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Manager Craig Brown has pleaded with fans to halt the growing trend of bringing flares and smoke devises to Motherwell matches.

Following three consecutive SPL delegate reports highlighting the issue, the club are under threat of sanctions if it continues, not to mention the very real safety risk they pose to fellow fans, particularly those with breathing and respiratory problems.

Brown said: “I must first put on record my extreme thanks to all our supporters who have backed Archie and me, along with the team, so enthusiastically since we arrived at the club last December.

“However, in recent weeks, we have seen a steady and consistent rise in the number of flares and smoke devises at our games, both at Fir Park and on our travels.

“This has given the club a real headache with the authorities, not to mention the potential safety risks it poses to people inside the stadium.

“I would ask our fans not to bring anything like this with them to games and, instead, concentrate all energies on singing, chanting and clapping for the team which will have a much more positive impact.”

The club will once again be holding its annual October Holiday Soccer School between Monday 11th – Friday 15th October.

Boys and girls between the age of 3 and 16 can develop their football skills in a fun and safe environment.

The October Holiday Week Programme provides a full day of soccer skills including:

• Warm Ups and Reaction Games
• Technique training skills covering heading, dribbling, passing, tackling and turning
• Fun games to practice techniques
• Small sided matches
• Penalty competitions
• Skills Competitions
• Expert coaching from our Motherwell Soccer School coaches and ‘Well legend Stevie Kirk
• Supervision for the day including lunch and toilet breaks
• Promotion of healthy eating
• Promotion of fair play, respect, and anti bullying

Prices for the October Holiday Soccer School start from as little as £5 per half day or £10 for a full day, and there is also 10% discount for two or more children from the same family attending.

Grassroots Sports Manager Stevie Kirk commented, “Our holiday soccer schools have been very popular this year, and we look forward to another successful programme in October.

“During their week with us the young people will have a great time and will be able to improve their skills by working with our coaches.

For more information please go to our booking web site at www.motherwellsoccerschools.com or phone 01698 239 926 or email stevie.kirk@motherwellfc.co.uk.

In-form Chris Humphrey admits he is enjoying every minute of life both on and off the pitch at the moment.

The flying winger celebrated the birth of his new baby daughter Amele with a man-of-the-match display in the 2-0 victory over Hearts.

That was despite missing training after his partner Kerry gave birth in the early hours of Friday morning.

“I’ve not had much sleep over the last couple of nights but I’m just absolutely buzzing at the moment,” he said.

“The gaffer asked me if I would be OK to play and I told him that I wanted to. I don’t want to miss any games.”

Humphrey’s decision to play turned out to be a good one. The 23-year old turned in a dazzling performance in the capital, setting up both goals as the Steelmen recorded their third away victory of the campaign.

It was just the latest in a long line of impressive displays from one of the most improved players in the Motherwell squad.

“Last season was tough at for me at times. Jim O’Brien was playing extremely well and it was difficult to fit me in to the team,” he said.

“I had no complaints because you can’t drop someone who is playing well, but this season – with Jim moving on – I’m trying to make the position my own.”

Perhaps the most notable improvement in his game this season has been his end product, with two pinpoint assists at Tynecastle underlining the point.

Humphrey revealed he has been putting in extra hours during training and is glad to see his hard work pay off.

“Archie Knox works with me and the other wingers a lot in training and we do a lot of crossing drills and passing drills,” he said.

“I get a lot of practice with the delivery aspect of my game, and it seems to be paying off.

“I was happy to get the assists. All I want to do is set goals up for my team mates and maybe get a couple myself, but I get as much of a thrill setting up the strikers like John and Nick.”

Motherwell boss Craig Brown lavished praise on Chris Humphrey following his man-of-the-match performance against Hearts.

The 23-year-old set up both goals in the 2-0 win at Tynecatle just a day after becoming a father for the first time.

Brown was delighted with the impact made by the former Shrewsbury Town man, who didn’t even train in the build up to the game.

“Chris’ partner Kerry had a wee baby daughter on Friday and he didn’t actually train before the match,” the manager said. “It was touch and go whether we would play him, but he was very keen.

“He gives us fantastic pace and width down the right flank and his crossing prowess is improving as the weeks go by.

“His delivery from wide was excellent today; sometimes he can be a little rash, but he was picking out men today.

“Now Chris is considered to be a first choice player he is much more confident – you can see that.”

Humphrey’s new-born wasn’t the only youngster giving Brown cause for delight as there were nine of them in the Motherwell line-up at Tynecastle.

The Steelmen have long been considered one of the top clubs in the SPL for bringing through young talent and that trend shows no sign of changing as the current crop continue to mature under the experienced guidance Brown and Archie Knox.

“It is compulsory to have three U21 players in the match-day squad in the SPL,” he said. “We had nine today.

“Four of them were starting and we had another four on the bench. Saunders and Murphy are even regulars in the Scotland U21 squad, so we have real talent among the young players at the club.

“A lot of teams struggle to even make three U21 players and sometimes they have to bring in boys from the youth team.”

Brown also paid tribute to one of the more experienced members of his ‘Well side, Stephen Craigan, as his skipper undoubtedly won his key battle of the afternoon against Kevin Kyle.

“Touch wood – because we still have to play Hearts this season – Stephen Craigan always deals with Kevin Kyle brilliantly,” The manager praised.

“Kyle is a tough customer and it is always a physical battle – but Stephen likes those. He and Mark Reynolds both played very well.”

The 2-0 win at Tynecastle extended Motherwell’s excellent record away from home and the team have yet to concede on their travels this season.

“We’re equipped to play away from home because we have terrific pace in the team with Humphrey, Blackman and Murphy.

“We can play on the counter attack – and we do. But our keeper only had one save to make, that shows we’re doing the right stuff at the back too.

“I feel a home win is not far away. With the way we played against Hibs and Aberdeen we have deserved to have a win at home.”

Pictures from the 2-0 victory over Hearts in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Tynecastle. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

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[tab:Match report]

Motherwell maintained their excellent early season away form with a 2-0 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle.

Second-half goals from Nick Blackman and John Sutton earned the Steelmen a comfortable win in the capital.

Craig Brown’s side are now third in the SPL table having won their first three fixtures on the road without conceding a goal.

Motherwell lined up with the same starting eleven from last week’s draw against Aberdeen, with Tom Hateley continuing to deputise for Stevie Hammell at left-back.

Hearts named an attacking team as they looked to bounce back from their shock League Cup defeat to Falkirk, including David Templeton, Suso Santana, Calum Elliot and Kevin Kyle.

And it didn’t take them long to threaten, with the lively Santana setting up Templeton after a matter of seconds. However the young winger could only fire tamely into the arms of Darren Randolph from the edge of the box.

Santana then drove a dangerous cross across the face of goal which thankfully evaded everyone and went out for a goal kick.

Motherwell responded with a chance of their own on the quarter-hour mark. Chris Humphrey won a towering header in the midfield, allowing Blackman a chance to shoot from 25 yards. The on-loan hitman took the opportunity, lashing narrowly wide.

Both teams continued to trade possession as the half wore on and Templeton worked a yard of space before delivering a terrific cross for Kyle, who headed over the bar from ten yards out cleared.

The Steelmen were growing in confidence though and they had two fantastic opportunities to take the lead before the break.

Murphy hit the post in the 35th minute afterHumphrey outpaced Ryan Stevenson and found Blackman. His pass was flicked on by Keith Lasley to the striker, who saw his curling shot come back of the upright.

Murphy then tried his luck from distance, unleashing a terrific drive from 25 yards which forced Kello into a good save at his near post.

The striker continued to look the most likely to break the deadlock after the break and five minutes in he had another effort, testing the Hearts keeper from outside the box again.

At the other end, Jim Jefferies’ side almost sneaked in front from a free-kick. Templeton was tripped on the edge of the box by Stevie Saunders, who earned a yellow card for the foul. From the resulting chance, Elliot curled the ball just inches over the bar.

It clearly wasn’t enough to appease the manager and just before the hour mark Elliot and Templeton were brought off to be replaced by Stephen Elliott and Rudi Skacel.

But within seconds of the changes, Motherwell had the lead. Humphrey flew past stand-in left-back Eggert Jonsson before delivering an inch-perfect cross for Blackman. The striker had the freedom of the six yard box and expertly volleyed the ball into the top-left corner of the net.

Hearts threw men forward in search of an equaliser but this only played into Motherwell’s hands as they exposed more defensive frailties.

A Lasley drive from the edge of the box was parried by Kello and the Slovakian stopper made a stunning save from Sutton on the rebound, although referee Mike Tumilty bizarrely awarded a goal kick.

Sutton wasn’t to be denied though, and he grabbed the all-important second on 70 minutes. Humphrey was again the architect, showing pace and power to breeze past Jonsson and put the ball across the face of goal for Sutton to convert from a yard.

It was no more than Motherwell deserved and they comfortably saw out the rest of the game, much to the frustration of the home side.

Long, aimless balls to Kyle became the order of the day for Jefferies’ men late on as they desperately searched for a way back into the game.

But it was the Steelmen who went closest to scorring and they almost rubbed salt into the wounds with the last real chance of the game. Forbes picked out Blackman with a terrific near post cross but the striker could only divert the ball wide.

[tab:As it happened]

90+3′ FULL-TIME The final whistle is blown by the referee.

90+1′ The ball is swung over by Eggert Jonsson, Kevin Kyle takes a shot. Darren Randolph makes a save.

90+1′ Ian Black challenges Ross Forbes unfairly and gives away a free kick. Darren Randolph restarts play with the free kick.

90′ Eggert Jonsson challenges Alan Gow unfairly and gives away a free kick. Ross Forbes has a direct shot on goal from the free kick, save made by Marian Kello.

88′ SUB Alan Gow replaces Nick Blackman.

87′ Nick Blackman takes a shot. Save made by Marian Kello.

86′ Jamie Murphy has an effort at goal. Marian Kello makes a save.

84′ Ross Forbes takes a inswinging corner from the right by-line played to the near post. Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Ross Forbes played to the near post, clearance by Ruben Palazuelos.

84′ Kevin Kyle gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Keith Lasley. Darren Randolph takes the direct free kick.

84′ Robert McHugh produces a left-footed shot from just outside the area that goes wide left of the goal.

82′ SUB Robert McHugh replaces Chris Humphrey.

82′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Ian Black on Ross Forbes.

80′ Rudi Skacel takes the direct free kick.

80′ SUB Ross Forbes comes on for Steve Jennings.

80′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Suso Santana by Nick Blackman.

80′ The ball is swung over by Eggert Jonsson, clearance by Stephen Craigan.

76′ Corner taken by Suso Santana, clearance made by Steven Saunders.

76′ Nick Blackman fouled by Ismael Bouzid, the ref awards a free kick. Tom Hateley takes the free kick.

75′ Tom Hateley takes a shot. Save by Marian Kello.

74′ Free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

74′ SUB Ian Black comes on in place of Ryan Stevenson.

74′ Kevin Kyle is flagged offside by the assistant referee.

72′ A cross is delivered by Chris Humphrey, Jason Thomson makes a clearance.

72′ Rudi Skacel takes a shot from 35 yards and went wide left of the goal.

72′ Steven Saunders gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Rudolf Skacel. Rudolf Skacel takes the direct free kick.

70′ GOAL John Sutton scores from inside the penalty area low into the middle of the goal. Assist by Chris Humphrey.

69′ Keith Lasley takes a shot. Save made by Marian Kello. John Sutton takes a shot. Marian Kello makes a save.

69′ Foul by Ryan Stevenson on Jamie Murphy, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Jamie Murphy.

68′ Stephen Elliott is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Free kick taken by Stephen Craigan.

66′ The ball is delivered by Jason Thomson, clearance by Mark Reynolds.

65′ Free kick crossed by Stephen Craigan, clearance by Eggert Jonsson.

65′ BOOKING Jason Thomson is booked.

65′ Jason Thomson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jamie Murphy.

63′ Stephen Elliott concedes a free kick for a foul on Mark Reynolds. Free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

62′ Unfair challenge on Stephen Craigan by Kevin Kyle results in a free kick. Darren Randolph takes the free kick.

60′ The ball is sent over by Chris Humphrey, Ismael Bouzid manages to make a clearance. Foul by Steven Saunders on Rudolf Skacel, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Marian Kello.

58′ GOAL Nick Blackman gets on the score sheet with a goal from inside the penalty area to the top left corner of the goal. Assist by Chris Humphrey.

57′ SUB Rudi Skacel comes on for David Templeton.

57′ SUB Stephen Elliott replaces Calum Elliot for Hearts.

56′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Jamie Murphy on Jason Thomson. Jason Thomson restarts play with the free kick.

55′ The referee penalises Keith Lasley for handball. Marian Kello takes the free kick.

54′ Calum Elliot has a direct shot on goal from the free kick.

54′ BOOKING Steven Saunders receives a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.

53′ Steven Saunders challenges David Templeton unfairly and gives away a free kick.

52′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on John Sutton by Eggert Jonsson. Chris Humphrey crosses the ball from the free kick right-footed from right channel, Kevin Kyle manages to make a clearance.

50′ Jamie Murphy takes a shot. Marian Kello makes a save.

49′ The ball is crossed by Calum Elliot, clearance by Stephen Craigan.

48′ The ball is sent over by Eggert Jonsson, clearance made by Tom Hateley.

47′ Kevin Kyle is penalised for handball and concedes a free kick. Darren Randolph takes the free kick.

46′ The ball is delivered by Calum Elliot, Steven Saunders manages to make a clearance.

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

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

45+1′ Jason Thomson sends in a cross, Stephen Craigan makes a clearance.

45+1′ The referee penalises Nick Blackman for handball. Ismael Bouzid restarts play with the free kick.

45+1′ Ismael Bouzid gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Nick Blackman. Free kick taken by John Sutton.

44′ The assistant referee signals for offside against Nick Blackman. Ismael Bouzid restarts play with the free kick.

43′ Steven Saunders delivers the ball, Ismael Bouzid makes a clearance. Steven Saunders sends in a cross, clearance by Ismael Bouzid. Outswinging corner taken by Chris Humphrey, Stephen Craigan challenges Kevin Kyle unfairly and gives away a free kick. Marian Kello takes the direct free kick.

42′ The referee blows for offside. Indirect free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

39′ Direct free kick taken by Darren Randolph. Jamie Murphy takes a shot. Save by Darren Randolph. Inswinging corner taken by Chris Humphrey, clearance made by Ryan Stevenson.

39′ BOOKING Ryan Stevenson is shown a yellow card.

39′ Foul by Ryan Stevenson on Tom Hateley, free kick awarded.

38′ The official flags John Sutton offside. Marian Kello takes the direct free kick.

38′ Tom Hateley fouled by Calum Elliot, the ref awards a free kick. Stephen Craigan takes the free kick.

37′ Keith Lasley takes a shot. Save by Marian Kello.

36′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Steven Saunders on David Templeton. Direct free kick taken by Eggert Jonsson.

35′ Effort from just inside the box by Jamie Murphy strikes the post.

33′ Corner taken by David Templeton from the left by-line, Kevin Kyle delivers the ball, Darren Randolph makes a save.

32′ David Templeton concedes a free kick for a foul on Stephen Craigan. Darren Randolph restarts play with the free kick.

30′ The ball is sent over by David Templeton, Header on goal by Kevin Kyle from inside the box goes harmlessly over the target.

29′ Outswinging corner taken by Ryan Stevenson, clearance by Steven Saunders.

26′ Kevin Kyle fouled by Steve Jennings, the ref awards a free kick. Adrian Mrowiec restarts play with the free kick.

26′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Ismael Bouzid on John Sutton. The free kick is delivered right-footed by Tom Hateley from left wing, clearance by Jason Thomson.

23′ Calum Elliot concedes a free kick for a foul on Steven Saunders. Direct free kick taken by Steven Saunders.

21′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Mark Reynolds on Kevin Kyle. The free kick is delivered right-footed by Ryan Stevenson from right channel. 21′ Foul by Ryan Stevenson on John Sutton, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Tom Hateley.

20′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Chris Humphrey by Eggert Jonsson. Free kick crossed right-footed by Tom Hateley from right wing, clearance by Jason Thomson.

17′ Suso Santana takes a short corner, Ryan Stevenson sends in a cross.

16′ Nick Blackman has shot on goal from just outside the penalty box which goes wide of the right-hand upright.

15′ Unfair challenge on David Templeton by Steven Saunders results in a free kick. Eggert Jonsson takes the free kick.

14′ Kevin Kyle is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Tom Hateley takes the free kick.

14′ The ball is delivered by Chris Humphrey, save by Marian Kello.

12′ Effort from deep inside the area by Suso Santana misses to the left of the goal.

12′ Calum Elliot gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Tom Hateley. Tom Hateley takes the direct free kick.

11′ Suso Santana is penalised for a handball. Darren Randolph restarts play with the free kick.

9′ Corner taken by Ryan Stevenson from the right by-line.

7′ The referee blows for offside against Calum Elliot. Darren Randolph takes the indirect free kick.

6′ Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Ryan Stevenson from the right by-line, clearance by Mark Reynolds.

5′ The offside flag is raised against Nick Blackman. Marian Kello takes the indirect free kick.

4′ The ball is delivered by Tom Hateley, clearance by Eggert Jonsson. Corner taken right-footed by Chris Humphrey from the right by-line, clearance made by Ryan Stevenson.

3′ Ismael Bouzid gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Tom Hateley. Free kick crossed right-footed by Tom Hateley, Jason Thomson makes a clearance.

2′ Jason Thomson crosses the ball.

1′ Effort from the edge of the area by David Templeton goes wide of the left-hand post.

1′ KICK-OFF The match gets underway.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell boss Craig Brown:

“We were disappointed at half-time with the way we had played. I said to them, ‘if you don’t take the chances that you get, you could live to regret it, so make sure you come in here with no regrets’.

“They played exceptionally well in the second half. I did feel we had the edge. Our goalkeeper had one save throughout the match.

“I think Jim Jefferies would agree that we deserved to win the game but we have to keep our feet on the ground and get busy on Monday again for next week’s home game. It’s time we won a home game.

“We’re doing very well away from home in the SPL this season but the fans are due a home victory.”

Motherwell striker Nick Blackman:

“I wasn’t aware they had problems at the back until just before kick-off when the gaffer pulled us aside and told us their team.

“He told us they had made a few changes. But I still expected a tough challenge. Chris has electric pace and he can go past anyone in this league if he really wants to.

“He put a great ball in and thankfully I was on the end of it. It was more of a reaction finish – but I’ll take any goal.

“He did brilliantly for the second as well. He got to the byeline and I was shouting on him to pull it back to me. But I didn’t realise Sutts was in a better position and he found him, so I can’t complain. It was a great win.”

Hearts manager Jim Jefferies:

“They were better than us in the second half. Their movement was far better than ours and they deserved to win.

“We said at half-time, ‘this looks like a game where the first goal is going to be crucial’. And it’s the manner in which we lose the goal that’s the problem – our deficiencies at the back.

“We had four defenders standing still. Nick Blackman’s not got a central defender round about him. That’s just nonsense, he’s the main striker, he should be marked.

“That never happened up the other end. Motherwell, to their credit, once they got the goal, made sure it was going to be tight, difficult. They closed us down and didn’t give us any room.

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”13”]

The youth team returned to winning ways this afternoon with a convincing 3-0 win over Kilmarnock at the Kilwinning Sports Club.

A first half header from Euan Murray gave the Steelmen the lead at the interval but it took a whole 45 minutes for ‘Well to secure the win thanks to late goals from Chris Connor and Keiran McGachie.

Manager Gordon Young made just one change from the side that lost to St Mirren last Friday. Grant Brown was replaced in the back four by Murray, making his first start of the new season.

It was a quiet opening half-hour, only punctured by a knock to striker Steve Howarth that forced the former Clyde man off after just eight minutes. Howarth’s replacement was Scotland U17s hitman Lee Erwin.

Indeed, the first real action of the game resulted in the opening goal for the visitors. Keiran McGachie’s persistence on the left flank was rewarded with a corner. A well-worked move between taker Josh Watt and Keiran MacDonald led to the former whipping in a lovely cross towards the six-yard box that was bulleted home by Murray.

Incredibly, it was the only effort on target in the entire half. Ryan Scanlan had a shot at goal, seconds before the half-time interval but it was deflected over the bar and eventually cleared by the Killie defence.

‘Welll started the second period in a positive fashion and substitute Erwin had two efforts in the opening few minutes. His first, a deflected shot from just inside the area, was blocked by the goalkeeper before eventually being hooked clear.

His second, just moments later, was created by MacDonald on the left after the midfielder rescued a wayward cross. He teed up the young striker, with a nice reverse ball, who danced past two challenges before curling a shot that was again saved by Chris Treacy in the home goal.

Motherwell continued to press and an excellent move down the right involving great hold-up play by McGachie, and clever link-up by Erwin, eventually presented a chance for Scanlan. The former Ross County man turned brilliantly on the edge of the box and struck a decent effort that forced Treacy to tip-over. Incredibly, neither the referee nor the assistant on the far side saw the touch and Killie escaped with a goal kick.

More shots came and went; the excellent Stuart Carswell blasted a low bouncing shot from distance that was held well by Treacy and a wonderful flowing counter attack down the right, involving McGachie, Sloan and Watt ended with another shot for Erwin but the talented 16-year-old was again denied by the Killie keeper.

After surviving a number of scares, Killie were buoyed by still being in the game and went on to enjoy a sustained period of pressure.

However, despite having a great deal of the bar, they did little to worry Tom Bradley in the visiting goal. The closest they came was a back post header by Rory McGenzie that flew just over, with captain Ross McKinnon doing just enough to put the winger off.

Killie were made to pay for not making the most of their possession as Connor made it 2-0 late on. Gavin Griffin, nephew of 91 Cup winner Jim, got to the corner flag before delivering a stunning back post cross that was met by fellow sub Connor. The winger showed great composure to steer his header into the corner of the goal.

And with the last kick of the ball, the visitors added a third to put the result beyond doubt. Erwin was again the man causing problems, and, after skipping round a few challenges, delivered an excellent ball across the face that was turned into the net by the outstretched McGachie.

Motherwell: Bradley, Sloan, McKinnon, Lynch, Murray, Carswell, Scanlan, Watt (Connor 75), MacDonald (Griffin 80), McGachie, Howarth (Erwin 8). Subs not used: Muir, Brown.

Motherwell boss Craig Brown is delighted his side have been drawn at home in the next round of the Co-operative Insurance Cup.

The Steelmen will host SPL rivals Dundee United at Fir Park on Tuesday 26th or Wednesday 27th October.

And Brown believes home advantage will play a part against Peter Houston’s men.

“My immediate reaction is favourable, purely because it is a home draw,” he said.

“We are due to face them on league business the Saturday before the tie so both teams will be well versed in one another by the time the game comes around.

“Most people say that if you avoid the Old Firm at this stage then you have a better chance of progressing and I’m sure Dundee United are saying the same thing.

“But the fact that it is at home will hopefully give us an edge as there’s a real desire amongst the players to give the fans something to really cheer for this season.”

Brown is under no illusions as to the task that awaits both him and the players when the Tangerines roll up at Fir Park next month.

United have had an excellent cup record recently, culminating in a Scottish Cup win last May when they disposed of First Division side Ross County in the final.

The Motherwell boss was typically praiseworthy of the opponents and underlined both the footballing and financial benefits of progressing.

He said, “Both teams are good footballing sides with a sound philosophy of playing football on the deck whenever possible.

“United also have an excellent recent cup record. I have been very impressed by Peter Houston and his team and the result in Dingwall was a superb one – make no bones about it, that was an exceptionally hard game.

“Both United and ourselves will be desperate to get through for both football and financial reasons. I don’t know the money split or how much it is actually worth in pounds and pence, but cup runs are always a big windfall for any club, particularly if you get the latter rounds.

“Let’s hope we get a big crowd along at Fir Park, under the floodlights, to create a proper cup tie atmosphere.”

Motherwell have been drawn against Dundee United in the quarter-finals of the Co-operative Insurance Cup.

The match will take place at Fir Park on Tuesday 26th or Wednesday 27th October, kick-off 7.45pm.

It will be the second meeting between the two teams in the space of just a few days, as United visit on SPL duty that prior weekend.

Craig Brown’s side booked their place in the quarters with a 2-0 victory over Brechin City on Tuesday.

United meanwhile, required extra-time to overcome Ross County 2-1 in Dingwall.

The full draw is as follows:

• Aberdeen v Falkirk
• Motherwell v Dundee United
• Kilmarnock v Rangers
• St Johnstone v Celtic

All ties are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 26th or Wednesday 27th October.

Craig Brown hailed Jonathan Page’s bravery after the defender netted a double in the 2-0 win at Brechin despite having stitches in a head wound.

Page headed Motherwell into an early lead from a Ross Forbes corner before a nasty clash of heads with an opposing player.

But he returned to action after treatment and doubled his tally in the 59th minute with another header to help the Steelmen through to the next round of the Co-Coperative Insurance Cup.

Brown said: “I saw him play for Stirling Albion last year on loan and I saw him do the very same. It’s not a fluke that he’s very good at set-pieces and he could have scored with a header before his first goal.

“In fact that was maybe an easier one, he was just getting his range. He had stitches in his head when he scored his second goal. No praise is high enough for Page, he has a terrific attitude.

“We’ve got some young boys who work so hard at their game and he is the perfect example.”

Motherwell were far from convincing at Glebe Park though and Brown is relieved to have edged past the plucky Second Divison side.

“It was a very tricky fixture as Dundee found in the last round and we’re happy to get through,” he said.

“The goalkeeper (Darren Randolph) was very good and the finishing from Jonathan Page was very good.”

Brechin manager Jim Weir was disappointed his side could not cope with the two set-pieces but he was happy with their overall display.

“It was an excellent second-half performance,” said Weir. “If we had taken one of those chances, it could have set up a grandstand finish.

“We have been creating a lot of chances but we need to start converting them.”