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Striker Steven Howarth has left the club after coming to an agreement to terminate his contract four months before it was due to expire.

Former Clyde striker Howarth signed a one-year deal during the summer after an impressive stint with Gordon Young’s Under 19s.

However, he has found first-team football almost impossible to come by with Michael Higdon, Jamie Murphy, Omar Daley, Bob McHugh, Henrik Ojamaa and Gary Smith all ahead of him in the battle for a start.

He did spend a short spell on loan at Alloa Athletic earlier in the campaign but failed to make an impact whilst with the Wasps.

Motherwell Football Club would like to thank Steven for his efforts whilst at Fir Park and wish him every success in his future career.

Motherwell reserves were unable to match the exploits of the first-team when they crashed to a two-nil defeat at the hands of St Johnstone this afternoon.

Saints were the much more experienced of the two sides with the Steelmen boasting six players still eligible for the Under 19s amongst their starters. However, ‘Well created enough chances in the first forty-five to win three matches and will be disappointed to lose the match at Alloa’s Recreation Park.

Lee Erwin and Bob McHugh were first to threaten after picking up a Zaine Francis-Angol square pass inside the area. Disaster though as they both appeared to get in each other’s way and the chances went a begging.

The McDiarmid Park side had early chances of their own; the lively Kudus Oyenuga caused problems all afternoon and came close with a bouncing drive from the edge of the area that had Willie Muir scrambling.

Further chances came and went from McHugh, both after great wing play from Chris Humphrey. His first effort had to be hooked off the line by a recover Saints defender; the second was comfortably saved by the visiting keeper.

Down the other end, Oyenuga again came close with a curling effort from the edge of the box that went just over before ‘Well almost got ahead after a move of sublime quality. Eleven passes involving eight different players was started and finished by Ross Forbes. The midfielder got on the end of a lovely Steven Lawless pass over the top but his stinging volley flew just wide.

Oyenuga was Saints main threat and he linked well with former ‘Well striker Cillian Sheridan to fire another strike at Muir. The young ‘Well stopper was equal to the task though and gathered at the second attempt.

However, minutes later, he would have no chance as the Spurs loanee smashed his side in front. The 18-year old collected some thirty-yards from goal, wriggled free from a few challenges before unleashing a low shot into the corner – 1-0 Saints.

‘Well could, and perhaps should have been level almost instantly. Straight from kick-off, a stray back pass allowed Erwin to collect deep inside enemy territory and his cut-back found Forbes on the edge. The midfielder saw his first shot blocked and the rebound volley comfortably saved. However, Saints botched the clearance and Carswell put ‘Well back on the attack. His ball into the box found McHugh unmarked but the former Scotland U19s striker couldn’t believe it when his low shot was expertly turned round the post.

Into the second half and Saints started on the front foot and had two quick fire chances to extend their lead. Sheridan fired a low shot that was well held by Muir and, shortly after, another shot flew at the ‘Well goal but the keeper was relieved to watch it hit the side net when a goal looked on.

Both teams were trading chances – Forbes fired over for ‘Well and Sheridan dragged a shot, from about the same distance, wide. Steven Lawless also had a half-volley comfortably saved by the Saints stopper.

With the game nearing its conclusion, Motherwell passed up a glorious chance to equalise. Humphrey made a terrific bursting run down the right reminiscent of a similar effort at Tynecastle last season. On that occasion, former hitman John Sutton was there to tap home from underneath the bar but, unfortunately for ‘Well, Forbes scooped his shot over. To be fair to the youngster, the ball did bounce just as he was about to strike it into the empty net.

To rub salt into the wounds, Saints’ young substitute scored late on to make it 2-0 – collecting a neat ball over the top to power past Muir.

Motherwell: Muir, Green, Francis-Angol, Page, Murray, Craswell, Forbes, Humphrey, Lawless, McHugh, Erwin

Subs: Hetherington, Pollock, Howarth

-WATCH MATCH HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-

Motherwell face Morton on Saturday in the Scottish Cup 5th Round and you could enjoy it from the comfort of one of fantastic hospitality suites.

Matchday host Stevie Kirk will meet and greet you at the door before showing you to your table. Expect a visit from first-team players and of course our photographer will be on hand to snap a lasting memory of your day.

Catch some of Stevie’s pre-match banter and hear any team news first and don’t forget to visit our other resident Motherwell legend, Dougie Arnott, at the bar.

Remember, this match is not part of your season ticket package.

Prices List:

• Centenary Suite ticket – £29
• Centenary Suite meal package – £49
• Millennium Suite – £59
• Millennium Suite meal package – £79
• South Stand – £99

For more information or to book your table, phone 01698 338008 or email commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk.

It’s time to decide who you think deserves to win the Clydesdale Bank SPL Manager, Player & Young Player of the Month for January.

Surely Estonian Henrik Ojamaa is in with a shout of an award?

Fans can vote by visiting the Clydesdale Bank Premier League website www.cbfootball.co.uk and the top three fans nominations will be put forward to the shortlist for the panel of Scottish football experts to choose the winners.

Voting is open now and closes at 12noon on Tuesday 31st January 2012.

Log onto www.cbfootball.co.uk to cast your vote and play Score Selector.

You can also win match tickets for our upcoming fixtures, take part in the weekly quiz and keep up to date with all Clydesdale Bank’s football activities as well as having the chance to win the Clydesdale Bank Premier League trophy for the day.

Referee for Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Cup 5th Round clash with Greenock Morton at Fir Park will be Euan Norris.

It will be Euan’s fourth match in charge of the ‘Well this season after previously overseeing the 4-2 away success against Dunfermline at East End Park in late August, the 1-0 success at Easter Road in October and the 3 – 0 defeat at Ibrox earlier this month.

And Fir Park fans will be relatively familiar with the 33-year old who handled two games last term too.

The first, a 0-0 draw with Inverness was instantly forgettable. However, the other was one that will live long in the memory. Motherwell beat Championship-chasing Celtic 2-0 at Fir Park; former striker John Sutton netting a brace.

The season previous to last, Euan also handed two matches. He was the man in the middle when Motherwell edged out Falkirk 1-0 at Fir Park. Lukas Jutkiewicz got the only goal of the game, heading home a corner from the left after 18 minutes.

His other game that campaign was also at Fir Park; a stormy affair between Motherwell and Hibs.

The Steelmen won the game 1-0 thanks to a Jamie Murphy goal eight minutes from time but the game was marred by a red card for Liam Miller for a challenge on Jim O’Brien midway through the first forty-five.

Thankfully, FIFA referee Norris usually likes to keep his cards in his pocket with only twenty cautions handed out in all those games, with nine flashed at a ‘Well players.

Euan will be ably assisted by Billy Baxter and Raymond Whyte with John McKendrick on fourth official duties.

Goals from Keith Lasley and a double from Henrik Ojamaa gave Motherwell a vital 3-2 win over St Johnstone at Fir Park this afternoon.

-WATCH ALL FIVE GOALS ON MFC TV-

‘Well boss Stuart McCall has praised the attitude and commitment of his players after another hard-fought victory this afternoon.

The Steelmen played their third game in seven days; a point at Tannadice was followed by a terrific home win over Dunfermline with just ten players for the majority of the ninety minutes.

The Claret and Amber men made it an excellent week with another super performance against high-flying St Johnstone thanks to goals from Keith Lasley and a Henrik Ojamaa brace.

And McCall was quick to pick out many of his side for praise in what was an all-round team effort.

“Henrik will take the plaudits and rightly so but I think Daley had a great game linking up play up front,” he said.

“What we lacked in height and aerially, we made up for in pace and legs. The midfield two of Lasley and Jennings covered every blade.

“Saints are an excellent side, they’ve got a great away record, so even when we went 1-0 up it was cagey. The last few games here, we can’t complain as we’ve scored some good goals but we’ve been beaten by Tade’s strike, Goodwin, Kirk at Dunfermline and now Morris today. Big Darren will be thinking he can’t get near them.

“They’ve all been fantastic goals against us, but we’ve scored some good ones ourselves.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-

On-form striker Henrik Ojamaa has reiterated his desire to stay at Motherwell after yet another scintillating display.

The Estonian scored twice in a 3-2 win over St Johnstone, picking up the BBC Alba and Sponsors Man of the Match.

When he first arrived at Fir Park, the 20-year old told MFC TV he was keen to make his move a more permanent arrangement and he repeated that this evening.

“I would like to stay,” he said. “I am very happy here.”

“I am getting on really well with everyone at Fir Park and everyone has been really nice to me so nothing has changed on that front.

“I enjoy playing with the team – the dressing room is good and I think the style of football suits my game. They (the players) seem to get the best out of me and I hopefully can bring something to the team.”

-WATCH HENRIK’S INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-

Pictures from the 3-2 win over St Johnstone in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Fir Park.

These action shots and more are available to buy online at motherwellPICS.

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[tab:Match report]

Andy Ross at Fir Park

Estonian sharpshooter Henrik Ojamaa struck twice as Motherwell defeated St Johnstone 3-2 at Fir Park to move six points clear in third place in the SPL.

Ojamaa opened the scoring mid-way through the first-half before Jody Morris levelled on the stroke of half-time.

The Estonian restored the hosts’ lead on 65 minutes and Keith Lasley doubed their advantage ten minutes later with a fantastic drive from 25-yards.

Francisco Sandaza netted from the penalty spot with ten minutes remaining but Motherwell held out for an important three points.

Motherwell made a bright start to the match and in the opening minute Jamie Murphy’s long-range drive drifted inches past the post.

St Johnstone created their first opening after ten minutes when Jody Morris fired well wide of the target, following good work by Francisco Sandaza.

Marcus Haber missed a glorious opportunity to head the visitors ahead on 13 minutes when he leapt unmarked to meet Dave MacKay’s cross, but the Canadian’s attempt went harmlessly over the bar.

After a difficult opening to the match, St Johnstone were beginning to seize the initiative and Darren Randolph in the home goal had to be alert to handle a dangerous Sandaza free-kick.

Motherwell took the lead against the run of play on 22 minutes, Nicky Law who slipped the ball through to Henrik Ojamaa who hammered the ball across Peter Enckelman and into the bottom left-hand corner.

The hosts almost doubled their lead two minutes later when Steven Hammell’s rifled effort struck the top of the Saints bar with Enckelman beaten.

St Johnstone came agonisingly close to levelling the game on 36 minutes, Tim Clancy clumsily took down Sandaza and from the resulting free-kick Liam Craig struck the underside of Randolph’s crossbar.

The away side continued to search for a leveller and seven minutes before half-time Croft forced an excellent save from Randolph after neat build up play between Sandaza and Murray Davidson.

Sandaza attempted to seize on the rebound but instead lunged into a dangerous tackle on Clancy – earning himself a yellow card.

St Johnstone grabbed the equaliser their play merited a minute before the break.

Lee Croft did well to find Jody Morris who unleashed an unstoppable effort beyond Randolph.

Craig tested Randolph in the opening minutes of the second half when he raced on to Sandaza’s flick-on and fired a low shot which the former Charlton keeper did will to hold.

St Johnstone continued to look the more likely to take the lead and Randolph saved well from Murray Davidson before making an excellent stop from Sandaza’s close-range attempt on 57 minutes.

Motherwell took the lead on 65 minutes with their first effort of the second half, Ojamaa looked to have miss-controlled Tom Hateley’s pass but the Estonian recovered to fire beyond Enckelman.

After regaining the lead, Motherwell began to show more of an attacking threat and Hateley flashed a shot well wide after good build-up play between Omar Daley and Ojamaa.

The hosts doubled their advantage with 15 minutes remaining when Keith Lasley ended a lightening-fast breakaway with a 25-year effort that looped over Enckelman.

Murray Davidson blazed an effort over the bar from six-yards as St Johnstone attempted to find a way back into the game and they were handed the perfect opportunity when referee Calum Murray pointed to the spot when Davidson was felled by Lasley.

From the resulting penalty Sandaza rifled the ball into the roof of the net to setup an exciting conclusion to the match.

The visitors were unable to breach the Motherwell defence however and the hosts held out for the victory.

[tab:As it happened]

Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

FULL TIME: YES! Motherwell 3 – 2 St Johnstone

90mins: Fourth official indicates 2 minutes added on

86mins: 4 minutes left and a nervy finish ahead.

84mins: MOTHERWELL SUB- Humphrey on for Murphy.

80mins: GOAL:St Johnstone – Sandaza 3-2 now. Looked a soft one…

PENALTY: Penalty for St Johnstone

78mins: ST JOHNSTONE SUB – Sheridan on for Craig

Another wonder strike to add to his collection. He’s picked the ball up just inside his own half, wandered forward and his shot loops over Enckleman after a deflection. 3-1!

GOAL! LASLEY!

68mins: Chance for Hateley after he somehow finds himself in the opposition box, Blazes high over the bar from 9 yards.

68mins: ST JOHNSTONE SUB: Haber off, Compton on

Brilliant again!! Even after slipping in the box, he get up and bends it into the bottom left hand corner. 2-1!

GOOOAAALLL OJAAAAMMMMMMAAAAAA

64mins: Liam craig with the free kick 25 yards out….well over the bar.

58mins: Great save Randolph as Sandaza cuts inside and tests the Irishman with a powerful close range strike

55mins: If we can keep the ball on the deck, we have a chance. We’ve played some great stuff so far, just require some patience in the final 3rd.

53mins: 8 minutes in and not much happening in the way of chances but St J look dangerous when they break.

47mins: 3 minutes in and we’ve ben camped in their half. Some neat link up play form ‘Well, just lacking penetration.

45mins: Both teams back out. Big, big half, this,

HALF TIME: And the ref calls an end to an entertaining first half. 1-.1

GOAL: Jody Morris. Great strike, to be fair.

40mins: Wi-fi here is a bit shoogly. In the time it’s been down, Clancy has halved Sandaza, Sandaza has halved Clancy and Liam Craig has hit the bar.

28mins: Great stuff from Motherwell! Really piling on the pressure. Peppering the goal faster than i can type!

26mins: Daley tries similar…….it actually did find row z of the South.

25mins: Hammell cracks the bar with a strike on the edge of the box. ‘Well smell blood,,,

The pistols are out once again! Lovely ball from law sets him up on the angle and it’s a sweet finish from the Estonian.

GOAL! OJAMMMMMAAAAA

19mins: Free-kick for St Johnstone which Sandaza takes…………..good save Randolph!

14mins: St Johnstone go close again. This time a free header for Haber which fortunately sails over from 10 yards out

10mins: Good play from Sandaza finds Haber who tee’s up Morris just outside the box., His shot blazes wide.

4mins: Quiet start. In saying that…Omar has been brought down on the edge of the box. Step forward Tom…

1min: We shape up with Ojamaa and Daley up top, Law and Murphy out wide and Las and Jenno sitting. Usual back 5.

1min: Jamie Murphy goes close with a 25 yard volley. Just past Enckelman’s post.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“I felt we were the better team in the first half but the second was much closer. Overall I felt we edged a very close-fought encounter.

“That was a big three points, I was a bit fearful with the suspensions of Michael (Higdon) and Stephen (Craigan) that we were left with only two players over six feet tall – but the players stuck to their task manfully.

“I am really pleased for the supporters as we have been poor at home and up until today were the lowest scorers at home.

“I am also delighted for the lads in the dressing room, they will enjoy themselves tonight and then turn their focus to the cup tie with Morton next Saturday.”

St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas:

“We made a change after 30 minutes as Motherwell were controlling the game. I thought we totally dominated the game after that, unfortunately Motherwell got their goal and then scored again shortly after.

“I have to give full credit to the players for coming to a good team like Motherwell and dominating the game.

“Sometimes you say that you want a performance and the result will take care of itself but I think today we can consider ourselves very unlucky not to have taken something from the game.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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