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Stuart McCall felt character was the main facet of their victory after his team bounced back from the loss of an early goal to win 2-1 at Pittodrie.

Goals from Francis Jeffers and Jamie Murphy overturned Sone Aluko’s second-minute strike to move ‘Welll back into the top six of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Motherwell moved the ball around with some confidence in the first half as they showed no lasting damage from their 6-0 weekend thrashing by Rangers, with the impressive Jeffers coming close on several occasions after heading a 14th-minute equaliser.

The Lanarkshire side regained control following a scrappy period that followed Aberdeen skipper Paul Hartley’s red card and Murphy kept his nerve to fire a 71st-minute winner.

McCall said: “It was all about character. We had a good word in the dressing room about not coming for a point and having a go.

“We knew if we won tonight we could go fifth, albeit having played a couple of games more.

“When you go a goal behind so early it’s easy to cave in, obviously after what happened on Saturday, but I thought in the first half we bounced back superbly.

“There were a lot of big, big performances from a lot of players, even more so when we went a goal behind against a resurgent Aberdeen side, so character was the key.”

The Motherwell boss dedicated the win to the ‘Well fans, insisting the Steelmen owed the Fir Park faithful with a performance after the defeat at Ibrox.

He said, “I am absolutely delighted for the band of supporters that made it here tonight. I am so pleased for them.

“It’s nice to be on a winning side. We played exceptionally well against Kilmarnock at home and didn’t deserve to lose. We went to St Johnstone, it was a poor game that should have finished 0-0, but we lost to a soft penalty.

“You saw us in the cup semi-final against Rangers, we played some good stuff there. We have a limited squad but there’s a lot of quality in it.

“It’s just trying to keep them fresh. We’ve got a game on Saturday, a game on Wednesday; there were a lot of tired legs out there tonight.”

McCall hailed the “excellent movement” of Jeffers on his first start for the club and dismissed suggestions that Keith Lasley should have followed Hartley down the tunnel.

Lasley caught the former Scotland International  when both men challenged for a header; Hartley responded by kicking the Motherwell midfielder.

“I haven’t seen it again but I didn’t even think it was a free-kick,” McCall said. “Lasley challenged for the ball and won it and both players fell on the ground. I didn’t see what happened after that but I think Paul lashed out with his feet.”

Pictures from the 2-1 win over Aberdeen in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Pittodrie.

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

[svgallery name=”aberdeen150211″]

[tab:Match report]

Goals in either half from Francis Jeffers and Jamie Murphy gave Motherwell a precious three points against 10-man Aberdeen.

The Steelmen were excellent throughout, particularly the first half, and fully merited the 2-1 win.

Aberdeen went ahead when Sone Aluko smashed home inside the opening few minutes but the Steelmen fought back, showing terrific heart, determination and skill and eventually drew level thanks to a fantastic looping header from Francis Jeffers.

Motherwell continued to flourish but weren’t able to grab that decisive second. Dons captain Paul Hartley then got himself sent off for a kick out at Keith Lasley, reducing the home side to ten men.

‘Well pushed and eventually grabbed the winner when former Scotland under-21 hit-man Jamie Murphy latched on to a ball over the top and coolly dispatched under Jamie Langfield.

Stuart McCall made three changes from the weekend, with Chris Humphrey, Jonathan Page and Steve Jones all dropping out. They were replaced by Jamie Murphy, Ross Forbes and Francis Jeffers, who was making his full debut.

After losing such an early goal at Ibrox three days previous, McCall’s message to his Motherwell troops in the dressing room beforehand would surely have centred on avoiding a repeat at a wet and windy Pittodrie.

So who knows what was going through the head of the former Bradford City boss when Sone Aluko put the home side ahead within the first two minutes. The Nigerian made the goal look simple but it was a strike of some quality – albeit McCall and Black will no doubt pick the bones out of it when the team next meets to go analyse the match.

The 21-year-old winger started the move in the middle of the park and after spreading it wide to the left flank for Steven Smith, continued his run towards the edge of the box. He received the return pass from the on-loan Norwich full-back and expertly dinked the ball over the recovering Shaun Hutchinson, before blasting past Darren Randolph into the far corner of the net – his first goal in eleven months.

After the capitulation at Ibrox at the weekend, most of the 200 or so travelling ‘Well fans in the South Stand must have feared for their team. They needn’t have worried!

Motherwell immediately set about clawing their way back into the game and went on to dominate most of the first half.

The returning Ross Forbes, playing on the left hand side of a midfield diamond, was industrious for the Steelmen throughout and he almost brought his side level with a trademark free-kick, curling a left-footed strike from the edge of the box. Jamie Langfield was forced into a terrific one-handed save at the expense of a corner kick.

‘Well, clad in all white, were very much on top and their movement and range of passing was causing menace amongst the home ranks. Jamie Murphy, playing slightly deeper than his usual striking role, collected a Keith Lasley square ball and unleashed a stinging effort from the edge of the box that Langfield could only beat away before collecting at the second attempt.

It was looking more and more likely that the Steelmen would equalise and new boy Francis Jeffers duly delivered on the fourteen minute mark. Stephen Craigan collected from a Gunning throw-in on the left flank and delivered a terrific cross into the area. The former Arsenal and Everton man flicked the ball on with a deft header, over Langfield, and into the net for his first goal in Claret and Amber.

The goal didn’t stop the Steelmen in their tracks and Jeffers almost got his second just two minutes later but was halted by another terrific block by Langfield. Jamie Murphy was the creator, bursting down the left flank before drilling a low ball across the face of goal. It took a fortuitous bounce off a defender, landing at the feet of the 30-year-old, but his side-footed effort was stopped by the legs of the Aberdeen keeper as the Dons survived.

It continued to be all Motherwell but, incredibly, it was Aberdeen who came within inches of scoring totally against the run of play. Former Motherwell trialist David McNamee collected the ball on the right flank, shifted it on to his left foot, before looping a terrific ball into the area. Scott Vernon met it but his header dropped just wide of the post.

Hartley blasted wide and, down the other end, Murphy had another fearsome shot that narrowly cleared Langfield’s crossbar.

Jeffers was looking lively for ‘Well, taking up great positions, and he was almost the hero again as the half-time interval approached. Dancing round two challenges, the pint-sized hitman prodded a low shot that was comfortable for Langfield to hold.

For all the away side dominated the first forty-five, Scott Vernon almost put the Dons in-front with the last effort of the first half. The former Blackpool striker managed to shimmy past two challenges before striking a decent enough effort that Darren Randolph spilled. Fortunately for the Irish keeper, it squirmed wide of the post for a corner which ‘Well comfortably cleared.

Games are often defined by official’s decisions and, at the start of the second half, referee Steven McLean had a tough call to make as Paul Hartley and Keith Lasley clashed in the centre circle. The Motherwell midfielder jumped to win a header and caught the Dons captain with his arm. The former Celtic and Hearts man didn’t like it, and kicked out – sparking a 20-man shoving match.

When things were calmed down, Hartley was ordered off for his retaliation and Lasley was booked for his clumsy – at worse – challenge. There were howls of derision from the home stands but television replays suggest the official got this one spot on.

McCall quickly made some changes with Chris Humphrey replacing Jeffers and Hammell coming on for Lasley, who had taken another sore kick to his already bruised ribs.

Humphrey almost made an immediate impact, finding space on the right wing and hanging up a lovely cross towards the back post for John Sutton. The former St Mirren man almost added to his eight goals this campaign with a decent header but, again, Langfield was in fine form and blocked with one hand.

However, he was beaten shortly after when Motherwell finally took the lead. Langfield’s long goal kick was headed back down field by Gunning and was helped on by Zander Diamond, who was caught slightly under the ball. That allowed former 21-year old Jamie Murphy to race clear of Nikola Vujadinović and coolly slot the ball under Langfield for 2-1.

Despite their ten men, Aberdeen pushed hard for a leveller but didn’t really trouble Darren Randolph in the Motherwell goal. Indeed, in the last few seconds, Murphy almost added gloss to the ‘Well win after running the full length of the half, rounding the keeper only for his shot to be cleared off the line by Smith.

That wouldn’t take away from what was an excellent win and performance from the ‘Well – exercising some of the ghosts from the recent past.

[tab:As it happened]

Alan Burrows at Pittodrie:

90mins – Full Time! Dons 1 – 2 ‘Well – C’Mon yea ‘Well!

88mins – Murphy has a great chance after running the full length. Steven Smith somehow hooks off the line though.

79mins – Aberdeen are throwing everything at Well but not really troubling Darren Randolph

75mins – Tempers are flaring. Maguire and Hateley both booked. Hateley was lucky there I think! ‘Well NEED to keep the discipline!

73mins – Vernon almost brings Aberdeen level but his strike drops just wide. Phew!

72mins – Aberdeen hook Nick Blackman too!

71mins – Young striker latches on to a ball over the top and finishes under Langfield in style. C’mon now ‘Well – hold on!

GOOOOOOOALLLLLLL Motherwell! JAMIE MURPHY! YA WEE BEAUTY!

69mins – Another terrific Humphrey cross is hung up towards the back post. No takers, it bounces down to Gunning but he blazes well over!

67mins – Resulting corner eventually finds Sutton at the back post but his header is well saved by Langfield!

66mins – Great ball by Forbes has Humphrey in. His low ball across the face is somehow cleared for a corner.

62mins – That should be, Blackman bursting through! Getting too excited here! C’mon the Steelmen!

62mins – Quick throw has Blackman bursting throw. His shot takes out an oil worker on a rig half way to Norway though… New ball please!

60mins – Another ‘Well sub. Lasley looks as if he’s hurt and is replaced by Hammell. That means things are switched around.

60mins – Dons look up for it after being reduced to 10 men! ‘Well have to just calm things down and play.

57mins – Langfield and Craigan also carded in the melee! ‘Well sub too as Jeffers, who has worked his socks off, is replaced by Humphrey.

57mins – Paul Hartley is sent off for hitting out at Hartley! Lasley is booked for the initial challenge. Mayhem at Pittidrie!

55mins – Burst up in the middle of the park as Lasley clashes with Hartley.

52mins – Aberdeen chance inside the area but a shot at the back post is somehow blocked for a corner. Randolph gathers the resulting kick

50mins – Free kick into the area is turned back across the face by Hutchinson but no takers as Aberdeen get it clear.

49mins – Jeffers is on the end of a really bad tackle from Diamond and he is down hurt. Hope he is ok – that’s the last thing we’d need!

49mins – Murphy, Lasley and Jeffers combine to tee up Gunning but his shot blazes waaaayyy over the bar. Still 1-1!

48mins – End to end stuff here but Dons show first and have an early corner. Keep it tight ‘Well!

46mins – Teams are out and it’s Well to kick-off. Keep your fingers crossed folks!

45mins – Half Time! Excellent first-half for the Steemen. Shame about the early goal though. Some of the football has been terrific!

45mins – Murphy’s attempted looping effort bounces wayy wide of goal. Still, good pressure from the Steelmen.

42mins – Motherwell’s front three is running a mock! Just need to add another goal to things! C’Mon ye ‘Well!!!!!!

41mins – Jeffers immediately puts ‘Well on the attack though. Hutchinson finishes with the shot that is held by Langfield!

40mins – Vernon’s run and shot almost puts Aberdeen ahead but Randolph turns round – just. I think I’d cry if Aberdeen scored there.

39mins – I’m not kidding – we’re tearing Aberdeen to shreds. Jeffers dances round three challenges but his shot is comfortable for JL!

36mins – Another terrific move followed by a curling shot from Murphy goes just over. Thought JL got a touch on that?

34mins – Aberdeen venture into the Well area for the first time in what seems like ages. Hartley’s shot from distance bounces just wide.

31mins – Murphy’s ball into the box almost finds Jeffers but he is sniffed out by the Dons defense allowing Langfield to gather!

29mins – ‘Well corner into the box causes problems but Aberdeen just about scrape it clear. Their attempted break is halted by Jennings!

26mins – Another good ball into the area, Sutton gets on the end but his effort goes high over the bar… C’Mon ‘Well – keep this up…

24mins – OMG! Another terrific curling effort from Jeffers, after more great build-up – but what a save by Langfield! Corner!

23mins – Well are playing some terrific football. It’s a joy to watch. We’re cutting Aberdeen open – just need some luck in the final 1/3

19mins – Jeez! Down the other end, Aberdeen almost make it 2-1 themselves. McNamee’s cross is flicked on by Vernon but it drops just wide.

18mins – Offt, Jeffers almost makes it 2-1. Murphy’s ball into the middle finds the striker and his shot is brilliantly saved by Langfield.

14mins – The former Arsenal man gets on the end of a Gunning (I think) cross from the left and looped a header over Langfield! Magnificent!

GOOOALLL MOTHERWELL! FRANCIS JEFFERS! GET IN!!

10mins – Motherwell are now playing some really, really nice football. An early reply would be great! C’Mon ‘Well!

9mins – Motherwell threaten again – Lasley tees up Jamie Murphy and his thunderous effort is beaten away by Langfield and eventually saved.

5mins – Ross Forbes almost brings ‘Well back into the game with a fantastic free-kick but Langfield turns over for a corner.

2mins – Terrible start for the Steelmen. Aberdeen are well on top at the moment…. Hopefully we can weather the early storm.

2mins – GOAL for Aberdeen! Aluko! The striker somehow finds space in the box and smashes a fearsome effort in off the far post. Disaster!

1mins – And the game gets underway.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“It was a big game for us tonight and it has pushed us back into where we want to be. At times we played some excellent stuff. I am delighted with the victory – we needed it.

“We haven’t got the points that our performances have merited. I thought the first-half performance was outstanding, especially to go a goal down so early on,” McCall told BBC Radio Scotland.

“People probably thought Motherwell were going to crumble, but the players deserve full credit. Franny Jeffers’ movement – I thought he and (John) Sutton combined well. But throughout the side I was really pleased with them.

“We looked dangerous all night. When you get beat like we did on Saturday (6-0 by Rangers), everyone hurts. I am absolutely delighted for the band of supporters that made it here tonight. I am so pleased for them.”

Aberdeen manager Craig Brown:

“The better team won; We didn’t play at all well. We were determined to make a good start because Motherwell had lost by six at the weekend. The goal should have been the impetus that we required.

“But Motherwell, to their credit, settled down and played exceptionally well in the first 15 minutes.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Motherwell stalwart Keith Lasley is ready to play through the pain barrier for the Steelmen as ‘Well head north to face their old gaffer.

Lasley was touch-and-go before kick-off at Ibrox but played the entire match, and turned in an exemplary performance in the middle of the park, despite the scoreline – with Stuart McCall, today, describing him as ‘the best Motherwell player on the pitch’.

With the help of painkilling injections, the 31-year old is looking to turn in a similar performance – with a different outcome – at Pittodrie.

“I’m still a bit sore, taking the odd painkiller but I managed to get through the game against Rangers,” Lasley said. “The adrenalin takes a little bit of pain away but I’m fit to play again. I wanted to play. I want to play every game.” 

“We’re still positive despite the fact that we have had a rocky period. You can see how tight the SPL is. The team that has a consistent run is going to be the team that gets in the top six. We’re hoping to start that at Aberdeen.”

The former Plymouth midfielder was full of praise for his former boss, Craig Brown. The 70-year old, now in charge of the Dons, was clearly a popular gaffer with the players and he is looking forward to seeing the former Scotland manager again.

Although, he acknowledges that the pleasantries might not be so forthcoming from the Motherwell enclosure: “We know the fans will give them a nice reception, I’m sure,” Lasley smiled.

“That’s part of the game but all we can take away from this game is three points and that’s what we will try to do. The fact Craig and Archie are there is irrelevant in that sense.

“Before the game I’m sure there will be a few pleasantries between the players and Craig and Archie because they were popular – but when it comes to game time we are going there to beat them and they will be no different.

“They are popular characters with the boys, got on well with everybody that was here. In the time they were here, they did well for the club. There are not too many people with bad things to say about them, they chose to move on and we’re going up tomorrow as Motherwell players to do the best for Motherwell.

“Once the whistle goes, it doesn’t really matter who the Aberdeen manager is, we’re up there to try to get three points and push Motherwell back into the top six.”

Stuart McCall says the trip to Pittodrie is about regaining pride – not getting revenge on Craig Brown and Archie Knox.

The veteran management duo, who steered the Steelmen to fifth place last year, left Motherwell towards the end of 2010 to take up the position as manager of Aberdeen.

And with Nick Blackman also now plying his trade with the Dons, some are billing this clash as a potential powder-keg, but ‘Well boss McCall insists he is more concerned with bouncing back from the 6-0 defeat at Ibrox rather than who is in the opposition dugout.

“It doesn’t matter to me that it’s Craig and Archie, although I have the utmost respect for both of them,” the 46-year old said bluntly.

“It doesn’t matter to me that it’s Nick Blackman, it doesn’t matter that it’s Aberdeen. It just matters  that it’s a game – and a game early enough to get the disappointment of Saturday out of our system and put in a positive performance full of character and pride.”

Despite a disappointing afternoon at Ibrox, McCall is still confident his charges can secure a top six berth this season.

The former Bradford boss has not enjoyed much luck in terms of injuries since taking the reins at Fir Park and his wafer-thin squad is being stretched to the limits at the moment, as illustrated by his youthful, inexperienced line-up at the home of the champions.

Yet, the manager knows – with such a tight SPL – that his side are just a couple of wins away from rocketing up the table. The next three games will be paramount to that hope.

“Although the squad is limited in numbers, I feel we have the quality to go up to Aberdeen and get a positive result” he said, positively.

“Regardless of who we are playing, it’s about us going and getting a positive result and putting in a performance we know the lads are capable of. We lost to St Johnstone to a really, really soft penalty; we lost against Kilmarnock after dominating the second half. I’ve seen enough in the way we’ve played to suggest that we can get results and get challenge for that sixth spot.
 
“We’ve got to be looking to pick up a minimum of seven points from the next three games and there’s no reason why we can’t do that if we approach it in the right manner and play to the standard I know we are capable of. There are probably four or five sides fighting for sixth spot and I don’t think there is much between the sides.”

Motherwell make the long journey north to take on Craig Brown’s Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Tuesday.

The Steelmen, hurting from the heavy 6-0 defeat at the hands of Rangers on Saturday, will be looking to pick up a win and three points that would move them above St Johnstone, Dundee Utd and Inverness CT into fifth place.

Despite some injury problems of their own, the Dons will be the fresher of the two sides having had their game at St Johnstone postponed due to the heavy rain.

Motherwell fans will be housed in the traditional P, Q and R sections of the South Stand with admission on the gate priced at:

Adults: £22
Concession: £16
Juvenile: £9

• Concessions are listed as Under 18s and Over 60s and full-time students with a valid matric card.
• Juveniles are listed as 12 and under.
• All tickets purchased for the previous match, which was postponed, will be honoured.
• Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Elaine MacDonald at the club on 01698 338009 or email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk.

SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION

One Supporters Association coach will make their way to the match:

CENTRAL BRANCH

The bus for Pittodrie will leave the Bentley Hotel at 3pm. Phone Jim on (01698) 299650 or e-mail Christopher on christopher_hutton@btinternet.com.

TRAVEL

BY CAR

The stadium is located to the North of the city near the harbour and is well signposted for travelling fans.

Head North on the A90 towards Aberdeen and then join the A956. Follow this road through the city and you will eventually come to the stadium on your right.

If travelling from the West, follow the A96 into Aberdeen and turn left on to Machar Drive (A978) at the roundabout. Proceed along the A978 and then turn right on to King Street. The stadium will be clearly visible on the left.

There is a large car park at the ground but this is for pass holders only. Street parking is available in the side streets around the stadium and on the esplanade along the sea front, which is on the other side of the golf course.

BY BUS

Several operators run buses to Aberdeen, departing every hour from Buchanan Station in Glasgow city centre.

Further information and timetables are available online at www.citylink.co.uk.

BY TRAIN

Aberdeen station may be a 25 to 30 minute walk from Pittodrie but travelling by train remains a popular and affordable way of getting to the Granite City.

Upon leaving the station, turn left, walk across the bridge and then turn right on to Union Street. Walk down to the road end, where you will reach Castle Gate. Proceed through the Castle Gate and on to Park Street, which eventually becomes Golf Road. The stadium will be clearly visible on the left.

Further information and timetables are available online at www.scotrail.co.uk.

[mappress]

Last week, circumstances meant I had to wait until the day after the match before I could email you. This week, it was deliberate on my part as I wanted to cool off first and foremost and, secondly, I wanted to watch the whole game again so I had a better understanding of just what happened so I could come and speak to the fans with a clear head.

I would like thank the 200 or so ‘Well fans that made the trip along to Ibrox and apologise for the result. Losing by such a margin is not acceptable however I would say, without searching for excuses, there were mitigating circumstances.

Take our defence for example –four of the back five were 21 and under and, for the most part, largely inexperienced. These lads are hurting right now as it would’ve been a shock to them, but at the same time, it is part and parcel of their learning and development.

I would also say that we met a Rangers side who were at the top of their game. If you are to beat the Old Firm, either on your own patch or theirs, then we need to have the game of our lives and, at the same time, they need to have an off day. Unfortunately for us, neither happened.

The game was also a good learner for me. As a manager, you are always learning things about yourself and your team. Yes, it was a harsh lesson yesterday, but the test is how everyone at the club reacts and that will be the test with Aberdeen, Hamilton and St Mirren in the next three matches.

These are vital matches for us, particularly the double header at home. If we can take some positive results, then we are right back in the race for a top six spot; such is the nature of the SPL right now.

I need you, the fans, to stick with us. I know you are hurting from yesterday’s result but I promise you right now, no one is hurting more than me. We have a young team who are learning their trade and we might have days, like at Ibrox, where there is collateral damage. But it’s a long term plan we have here – developing younger players, getting them fixed on deals that will aid their development and protect the club.

Thanks again for your support and for those going to Pittodrie on Tuesday night, safe travelling.

Forever Claret and Amber

Stuart McCall
Manager

‘Well boss Stuart McCall was gutted after watching his side crash to a 6-0 defeat at Ibrox this afternoon.

The Steelmen came up against a ruthless Rangers side who tucked away just about every chance they created during the ninety minutes.

And looking back on his game plan, the former Bradford boss admitted a slow start cost his side dear.

He said:  “We knew it was going to be tough and wanted to keep it tight for the first ten minutes, but we didn’t do that.

“I thought after we went one nil down we weren’t at the races for ten minutes. But we battled back and, frustratingly, they scored just after our best spell of the game; Jones hitting the side netting and Sutton heading just over. You could sense at that time the crowd and the players were getting a bit anxious, but we got hit with a sucker punch and lost two goals in a short space of time.

“Thereafter it was damage limitation. It was hugely disappointing but we had a lot of young boys in there; Page, Hutchinson and Gunning who probably won’t come against players like Jelavic, Diouf and Wiess when they are on that form.

“When they are on the top of their game they are an excellent side, and today they were on the top of their game and we weren’t. It is now about how quickly we get over that, this is always a tough game regardless of the situation.

“We now have to look to Aberdeen on Tuesday and back to back home games with Hamilton and St Mirren; it is results against these three that will shape our season, not the result today.”

It was a harsh lesson for the young Steelmen side, with four of the back five 21 or under and the hosts, awash with International experience, punished any mistakes.

McCall was keen to look to the positives though, pointing out that the younger players can often learn more from games like that than a victory.

“I’ve said to Hutchinson not to beat himself up, the movement of Jelavic was fantastic; experienced defenders would struggle with that,” McCall sighed.

“I’ll sit down individually with a couple of them and look at the goals; it’s a learning process and it is how you come back as a group and as individuals from a result like this.

“It was a painful lesson but I doubt if we will come up against players on the top of their form like this too often in the future.

“We went three at the back to try to combat Jelavic.  We saw at the semi final how he found space with just two centre backs. But even with the spare man he still managed to get in behind on occasions which was disappointing.”