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Extended highlights from the Global Energy Stadium as ‘Well booked their spot in the Youth Cup Final with a fine 0-3 win.

Stephen Craigan paid tribute to his players after they reached the Final of the Scottish FA Youth Cup with a fine 0-3 win over Ross County.

The Steelmen dominated for large spells, created numerous chances and eventually ran out comfortable winners courtesy of goals from Dylan Mackin and a David Turnbull double.

The 54-times capped former Northern Ireland International admitted he was worried about complacency from his side after a great run of results leading into the game, but he needn’t have worried with ‘Well putting in one of their best displays of the campaign to book a place in the showpiece final next month, their first time at that stage for almost three decades.

[pullquote]We had to match that, do the ugly side of the game first before we could look to impose ourselves in the attacking third and, overall, I think 0-3 was more than merited.[/pullquote]

Craigan, who led Motherwell out at a Hampden final as a player in 2011, will now get to do so as a boss and speaking to MFC TV after the match, the Fir Park legend said: “You’re always a little wary coming into a game such as this when you think you’re form has been really good.

“The last month or so has probably been the best we’ve performed; our consistency has been good as has our performance levels and you worry that the lads, being so young, may rest of their laurels a little bit.

“Credit to them though, they absolutely didn’t and went after the game almost from the first whistle. We knew it was a tricky pitch and having had them watched, we knew the style of play they have would make life difficult for us if we let it.

“We had to match that, do the ugly side of the game first before we could look to impose ourselves in the attacking third and, overall, I think 0-3 was more than merited.”

Motherwell roared into their first Youth Cup Final in almost three decades with a superb 0-3 win over Ross County in Dingwall.

The Steelmen, who have already eliminated Premiership sides Partick Thistle, Kilmarnock and St Johnstone, as well as Stenhousemuir, on route to today’s Semi Final, were in sensational form with goals from Dylan Mackin and a brace for sixteen-year old David Turnbull.

The victory, Motherwell’s fifth in their last six games, sets up a fixture with either Hearts or Dundee Utd, who will contest the second Semi Final this coming Tuesday evening.

Craigan named three changes to the side that thrashed Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park last Wednesday.

Over-agers Jack Leitch, Kieran Kennedy and Wes Fletcher all dropped out, replaced in the starting eleven by David Ferguson, David Turnbull and Dylan Mackin.

‘Well made a positive start to the game and Dom Thomas posted early intentions with a curling shot from distance that forced Mark Foden to save.

County took until the 9th minute to get their first shot away, and striker Greg Morrison perhaps should have done better after robbing Barry Maguire thirty-yards from goal. However, with teammate Ross MacIver screaming for the square ball, the striker’s low shot went a foot or so wide of target.

However, it was the Claret and Amber men who continued to set the pace though and they came so close to taking the lead on 24 minutes. Mackin turned Robbie Leitch’s delicate cross back into the danger area for Turnbull but his close-range turn and shot was somehow deflected over for a corner.

Turnbull was in the thick of the action again and he had a 20-yard effort straight at Foden before the ‘Well eventually got their noses in front with nine minutes left to the interval.

Dom Thomas was the architect, picking up a McMillan pass on the left flank only to dribble past his marker and whip an inviting near post cross in for Mackin who lopped a header into the far corner to put the visitors in front.

‘Well had two more chances to double their advantage before the break, but Turnbull sent a bouncing shot just wide before Thomas flashed a 25-yard hit high over the crossbar.

Craigan’s half-time talk will no doubt have concentrated on trying to get the second goal to kill the game, and they almost did after just fifty seconds when a forty-yard Luke Watt free-kick almost caught out Foden in the home goal, but they keeper managed to get a good hand up to turn the ball over the bar.

The game’s crucial moment was just minutes later though when County were awarded a spot kick, Morrison fouled in the box by Maguire who was scrambling to try and recover a poor back pass from midfield.

Left back Chris McLaughlin would take it, but would meet his match in Brett Long, who got down superbly well low to his left to turn the low shot around for a corner.

It took time for the Fir Parkers to clear their head after that, but Mackin soon settled any nerves with a fierce shot that narrowly flew past Foden’s right hand post.

However, ‘Well would make no mistake two minutes later when they grabbed their second of the match to all but kill any hopes of a recovery for the home side.

Thomas was again the man, sending in a delightful ball from the left for the unmarked Turnbull, who had ghosted in at the far post to nod home past Foden.

In a bid to try and salvage something, County changed things up and introduced Tom MacLennan from the bench in place of Blair Malcolm and the youngster almost had an immediate impact, firing a low shot inches wide of target after being on the pitch no more than forty seconds.

However, Craigan’s men were soon on the attack and Foden was again the man in the right place, when he stood up well to save from Mackin. However, he would be absolutely powerless to stop ‘Well securing their spot for the Hampden showpiece when Turnbull netted again with just fourteen minutes left.

Unsurprisingly, Thomas was again in the thick of it, skinning his marker on the touchline before whipping in another excellent near post cross which was controlled by the midfielder before being volleyed high into the net.

It was a fantastic way to end an amazing week with both the first-team and the Under 20s enjoying good results and performances.

Motherwell: Long, Ferguson, McMillan, Maguire, Watt, Campbell, MacLean (Hastie – 78mins), Turnbull (J.Moore – 84mins), Mackin (Falconer – 82mins), Thomas, R.Leitch

Subs Not Used: Morrison, Livingstone

On Friday 11th March we host Dundee United in our next Ladbrokes Premiership match here at Fir Park, kick off is 7.45pm.

Continuing with the 25th Cup win anniversary theme, Motherwell legend Iain Ferguson will be our special matchday guest.

Iain played for the Club from 90-93, making over 50 appearances in Claret and Amber scoring the opening goal in the 1991 Scottish Cup Final against his old team, Dundee United.

Iain and his party will be guest of the Club in the Centenary Suite, where you can join him for the evening.

It’s a 7.45pm kick-off, so why not start your weekend here at Fir Park with a meal and a competitive Ladbrokes Premiership game against the Tannadice team.

All packages include a ticket, match programme, team-sheet and half time refreshments.

You can choose from three packages:

Centenary Claret: Arrive at our Centenary Suite for 5.45pm. Full, four course table service with access to a pay bar till kick off and then again for an hour post-match.

Book now from only £60 for an adult and £45 for a child under 16.

Centenary Amber: Arrive at our Centenary Suite for 5.45pm. Full, four course table service with complimentary bar and then again for an hour post-match.

Book now for £99 for an adult and £55 for a child under 16.

Millennium Ticket: Enjoy a lighter bite pre-match and at half-time with a complimentary bar for one-hour pre and post-match.

Book now for £70 for an adult and £35 for a child under 16.

Season Ticket holders can upgrade to hospitality for just £25.

01698 333333 | hospitality@motherwellfc.co.uk | #MFC25A

Extended highlights from New Douglas Park where Louis Laing’s goal handed Motherwell all three points.

Fir Park boss Mark McGhee dedicated Motherwell’s 0-1 win at New Douglas Park to the supporters.

The Steelmen haven’t won or scored in South Lanarkshire for almost seven years, when McGhee was last in charge, a fact that his irked the Motherwell faithful.

However, their side more than merited their win, and although it was Louis Laing’s 45th minute strike that separated the teams, it perhaps could and should have been more convincing.

The win leaves ‘Well just one point off the teams currently in the top-six, but McGhee’s only concern was saluting the large travelling support.

“It’s the first victory in seven years and that’s important for the supporters,” he said.

[pullquote]”I said after last week’s win at home there have been a few disappointments of late, so hopefully we are going some way to making up for those disappointments for the supporters.[/pullquote]

“You could see how much they enjoyed it and the way they turned out here.”

One of those chances to bury the game came via a Louis Moult penalty, but the striker was denied his seventeenth of the season when McGovern turned it around.

McGhee continued: “I could have done with him scoring it because, with our recent history in the last minutes of games, it would have been nice to have been 2-0.

“We coped with it, but we had to work hard and be vigilant. But we managed to get through it and that was a nice change.”

Action images from today’s 1-0 win over Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix

[svgallery name=”accies050316″]

[tab:Match report]

 Phil McGheeat New Douglas Park

A solitary goal from Louis Laing just before half-time was enough to give ‘Well a long overdue victory at New Douglas Park and lift the side to within a point of a top six place.

It was a happy return for Mark McGhee who was the last Motherwell boss to record a win at Hamilton in 2009. It might have been more emphatic as ‘Well passed up a number of good chances including a Louis Moult penalty eleven minutes from time.

However, the Fir Park side did enough, especially in the first half to merit a win and set themselves up for the visit of Dundee United on Friday looking to make it three consecutive wins.

Not surprisingly the ‘Well boss stood by the same line-up and formation which served him well against Partick last week. And that led to positive start from Motherwell, who had the best of the first half in terms of possession and chances.

After nine minutes in the first of three early Accies bookings, Antons Kurakins clattered into Moult and McDonald’s curled free kick wasn’t far beyond Michael McGovern’s post.

Chris Cadden then worked his way along the goal line before setting up McDonald but his effort lacked conviction.

There was little action around Connor Ripley’s goal until 25th minute when Michael Devlin’s downward header rebounded from the foot of the ‘keeper’s post.

Most of the play was towards the home goal and after 36 minutes McGovern was at full stretch low to his left to palm away Stephen Pearson’s low measured shot.

From Hammell’s corner Moult’s header was blocked in front of goal and as the ball bounced around the six yard box McDonald’s effort on goal was also blocked.

The pressure on the home goal continued towards the interval and after cutting in from the right Johnson had a drive at goal. McDonald cut across the six yard box to get a touch only to see the ball rebound from the post.

‘Well we’re finally rewarded two minutes from the interval with the opening goal. Another Hammell corner found Moult. This time though, after his firm header was blocked on the line, the ball rebounded as far as Laing who lashed it high into the net from eight yards for the winner.

The Fir Park men started the second where they left off the first and a great ball from Moult set McDonald through, but McGovern quickly came out to bravely dive at his feet and smother the danger.

A tempting cross from Johnson then eluded everyone in front of goal but McDonald at the back of the area collected the ball before drilling his shot into the side netting.

At that stage a second Motherwell goal looked on the cards but gradually the second half became a game of safety first for both teams as players were chased and closed down.

Accies had a rare opportunity to test Ripley with a 22 yard free kick but Carlton Morris whipped his effort well over to leave the ‘Well ‘keeper untested and with a clean sheet.

At the other end a smart exchange with McDonald at the corner of the box set up Moult but his drive was straight at the Hamilton ‘keeper.

With eleven minutes remaining ‘Well’s top scorer had the perfect opportunity to add to his tally and ease the nerves when Cadden tumbled in the box as McGovern slid in to take the ball.

After a lengthy delay as the ref spoke to the ‘Well manager and the Accies kit man, after a dug-out altercation, Moult’s low spot kick was touched away by McGovern to make it a tense final ten minutes.

However, with Kieran Kennedy on to bolster the defence, Motherwell comfortably saw out the game for another crucial win over their Lanarkshire and relegation rivals.

[tab:As it happened]

 Ally Reilly at New Douglas Park

Long overdue win at New Douglas Park and richly deserved three points for the Steelmen!!!

FULL TIME!!!

93′ | 0-1
30 seconds remain….

90′ | 0-1
Four minutes added on.

86′ | 0-1
Motherwell sub, Moult off for Kennedy

84′ | 0-1
Last Accies sub, Diaby on for Lyon

80′ | 0-1
Cadden was brought down by McGovern and the keeper dived low to his right to save from Moult after a long wait.

Saved by McGovern!!

PENALTY TO MOTHERWELL!!

…. Morris takes and curls it well over the bar.

68′ | 0-1
Danger. Accies have a free-kick about 25 yards out in a central area….

64′ | 0-1
Accies sub, Crawford makes way for Brophy

55′ | 0-1
Hamilton Accies sub, Kurtaj off for Docherty

49′ | 0-1
Slack Accies defending allows Moult in. He threads it though to McDonald but McGovern reads it and saves at the Aussie’s feet.

46′ | 0-1
Early chance as the ball is floated in to the back post where it is met by the head of Johnson but it loops well over.

Motherwell get the second 45 underway. COYW!!

Both teams are back out for the second half

HT: Hamilton Accies 0 – 1 Motherwell

LOUIS LAING lashes in the opener from a corner. 1-0 to The Steelmen!!!

GGGOOOOOAALLLLLLL!!!!!!!

44′ | 0-0
Off the post! McDonald diverts Johnson’s shot onto the woodwork from 5 yards!

37′ | 0-0
Hammell takes the ball on his chest and it sits up nicely for a shot. He obliges but fires it straight at McGovern from distance

35′ | 0-0
McGovern is forced into action, diving low to his left to palm away Pearson’s placed shot.

34′ | 0-0
Imrie collects a slack pass out of defence and plays it wide to Kurtaj. His strike is gathered by Ripley.

32′ | 0-0
Great chance for Imrie! Would have bet on him bursting the net but can’t hit the target from just inside the box.

31′ | 0-0
Johnson uses his pace to chase a lost cause. He pulls it back to Pearson but he can’t get his feet right and Accies clear.

30′ | 0-0
Johnson gets on the end of Moult’s flick and volleys at goal. Just wide and linesman’s flag goes up anyway.

26′ | 0-0
Ball falls to Imrie about 30 yards out. He lashes at it but slices it well wide of the goal.

25′ | 0-0
Moult gets into space in the box and puts it into a dangerous area at the back post but Cadden can’t quite get there.

24′ | 0-0
Lucas gets his head on the corner but thankfully Lasley is there to clear his goalbound effort

24′ | 0-0
Good ball in from Irmie has to be dealt with by McManus who sticks it out for a corner.

22′ | 0-0
Cadden skips past Kurakins and finds McDonald but he is tightly marked by Lucas, who scrambles it clear.

17′ | 0-0
Imrie gets in behind the Motherwell defence but can’t pick anyone out with his square ball.

10′ | 0-0
Another booking and another wild challenge, this time from Kurtaj on Moult.

McDonald tries his luck and is unlucky as it curls just past the post.

8′ | 0-0
Kurakins with a wild challenge on Moult. He is booked and ‘Well have a free-kick in a good area, 25 yards out.

7′ | 0-0
Gordon grabs a handful of Johnson’s shirt as he broke away and enters the ref’s book. Yellow.

1′ | 0-0
Corner is worked short and it falls to Johnson who balloons it into Sainsbury’s car park.

Accies get the action underway, and already it’s a corner to Motherwell.

Out come both sides, usual strips for both #HAFCvMFC

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee:

Coming Soon…

Hamilton Accies Manager Martin Canning

Coming Soon…

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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