Maguire), Cadden, Thomas

Unused subs: Morrison, Moore, Hastie, Leitch

Extended highlights from Celtic Park as Louis Moult’s double seals Motherwell’s first win at Celtic Park since 2008.

‘Well boss Mark McGhee heaped praise on his players after a famous 1-2 win over Celtic at Celtic Park.

It is the first time the Steelmen have taken maximum points from Glasgow’s east end for almost eight years, when coincidentally McGhee was enjoying his first spell in the Motherwell hot seat.

What made the result more impressive was the fact the Steelmen had to come from behind after a deflected Nir Biton shot wrong-footed the helpless Connor Ripley.

However, a quick-fire double from the on-fire Louis Moult had the Fir Parkers in front and the only real disappointment of the afternoon was the margin of victory wasn’t more pronounced, such was the chances the visitors created.

However, it was an over-joyed McGhee who emerged from the away dressing room after seeing his team move to within three points of fifth spot.

He said: “The last time we won here at Celtic Park, we nicked it and it was almost a bit embarrassing to leave with all three points, but that wasn’t the case today.

“I think we’ve played really, really well. We’ve not come here and parked the bus, we’ve played some really good stuff, had some great performances and deserved to win the game.

“The lads worked so hard, matched Celtic all across the pitch and made more of the better chances in the game.”

[pullquote]I think we’ve played really, really well. We’ve not come here and parked the bus, we’ve played some really good stuff, had some great performances and deserved to win the game.[/pullquote]

There were some outstanding performances from the men in all claret, with every player doing their bit in a famous win.

Top goalscorer Louis Moult added another two to take his tally for the season to eleven as he continues to impress in his first season in Scotland.

And McGhee, a talented striker himself during his playing days, was quick to heap praise on the former Wrexham front man.

“He’s brilliant, he’s got so much going for him,” he said.

“His movement, his attitude, his touch; he has that edge to him and he’s everything you want from a centre forward.

“He is also prepared to work defensively and along with Scotty [McDonald], were every bit as good defenders as they were attackers. That’s how you win at Celtic Park, with everyone working their socks off.

“Louis was terrific and I was delighted he got his goals.”

Action images from today’s superb 2-1 win over  Celtic in the Ladbrokes Premiership at Celtic Park.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

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[tab:Match report]

 Phil McGhee at Celtic Park

Two second half goals from Loius Moult capped a fabulous display by Motherwell as they upset the long odds for a thoroughly deserved win over league leaders Celtic in Glasgow.

And for Mark McGhee it was a triumphant return to the East End overseeing ‘Well’s first win at Parkhead since 2008 – when he was also the manager.

While Moult might grab the headlines as he took his goal tally to 11 for the season, there were a host of star performers in claret and amber, from back to front.

The ‘Well boss stood by the same eleven which beat Dundee last week which meant 18 year-old Ben Hall retaining his place alongside Stephen McManus at the heart of the ‘Well defence.

After signing on at Fir Park for a third time, James McFadden earned a place on the bench.

The Steelmen made a positive start to the game and Craig Gordon had a couple of early catches as the play buzzed about his box.

As the half progressed Celtic began to dominate possession, but the hard working ‘Well players closed down their opponents giving them few openings around the visitor’s box.

Indeed, Conor Ripley had little involvement until the 21st minute when he parried Nir Bitton’s powerful drive into the path of Nadir Çiftçi who was several yards offside when he popped the ball into an open goal.

Five minutes later the ‘Well ‘keeper was at full stretch to hold Tomas Rogic’s low shot across goal.

Motherwell still had the odd foray forward and Liam Grimshaw’s threaded pass found Scott McDonald and although he was flagged offside his turn and shot forced a good save from Gordon.

Although the Parkhead men had a few speculative shots which drifted off target the best chance of the half came on the 30 minute mark.

Loius Moult did well to release Johnston and after weaving inside Dedryck Boyata he fired his shot across Gordon’s goalmouth but before McDonald could tap it home Jozo Šimunović hoisted the ball over his own cross bar.

If the goalmouth action was scarce in the first half, the second was action packed.

Within a minute Kris Common’s corner found James Forrest and his downward header forced Ripley into an early save. Minutes later again from Common’s corner Boyata’s header was net bound until Keith Lasley booted it off the line.

Play immediately raced to the other end of the park and Lionel Ainsworth, on for Grimshaw at the interval, found himself clean through on goal. But as Gordon raced from his line the ‘Well sub elected to lob the ‘keeper and the ball dropped agonisingly inches over the bar and onto the roof of the net.

And typically, within minutes, the Fir Parkers paid for that miss in cruel fashion as they fell behind. Bitton was given time at the edge of the box but his shot was aimed directly at Ripley until a deflection off Hammell carried the ball beyond the ‘keeper for the opening goal.

That might have been enough to end ‘Well’s resolve but two goals in seven minutes turned the game.

Once again Johnson was released down the left by McDonald and this time when he drilled the ball across the goal face, Moult stepped into guide it home to make it 1-1.

The travelling fans in that corner of the ground had hardly stopped celebrating that goal when ‘Well added a second. McDonald, who had unsettled the Celtic defence all afternoon, drew a rash tackle from Šimunović inside the box and referee Bobby Madden had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot.

Moult looked equally convincing as he waited for Gordon to move before smacking the spot kick down the middle of the goal to put ‘Well in front.

Celtic had some half chances to draw level, mostly from set pieces but Mickael Lustig’s header was blocked on a packed goal line before Common’s header was comfortably saved by Ripley.

With 15 minutes remaining the ‘Well boss was forced to re-arrange his central defence when a clash of heads left Stephen McManus concussed and Louis Laing coming on to take his place alongside Hall.

Incredibly as the new pairing waited to be tested, Motherwell passed up the chance to wrap up the points.

In another lightening break McDonald sent Ainsworth free on the right and when he passed the ball across the box Johnson had time to set himself up before hammering his left foot shot against Gordon’s legs.

After a telling second half contribution Ainsworth made way for Luke Watt for the final 10minutes.

In the end, though, as Celtic hoisted the ball into the box the ‘Well back five and Ripley stoutly protected their lead for a fantastic win and round off the year with memorable victories at Celtic Park and Ibrox.

[tab:As it happened]

 Ally Reilly at Celtic Park

Celtic 1 – 2 Motherwell

FULL TIME!!!!

89′ | 1-2
4 minutes added on…..

81′ | 1-2
Final Motherwell sub, Ainsworth off for Luke Watt.

80′ | 1-2
What a chance to make it 3 as Ainsworth squares it to Johnson but Gordon makes a fine save to deny him!

78′ | 1-2
Yellow card for Biton as he hacks down McDonald as he broke clear.

76′ | 1-2
Motherwell sub, McManus off after a head knock. Looked a bad one and he wanted to play on but can’t take the chance. Laing on.

74′ | 1-2
Celtic sub, Rogic off for Cole.

67′ | 1-2
Celtic sub, Allan on for Forrest.

65′ | 1-2
Great chance for 3 as again Boyata makes a meal of it allowing McDonald in to shoot. From the save, Moult fires just over the bar!

59′ | 1-2
Moult sends Gordon the wrong way to make it 2-1 to The Steelmen!!!!

GGGOOOAALLL!!!!!

Penalty to Motherwell!!!

56′ | 1-1
Baffling decision there as McDonald superbly dispossesses Boyata but Madden gives Celtic a free-kick

52′ | 1-1
@louismoult pokes home Johnson’s superb cross at the back post. 1-1!!

GGGGOOOAAALLL!!!

49′ | 1-0
Unbelievable. Celtic break clear and Biton’s tame shot takes a huge deflection and goes into the net. 1-0 to Celtic.

48′ | 0-0
Should have been the opener as Ainsworth breaks clear 1v1 with Gordon but he chips it over the bar!

Second half is underway….

One change at the interval, Grimshaw makes way for Ainsworth

HT: Celtic 0 – 0 Motherwell

39′ | 0-0
Danger as Forrest drifts in from the right but fortunately his shot with the outside of his boot goes wide of the far post.

31′ | 0-0
Great chance there as Johnson gets the better of Boyata but his cut-back into the danger area has no takers!

25′ | 0-0
Bit of a left off there as Celtic break clear but from a tight angle Rogic opts to shoot, much to the relief of Ripley who saves

23′ | 0-0
Johnson puts the burners on and eases past Lustig but his final ball into the box is too close to Gordon, who gathers

19′ | 0-0
Commons has the ball in the net but the linesman’s flag goes up, correctly.

12′ | 0-0
Hammell fires in a low corner which is a little too awkward for Johnson as he scuffs his shot into the Celtic defence.

….Curled harmlessly over the bar by Rogic.

10′ | 0-0
Sturdy challenge on Commons by McManus gives Celtic a free-kick in a decent area about 25 yards from goal….

1′ | 0-0
First venture up the park for the Steelmen but Law’s deep cross is gathered safely by Gordon.

Pearson and Lasley get the game underway #COYW!!!

Out come the teams……Motherwell in their full claret away kit..

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell  manager Mark McGhee:

“I’m trying to keep a little bit of a lid on it as it’s just one result. It’s a great result, but we’ve got a long way to go.

“It was a great performance today and I think we thoroughly deserved to win.

“It’s one of a sequence of three performances now and we are starting to see a bit of consistency.”

Celtic manager Ronny Deila:

“A lot of things disappointed me today. We didn’t play quickly enough in the first half, we were too narrow and couldn’t open them.

“I think we started the second half well, got our goal, created a couple more chances, then we played way too open and then you get punished by the counter attacks.

“You have to work really hard defensively and be very compact and we have been that in a lot of games domestically. But today we were too open and you give the opponent space to play in and get punished in the end

“Overall, a disappointing day, a bad day at work and in the end we deserved to lose.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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