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Motherwell FC is today delighted to confirm Scotland U21 star Chris Cadden has extended his contract at the club.

Cadden, 20, has been a tremendous performer for Mark McGhee’s side since cementing a regular place in the starting eleven almost one year ago.

Since then, the Academy Graduate has gone from strength to strength and has agreed to extend his deal until the summer of 2019.

Speaking on his new contract, Cadden said: “I am so pleased to have this all sorted now.

“I am more than happy to stay and continue to develop at Motherwell, a club I’ve been involved with for almost all my life.

[pullquote]“I want to work hard for the team, the club, the supporters and also for the manager, who I am indebted to for giving me a chance and believing in me.”[/pullquote]

‘Well boss Mark McGhee added: “Chris has performed unbelievably well and has shown an outstanding level of consistency for such a young player.

“Not only that, he’s imposing himself on games and is one of the most dangerous and explosive attacking forces in the division. You need only look at last Saturday’s game to see the sort of impact he can make.

“We’re delighted he has agreed to extend his stay with us and we will continue to try and develop him both personally and professionally.”

Chief Operating Officer Alan Burrows commented: “We have worked on this extension almost from the day the Summer Transfer Window closed, as we recognise what an asset Chris is to the club.

“His new deal rewards Chris for his performances, but also protects the club.

“His rise from the Academy to first-team regular epitomises the direction of travel at Motherwell and is very much our model going forward.

“Everyone at Fir Park will work hard to ensure there are more young players who go on the same journey with hopefully similar success.”

Motherwell take on Dundee this weekend in the Ladbrokes Premiership, looking to follow up on an impressive 4-1 victory over Ross County last weekend.

We take a look at the last time the Steelmen travelled to Dens Park ahead of the second clash between the two sides in the league this season, following the goalless draw at Fir Park in late August.

A highly controversial 88th minute penalty denied Motherwell all three points back in January when the ‘Well made the trip north.

But it was also the afternoon when Chris Cadden scored his first goal for the Fir Parkers.

Having raced into a 1-2 half-time advantage thanks to goals from Chris Cadden and Stephen Pearson either side of Paul McGowan’s close-range strike, the Steelmen failed to add to their lead and were punished with just minutes remaining.

The Dark Blues went all the second half without really testing Connor Ripley’s goal and it looked as if the Steelmen were going to hold on for what would’ve been a big three points.

However, with just two minutes left, match official John Beaton, who takes control again on Saturday, harshly awarded a penalty when Cadden and Kevin Holt both tangled for the ball. Kane Hemmings was in no mood for mercy, coolly slotting home the resulting kick to earn his side a share of the spoils.

Marvin Johnson’s cross from the left missed everyone and landed at the feet of Cadden who took a good touch before volleying home his first ever goal for the Fir Parkers high past Bain.

Unfortunately, ‘Well couldn’t hold their lead for long as Paul Hartley’s side hit back inside two minutes. Great play by Greg Stewart released McGowan in the inside right channel and after it held up perfectly in the wind, he controlled the pass before hooking the ball home from a tight angle.

Motherwell regained their composure and only a terrific Bain save denied Lasley after the skipper’s free-kick bounced through and almost into the net, but for the outstretched arm of the former Alloa stopper.

Soon after that, and down the other end, Stewart went on a mazy run and crossed from the right for Rory Loy, but somehow his shot came back off of the underside of the bar from just a few yards.

Then, in 13 minutes, Stewart was again involved with a darting run into the box, skipping by several Motherwell challenges, only to see his eventual shot saved by Ripley.

It was end-to-end stuff and Motherwell twice almost got in front when McDonald found himself with the freedom of the six-yard box but his shot on the spin was straight at Bain.

However, it was Pearson who eventually put the Steelmen back in front with another excellent goal in 23 minutes. The veteran midfielder burst through the Dundee defence, played a one-two with Moult, before drifting past Darren O’Dea and angling in his seventh goal of the campaign.

Both teams created chances as the snow-ridden first half raged on. Bain had a stinging long-range shot that forced Ripley to turn over. At the other end, Moult’s curler looked to be sneaking into the corner, but again Bain scrambled across his goal to turn it around.

The second half was dominated by Dundee but the visitors defended doggedly to limit their clear-cut chances while trying to hit on the counterattack.

Harkins did go close to snatching an equaliser with a couple of typical flashes of skill, chipping over from right of the goal then volleying wide from the other side.

For all Dundee had the ball, it was ‘Well who had the best chance. McDonald’s bursting run from midfield started the chance and when his slid ball found Pearson on the left, ‘Well were in at goal. When Pearson pulled it across goal, Moult slammed home for what he thought was his 14th of the campaign, but the assistant’s flag thwarted him.

The game was heading for a finish when Dundee were afforded the chance to level in controversial circumstances. Moult had headed clear a Dundee corner with Cadden and Holt competing for the loose ball just inside the area. Incredibly, John Beaton pointed to the spot, much to the dismay of the Motherwell players. Cadden was even booked for the challenge.

Kane Hemmings stood up to take it and slammed it hard down the middle with Ripley going to his right to earn his side a point.

Referee for Saturday’s Ladbrokes Premiership clash with Dundee at Dens Park is John Beaton.

John will be handling his second Motherwell match of the campaign so far – after overseeing the 2-0 loss at Parkhead last month – and took charge on three occasions last term.

The first was a 2-2 draw with Dundee back in late January as the official takes charge of the same fixture this weekend. The Steelmen were on course to take all three points when Chris Cadden and Stephen Pearson had the visitors ahead, but a controversial late penalty from Kane Hemmings levelled things up at 2-2.

His other ‘Well game was also in the Highlands, when McGhee’s men all but secured top-six with a terrific 1-2 win at the Caledonian Stadium.

It was role reversal this time though with Motherwell scoring late on; Marvin Johnson’s ‘last kick of the game’ winner added to Lionel Ainsworth’s opener in what turned out to be a vital three points in the race to finish in the top half.

And the last time Beaton officiated a Motherwell match was the penultimate game of last season, when a brace from Stephen Pearson and a goal from skipper Keith Lasley secured all three points away to Ross County, as well as a fifth placed finish in the league.

His overall record in charge of Motherwell matches reads five wins, four defeats and three draws from eleven matches. ‘Well have scored twenty-one and conceded seventeen.

Fourty-one players have gone into the book during those games, twenty of them wearing Claret and Amber, with just two red cards: Joe Shaughnessy in a League Cup tie against Aberdeen in 2013/14 and Darryl Westlake last season, in a 1-1 draw with Killie at Fir Park.

John will be ably assisted by Alan Mulvanny and Ross Haswell with Scott Millar on Fourth Official duties.

Winger John Gahagan was able to fulfil the dream that many Motherwell fans had as children, namely playing for the team he supported.

Johnny had a false start in the senior game with Clydebank but after an impressive spell with Shettleston juniors joined Motherwell in 1979.

His time at Fir Park lasted twelve seasons in total during which he served under Ally MacLeod, David Hay, Jock Wallace, Bobby Watson and Tommy McLean; a contribution that fully merited the testimonial he was awarded in 1990.

John would help Motherwell to the First Division title on two occasions in 1981’82 and again in 1984’85. He was there for almost the full journey as the Steelmen rose from the First Division to become an established top flight side; and then pushed on to win silverware and secure European qualification.

Better known for his creative wing play John was well capable of finding the net too and scored 38 times in 291 league games, a very respectable tally given  a remarkable number of John’s performances came as a substitute.

It was on one such occasion as a sub his passion for the club was clear for all to see.  Warming up behind the goals as stand-in keeper Stevie Kirk saved a spot-kick at Tynecastle, Gahagan could be spotted leaping off the ground and celebrating as wildly as any fan behind the goal.

If anyone in the Motherwell squad who posed for 1990’91 season team photo was deserving of a place in ‘Well folklore for winning the Scottish Cup it was Gahagan. Yet his contribution to Motherwell’s Cup run was actually as an opposition player, having moved on to Morton earlier in the season.  Netting an equaliser in the Scottish Cup Quarter Final replay Gahagan came as close as anyone to ending Motherwell’s Scottish Cup aspirations.

After initially moving into coaching upon his retirement from playing Gahagan has become an after dinner speaker delighting and entertaining audiences every bit as much he did when playing for Motherwell.

Extended highlights from Firhill and goals from Jake Hastie and Dylan Mackin seal a 2-1 win for the young Steelmen over Partick Thistle.

U20s manager Stephen Craigan was happy to see his side win 2-1 away from home against Partick Thistle tonight.

But the Northern Irishman made sure to stress just how entertaining he thought the match was.

Speaking to MFC TV after the match, the coach said: “First and foremost I want to say what a great game that was – I really, really enjoyed watching that tonight.

[pullquote]We played Thistle in pre-season up at Dalziel Park and it was two young teams really opening up, really having a go and it was end-to-end and entertaining so I expected more of the same tonight.[/pullquote]

“It’s easy to say that when you’ve won but we played Thistle in pre-season up at Dalziel Park and it was two young teams really opening up, really having a go and it was end-to-end and entertaining so I expected that tonight.”

He added: “They can move the ball, they can hurt you, but most importantly I think for any neutral coming to watch that tonight they saw some great stuff from both sides – it was a great advert for U20s football.

“I’m delighted in the end that we’ve come out with a 2-1 win and based on the number of chances we created I think we deserved it.”

[pullquote]I think for any neutral coming to watch that tonight they saw some great stuff from both sides – it was a great advert for U20s football.[/pullquote]

The U20s start their defence of the Scottish FA Youth Cup on Sunday morning, and Craigan admits he may be lighter in terms of options than normal.

He said: “We’re a little bit short in numbers with Jack McMillan breaking into the first team and Ross MacLean being in and around the first team so they’ll likely not be available on Sunday.

“That gives an opportunity for others to come in to the team and make a name for themselves.”

Motherwell U20s returned to winning ways tonight after an impressive performance resulted in a 2-1 win over Partick Thistle.

And it was an all the more impressive win under the floodlights at Firhill for the youngsters due to the form of the hosts, who occupied second spot in the Development League prior to kick-off.

Stephen Craigan included five first-team players in his starting eleven but it was the youngsters who secured the points – as Jake Hastie and Dylan Mackin continued their fine goalscoring form.

That being said, it was an all round impressive showing from Kieran Kennedy, Jacob Blyth, Dean Brill, Dom Thomas and David Ferguson, who all got some valuable minutes under their belts. The story of the match though was perhaps summed up by the fact that Thistle goalkeeper Conor Cullen was the best player on the park for the Jags.

Straight from the first whistle it was clear that Dom Thomas was eager to continue on from the electric performance he put in against Ross County last week for the U20s. Bursting through the middle, the midfielder unleashed a powerful effort that forced a good save from Cullen early in the match.

And it was another senior player who got involved early on and, in truth, should have given Motherwell the lead. Some superb footwork by Dylan Mackin on the left created the striker a yard to put in a pinpoint cross for Jacob Blyth, who was ever so slightly on the stretch, and headed over the bar from close range.

Luckily, the miss wasn’t punished and just a minute later Jake Hastie opened the scoring. It would have been hard for the midfielder to miss and he was rewarded for his awareness and movement after Dylan Mackin’ low ball across the six-yard box was tapped home from all of three yards.

Craigan’s side enjoyed the majority of possession and chances and before long had a two goal cushion. Dylan Mackin collected the ball 20 yards out and dribbling toward goal before blasting a powerful effort on goal leaving Partick stopper Cullen scrambling and unable to get a hand to it due to the power from the striker’s left foot.

At the start of the second half, Partick changed shape and shifted to a back three which evidently pushed the home side forward. And it only took till the hour mark for Thistle to pull one back. Ian Stokes putting the finishing touch on a decent team move, leaving Brill unable to save at his near post.

Sensing the shift of control slipping from his side’s grasp, Stephen Craigan decided to pull striker Jacob Blyth off and bring on defender Luke Watt – and it was a wise move from the Northern Irishman.

Soon, the balance of the match looked to be back in the Steelmen’s favour and a number of good chances and a couple of wonder saves from Thistle keeper Conor Cullen kept the margain between the sides to just one.

Jamie Semple turned in an outstanding performance, netting a brace, as Scotland were held to a 2-2 draw with Wales today.

The 15-year old Motherwell Academy star played off the left for the most part, heading home a first before a fantastic touch and volley put James Grady’s side into a commanding position at the interval.

However, the Welsh stormed back in the second half and scored twice to level things up and earn a point in what has been a competitive Victory Shield. Semple almost grabbed a hat-trick, but his header came back off the underside of the bar.

The Scots are next in action when they face the Republic of Ireland at the Oriam this coming Friday.

Voting has opened for Motherwell’s Player of the Month for October – sponsored by Motorpoint.

Every month, ‘Well fans have the opportunity to cast their vote for who they think has put in the best performances.

Last month, star striker Louis Moult picked up the award, highlighted by his scintillating 5 goal haul across two games.

Thanks to club sponsors Motorpoint, the decision is up to the fans, so cast your vote here for Motherwell’s Player of the Month for October!

[poll id=”294″]

‘Well midfielder Chris Cadden has yet again been called up to the Scotland U21 squad as the youngster continues his superb run of form.

The call-ups have been coming thick and fast for the young Steelman, who was first picked for his country back in August and has already received his first cap.

A mainstay in Mark McGhee’s squad for the last year, the lung-bursting midfielder has been scintillating, getting amongst the goals, assists and man of the match awards, as well as terrorising full-backs on a regular basis this season.

Cadden was one of the best players on the pitch at Celtic Park recently and is part of the 19-man squad to face Slovakia in the U21 International Challenge Match on November 9.

Everyone at Motherwell FC would like to congratulate Chris on his call-up and wish him, and the squad, all the best over the next two weeks.