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Motherwell will play Second Division Brechin City in the third round of the Co-operative Insurance Cup.

The match will take place at Glebe Park on Tuesday 21st September, kick-off 7.45pm.

The two teams met in pre-season when Motherwell ran out 3-1 winners thanks to goals from Ross Forbes, Keith Lasley and John Sutton.

The full draw is as follows:

• Rangers v Dunfermline
• Kilmarnock v Hibs
• Aberdeen v Raith
• Falkirk v Hearts
• Celtic v Inverness
• Ross County v Dundee United
• St Johnstone v Queen of the South
• Brechin City v Motherwell

All ties are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 21st or Wednesday 22nd September.

Steven Meechan, Peter Innes and Steven Lawless have all joined Scottish Third Division side Albion Rovers on six-month loan deals.

The trio will remain at Cliftonhill until January, gaining valuable first-team experience with Paul Martin’s team.

Midfielder Meechan has played two senior games for the club against both halves of the Old Firm last season.

And striker Lawless has already been out on loan this campaign, spending a month at Annan Athletic and scoring one goal.

Midfielder Innes was captain of the U19s who finished second to Celtic in the Clydesdale Bank Under 19’s league and was named the inaugural Gordon Russell Players’ Player of the Year for the youth team.

Manager Craig Brown said, “These three going out on loan is a part of the strategy we have in developing our young talent, preparing them for life in the first-team squad.

“We already have Dario Quinn at Linlithgow Rose, Jordan Halsman at Annan and Gary Smith at Dumbarton.

“Competitive football will do these guys the world of good and we hope, when they return, they will be in a much better position to challenge for a spot in our starting eleven.”

The club can confirm that goalkeeper Michael Fraser has agreed his release and will leave Fir Park with immediate effect.

Fraser joined on a pre-contact agreement from Inverness Caley last summer but has struggled to hold down a first-team place.

He was back-up to John Ruddy last season and has found himself third in the pecking order this term, behind Darren Randolph and Lee Hollis.

Despite having nine months left on his contract, he has come to an agreement to leave early in order to find regular first-team football.

“I am really gutted to be leaving because I love the club and the people at the club,” said Fraser.

“Things didn’t work out for me and I am sad about that but, you know, that’s football. I stay in Uddingston, I really like the area, so ideally I would like to stay down here and get a club in the central belt.

“Craig Brown and Archie Knox have been brilliant with me and they’ve not forced me out or cut me adrift. It’s just one of those things.

“I would like to thank Motherwell for the opportunity and wish the club all the best going forward.”

Craig Brown believes the international break is coming at the right time for his weary troops following the 1-0 defeat to Celtic.

The Steelmen looked tired throughout the SPL clash at Fir Park as their midweek Europa League exertions appeared to take their toll.

Celtic were able to make five changes from their team which lost to Dutch side Utrecht, Craig Brown was forced to rely on the same group of players.

This difference in resources told as a fresh-looking Celtic dominated the encounter.

And after five games in two weeks, Brown is focusing on getting his players fit and rejuvenated over the forthcoming international break.

“We didn’t do enough to take anything from the game,” said the Motherwell boss. That was the poorest we have been all season so far and I attribute that to the nine games we have played so far this season – six in the Europa League and three in the SPL, with the same group of players.

“We can’t refresh the group at the moment due to the fact we don’t have huge resources and when Jennings and Hammell go off injured, as happened today, we have problems.

“This will be resolved in the next fortnight. We don’t have a match for a couple of weeks and the freshness will return. We can also get back to the normality of one match in a week, whereas so far this season we have been playing on a Thursday then on a Sunday.

The only goal of the game came from the penalty spot after Steven Saunders was sent off for a professional foul on Shaun Maloney.

It was a heartbreaking way for Motherwell to concede, having defended bravely for so much of the match.

And Brown felt the penalty award and sending off was a contentious decision from referee Dougie McDonald.

“It was a through ball with both players running through on goal, and there was perhaps a slight coming together,” he said.

“Dougie McDonald is not in the best position and there were a few bodies between him and the incident – yet he was very quick to give it.

“I acknowledge there was some contact but Maloney went down very, very easily.

“We can also fault ourselves because young Saunders shouldn’t have made the challenge. Steven is an outstanding talent but he should have just run alongside Maloney and not given the referee the opportunity to give a penalty.”

Brown was keen to point out to the assembled press that he felt the better team had won the match and despite the disappointing nature of the penalty award, he had no arguments against Neil Lennon’s side being worthy all three points.

“Celtic were the better team and they deserved to win the match,” he said, “Although with a little luck on the penalty decision, we could have shared the points.

“Their new player Izaguirre was fantastic, a very assured debut – and they can just go out and strengthen their squad with players like that, so we can only be envious of the resources they have at Celtic.”

Pictures from the 1-0 defeat to Celtic in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Fir Park. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

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[tab:Match report]

A Daryl Murphy penalty consigned Motherwell to their second successive home defeat on a disappointing afternoon at Fir Park.

The Irishman scored the only goal from the spot midway through the second-half after Steven Saunders was dismissed for a foul on Shaun Maloney.

Celtic dominated the encounter for the most part and had several good chances to win by a larger margin against a Motherwell side which looked somewhat jaded after their midweek exertions.

Craig Brown made one change to his line-up for the visit of the Glasgow giants by restoring Steve Jennings, who was suspended for the 1-0 defeat to Odense.

His counterpart Neil Lennon meanwhile, made wholesale changes following their humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of Dutch side Utrecht three days previous.

Keeper Zaluska, Mexican star Juarez, Jos Hooiveld and Birim Kayal all dropped out, as well as Marc-Antoine Fortune who completed a move to West Brom in the week.

They were replaced by Daryl Murphy, Glenn Loovens, Shaun Maloney and two debutants in Honduran World Cup left-back Emilio Izaguirre and Newcastle loan keeper Fraser Forster.

Neither team showed any signs of a continental hangover in the gripping early stages of the encounter. Brown’s charges attempted to press high up the field and Celtic displayed a freshness you would expect from a team able to make five changes from Thursday.

The result was a myriad of chances inside the opening ten minutes. ‘Well were first to threaten with only two minutes on the clock as a delightful whipped free-kick from the left by Hateley found its way onto the head of John Sutton at the near post but the Englishman’s header narrowly missed Fraser Forster’s near post.

Celtic went straight up the other end and should have made it 1-0. An excellent exchange of passes saw young James Forrest released down the right channel of the Motherwell box. The youngster fired across the face of goal and Shaun Maloney’s flick was splendidly saved by Darren Randolph.

Maloney threatened once more when he curled a 20-yard free-kick narrowly over the big Irish keepers bar, having won the free-kick himself with a jinking run which was unceremoniously stopped by Stephen Craigan.

The visitors continued to threaten in the early stages and could have been ahead ten minutes in when Murphy, enjoying his first SPL start of the season, cut in from the right wing and fired in a left-footed effort from 20 yards out, which was made much more dangerous by a wicked deflection off Craigan. Randolph took no chances and tipped the looping, spinning ball over the bar for a corner.

Celtic still looked the more likely side as the half wore on, with the attacking five-piece of Samaras, Ledley, Muphy, Maloney and Forrest combing particularly effectively – and it was the latter two which created Celtic’s next chance. With the clock approaching 25 minutes, Forrest drove to the byline, leaving Hammell in his wake, and clipped a nice cross to the near post, only to see Maloney head wide of the post.

Hammell was given permanent respite from the dangerous Forrest when he limped off after 34 minutes to be replaced by Jonathan Page, the Motherwell stalwart suffering from a hamstring strain.

After the initial barrage from Celtic, it was a relief to see Motherwell gradually get a grip on the game towards the end of the first half, winning more 50/50’s and beginning to play some threatening passes. Particularly some nice cross field passes by Murphy and Reynolds to the lively Humphrey.

Indeed, Motherwell came achingly close to taking the lead with five minutes to go until the break when a harmless bouncing ball into the Celtic box was wildly sliced into the air by Glenn Loovens – lobbing Forster in the process but just failing to creep in at the back post.

On the stroke of half-time, Maloney almost made Motherwell’s mini-revival redundant with a wonderful solo effort. The Scottish international breezed past Tom Hateley, before selling Stephen Craigan a step-over to go one-on-one with Randolph at an angle – but he failed at the final hurdle, lashing into the side netting with his weaker left foot.

Brown made a forward thinking change at the break, bringing on Nick Blackman for Jennings. The plan wasn’t immediately successful as Lennon’s men created the first chance of the second half as giant Swede Majstorovic met an outswinging corner, only to head clear over the bar from the penalty spot.

The Hoops didn’t need to wait very long for another decent chance though. Some nice play down the left flank by Maloney fashioned a yard of space for Samaras on the edge of the area. The Greek striker tried to curl an effort with finesse into the corner but Randolph threw himself to the corner to save and hold.

Motherwell looked a little labored after their European exploits but continued to fight for every ball and work exceedingly hard. This earned them a half-chance with 25 minutes still to play as Murphy fought off the attentions of two players on the left before feeding Lasley on the edge of the area. But the classy midfielder’s curling effort swerved just wide.

Celtic brought on Paddy McCourt for Samaras with just over 20 minutes left as the visitors looked for a spark to break down a resilient home  defence and they seemed to get a lift. Within minutes a move involving the sub set Maloney free in the left channel of the box but he dragged his shot wide.

The striker was involved again moments later as Celtic eventually took the lead. A Forster goal kick was flicked on by Majstorovic and sent Maloney haring through on goal. He was adjudged by Dougie McDonald to have been hauled down in the box by the chasing Saunders. He pointed to the spot and the young defender was shown a straight red.

Murphy kept his composure and fired past Randolph to break the deadlock and send the travelling fans into raptures.

With the numerical disadvantage, ‘Well struggled to get back into the match, and Celtic could have easily added to their tally.

McCourt, Murphy and Ledley all went close late on but it remained 1-0.

[tab:As it happened]

90+3′ FULL-TIME The referee blows the full-time whistle.

90′ Cross/shot by Ross Forbes.

90′ BOOKING Booking for Scott Brown for unsporting behaviour.

90′ Scott Brown concedes a free kick for a foul on Jamie Murphy.

89′ Patrick McCourt takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Save made by Darren Randolph.

88′ John Sutton gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Glenn Loovens. Direct free kick taken by Glenn Loovens.

87′ Joe Ledley takes a shot from just outside the penalty area which clears the crossbar.

85′ Shot by Patrick McCourt. Save by Darren Randolph.

84′ Patrick McCourt gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Stephen Craigan. Free kick taken by Keith Lasley.

82′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Glenn Loovens on John Sutton. Free kick crossed right-footed by Tom Hateley, save by Fraser Forster.

81′ Daryl Murphy produces a right-footed shot from the edge of the box and misses to the right of the goal.

80′ Outswinging corner taken by Tom Hateley from the right by-line, clearance by Emilio Izaguirre.

78′ Patrick McCourt has an effort at goal from just outside the box which goes wide of the left-hand upright.

76′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Keith Lasley on Joe Ledley. Joe Ledley restarts play with the free kick.

75′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on John Sutton by Du-Ri Cha. Tom Hateley delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from left wing, Daryl Murphy makes a clearance.

73′ GOAL Daryl Murphy scores from the penalty spot with a left-footed shot into the left-side of the goal.

73′ RED CARD Sent off Steven Saunders is shown a red card.

72′ Shaun Maloney fouled by Steven Saunders, the ref awards a penalty.

72′ SUB Ross Forbes comes on in place of Chris Humphrey.

71′ Effort from deep inside the area by Shaun Maloney misses to the left of the goal.

71′ Foul by James Forrest on Jonathan Page, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Jonathan Page.

70′ Daryl Murphy produces a curled left-footed shot from deep inside the penalty box which goes wide of the right-hand upright.

69′ Effort from 12 yards by Nick Blackman. Fraser Forster makes a save.

67′ Daniel Majstorovic gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Keith Lasley. Stephen Craigan restarts play with the free kick.

67′ SUB Patrick McCourt comes on for Georgios Samaras.

65′ Daryl Murphy gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Stephen Craigan. Stephen Craigan restarts play with the free kick.

64′ Keith Lasley produces a right-footed shot from just outside the box that misses to the right of the net.

64′ BOOKING The referee cautions Georgios Samaras for unsporting behaviour.

63′ Foul by Georgios Samaras on Stephen Craigan, free kick awarded.

61′ Daryl Murphy concedes a free kick for a foul on Stephen Craigan. Free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

61′ Corner from the right by-line taken by Emilio Izaguirre, clearance made by Stephen Craigan.

60′ Foul by Jonathan Page on James Forrest, free kick awarded. Scott Brown takes the direct free kick.

58′ The referee blows for offside against Nick Blackman. Free kick taken by Glenn Loovens.

55′ Foul by John Sutton on Scott Brown, free kick awarded. Shaun Maloney restarts play with the free kick.

51′ Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Chris Humphrey, Stephen Craigan takes a shot from 12 yards. Blocked by Daniel Majstorovic.

50′ The offside flag is raised against Nick Blackman. Free kick taken by Fraser Forster.

49′ Shot by Georgios Samaras. Save made by Darren Randolph.

47′ Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Emilio Izaguirre, Daniel Majstorovic produces a header from inside the area that goes over the bar.

46′ SUB Nick Blackman replaces Steve Jennings.

46′ KICK-OFF The referee gets the second-half underway.

45+1′ HALF-TIME The first-half comes to an end.

45+1′ Steven Saunders challenges Georgios Samaras unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Emilio Izaguirre.

45′ Foul by Keith Lasley on Joe Ledley, free kick awarded. Glenn Loovens takes the free kick.

45′ Effort from inside the area by Shaun Maloney misses to the left of the goal.

42′ The assistant referee signals for offside against James Forrest. Free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

41′ The offside flag is raised against Steven Saunders. Fraser Forster takes the free kick.

40′ Corner taken right-footed by Chris Humphrey from the right by-line, clearance by Daniel Majstorovic.

38′ The ball is swung over by Cha Du-Ri, Header from deep inside the penalty area by Daryl Murphy goes harmlessly over the crossbar.

36′ Keith Lasley is penalised for a handball. Fraser Forster takes the indirect free kick.

34′ SUB Jonathan Page replaces Stevie Hammell.

34′ Effort on goal by Cha Du-Ri from long range goes harmlessly over the bar.

33′ Corner taken by Emilio Izaguirre from the right by-line, save by Darren Randolph.

32′ John Sutton concedes a free kick for a foul on Daniel Majstorovic. Fraser Forster takes the direct free kick.

32′ BOOKING Steven Saunders is booked for unsporting behaviour.

32′ Unfair challenge on Keith Lasley by Georgios Samaras results in a free kick.

27′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on John Sutton by Daniel Majstorovic. Stephen Craigan restarts play with the free kick.

26′ Unfair challenge on Stephen Craigan by Georgios Samaras results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Stephen Craigan.

22′ James Forrest produces a cross, Close range headed effort by Shaun Maloney misses to the right of the goal.

22′ Shot from 20 yards from Scott Brown. Blocked by Mark Reynolds.

20′ The offside flag is raised against Daryl Murphy. Darren Randolph takes the indirect free kick.

18′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Keith Lasley on Scott Brown. Direct free kick taken by Glenn Loovens.

11′ James Forrest takes a shot. Darren Randolph makes a save.

10′ Inswinging corner taken by Shaun Maloney from the left by-line played to the near post, Steve Jennings manages to make a clearance.

10′ Daryl Murphy takes a shot. Mark Reynolds gets a block in.

8′ The assistant referee flags for offside against Daryl Murphy. Stephen Craigan restarts play with the free kick.

6′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Keith Lasley on Scott Brown. Direct free kick taken by Glenn Loovens.

5′ Jamie Murphy is caught offside. Fraser Forster takes the indirect free kick.

4′ Stephen Craigan concedes a free kick for a foul on Shaun Maloney. Direct effort from the free kick comes in from Shaun Maloney.

3′ Shaun Maloney takes a shot. Darren Randolph makes a brilliant save.

2′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Jamie Murphy by Scott Brown. A cross is delivered by Tom Hateley, John Sutton has a headed effort at goal from close range which goes wide left of the target.

1′ KICK-OFF The match is under way.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell boss Craig Brown:

“We didn’t do enough to take anything from the game. That was the poorest we have been all season so far and I attribute that to the nine games we have played so far this season – six in the Europa League and three in the SPL, with the same group of players.

“We can’t refresh the group at the moment due to the fact we don’t have huge resources and when Jennings and Hammell go off injured, as happened today, we have problems.

“Celtic were the better team and they deserved to win the match. Although with a little luck on the penalty decision, we could have shared the points.

“It was a through ball with both players running through on goal, and there was perhaps a slight coming together.

“Dougie McDonald is not in the best position and there were a few bodies between him and the incident – yet he was very quick to give it. I acknowledge there was some contact but Maloney went down very, very easily.

“We can also fault ourselves because young Saunders shouldn’t have made the challenge. Steven is an outstanding talent but he should have just run alongside Maloney and not given the referee the opportunity to give a penalty.”

Motherwell midfielder Keith Lasley:

“It was a big game for us but maybe the number of matches we’ve had recently took an edge off us.

“We certainly didn’t get to the standards that we did on Thursday against Odense when I thought we played really well.

“We’ve got a small squad so most of those who played in midweek did so again on Sunday. Celtic could make changes and that gave them a little bit of freshness and as the game wore on they created more chances.”

Celtic coach Alan Thompson:

“This is a valuable three points for us. It was always going to be difficult coming here after Utrecht. So we are very pleased to get the points and the performance with it.

“It was a test. Some of the players knew what they were coming into today because they have been in Scotland for a while.

“But there were boys coming in who hadn’t and they coped well.

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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A first-half double from Steve Howarth helped Motherwell U19s overcome Inverness Caley Thistle at Creamery Park.

The striker netted twice in four minutes to set the young Steelmen on their way to their second successive league victory.

Manager Gordon Young was forced into making one change from the team that beat Hibs last week, with injured midfielder Ryan Scanlan replaced by Bradley Halsman, younger brother of Jordan.

Motherwell made a bright start, dominating the early proceedings, but it was the visitors who almost took the lead with a header that dropped just wide of the post, although goalkeeper Tom Bradley looked comfortable enough watching it pass.

Despite the early scare, Young’s men quickly began to assert their authority and passed up numerous chances to take the lead.

Howarth hit the post following neat build-up between Halsman and McGachie. The same man, and fellow striker McGachie, were both denied by superb saves from Inverness keeper Kinnaird, as was Ross McKinnon who thundered a long-range effort at goal.

However, just after the midway point in the first-half, the Steelmen finally converted and it was a goal straight from the training field.

Bradley gathered a loose ball and immediately released Carswell, who had dropped off into space in the middle of the park. His quick turn and pass played in McGachie, with the former Stenny man turning his marker before teeing up strike partner Howarth, who slid it neatly under the goalkeeper from the edge of the area.

Four minutes later the Steelmen made it two and as much credit should go to the match official as the Motherwell players. Good interplay in the middle of the park from McDonald, Halsman and Watt ended with the latter sending a lovely reverse pass through for McGachie.

The big striker rounded the goalkeeper before being pulled down. There was no doubt it was a spot-kick but the referee, to his credit, allowed play to go on and Howarth was left with the simplest of tasks, tucking the ball into an empty net.

It looked from there as if Motherwell would go on to win the game handsomely but, to their credit, Inverness continued to battle.

They almost pulled one back on the stroke of half-time when a mix-up in the defence allowed their striker in, but his shot was hooked off the line by the alert McKinnon.

The second half was a bit of a damp squib, with both teams cancelling each other out for the most part.

Caley had a couple of decent efforts from distance but nothing that caused Bradley any real concern.

At the other end, Howarth could, and probably should, have completed his hat-trick when, after outstripping the visiting defence, blasted over from the edge of the box.

Motherwell: Bradley, Brown, Sloan, Lynch, McKinnon, Watt (Erwin 55), MacDonald, Carswell (Conner 78), Halsman, McGachie, Howarth. Subs not used: Muir, Griffin, Murray, McLean.

Youngster Gary Smith has joined Scottish Second Division side Dumbarton on a six-month loan.

Smith, last season’s U19 League top scorer with 17 goals, follows in the footsteps of team-mate Ross Forbes who had a spell with the Sons in 2008/09.

And the 18-year-old is the latest ‘Well starlet to be farmed out, with the emphasis on gaining valuable first-team experience.

Steven Lawless was on loan at Annan whilst Jordan Halsman is still there. Dario Quinn is at Junior side Linlithgow Rose and more are expected to move in the next week.

Motherwell boss Craig Brown said, “This is a part of the younger players’ development and going to Dumbarton will help Gary become a more rounded player.

“Motherwell has had success in recent times with the likes of Ross Forbes and Jonathan Page going out on loan and both have gone on to make an impact at first-team level.

“Gary is a talented big lad and, at this stage of his career, needs competitive games to learn his trade. With Sutton, Murphy, McHugh, Casagolda and Blackman all vying for a place up front, his chances were slightly hampered.

“Going to Dumbarton is a win-win situation and we fully expect him to return and be knocking on the door for a first-team start.”

The club are launching a season long initiative to encourage all of us to take simple steps to tackle our everyday stress and help us avoid more serious problems.

The initiative is part of the Scottish Government Steps for Stress Campaign – stepsforstress.org

Craig Brown, manager of Motherwell FC said: “We know stress can affect everyone from time to time but for others it can occur more frequently, last for long periods and impact on our everyday lives.

“Motherwell FC has played eight games already this season. Taking steps to manage the demands and get the balance right between football and relaxation has enhanced our performances.

“For me the message is clear. We know that stress feeds off stress if we ignore it. If the causes and symptoms of stress are allowed to snowball, they can risk leading to other problems like unhealthy eating, drinking too much or heavy smoking.

“The Steps for Stress campaign sends an important message to all football fans and communities across Scotland.

“Let’s recognise the signs of everyday stress, feel comfortable talking about it and use the advice, information and supports available to take action to help stop it in its tracks – such as being more active, talking to someone or helping other people. Stress Less, Enjoy Life – Take StepsforStress.org.”

Leanne Dempster, Chief Executive of Motherwell FC, said: “As part of our commitment to the Lanarkshire community, Motherwell FC signed the ‘see me’ pledge in May this year.

“We are committed to working with NHS Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire Councils and the Lanarkshire Recovery Network to use our profile and links to the Lanarkshire community and footballing world to increase understanding of mental health. 

“Throughout the season we will promote Steps for Stress in our stadium, programme, back of home and away football shirts and our interview boards.”

Public Health Minister Shona Robison said, “Stress can affect everyone. We all have busy lives today, juggling work and family commitments, but by knowing how to spot the signs we can help ourselves feel better.

“If the causes and symptoms of stress are allowed to snowball, they can risk leading to other problems like unhealthy eating, drinking too much or heavy smoking.

“Steps for Stress shows us that even small steps like going for a walk, talking to a friend or doing something for someone else can make a big difference to how we feel.”

Kevin O’Neill, Chair of the Lanarkshire Mental Health Improvement Partnership Group, said: “We know from national surveys that around 18 per cent of the Lanarkshire community will have experienced stress or depression in the last two week. That’s around 75,000 people in Lanarkshire.

“The Steps for Stress campaign highlights that there are simple steps we can take to reduce our stress and the earlier we do this the better.

“By reducing our stress we enjoy life more. Actions such as exercise, learning new things, enjoying hobbies, spending time with others and relaxing can all help.

“Facing up to our stresses and using the help that is available also helps, whether it is debt, unemployment or relationship difficulties.

“We know that it can be difficult to get started and that is why the Steps for Stress campaign and supportive materials have been developed.

“Your local library also has a healthy reading section with lots of supportive leaflets, books, DVD’s and CD’s and they can also tell what is available within your community.”

The stepsforstress.org website helps you do an on-line assessment of your stress and takes you step by step through the options that may help.

In Lanarkshire, the elament website www.lanarkshirementalhealth.org.uk provides lots of useful local information.”

If you or someone you know would like to talk to someone, please speak to your GP or contact the following agencies who are there to offer help:

• Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87 (free to call 6pm to 2am and weekends) www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk
• Samaritans 08457 909090/1698 429 411 (24 hour service) www.samaritans.org
• Childline 0800 1111 (free 24 hour service) www.childline.org.uk
• National Debt Line 0808 808 4000 www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
• Age Scotland (older people) 0845 125 9732
• ParentLine 0800 800 2222
• Lanarkshire Alchohol and Drug Partnership www.lanarkshireadp.org

For mental health information in Lanarkshire visit:

www.lanarkshirementalhealth.org.uk or visit any of the 50 Lanarkshire local libraries that now have a wide range of mental health and well-being resources that are free to borrow.

For Steps for Stress Visit: stepsforstress.org

It was a case of ‘what might have been’ for Craig Brown after his side exited the Europa Cup at the hands of Odense.

The defeat doesn’t tell the full story of a match in which Motherwell dominated, created and passed up a whole host of great chances, and even missed an 85th minute penalty.

Instead a solitary Peter Utaka strike in the first-half settled the tie for the Danes and they held firm, despite ending the match with nine men following the dismissals of Espen Ruud and Anders Moller Christensen.

“Over the two legs we should be the team going through.” Brown insisted. “We were the fitter team, the better team, the more disciplined team and the better footballing side.

“I’m massively disappointed. I can’t fault the guys at all, we did everything we could and just didn’t get a break. If we showed the clinical finishing that we should have then perhaps we would have won the match.

“I would rather have a flukey victory than an unlucky defeat. I gather we are getting a lot of credit for the performance – which is deserved, but the bottom line is we didn’t manage to succeed – to do the job.

“We had some good play in the final third, and some excellent football on the wings, but we didn’t make Roy Carroll make enough saves.”

Brown was quick to give credit to the Danish visitors who, despite being outplayed for the majority of encounter, managed to hold on for a1-0 victory – ensuring that a 3-1 win on aggregate.

“They came over here and did the job,” the Motherwell boss acknowledged. “If I had taken a team over there and not played particularly well but came away with the victory we needed then I would be very happy. So congratulations to them for that.

The Danes ended the match with nine men but proved to be equally – if not more – resilient with their numerical deficit.

And Brown recognised that Odense raised their game to cope with the disadvantage.
 
“Sometimes when you a lose a player you get a bit of a persecution complex and it can actually be even harder to play against – that seemed to be doubled tonight when they got two men sent off!

“When we put the crosses in they just parked in the box and it was extremely difficult for us to create chances – but having said that we did still create enough to win the match.”

The only goal of the game came midway through the first-half when a Ruud corner wasn’t properly cleared and the ball fell kindly for Peter Utaka, who rifled home from 12 yards.

It was a devastating blow for the home side and for Brown, who had prepared his troops for that very eventuality. 

“We knew Utaka drops to the edge of the box for corners. It is something that we have worked on for this match. But a momentary lapse cost us and he fired it into the net.

“That is the difference in Europe.”