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Callum Slattery’s last minute free kick eared Motherwell a crucial point in 1-1 draw in Ayrshire against Kilmarnock. 

Scott Robinson got the hosts ahead in the first half but Motherwell put a spirited and much improved second half performance to earn a point in Stuart Kettlewell’s first match as permanent Motherwell manager.

It would be a strong start for Kilmarnock in the game and with their first real opportunity in the game, they opened the scoring. A corner was swung in and after Liam Kelly made a decent save but the ball was eventually prodded home by Scott Robinson after a scramble in the box.

Rory McKenzie looked to double Kilmarnock’s lead before Calum Butcher was able to head the ball off the line.

At half-time, a goal down, Motherwell needed to improve quickly and they did just that.

Almost at the beginning of the second period, Jon Obika was put through on the goal after a slack back pass from Ash Taylor. The striker tried from a tight angle but Sam Walker was on hand to save.

James Furlong found himself in an an unfamiliar position on the right wing when Motherwell broke on the counter. The ball ended up at the left-back’s feet and his strike was also well saved by Man of the Match Walker.

Kevin van Veen worked some space on the edge of the box before trying to curl one into the corner with his right foot but again found no way past Walker.

It looked like it was going to be another frustrating near miss for Motherwell when Stephen O’Donnell managed to get a strike away in the box and Walker was out to block but a free-kick was awarded on the edge of the box with seconds remaining.

Up stepped Calum Slattery who fizzed an exquisite effort into the top corner to give Motherwell a well deserved point on the road.

Paul McGinn has been a mainstay in a somewhat turbulent Motherwell team that has been dealing with a number of injuries this season. 

The Scottish International says that the Raith Rovers game, in the Scottish Cup, was one of the lowest moments in his career but two wins under caretaker manager Stuart Kettlewell has helped the team gain the confidence they badly needed.

A versatile defender this season, McGinn is delighted that Kettlewell is the new manager and that players are happy to get the clarity they need to move forward this season as they look to steer there way away from the drop zone.

Stuart Kettlewell was named Motherwell manager 24 hours ago and his first task is an away trip to Kilmarnock.

The former Ross County gaffer set out his long term and short term visions for the club and what he wants to bring to the club.

He wants to see a strong work ethic from his players, whether you are playing or not. Kettlewell knows that his two games in interim charge were positive ones but wants everyone to remember that we are nowhere near where we need to be and that focus must be the priority.

Stuart Kettlewell is the new manager of Motherwell Football Club.

Joining the club in the summer initially as the Lead Development Coach, Kettlewell took charge of first-team duties following the departure of Steven Hammell.

Picking up two wins, against St Mirren and Hearts, in his two games in charge, the 38-year-old was subsequently offered the job on a permanent basis, with his deal running initially to May 2024.

“Stuart impressed the board, not only with how he has got the team going in the last two games against St Mirren and Hearts, but with his vision for the club,” Chairman Jim McMahon said. 

“We took time to speak to a number of impressive candidates, each of whom had their own strengths, but Stuart was, in our eyes, the best person to take Motherwell forward.

“He has managed at this level, he’s already won a league title and a domestic cup and we could sense from him a real desire and determination to take this role on and improve us across all areas of the football department.”

He retired in 2016, having made over 300 appearances in his career turning out for Ross County, Clyde, Queen’s Park and Brora Rangers.

After announcing he was hanging up his boots in 2016, he began his coaching journey with Ross County at Under 17 level.

Working his way up the ranks, Kettlewell became Under 20s manager at Ross County, winning the 2016-17 SPFL Development League.

When Owen Coyle resigned as manager of The Staggies in March 2018, Kettlewell and then academy director Steven Ferguson were appointed co-managers of Ross County.

In their time in charge, they brought silverware to County, winning the 2018/19 Challenge Cup. They were also promoted straight back to the top flight, winning the Championship, at the first time of asking.

Alongside promotion, Kettlewell was instrumental in generating money for the club through player sales and helped steer the club through the coronavirus pandemic and behind-closed-door matches.

In June 2020, Kettlewell was placed in sole charge of the Dingwall side before leaving in December of that year.

Joining Motherwell in August, Kettlewell has been working closely with the Under 18s and Development Team to continue the progress of our young and exciting youth prospects.

“I’m immensely proud,” manager Stuart Kettlewell added.

“It’s been a whirlwind eight or nine days.

“I had a burning desire to take the job to see if I can take this club forward and be a catalyst to what we hope will be a good chapter for the football club.”

“I genuinely think I come to Motherwell a better manager than what I was previously and I hope that is something that appeals to the Motherwell supporters.

“There’s some real good players here. I wouldn’t have taken the job had I felt there was a real issue with the playing squad.

“This is a community club. It’s important that we join that up. I think this club is unique. It now becomes my job to drive it forward.”

Stuart will name his assistant manager in due course. The vacant lead development coach role will also be filled in the near future.

We take on Kilmarnock on Saturday 25 February at Rugby Park.

Kick-off is 3pm

Tickets

Our allocation will be situated in The Chadwick stand and will be available online by clicking here until kick-off on the day of the game.

Ticket Prices

• Away End tickets will be available ONLY in the Chadwick Stand only, if an away supporter purchases a home end ticket they will be denied entry.
• Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable and T&C’s apply.
• If supporters require assistance, please contact the Kilmarnock FC ticketing team at tickets@kilmarnockfc.co.uk or call 01563 545311
• Ambulant disabled tickets can be purchased directly through the Kilmarnock FC Ticket Office.
• Wheelchair tickets can be purchased directly through Kilmarnock FC disabled supporters’ representatives:

1. Peter Orr –– 01563 406390
2. Mae Orr – 07909713098

How to follow game online

If you are outside the UK, you can watch the game via Motherwell TV.

Should you be in the UK, it will be live commentary only.

The Story of the Match

Stuart Kettlewell takes full charge for the first time as Motherwell go into this one on the back of two confidence boosting wins over St Mirren and Hearts.

Those two wins lift the Steelmen from bottom of the league to three points above Saturday’s opponents.

Rugby Park hasn’t been a happy hunting ground recently. The Ayrshire side won last time out, with Armstrong and Taylor cancelling out Van Veen’s goal in a 2-1 comeback win in August.

Match Officials

• Referee: Alan Muir
• AR1: Douglas Ross
• AR2: Sean Carr
• Fourth Official: Lloyd Wilson
• VAR: Andrew Dallas
• AVAR: David Dunne

Motherwell picked up the bonus point in the cinch Reserve League cup this afternoon against Kilmarnock at K-Park by winning the penalty shootout 4-2, with the game ending 1-1 after 90 minutes. 

Fraser Murray put Kilmarnock ahead with ten minutes remaining but Olly Crankshaw levelled the game in the 89th minute to take the game to the shootout.

Aston Oxborough would go on to save two out of Kilmarnock’s four penalties in the shootout, with Motherwell converting all four of their spot kicks.

It would be a game of few chances in the first half. Crankshaw had the ball in the net midway through the first period. The winger cut inside onto his right foot before finishing into the top corner but was adjudged to have been offside by the officials.

Oxborough was called into action to save Bobby Wales’ effort, which looked to be finishing into the corner. The Englishman got his hand to it to clear it away.

Oxborough would be involved again in the second half, with two saves from distance to keep the game level.

But Kilmarnock would dominate the ball more as the half went on and would make it count on 79 minutes. Kian Leslie crossed the ball into the danger area after some good work on the wing and Murray was on hand to head into the far corner to open the scoring.

The goal would kick Motherwell back into life and Crankshaw fired Motherwell on level terms in one of the last actions of the game. Crankshaw picked up the ball and drilled an effort from 20-yards into the bottom corner. 1-1.

Motherwell would have a golden chance to win the game after 90 minutes. Some good work from Ross Tierney would unleash Crankshaw who went through on goal but his effort was saved by the keeper.

Daniel Hunter, Stuart McKinstry and Olly Crankshaw all scored from the spot. Oxborough would save Kerr McInroy’s spot kick, with a strong hand to the bottom right.

Killie would score their next penalty however Oxborough got down well to the bottom right to save Murray’s effort from 12-yards.

Ross Tierney stepped up knowing if he finished, he would secure the bonus point for his side and he did just that, sending the keeper the wrong way.

Motherwell made it a six point week as Stuart Kettlewell made it two wins out of two in the cinch Premiership as interim manager. 

Third placed Hearts made the trip to Lanarkshire as they looked to continue their fine run of form.

But Motherwell, fought with everything and Job Obika got his side ahead with his first goal for the club on 40 minutes.

Blair Spittal scored after just 22 seconds in the second half to double the Steelmen’s advantage and to take the wind out of Hearts’ of sails.

A second win the space of four days, moved Motherwell further away from the bottom of the table as they now look to their next ‘cup final’ against Kilmarnock on Saturday.

It’s derby week as Motherwell take on Hamilton at K-Park on Sunday 26 February.

Kick-off is 1.10pm.

How to follow the game

Tickets for the match cost £8 for adults, with concessions and kids costing £3.

Cash and card are accepted at the turnstiles. There is no facility to buy tickets online before the match.

Story of the match

An international break last weekend meant both side weren’t in action.

Motherwell advanced comfortably to the Quarter Finals of the Scottish Cup with a 4-0 win over Montrose in their last outing.

The women of steel are unbeaten in their last four.

Accies lost their last two games 1-0, against Partick Thistle and Spartans respectively. Their last win came against Glasgow Women in the mid January.

“The game management was outstanding throughout the game.

“But we can’t get carried away. We’re still in a dogfight.”