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[tab:Match report]

Kris Jack at Tannadice

Motherwell grabbed the first three points of the post split SPL with a terrific 3-1 win over Dundee United at Tannadice.

Michael Higdon helped himself to a spectacular double, breaking Wullie Pettigrew’s post-war record for most top-league goals in a single season in the process.

Higdon’s brace sandwiched a fine solo effort from Henrik Ojamaa, which had the Steelmen 2-0 up after just seven minutes. Jon Daly prodded home a consolation for the hosts with twenty minutes left, but the visitors saw the win out, to record a fantastic away win.

Stevie Hammell used the two week break to recover from the injury which had kept him out of the 2-2 draw with St Mirren, while Jackie McNamara replaced Mark Millar and Keith Watson with Bryan McLean and Stuart Armstrong, after Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi final defeat to Celtic.

Just like the previous visit to Tannadice, it was Motherwell who set the pace for the game, finding themselves a goal ahead after just two minutes.

James McFadden turned his marker on the left hand side to lay the ball off to Michael Higdon thirty yards from goal. As space opened up in front of the striker, he swung his right boot at the bobbling ball, swerving it out past the reach of Cierzniak and in off the upright. It was arguably his best goal in Claret and Amber, and one, which the small travelling of Well fans loudly showed their appreciation for.

Chris Humphrey, who had scored a fine goal from distance on Motherwell’s last visit to Tannadice, almost scored again within moments of the restart, but after cutting in from the right, his shot was beaten out by Cierzniak.

It was to get better for McCall’s side just five minutes later though as Henrik Ojamaa scored just his third goal of the season. Winning a flick on from Higdon, the Estonian bustled his way right through the United defence, eventually slotting the ball beyond the home goalie to double Well’s advantage.

It could have been three just a few moments after as McFadden dazzled the Terrors defence before driving just wide from the edge of the box. Cierzniak then spilled a free kick form McFadden from a wide position, before Willo Flood cleared the danger for the hosts.

Having lost two very early goals, United came back in to the game, but could not find a way past an inspired Darren Randolph in the middle of the ‘Well goal. He first saved excellently with his chest from Ryan Gauld’s front post flick at Gary Mackay-Steven’s centre from the bye line, before denying Jon Daly in similar circumstances, this time from Stuart Armstrong’s ball in. The third save was the best of the lot, after Mackay-Steven twisted and turned to get space in the box, only to see his effort beaten out by a strong left hand from eight yards.

United finished the half stronger, but The Steelmen survived and kept their two goal lead going in to the break. The second-half began at a much slower tempo than the first, but within ten minutes, Motherwell found the goal to clinch the victory.

A great passing move from left to right ended when Lasley knocked the ball down to Chris Humphrey. The Jamaican evaded Barry Douglas’ challenge to tee up Higdon, who pivoted at the edge of the box before ramming the ball home from 18 yards in off the far post. It was another sweet strike from the in form forward and was the goal that put him in the annuls of ‘Well’s history, as it broke the goalscoring record, held by Wullie Pettigrew since 1975.

With a three-goal cushion, Motherwell allowed their hosts in to the game more and they were unlucky not to pull a goal back when Willo Flood’s well-struck free kick from 25 yards hit the wrong side of Randolph’s right hand post and bounced away for a goal kick.

>They did however manage to grab a consolation on 69 minutes, when Jon Daly was allowed to turn in the box to poke the ball through Randolph’s legs from 10 yards, reducing the deficit to just two goals.

However, with twenty minutes left, the introduction of three substitutes could not swing the game in their favour, with Flood blasting a volley well over the bar from a Daly knockdown a disappointing end to a decent move. Randolph then made the save of the game, when he dived low to his left hand post to palm away a low driven shot from Mackay-Steven who had jinked in from the right hand side.

The game swung from end to end in the final minutes, but neither side could keep composure in front of goal to add to the scoring.

Flurries of bookings were dished out for petulance for Ramsden, Ojamaa and Hammell for Motherwell, while Brian McLean picked up a yellow for the hosts, as the game ran out.

The 3-1 win cements Motherwell second spot, thrusting them six points clear of Inverness at the start of the weekend.

While the game will be remembered for the fine goals scored, Shaun Hutchinson and Simon Ramsden had an outstanding game at the back, helping Darren Randolph keep the home forwards at bay for the majority of the match.

[tab:As it happened]

Alan Burrows at Tannadice

FT: Dundee Utd 1 – 3 Motherwell (Higdon x2 and Ojamaa). The title race is still on! 😉 :-p

90mins: Ojamaa booked for dancing over the ball, it would seem? Not got a clue why that was, he wasn’t stopping anything? Strange.

90mins: There will three minutes of time added on here at Tannadice

85mins: Boulding on to replace GMS for Utd. Fraser Kerr comes on to replace Chris Humphrey…

84mins: Ex Well defender Brian McLean booked for mouthing at the referee…

82mins: Stevie Hammell booked for blocking. At the same time, Carswell comes on for James McFadden…

81mins: Sub for Utd – Gardyne on for Gauld.

81mins: Another brilliant save from Randolph – turning it round the post down to his left from Armstrong. Corner Utd!

78mins: Motherwell have a great chance 4 vs 2 – the move eventually dies out though. Frustrating stuff…

70mins: Ramsden booked – not too sure what for. Must have said something to the official John Beaton?

70mins: United now on top – goals has them really pushing. I am sure you ‘Well fans expected nothing less, eh? Always the hard way lol…

Attendance at Tannadice: 5634

69mins: Fearsome strike from Armstrong forces Randolph into another good block… United tails are up.

68mins: United make their first sub – Dow comes on for Rankin…

68mins: Stuart McCall will be annoyed at the manner of that goal. Sloppy defending to be honest gives Utd a way back into the match.

68mins: Goal Dundee Utd. John Daly gets his usual goal against Motherwell. I wonder what his record is against ‘Well?

64mins: United almost in but good defending from Stevie Hammell saves the danger. Home side by no means out of this yet….

61mins: Fantastic strike from Flood clips the outside of the post and drops wide. What a goal that would’ve been…

61mins: United have a free-kick in a great area. Foul on Gauld… Few players standing over it…

56mins: Offt – great save by United GK. Law with the shot – ball breaks loose but United eventually get it clear.

56mins: Daly has a half chance to bring United back into things but he heads over with Hutchinson making it difficult.

54mins: Great move it was from ‘Well, lovely turn from the big man and a composed finish into the far corner. #legend

54mins: Amazing stuff from record-breaker Michael Higdon. His 24 league goals is Motherwell’s best return post-war. Awesome!

GOOOOOALLLLLLLLL HIGGY!!!!!!

53mins: Offffttt! Ojamaa goes close to a stunner but his  stinging effort from the edge of the box goes just over. So close…

53mins: Higdon almost in on the keeper after taking a great touch but United get back to hook clear…

52mins: Low shot from John Rankin flys through a ruck of bodies but drops a good few yards wide of the post….

50mins: Hateley does well top block GMS at the expense of a corner. Looked like a goal-kick from here… Might be wrong?

47mins: Armstrong curls a nice shot at goal but Randolph is comofrtable to watch it wide, just about….

46mins: Motherwell kick-off!

Teams are back out… Motherwell will shoot from left to right – towads the Eddie T Stand here at Tannadice. #COYW

Such an even half there – Both teams playing some lovely football. Reckon there’s more goals yet… Stay tuned. #COYW

HT: Just watching that Higgy goal again… What a strike to equal the record. 23 league goals, 24 in total. Love it…

Half-time: Dundee Utd 0 – 2 Motherwell (Higdon and Ojamaa)

43mins: United pushing and pushing here as we approach half-time….

41mins: All United’s attacks coming down their left. Tom doing well to try and stem the flow but needs help from MF too…

40mins: Another magnificent save from Randolph. Mackay-Steven’s shot hits Hateley on its way to goal but DR turns it away. Smashing!

39mins: Good ‘Well counter down the left, Faddy eventually squares it across goal but is haulted by the assistant’s flag

35mins: Rankin surges forward, the spaces opens up in front of him, but he blasts it high into the Eddie Thompson stand from 30 yards out.

33mins: More brilliant tracking back from Motherwell – this time from Law. Does enough to put off Mackay-Steven who fires over.

30mins: Brilliant tracking back from Ojamaa – deep into his own half to win a throw-in. United fans not happy – they thought it was theirs.

29mins: Another long-range effort from Gauld takes a deflect and bounces harmlessly back to Randolph.

27mins: Brilliant block again from Randolph. Gauld gets in behind but he is quickly closed down by the big Irish stopper. Super stuff!

26mins: United have a shot from distance – Armstrong takes fire but his effort cannons off a United backside and zooms five yards wide.

23mins: Still 2-0 Motherwell here at Tannadice – Higdon and Ojamaa the scorers. Both teams creating in a very open match.

22mins: Referee not popular in the home stands after giving a foul on Randolph by Daly. Looked a wee bit harsh, have to say. #playthegame

19mins: It’s fantastic end-to-end stuff here at Tannadice. Always a Friday-night thriller… Certain there are more goals in this match…

18mins: Good move from United down the left flank… Near post ball finds Daly but Randolph blocks brilliantly from point-blank range.

17mins: United mount a quick counter-attack. Mackay-Steven gets to the touchline and cuts it back but Gauld prods it wide. Goal kick…

15mins: The free-kick is dealt with, just, by the United keeper. Ball bounces back out into the danger area but Flood clears up for Utd.

14mins: Henrik wins a free-kick in a good area for the Fir Parkers. Looked a little harsh though, clash of legs, perhaps?

11mins: Another Motherwell attack… Humps down the right flank. His cross finds Faddy at the back post but the move breaks down.

10mins: Offftttt! Faddy almost makes it 3-0. Great run from deep, United defence backs off but he drags the shot just wide.

9mins: Wee shout for a penalty there as Mackay-Steven goes down in the box. Looked like Hateley got the ball though. Goal kick is the result

8mins: With all the hair chat – Ojamaa must be like Samson in reverse. So long without a goal, trims the barnet, boom!

7mins: 2-0 for the Steelmen – astonishing scenes here. Ojamaa nips through the United defence and prods under the keeper.

7mins: GOOOOOOALLLLLLL!! Henrik!

6mins: Ojamaa working so hard for the Steelmen up top. Glad to see he has returned to the shaved barnet look – proper CF 🙂

5mins: From the resulting corner, the ball eventually lands at the feet of Keith Lasley but his strike sails into the Shed.

5mins: Offft, Motherwell go close again. Law’s ball out wide on the right for Humphrey. Jamaican winger cuts in but his shot is well saved.

4mins: United force their first attack and go close through Gauld. Youngster plays a one-two but dinks it just over…

2mins: That goal means Higdon equals Willie Pettigrew’s post-war league record of 23 strikes in one season. Amazing from the big man!

2mins: Incredible stuff from big Higgy. Picks up the ball from thirty yards and leathers it in off the inside of the stantion. Yassss!!

GOOOOOOALLLLLLLLLLL HIGGY!!!

1min: Didn’t take long for the classic “Sunday League Shout” of “Get the baw on the deck…” 🙂

1min: Dundee United get the game going… #COYW

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“I’m delighted with the group of players. They started the game really well and scored two terrific goals and then we had to defend hard as they pressed us and had chances. We knew before the game they had players who would trouble us so they were going to get chances.

“They’ve only lost twice since Jackie took over, which showed dhow difficult it would be. You can’t expect to come away from home and hot be under the kosh at times but I thought some of our forward play was terrific.

“Towards the end we were hanging on a bit but always looked dangerous on the counter-attack.

“It was a really good game of football and we’ve been involved in a lot of them this season. All in all it was a great nights work.”

Dundee Utd manager Jackie McNamara:

“The first one was a good strike and you can’t take anything away from that but we maybe could have stopped the shot.

“The second one was disappointing, from a throw-in, and he ran right through. It wasn’t good defending.

“We battled hard and had a few chances where their keeper has done well.

“I knew the next goal would be crucial and I’m disappointed it wasn’t us that got it.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”145″]

Celtic visit Fir Park on Sunday 28th April and you can enjoy a fantastic afternoon’s entertainment in our Centenary Suite for just £99.

Stevie Kirk will be the host for the afternoon with your chance to meet first team players and club staff throughout the day.

As it’s a 12.45pm start, you will arrive one hour before kick-off and will get hot filled morning rolls with your choice of tea, coffee or fresh fruit juice.

As you prepare for the match you read our award-winning matchday magazine and discuss the manger’s picks with a complimentary teamsheet.

After the match is finished, you can enjoy a traditional steak pie dinner and access to our pay bar facility.

Places are already limited, so if you want to book please contact our commercial department now on commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk or phone 01698 338002.

‘Well boss Stuart McCall thinks tonight’s match with Dundee United could come down to who defends better.

Scotland coach McCall is adamant the Tannadice club are as good as anyone in the SPL when it comes to talent in the final third.

But with McFadden, Higginbotham, Higdon, Ojamaa, Humphrey, McHugh and Law, the Steelmen have a potent attacking threat too.

It makes for a fascinating contest between two sides so evenly matched the former Bradford boss thinks it could come down to who is able to handle it better at the back.

[pullquote]“It’s got the makings of a really good open game because both sides are intent on attacking. I think it might come down to who defends best on the night.[/pullquote]

McCall said: “Dundee United were terrific against Celtic last Sunday. It was a great game and I certainly think they’re one of the sides who carry the most threat going forward.

“They’ve lost Russell but young Gauld has came in and done well and Mackay-Stevens is back to his best.

“From middle to front on their day they are as good as anyone in the league. On the other hand they’ll be looking at our forward players and be thinking the same.

“It’s got the makings of a really good open game because both sides are intent on attacking. I think it might come down to who defends best on the night.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-

Motherwell Football Club are pleased to confirm both Graham Barnstaple and Brian McCafferty have formally joined the club board.

Both Graham and Brian are also on the board of the ‘Well Society but take their seat on the club board with the full responsibilities as directors, and not merely fans representatives.

Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said: “In what has been a fairly difficult few days for Scottish Football, we are really pleased to have some good news to report.

“We started the ‘Well Society as the vehicle towards full fan ownership and have overcome many hurdles since 2011.

“Graham and Brian’s appointment to the club board is another major milestone in our adventure and something that is really worth celebrating.

“They take full part in the direction of the club, including a say on all issues and have equal voting rights to other board members.

“We would encourage as many fans as possible to join the Society and together we can continue the fantastic success we have enjoyed in recent years, both on and off the park.”

Darren Randolph insists the Motherwell squad will focus only on themselves as the race for Europe heats up.

Motherwell sit three points ahead of Inverness with Ross County, St Johnstone and Dundee Utd hot on the heels.

‘Well face United at Tannadice on Friday night and have the opportunity to put pressure on the chasing pack ahead of another weekend of action.

Randolph is well aware of just how tough the task will be against Jackie McNamara in progress.

[pullquote]We just need to concentrate on ourselves and consolidate that second place spot.[/pullquote]

“What everyone else does is out of our hands,” the Republic of Ireland International told the gathered press at Motherwell’s weekly news conference.

“We just need to concentrate on ourselves and consolidate that second place and if we get the win tomorrow night, and Celtic do us a favour on Saturday, it gives us a little cushion going into the remaining games.

“United is always a difficult match though so we’ll have to at our very best to get points from the match.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-

The first two weeks of April saw over 60 kids per day visit Fir Park to take part in the Easter Soccer Camp, hosted by Motherwell Football Club Community Trust.

The youngsters attending the Camp, which was developed in partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, enjoyed a wide range of football activities from dribbling, passing and shooting through to penalty competitions, and small-sided games.

The Community Trust coach’s implemented fun drills in to the football sessions which highlighted the importance of Fire Safety and what action to take in the event of a fire.

Programme Development Manager at Motherwell Football Club Community Trust, Graeme McArthur explained: “It is fantastic to work in partnership with the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service.

“The Easter Soccer Camp provides a fun environment for children and also gives us a platform to highlight the importance of Fire Safety to children from throughout the Lanarkshire area.”

On Thursday afternoon local officers from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service visited the camp, with Area Manager John Miller adding “It is great to see the initiative up and running. We are pleased to be working in partnership with Motherwell Football Club Community Trust and you can see the benefit to the children who all look to be having a great time whilst learning some important fire safety messages”

During the two weeks the young footballers had visits from Motherwell Football Club’s Under 20s, who helped out with the coaching as well as retired Angolan winger Jose Quitongo who coaches with The Trust.

The Soccer Camps will be running again throughout the summer months, for more information please visit www.motherwellsoccerschools.com or call 01698 239 926.

Extended highlights from Fir Park as Motherwell U20’s are denied maximum points by a late Hearts leveller.

-WATCH THE FULL HIGHLIGHTS ON MFC TV-

Under 20s boss Jonatan Johansson was pleased despite losing a late goal to deny his side all three points.

Motherwell weathered early Hearts pressure and chances before eventually going ahead with another Kallum Higginbotham cracker.

A combination of Hearts stopper Mark Ridgers and the post twice denied the Steelmen from extended their lead. The visiting number one was also in top form to save brilliantly from Dom Thomas.

It was to prove vital for his side as Billy King levelled the match with just four minutes left to play.

[pullquote]It’s always disappointing when you lose a late goal especially when we’ve had a few chances to kill the game off at 1-0.[/pullquote]

“It’s always disappointing when you lose a late goal especially when we’ve had a few chances to kill the game off at 1-0,” Johansson told MFC TV after the match.

“They took a risk and as they are good on the counter-attack, managed to score at the end.

“We played some good football despite an average start. They play a diamond midfield and we tried to match them up and control the midfield and we did that in long spells.

“We got the ball up to the strikers and had some good passing moves but when Bob and Dom hit the post, I started thinking that it may be a sign it won’t be our night and in the end you have to give them credit. They kept playing and got their reward.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-

Motherwell U20s were denied all three points as Hearts scored late on to earn a draw at Fir Park tonight.

The Steelmen had gone ahead midway through the first-half when Kallum Higginbotham fired home from distance.

‘Well hit the post on two occasions but were unable to extend their lead and we punished late on when Billy King fired home the leveller with just four minutes left to play.

Jonatan Johansson picked a slightly more experienced ‘Well side than the one who lined up and won in the Highlands last midweek. Five players came in – Hollis, Kerr, Cummins, Higginbotham and Erwin, replacing Stewart, Ferguson, Neill, Cadden and Shirkie.

Hearts were certainly less experienced but, despite that, it was they who looked livelier early on and almost took the lead after thirteen minutes.

Billy King found some space 20 yards out and unleashed a vicious, swerving shot which beat Lee Hollis before crashing clear off the cross bar.

Motherwell were a little fortunate to escape again ten minutes later when a David Smith cross from the left was missed by Saunders but Sam Nicholson could only lash over from close range.

Hollis was called into action on the half hour mark when he reacted well to keep out a 20-yard free kick from Denis Prychynenko after Adam Cummins conceded a foul on the edge of the area.

Motherwell weathered the early storm and looked more potent as an attacking threat. Paul McCafferty had the hosts’ first effort at goal, striking high and wide after a terrific spell of possession.

That being said, it was still slightly against the run of play when the Steelmen got themselves ahead nine minutes from the interval. There looked to be little danger when Higginbotham picked up a loose ball 25 yards out, but he had other thoughts and his well-struck shot beat Mark Ridgers and ended up in the net off the keeper’s right hand post.

It could’ve been 1-1 at the break if hadn’t been for the heroics of Hollis once again. This time he did well to stay big and beat away a close range effort from David Smith, with Cummins completing the clearance to keep the lead intact as the half time whistle blew.

After both sides had a couple of half chances early in the second half, with David Smith shooting wide for Hearts and Kerr’s header being deflected for a corner at the other end, Motherwell had two glorious chances in a minute to double their lead.

McHugh was sent clear in the left edge of the box and his stinging shot produced a stunning save from Ridgers, who tipped the ball on to the post. The keeper was at it again a minute later, this time to deny Paul McCafferty low at his front post, again getting a finger to the ball and on to the post again.

With just over five minutes left Dom Thomas made a surging run down the left but he was to be denied by another wonder save from Ridgers, who had kept his side in the game up until this stage of the second half.

And, as often happens, Hearts punished ‘Well for the missed chances with a late equaliser. Hollis did well to save initially from Billy King but he had no chance when the ball was worked back to midfielder who beat the keeper with a low shot from 15 yards out.

It was the last action of the game, one in which Motherwell will be disappointed they didn’t hold out for a win after a much improved second half performance.

Motherwell: Hollis, Kerr, Leitch, Cummins, Saunders, Carswell, McCafferty, Erwin, McHugh, Higginbotham, Thomas.

Subs not used: Stewart, Neill, Johnstone, Shirkie, Higgins

Nicky Law declared himself satisfied with his recent form after collecting March’s Clydesdale Bank Player of the Month award this afternoon.

The former Sheffield United and Rotherham midfielder enjoyed a magnificent month, including a double at Dens Park against Dundee.

That, and his performances against Hearts, Aberdeen and Hibs prompted the presentation of the trophy today – his first personal award in professional football.

Law was delighted to receive the recognition and told MFC TV: “It was a nice surprise when the manager told me late last week that both he and I had won awards.

[pullquote]I am pleased to have played a little part in an excellent month for the team.[/pullquote]

“I am delighted with it. It’s my first individual award [named in League 2 Team of the Year on two occasions] as a player and more importantly, I am pleased to have played a little part in an excellent month for the team.

“Everything went right for us. We lost to Dundee Utd and Ross County at the end of February and looking at our fixtures, there were some real tough ones in there.

“But credit to the lads and the management, we put a string of results together and it gives us a good chance of finishing in the European positions come the end of the season.

“The big task for everyone at the club is to try and finish the job in the remaining five games, all of which will be really tough.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-