Latest News

[tab:Match report]

Lewis Irons at Global Energy Stadium

Louis Moult scored on his return to fitness as Motherwell drew 1-1 with Ross County at the Global Energy Stadium.

Liam Boyce gave the hosts the lead before last season’s top scorer Moult came off the bench for the Steelmen and coolly converted a penalty.

The home side were reduced to ten men after full-back Jay McEveley fouled Louis Moult to pick up a second yellow card, but with just 20 minutes left the ‘Well couldn’t find that second goal.

New signing Ryan Bowman started alongside Scott McDonald up front for the Fir Parkers, with Stevie Hammell returning to the line-up after a brief spell on the sidelines through injury.

Player of the month winner Chris Cadden started brightly for Mark McGhee’s side, driving forward at every opportunity and being hacked to the deck within the opening minute to win a free-kick.

There was little in the way of chances in the opening exchanges but one eventually came in the 19thminute.

McDonald, collecting the ball out on the left flank, swung a high, deep ball towards the back post where Cadden charged in to fire it across goal but it didn’t get that all important touch and Ross County cleared.

Lasley went in to the book after 22 minutes for a late challenge on Alex Schalk next to the Ross County technical area.

As the game became more heated, just a minute later and Craig Clay was clattered by a bad, late foul from McEveley resulting in a yellow card for the defender.

A quick flurry of chances for the hosts on 28 minutes forced a great save from Samson and moments later left the keeper watching as an ambitious volley flew wide of his goal.

Ross County started to look threatening going forward, with Gardyne again proving a thorn in the Fir Parkers side. The midfielder collected the ball out on the left-flank and cut inside on to his right foot curling a brilliant effort on goal and crashing back off the crossbar.

As it came back out it fell to Boyce who fired the ball across goal and from just a couple of yards out somehow Schalk headed wide.

Within the opening five minutes of the second half, Motherwell went close.

Chris Cadden was involved again down the right flank, outpacing McEveley and pulling it back from the by-line towards McDonald. The ball flicked up towards the head of Bowman who turned it goalward but County cleared.

After 50 minutes of play, Lasley came off after picking up a knock and he was replaced by Ainsworth.

Ten minutes in to the half, McDonald whipped in a brilliant delivery towards the back post, but Bowman couldn’t get there and Cikos scooped it behind for a corner to the ‘Well. Hammell swung a left-footed ball in to the box from the following set-play, and Bowman again was lurking but he couldn’t get his head to it.

Just before the hour mark, Bowman had another chance as Cadden burst down the right, slipped in Ainsworth who struck the ball across goal but the big Englishman couldn’t stretch and get there.

And that was the new signing’s final moment of the match, as he made way for Louis Moult. However, with the game’s next attack, County took the lead. Schalk managed to get the ball to Boyce who was afforded too much time in the box, and the Northern Irish striker slotted past Samson.
The Global Energy stadium erupted just minutes later when Schalk poked the ball past Samson, only to be denied by the linesman’s flag.

And in dramatic fashion, straight up the other end of the pitch, Motherwell were awarded a penalty.
Scott McDonald was slipped in by Craig Clay, and the Aussie did well to knick it past Fox only for the keeper to swipe him down and Muir pointed straight to the spot.

Louis Moult stepped up and scored on his return to draw the Fir Parkers level.

Joe Chalmers made way for James McFadden shortly afterwards with Mark McGhee utilising his options to go for the three points.

In what was a bad few minutes for the home side, the situation got worse as McEveley picked up his second booking and was given his marching orders – reducing his side to ten men with more than 20 minutes remaining.

It forced Jim McIntyre to make a couple of changes bringing Van Der Weg on for Schalk and Curran on for Franks.

Despite his scintillating form, Boyce missed a sitter from about five yards, lashing the ball wide.

With just over ten minutes to go, Motherwell broke away through Scott McDonald and the forward played in Moult.

Looking to bag his second of the day, the Englishman struck a low left footed shot from the angle towards goal, taking a deflection off Cikos to wrong foot Fox but going wide of the front post.

From the resulting corner, the ball dropped to McManus in the box, and the centre-back blazed a shot towards goal, rising just inches over the bar.

The game became increasingly scrappy with just minutes left to play, and then an incredible chance came Lionel Ainsworth’s way, as McDonald’s cross right to the wingers head didn’t need much to put it beyond Fox, but the Englishman’s header was straight at the County stopper.

In the dying minutes, Cadden teed up McDonald just outside the area with the Aussie striker test Fox – who saved dramatically.

But it finished level with the Steelmen picking up a well-earned point.

[tab:As it happened]

 Alastair Reilly at Global Energy Stadium

FT: Ross County 1 – 1 Motherwell #RCFCvMFC

Three minutes added on.

88′ | 1-1

So close! McDonald whips in a great ball which Ainsworth gets on the end of but it’s an awkward height and he heads at Fox.

80′ | 1-1

County with their final sub, Gardyne off for Chow

79′ | 1-1

From that corner, the ball lands at the feet of McManus but he blasts over the bar.

78′ | 1-1

Ainsworth breaks and threads in Moult whose shot is almost put into his own net by Cikos. Corner.

Big thank you to the 199 ‘Well fans who have made the journey up North. Always appreciated!

74′ | 1-1

Boyce should burst the net but misses the target from 6 yards. A let-off!

72′ | 1-1

County sub, Curran on for Franks

70′ | 1-1

County sub, Van der Weg on for Schalk.

69′ | 1-1

Red card!! McEveley is shown a second yellow for puling down McDonald. County down to 10 men!

66′ | 1-1

Motherwell sub, McFadden on for Chalmers

61′ | 1-1

McDonald is hauled down in the box and @louismoult steps up to slot the spot-kick home! 1-1!!

GGOOAALLL!!!

Penalty to Motherwell!!!

64′ | 1-0

Schalk has the ball in the net but the linesman has his flag up and its chopped off.

64′ | 1-0

Woods fires inches over the bar with a good effort from 20 yards

61′ | 1-0

Goal – Boyce opens the scoring. Schalk with the nod down, Boyce with plenty of time and space to pick a spot past Samson.

59′ | 0-0

Motherwell sub, @louismoult makes his return, replacing Bowman.

59′ | 0-0

Ainsworth fires a ball across goal which Quinn does well to get in ahead of Bowman and put it wide.

56′ | 0-0

Franks whips in a ball to the back post which Boyce gets his head but can’t quite get enough on it to test Samson.

53′ | 0-0

Franks drifts in off the right and attempt a left footed shot from 20 yards but it goes safely past the post.

49′ | 0-0

Motherwell sub, Lasley limps off for Ainsworth

48′ | 0-0

Great work by Cadden to get past McEveley and cut it back across goal. Fox palms it out to Bowman but his header is turned away

County get the second 45 underway….

HT: Ross County 0 – 0 Motherwell #RCFCvMFC
38′ | 0-0

County strike the bar! Gardyne cuts on off the left and curls in a great effort which crashes back off the woodwork.

34′ | 0-0

Boyce with one of the few attempts on target so far but its a routine save for Samson.

31′ | 0-0

Tait takes a booking after bringing down Gardyne wide on the right.

29′ | 0-0

From the corner, Routis almost scores goal of he season but his first time volley flashes just past the top corner.

28′ | 0-0

Close for County! Great free-kick is curled above the defence but thankfully Samson reads it and puts it out for a corner.

24′ | 0-0

Shocking challenge by McEveley on Clay earns him a booking.

22′ | 0-0

Lasley booked for a rash challenge on Schalk just in front of the Ross County technical area

19′ | 0-0

So close! McDonald clips in a great ball to Cadden who volleys across goal which Bowman is inches away from getting on the end of!

14′ | 0-0

Cikos with a clumsy looking challenge on Hammell. Escapes a booking.

9′ | 0-0

Fox has to be quick off his line as he gets in ahead of Bowman to put it out for a throw in.

6′ | 0-0

Quite a positive start from the Steelmen. Couple of breaks through Chalmers and Cadden but no real openings as yet.

Motherwell win the toss and Lasley gets the game underway. COYW!!!!

Out come the two sides, usual colours for both. Kick-off just moments away.

 

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee:

 

Ross County manager Jim McIntyre:

 

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”286″]

The Steelmen travel north to take on Ross County tomorrow in the fifth Ladbrokes Premiership fixture of the season.

For manager Mark McGhee and his side, the long journey and tough opponents will not make for an easy task, as the Staggies currently sit fourth in the league after recording two wins and two losses from their opening four games.

Ross County boss Jim McIntyre will be hoping to see his side bounce back after slipping to a 1-0 loss against Hamilton Accies two weeks ago.

With the international break offering both sides a small break from competitive football, the two squads will come in to this weekend’s fixture somewhat replenished.

The ‘Well will be boosted by the much-anticipated return of Louis Moult, as well as Stevie Hammell’s return to full fitness, after the full-back sat on the bench against Dundee.

Travelling ‘Well fans will also be given a first look at new signings Ryan Bowman and Luka Belić, after the pair completed deadline day moves to the club.

Carl McHugh, who is still battling concussion after his knock at Kilmarnock, will still be unavailable for Mark McGhee.

Fellow summer signing Jacob Blyth is still on the road to recovery, as is Kieran Kennedy after the defender suffered a number of weeks out with an illness.

Over past seasons, the two clubs have met on 15 occasions, with the ‘Well holding the upper-hand with seven victories and four draws to the Staggies four wins.

And as many clubs have discovered in recent seasons, Dingwall is never an easy trip.

The last time Mark McGhee’s men made the trip seven-hour round trip, they left 3-1 victors.

But the fixture prior to that at the Global Energy Stadium told a different story as the hosts beat the ‘Well 3-0.

Saturday’s fixture comes at a time when both clubs are looking to bounce back to winning ways, and with a couple of new faces in the squad and a few players returning to fitness – Motherwell go in to the match looking as close to full strength as they have all season.

 

Deadline day signing Ryan Bowman admits he “can’t wait to get started” ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Ross County.

The Englishman, who completed his move from Gateshead last week, has enjoyed his first few days of training under Mark McGhee and can already see the jump in standards at Motherwell.

The forward said: “It’s been a really good week, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.

“The boys look in good shape, nice and sharp and with a high intensity in preparation for Saturday so I’ve really enjoyed it so far.”

[pullquote]The boys look in good shape, nice and sharp and with a high intensity in preparation for Saturday so I’ve really enjoyed it so far.[/pullquote]

He added: “No disrespect to Gateshead but it is a better standard, the expectations are higher and I’m really looking forward to Saturday and can’t wait to get started.”

Enjoying a number of seasons south of the border, the 24-year-old hopes to carry on his goal-scoring form in to his career in the top flight of Scottish football – starting tomorrow.

He said: “My highest level was League Two but it didn’t work out there like it did in the Conference where I scored 19-20 goals a season, so I hope I can continue that on in to this season and see where it takes us.”

Bowman won’t feel out of place among his new team-mates, with last season’s top scorer Louis Moult a familiar face for the deadline day signing.

[pullquote]I played against Louis Moult when he was at Wrexham in the FA trophy one season and then twice in the league too, and he shone above the rest.[/pullquote]

He said: “I played against Louis Moult when he was at Wrexham in the FA trophy one season and then twice in the league too, and he shone above the rest and you could tell he was that bit better than the rest.

He added: “He got his move and he did well here last season so I hope I can do the same.”

With a long trip north to Dingwall awaiting Ryan this Saturday, the striker insisted he isn’t phased by the trip.

He said: “The travelling is easy – with Gateshead every away game was an overnight stay away, about 5 or 6 hours travelling, so I’m used to that, it’s fine.”

 

Ross County have enjoyed a solid start to the 2016/17 season, after winning two of their opening four games.

After securing a top six finish last season, Jim McIntyre and his side will be hopeful of a similarly successful campaign this time round.

It was a big summer for the Staggies after a brilliant season, which was highlighted by their League Cup triumph against Hibs at Hampden back in March.

Almost inevitably, star midfielder Jackson Irvine was snapped up by Championship side Burton Albion early in the window after impressing greatly for Ross County during his two-season stint with the Northerners.

The Aussie has got off to a flyer south of the border, scoring three goals in four appearances.

Tim Chow was signed by Jim McIntyre and will likely fill the void left by Irvine, but, having arrived late in the window, the Englishman has only made one appearance and is struggling for match fitness.

Right-back Erik Cikos signed on a free after the Slovakian spent six months at the club back in 2014, when he arrived on loan from Slovan Bratislava.

But the main threat for the Steelmen isn’t any of the new signings, but Northern Irish striker Liam Boyce.

Ross County have scored six goals in the league this season, and Boyce has scored five of them – he also provided the assist for the solitary goal he wasn’t responsible for putting in the back of the net.

At just 25-years of age, keeping hold of Boyce was a shrewd bit of business from the Staggies over the summer, after the forward scored 15 goals and provided 7 assists in the Premiership last season.

If he keeps going ay this rate, he’ll have improved on that tally before Christmas, making him the obvious threat to the Steelmen on Saturday.

Young star Chris Cadden has been voted the Motorpoint Player of the Month for August.

And for good reason too – the midfielder enjoyed a superb month, in which he bagged a goal and an assist in the league and earned himself a call-up to the U21s national team.

His eye-catching, lung-bursting displays impressed the manager, the fans and journalists too, with wide-spread surprise when the ‘Well academy graduate was left out of Ricky Sbragia’s initial squad.

[pullquote]I’ve always tried my best to give 100% to the club and the fans too and I’ll continue to do that throughout the season.[/pullquote]

Cadden was presented the award by Motorpoint’s Paul Carroll earlier today.

The midfielder said: “It feels brilliant that the fans have shown their support to me like this.

“I’ve always tried my best to give 100% to the club and the fans too and I’ll continue to do that throughout the season.”

On his trip away with the U21 national team, Cadden said: “It was great getting to play alongside the best U21s in the country.”

He added: “I just aim to keep playing the way I am at the moment and hopefully there will be more call-ups in the future.”

Motherwell Under 20s midfielder Josh Moore has today left the club by mutual consent.

Josh’s only appearance this season came as a late substitute in the 1-2 home defeat by Airdrie in the Irn Bru Cup.

The highlight of his time with Stephen Craigan’s side was a goal away to Dundee United last February, earning the Steelmen a valuable point.

Everyone at Motherwell FC would like to thank Josh for his contribution whilst at Fir Park and wish him every success in his future career.

Referee for Saturday’s away trip to Ross County in the Ladbrokes Premiership is Alan Muir.

The 41-year old takes charge of his first Motherwell match of the 2016/17 season, and his first since October 2015 – when the Steelmen lost 1-0 to Celtic at Fir Park.

Nadir Ciftci’s early goal was enough for the visitors that day as the Glaswegians went on to win the title.

That was Muir’s only ‘Well match last season, and the time before that was a 2-1 win over Inverness CT at Fir Park back in February 2015.

Lionel Ainsworth’s 84^th minute winner proved to be the difference that day, despite the Fir Parkers being reduced to ten men after Muir showed right-back Simon Ramsden his second booking of the game in the 88^th minute.

Muir took charge on three occasions that season – the other two matches both resulted in 1-0 scorelines.

The first of the season was a disappointing 1-0 though, as Baraclough’s side slumped to a 1-0 loss to St Johnstone at Fir Park.

Then came an important 1-0 win away to St Mirren – where John Sutton’s strike was the difference.

In total, Muir has refereed 22 matches involving the ‘Well since his first back in the 08/09 season.

When the Scotsman has been in charge, the ‘Well have won on 10 occasions, drawn four and lost eight.

In those games, Motherwell have scored 26 and conceded 29.

79 players have gone into the book, 41 were wearing claret and amber, while eight players, five Fir Parkers, including former and current captains Stephen Craigan and Keith Lasley, have been dismissed.

Muir will be ably assisted by Dougie Potter and Ralph Gordon; with Gavin Ross on fourth official duties.

Head of Children’s Academy Paul Burns has been invited to Benfica’s multi-million pound training complex through the Scottish FA and Erasmus+ this week.

Paul Burns will join a select group of representatives from other clubs across the country, including Aberdeen and Kilmarnock, in a seven-day programme in Lisbon.

From attending U15 and U17 fixtures to Thursday’s Champions League clash between Benfica and Besiktas at the Estádio da Luz, Paul is relishing both an exciting and challenging week ahead.

Paul said said: “We’ve just arrived at our hotel and I’m looking forward to the week ahead – it will be a great experience but it will be challenging too.”

As well as producing a final report, Paul is also tasked with presentations, training observations and practical sessions.

He will also have the task of having to learn some Portuguese, thanks to the funding from the Scottish FA.

[pullquote]They spend over €4million on their youth academy alone so it’s a huge club and I am really looking forward to it.[/pullquote]

And while Burns will have a lot of work on his plate, he believes he wouldn’t be out there if it wasn’t for some key support at the club.

He said: “Scott Leitch and Alan Burrows were hugely helpful and it’s because of their help that I’m able to come out here and benefit from this incredible programme.”

He added: “Greig Paterson at the Scottish FA let me know that I would be attending and it was obviously great news to hear.”

Visiting a club the size of Benfica will certainly bring huge benefits, admits Paul.

He said: “They spend over €4million on their youth academy alone so it’s a huge club and I am really looking forward to it.

“Being able to come out here and experience it and be able to learn more and more everyday is something that it truly exciting, and I can’t wait to get started today.”

Deadline day signing Ryan Bowman admits he “can’t wait to get started” ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Ross County.

The Englishman, who completed his move from Gateshead last week, has enjoyed his first few days of training under Mark McGhee and can already see the jump in standards at Motherwell.

Speaking to the press this morning, the forward said: “It’s been a really good week, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.

“The boys look in good shape, nice and sharp and with a high intensity in preparation for Saturday so I’ve really enjoyed it so far.”

[pullquote]The boys look in good shape, nice and sharp and with a high intensity in preparation for Saturday so I’ve really enjoyed it so far.[/pullquote]

He added: “No disrespect to Gateshead but it is a better standard, the expectations are higher and I’m really looking forward to Saturday and can’t wait to get started.”

Enjoying a number of seasons south of the border, the 24-year-old hopes to carry on his goal-scoring form in to his career in the top flight of Scottish football.

He said: “My highest level was League Two but it didn’t work out there like it did in the Conference where I scored 19-20 goals a season, so I hope I can continue that on in to this season and see where it takes us.”

Bowman won’t feel completely new among his new team-mates, with last season’s top scorer Louis Moult a familiar face for the deadline day signing.

[pullquote]I played against Louis Moult when he was at Wrexham in the FA trophy one season and then twice in the league too, and he shone above the rest.[/pullquote]

He said: “I played against Louis Moult when he was at Wrexham in the FA trophy one season and then twice in the league too, and he shone above the rest and you could tell he was that bit better than the rest.

He added: “He got his move and he did well here last season so I hope I can do the same.”

With a long trip north to Dingwall awaiting Ryan this Saturday, the striker insisted he isn’t phased by the trip.

He said: “The travelling is easy – with Gateshead every away game was an overnight stay away, about 5 or 6 hours travelling, so I’m used to that, it’s fine.”

‘Well boss Mark McGhee now feels he has the squad he needs to compete physically with any team in the league.

Speaking to the press this morning ahead of his sides trip north to face Ross County, the manager spoke about his business over the summer and looked ahead to Saturday’s important match.

He said: “The international break came at the right time in terms of getting people fit again and getting people in too.

“It resolved the Marvin Johnson situation, we got a couple [of players] in, we got Louis Moult back fit and I think in these situations you have to accentuate the positives.

“Hammell will be fit again and Moulty is ready to start his season – so there’s lots of positives.”

With the additions of Ryan Bowman and Luka Belić on deadline day, McGhee felt his new signins will significantly boost his options.

He said: “With the continuing injury to Jacob Blyth, which has been a shame for him and us, I felt that even with Moulty coming back we still needed another striker and we managed to bring in Bowman who we’ve been interested in all summer.

“He’s different from the others and he gives us a different option so that’s a positive for us.”

[pullquote]They [Ross County] are aggressive in the right sense so physically we’ll need to match them but now we feel we have the squad that physically we can match anybody.[/pullquote]

The Fir Parkers boss admitted that the dealings done over the window may allow him to change his system.

He said: “You have to accommodate the players that you have so it will require us to think a bit differently now that we don’t have Marvin’s pace out on the left – so we will endeavour to find the right combination of players that we have in a system that gets the best out of all of them.”

He added: “When we went to Ibrox, I’m convinced that if we had Hammell and Moult fit and even if we had Ryan Bowman here, then we would have got something out of that game – there’s no doubt in my mind.

“Then we drew with 0-0 with Dundee and if we had those three players that we could have called on to make changes then we could have won that game instead of drawing it.”

Looking at Saturday’s opponents, McGhee said: “We know that they have a fairly standard way of playing – it’s not complicated but they do it well.

“They get the ball forward, they compete for the ball up-front. They’re good at their set-plays, they’re aggressive in the right sense so physically we’ll need to match them but now we feel we have the squad that physically we can match anybody.”

Deadline day signing Luka Belić admits he has settled in quickly after making his loan switch from West Ham.

Speaking to MFC TV, the Serbian forward spoke about his style of play, his ability to adapt and his ambitions for the season ahead.

The 20-year-old said: “I feel really good and I already love it here – it’s a nice place, I have nice team-mates.

“Everybody has accepted me, the doctors, the coaching staff and everyone else.”

[pullquote]I’ve only been here three days and already it’s been really nice for me – everybody has accepted me really well and I already feel like I’m at home.[/pullquote]

He added: “I’ve only been here three days and already it’s been really nice for me – everybody has accepted me really well and I already feel like I’m at home.”

Luka admitted that he had to adjust to the English game when he moved to West Ham from the Serbian top flight, and he knows he’ll have to adjust again to the Ladbrokes Premiership.

He said: “When I came to England the game was a little bit tougher, a little bit harder and they told me when I come to Scotland it’s going to be even tougher, but I’ll adapt and that’s no problem for me because I play that way.”

He added: “I’ll be ready for that aspect of the game, but defenders better be ready because I’ll tackle them too and I’ll be ready.”

[pullquote]I’ll be ready for that aspect of the game, but defenders better be ready because I’ll tackle them too and I’ll be ready.[/pullquote]

When asked about manager Mark McGhee and assistant James McFadden, Luka admitted that they have made him feel welcome.

He said: “I’m looking forward to playing under them – they are both lovely people and they’ve fit me in and accepted me like I’m at home so it’s really been a nice couple of days for me.

“I didn’t think it was going to be so quick and so good – when I came from Serbia to West Ham I had about maybe a month of problems to adjust but now because I’ve already adapted to the language and everything it’s been a lot easier.”

He added: “I want to establish my place in the team quickly, give everything I’ve got to get a lot of games and fight for my place in the team.”

Motherwell Football Club and the Community Trust have partnered up with the SPFL Trust’s Football Fans in Training – allowing fans to get involved with the club and lose weight along the way.

Targeted for men and women aged 35-65 with a waistline of 38 inches or above, the 12-week programme will provide coaching from professionals, a behind-the-scenes look at the club and encourage a healthier lifestyle.

What’s better? It’s free!

As well as enjoying yourself, the main aims of Football Fans in Training (FFIT) are: to increase knowledge of diet & nutrition, improve lifestyle choices, increase physical activity amongst participants, reduce weight and waist measurements and increase engagement in other physical activity.

MFC Community Trust General Manager Dawn Middleton said: “We’re delighted to be offering Motherwell Fans the opportunity to get fit with their local team. It’s a unique opportunity to adopt a healthier lifestyle, meet fellow fans and have fun.”

FFIT is supported by Community Trust ambassador and star striker Louis Moult.

To get involved you can sign up here: spfltrust.org.uk/ffit-enquiry

To get in touch with the Community Trust, call 01698 239926 or email community@motherwellfc.co.uk