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Shaun Hutchinson is determined to bounce back from Sunday’s Co-operative Cup disappointment with a win over Kilmarnock.

The Steelmen put up a fine display against the Scottish champions at Hampden, but ultimately succumbed to a late Steven Naismith goal.

[onlymembers]Now ‘Well must take their frustration out on Mixu Paatelainen’s side and the youngster insists spirit in the camp is high.

“I think everyone in the squad feels like we deserved a bit more from the game. We played very well, but that game has finished now,” the 20-year old insisted.
 
“Apart from the Hibs game, we haven’t been on a great run in the league. But we know that after a few wins in the league we could shoot up the table. There’s no better way to bounce back from defeat on Sunday than a win over Kilmarnock.
 
“We desperately want to climb up the table – we know we have a good enough squad to be higher in the league. Still, we have to be aware that Kilmarnock are doing well too. They have just lost Conor Sammon but regardless of his replacement it will be a tough test.”

While the transfer window has been cruel to Wednesday’s opponents, it has been fairly kind to the big Geordie defender.

Hutchinson has stepped up to the plate admirably following the departure of Mark Reynolds, and has shown no ill-effects of a nightmarish year-long battle with injuries.

He continued: “I’m able to get a run in the first team, and I’m really enjoying it at the moment. I’m looking forward to every game I get to play in.
 
“It’s been such a frustrating year for me and to be playing again is so big. I just hope it continues. I’ve had a lot of injuries and only played a few reserve games before this run, so it has been about getting back up to sharpness again.
 
“Against Inverness I tired a bit, and then against Hibs I felt a little bit of cramp, but I’m finding my legs again and my fitness is getting back up to what it was under Jim Gannon.”

Shaun was also full of praise for the January arrivals at the club. Although Stuart McCall admitted he found the transfer window frustrating, Hutchison believes the club have done some good business – despite not bringing in a striker.

Young defender Gavin Gunning arrived on loan from Blackburn while Northern Ireland international Steve Jones made the move to Fir Park from Walsall.

“No strikers came in, but we know that the strikers we have here are more than capable of scoring goals for us,” the 6’2 stopper praised.

“Some have gone out and a couple have come in, so there’s a few new faces. Jones and Gav (Gunning) have arrived and that adds something to the squad.

“I’ve seen them in training and they seem like good players, and they are good lads in the dressing room too, so the boys are happy with them coming in and they can make an impact.”[/onlymembers]

Stuart McCall described the last 48 hours as the most frustrating of his career, after losing to Rangers and missing out on a host of transfer targets.

The ‘Well gaffer made no secret of his desire to bring in another striker to bolster his squad before the end of the transfer window on Monday evening, but none transpired in what was a hectic evening’s negotiations.

[onlymembers]“I’ve got to say, the last 48 hours are probably the most frustrated I’ve been as a manager,” the 46-year old lamented.  “On the back of the defeat against Rangers, I put my phone back on after the game and the boy I thought I had got unfortunately had a bit of a family crisis and had to stay down south.

“We couldn’t match what he was being offered in England for another boy. The third target, which would have been a good one, couldn’t come because his club couldn’t get a couple of strikers which they thought they were absolutely certain to get.

“The fourth one got offered more money to go to America. The fifth one right up until eight o’clock last night was 50-50. He was still keen, and up to quarter to eight we were still hopeful of getting him. It was really, really frustrating. You try to get your top target in and I really thought we were going to get him.”

McCall’s candid description of the madness of transfer deadline gives everyone an idea just how tough it can be to bring the right player in on such a prohibitive timescale, but the gaffer hasn’t given up on the idea of strengthening the squad.

In the meantime the likes of Sutton and Murphy will have to carry the baton up front, while Esteban Casagolda, Bob McHugh and Gary Smith could come to the fore.

“I concentrated a lot of effort on trying to get people in because the lads deserve some help; they started in June,” the former Bradford boss acknowledged.

“We have the opportunity to get people in from Scottish clubs and free agents. We are still searching and I would be hopeful of bringing in one or two people before the end of the season. I’ve had a couple of names thrown at me, but I know of three or four other SPL clubs who are getting the same names put to them.

“I’d like to think a couple of young kids will come through and make their mark like they have done over the years here.

“The fans, like me, we haven`t seen enough of Casagolda. But he’s a good kid; I’ve looked at his clips when he has played and he scored a couple of goals in a bounce game last week. He is raring to go and I’m sure he will get his chance soon.

“Bob McHugh, unfortunately, has done his wrist and will be back in a month, and we have young Gary Smith, who has an excellent goal-scoring record in the under 19s. So we have players who can step up to the plate.”

The Motherwell boss was speaking ahead of a vital encounter with fourth-placed Kilmarnock on Fir Park on Wednesday evening.

Kilmarnock have their own transfer tale of woe to tell, losing top scorer Conor Sammon to Wigan a matter of hours before the deadline closed. Although McCall is happy not to be facing the big Irishman he admits Killie will still prove a real threat.

“I saw Kilmarnock at Hamilton on Saturday and was really impressed,” McCall continued. “I thought they played some terrific football.

“The two bonuses I got on Monday was that no-one came in for any of my young lads at the last minute – although my phone was off – and the big boy Sammon moving on because I thought he was excellent for Kilmarnock on Saturday, as a lot of the team were.”[/onlymembers]

Referee for Wednesday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Kilmarnock is the familiar face of Stevie O’Reilly.

O’Reilly will be handling his fourth Motherwell game of the current campaign after previously overseeing the 1-1 draw with Aberdeen at Fir Park back in September, the 1-2 home defeat by Hearts in December and the New Years Day draw with Hamilton at New Douglas Park.

[onlymembers]It’s been a busy old season for the 44-year-old, who was promoted to the Category 1 list some five years ago. Tonight will be his eleventh Scottish Premier League game of the current campaign. He was also the man in the middle for Aberdeen’s 2-1 Co-operative Insurance Cup Quarter Final win over Falkirk at Pittodrie and, more recently, Rangers’ 3-0 hammering of Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup 4th Round.

As a relative newcomer to top-flight officiating, O’Reilly has never handled a Motherwell versus Kilmarnock encounter. However, he is familiar with tonight’s opponents having handled four of their games in the last year.

O’Reilly’s overall record in charge of ‘Well games is a bit of a mixed bag. Of the five games has taken charge, Motherwell have won only won, drawn one and lost three. Eight goals have been scored whilst, coincidentally, eight have been conceded. Nine players have been cautioned in those five games; three were wearing Claret and Amber with just one sending off, Steve Jennings in that game with Hearts two months ago.

Stevie will be ably assisted by Andy Tait and Alastair Mather with Steven Nicholls on fourth official duties.[/onlymembers]

Motherwell Season Ticket holders should note that entry to Wednesday night’s game with Kilmarnock will be with ‘Special Voucher K’.

The original game with the Ayrshire side was postponed due to heavy snow at the start of December.

However, as opposed to using Match Voucher 9, the club has confirmed these alternative arrangements. As a result, anyone who has purchased a half-season ticket gets the bonus of an additional game.

Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said, “We’ve decided to reward fans who purchased Half Season Tickets with an additional game that they wouldn’t have otherwise had.

“We had an excellent support at Hampden and we are keen to see as many people as possible at Fir Park this week.”

Motherwell’s Hampden stars were united in disappointment after narrowly missing out in a place in the first major cup final of the season.

The Steelmen turned in a marvelous display at the national stadium and were only defeated thanks to a late Steven Naismith goal, following some super skill inside the area from Rangers’ £4M striker Nikica Jelavic.

[onlymembers]A particular high point of a fine contest came from the right foot of Keith Lasley, as the midfielder – who was returning after a recent injury-enforced hiatus – arrowed a splendid low drive past the despairing Neil Alexander to make it 1-1.

With the scores leveled up and ‘Well on the ascendancy it looked as though the men in claret-and-amber might go on to seal a famous win.

“I don’t get too many, and I have scored a couple this season now,” Lasley said, speaking about his equaliser. “It was a sweet strike and I knew as soon as I hit it that it was on target.

“There was definitely had a belief throughout the whole game. We hoped the goal would help us kick on and get what we deserved from the match.

“Sometimes you get back on level terms and then you go behind again there is a tendency to chuck it, but I thought we had a couple of chances late in the game that could have swung it back in our favour. We can take credit and belief from the game and hopefully kick on and take this into our League form.”

One of the ‘late chances’ Lasley referred to fell to young Stevie Saunders. The teenage Scotland international – who will be hoping for many more Hampden occasions, for club and country – rose highest at the back post to direct a Jamie Murphy cross towards goal.

It looked, all the way, like a second leveler for McCall’s troops, but somehow Neil Alexander managed to get his foot in the way, and the Gers defence smuggled clear.

“I thought that was going in but that is football,” Saunders said, looking back on the 85th minute chance. “In general I thought the lads were brilliant and we worked hard off the ball, which was important.

“The gaffer said as long as you win your battles in midfield and keep the ball then you will do well – and that is exactly what we did. Even from defence we passed the ball and didn’t rush things and created a few chances.

“Unfortunately it just wasn’t enough to get the win.”

Attention now turns from the glamour of a national cup semi-final to the weekly grind of the SPL, as fourth place Kilmarnock come to Fir Park on Wednesday evening.

Mixu Paatelainen’s men sit five points ahead of McCall’s side in the standings, and it will be vital that ‘Well do not linger on the disappointment of their Hampden heroic failure as they aim to make up ground on the pack of teams ahead of them.

“I thought the goal was coming and we were pushing and pushing and some of the possession play we had was terrific, and we are disappointed at how unlucky we are,” Jamaican winger, Chris Humphrey lamented after the full-time whistle on Sunday afternoon.

“It’s now vital that we get our heads up ahead of the game on Wednesday.”

Interviews: Graham Barnstaple [/onlymembers]

Motherwell boss Stuart McCall couldn’t hide his pride after a brave defeat at Hampden on Sunday afternoon.

The Steelmen were terrific throughout, and looked the more likely side to reach the final when Keith Lasley equalised in the second half.

But a Steven Naismith goal 15 minutes from time was enough to break ‘Well hearts and send Rangers to an Old Firm final.

“I’m really proud of all of my players,” the Motherwell boss gushed. “I told my players not to have any regrets. I wanted the lads to be able to look each other in the eye, having given their best.

“Our performance merited at least, extra time. There was really nothing between the two sides apart from an unbelievable Edu strike and some great ability from Jelavic for the second goal.

“We’ve got a disappointed group of players in their – but they all have a very proud manager.”

The former Everton and Rangers midfielder was also full of praise for the vocal support which made the journey from Motherwell, and further afield.

There were more than 5,000 vociferous fans in claret-and-amber at the national stadium, and the manager insists that their presence helped to spur the lads on to a rousing semi-final display.

“The fans really lifted all the players,” McCall praised. “I’d like to think the performance of the players also lifted fans.

“The only thing that I am disappointed about is the result. The players were terrific, as was the support we got from the stand.”

After Aberdeen’s apparent stage-fright on Saturday afternoon there must have been fears over Motherwell’s young squad, but they were allayed in a super display from some of the younger ‘Well stars.

Stevie Saunders, Shaun Hutchison and Jamie Murphy all performed admirably in a youthful Steelmen side, who will now, hopefully, take this narrow defeat on board on progress to a successful end to the campaign.

McCall continued: “We have a lot of younger players, and they all stood up to the challenge, Walter Smith said as much to me after the match.

“I’ll analyse this game later – as I do with all our matches – and look for things we could have done better, but I don’t think there will be an awful lot.

“We have a huge game on Wednesday night and we have to lift the lads for that. Our performance today shows what we are capable of, and we have to carry that on for the rest of the season.”

Motherwell and Kilmarnock face each other on Wednesday 2nd February and we want you to watch the big match in style.

Mixu Paatelainen’s men have being going great guns this season, and are in a multi-team battle, including Motherwell, for fourth spot.

The teams have only played once this season, Motherwell running out 1-0 winners thanks to a single Nick Blackman goal.

However, the Rugby Park side have added several new faces this then, including the talismanic Alexei Eremenko, and are a much more difficult opponent now as a result.

Motherwell have been going well under Stuart McCall so all the ingredients are there for a fascinating encounter and you can enjoy the big match in style from our recently refurbished Centenary Suite.

You will be welcomed on arrival with a glass of bubbly, then sit down to a fantastic three course meal.

Complimentary Motherwell labelled wine will be served at your table and a pay bar facility is available via our attentive staff offering a drinks service to your table.

Relax until before kick off with your complimentary matchday magazines and teamsheet before taking your seats in the centre of the Phil O’Donnell Stand for the match.

Half time refreshments are served again in the Centenary Suite and a pay bar is available after match.

Prices start from as little as £69!

We also have amazing packages available in both the South Stand Boxes and the Millennium Suite as well as the Match Ball Sponsorship.

If you are interested, then contact Diane or Wilma on 01698 338062 or email commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Pictures from the 2-1 defeat by Rangers in the Co-operative Insurance Cup Semi Final at Hampden Park.

These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

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Burns Suppers have been part of Scottish Culture for nearly two-hundred years as a means of commemorating our best loved bard.

And when Burns immortalised haggis in verse he created a central link that is maintained to this day.

The ritual was started by close friends of Burns a few years after his death in 1796 as a tribute to his memory.

On Friday, the 4th of February, Motherwell Football Club will be celebrating that tradition with the annual Burns Supper in the Centenary Suite.

Enjoy the finest traditional fare with a healthy dram in congenial company and listen to the convivial tones of our invited speakers all for just £25 per person.

For further information or to make a booking, contact the Hospitality team on 01698 338008 or email wilma.marshall@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Slainthe!

[tab:Match report]

A brave performance from Motherwell wasn’t enough to secure a Co-operative Cup Final berth as Rangers scraped to a 2-1 win at Hampden.

Walter Smith’s side went in, at the break, one goal to the good thanks to a spectacular Maurice Edu strike, in an otherwise even first half.

The Steelmen were superb in the second half, and gained a deserved equaliser thanks to a low drive from Keith Lasley, who was excellent on his return from injury.

But heartbreak was to follow as a moment of magic and a superb assist from Nikica Jelavic set up Steven Naismith to head home – and set up an Old Firm cup final.

Stuart McCall welcomed the influential Keith Lasley back into the starting line-up; the ‘Well stalwart slotting into a three-man central midfield alongside Hateley and Jennings. Murphy and Humphrey were charged with providing the width, either side of John Sutton.

Meanwhile Rangers notably left out Vladimir Weiss, who tormented the Steelmen on a previous visit to Fir Park in December.

After Aberdeen’s early capitulation the previous day, there must have been fears that the Steelmen would succumb to a similar stage-fright, but ‘Well settled confidently and after 70 seconds Jamie Murphy registered a decent poked effort following a Sutton flick-on.

In response, Lee McCulloch seemed on a personal mission to break the hearts of his old club. In the opening 15 minutes the former ‘Well man slashed two shots off target from just outside the box.

Another effort from outside the box – this time from a Whittaker free-kick – proved to be simply a prelude for a truly special Rangers opener.

Maurice Edu was given far too much space 25 yards out and, after shifting the ball on to his ‘weaker’ left foot, the American launched a stunning strike into the top corner, giving Randolph no chance – a piercing blow for a Motherwell side which had been tidy in the early stages and restricted the Gers to long-range efforts.

McCall’s men responded admirably from that hammer-blow, having the better of the possession for the rest of the half and firing a few shots towards Neil Alexander in the Rangers goal. Tom Hateley, Stevie Hammell and Jamie Murphy all looked to find their range with efforts from outside the area as the Steelmen looked to hit back.

Motherwell were first to threaten after a low-key opening to the second period. After some scrappy play in the final third the ball found its way to Steve Jennings 25 yards from goal, and the former Everton youth fired a powerful effort on target. Neil Alexander was aware enough to parry the ball away.

‘Well were unlucky to be behind at this point, and soon remedied the deficit with a special strike of their own. John Sutton showed marvelous strength and determination on the edge of the area to hold off two challenges and feed the ball back to Keith Lasley, and Motherwell’s returning hero arrowed a splendid low effort past the statuesque Neil Alexander.

Stuart McCall’s side had the wind at their sails, but Rangers reminded the Steelmen of their own threat with a powerful Lee McCulloch header and a Steve Davis strike as a very watchable contest entered the last 20 minutes.

And Rangers’ added touch of true quality saw them regain the lead after 75 minutes. £4 Million man Nikica Jelavic produced a moment of skill in the box befitting of his price-tag; a stunning step-over, leaving Hutchison for dead, before providing a pinpoint cross which Stevie Naismith stooped to head home.

There was enough time for another terrific chance for the Steelmen.  Jamie Murphy whipped in a teasing back-post cross with five minutes left on the clock, and Stevie Saunders leapt highest to nod towards to bottom corner. Neil Alexander managed to cross his legs quickly enough to deny the Scotland cap, before Rangers smuggled clear.

Alexander had to be alive moments later as he dived to stop a low Jamie Murphy shot from just inside the box. The keeper held on to the drive – and ‘Well’s hopes for a place in the final slipped away. 

[tab:As it happened]

Alan Burrows at Hampden Park

Full time – heroic effort but just not enough on the day – Lads applauded off by fans who appreciated the effort.

90+2mins – A late, late chance for Murphy. The young star just couldn’t get a hold of the shot and Alexander gathers easier.

90mins – Three mins of added time – C’mon ‘Well!

88mins – Awwwwwww! Saunders goes so close with a header. Alexander somehow saves it. Gutted!

79mins – Jones on for Tom Hateley!

76mins – GOAL Davis! Jelavic picks up loose ball – his cross to the back post finds Davis who heads home.

75mins – Quick fire double chance from Rangers. Davis almost hits the corner flag and Jelavic blasts wide.

73mins – McCulloch header over the bar. Fleck corner met by the ex Well man but his effort was way over,

67mins – Great goal from Lasley. Ball bounced about on the edge of the area and the midfielder drilled home from the edge of the box,

GOOOOALLLLL Motherwell! Keith Lasley!

59mins – Jennings shot from distance brings out an excellent save from Alexander. Unlucky from the Steelmen!

55mins – Fairly even first ten minutes of the 2nd half. Ball has spent enough time at both ends of the park. Rangers corner tho…

46mins – Kick Off in the 2nd half. No changes!

Half Time – Rangers 1 – 0 Motherwell. Steelmen were excellent and so unlucky to be behind.

43mins – Right footed half volley from Edu; no more than a pass back from the American.

42mins – Murphy turns inside and fires a decent shot just over the bar. Unlucky from the youngster…

35mins – Motherwell follow that with a lot shot of their own. Low bouncing free-kick from Hammell was easy enough for Alexander to catch.

34mins – Low shot by Davis is easy enough to catch. Hutchinson almost got caught out but wasn’t punished thankfully…

31mins – Neat corner from Motherwell – right from the training pitch. Short corner, dummied by Humph for Hateley but shot flew over.

26mins – Motherwell are playing some really decent stuff on the deck. Still can’t believe we’re 1-0 down.

20mins – GOAL for Rangers out of nothing. Edu shot from 30 yards nestles into the top right hand corner. That’s harsh on Motherwell.

19mins – Free-kick to Rangers on the outside the box. Whiitaker takes, Craigan, I think, heads over. Looked net bound…

17mins – Wee half chance for Well. Slack play in the Gers backline. Humphrey latches on to a ball, dinks it up for Sutton – header saved!

15mins – Offt, nearly kiss of death. Rangers move down the righr.. Jelavic lay-off to McCulloch who powers wide of the post.

14mins – Decent start so far… Tocuh wood (and the press box is wooden) that it keeps up!

5mins – Lafferty bursts through the middle but Randolph is out quick to clear. McCulloch follows with a shot that blazes over…

2mins – Murphy breaks onto a Sutton flick on but his shot from distance was easy enough for Alexander in the Rangers goal

1mins –  Teams are out and ready! Let’s go! ‘Well to kick-off!

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“All I asked of them was to give a good account of themselves. To come off the back pitch as good as they can be and have no regrets.

“From the keeper to everyone up front, I think they all were excellent.

“I’m proud of the players – they gave a great performance. We probably deserved a little bit more than that.”

Rangers manager Walter Smith:

“Motherwell, having the extra man in midfield, were always going to make it difficult for us unless we were right on top of our game.

“There were spells where we played well throughout the match but others where Motherwell had good possession of the ball because of that extra man.

“There were not that many opportunities for either side and we are just delighted to get through.

“We are disappointed at the goal we lost, but we are happy to be in the final and that was the object.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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