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Highlights from Fir Park as Motherwell and Nottingham Forest played out a 1-1 draw.

-WATCH THE FULL HIGHLIGHTS ONLY ON MFC TV-

Stuart McCall declared himself satisfied after finishing the pre-season programme with a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest.

Billy Davies’ men came out the blocks flying and took the lead after 11 minutes when Matt Derbyshire finished off a neat counter-attack.

As the game worn on, ‘Well forced themselves into things and eventually drew level through Bob McHugh, the striker finishing well after good work on the left flank by Zaine Francis-Angol.

It brings the curtain down on the pre-season preparations for 2013/14, with ‘Well drawing with both Forest and Doncaster, losing to Newcastle and beating Morecambe and Cowdenbeath.

[pullquote]You want to come through your last game before the European game without any serious injuries and although we had to take McManus, Vigurs and Hutchinson off, they probably all would have stayed on had it been an SPFL game and they’ll all be fit for Thursday.[/pullquote]

McCall was satisfied with how things went and is now looking forward to Thursday night’s Europa League clash against Russian side Kuban Krasnodar.

He told MFC TV: “It was tough early on. They came with a diamond and we struggled in the early stages to cope with that but once we matched them up we gave as good as we got against a strong Nottigham Forest side and made a couple of chances before half time.

“I think we merited the goal when it came and I was really pleased with the workout we got. It was a tidy finish from Bob who has been looking sharp in training and I’m pleased for him.

“You want to come through your last game before the European game without any serious injuries and although we had to take McManus, Vigurs and Hutchinson off, they probably all would have stayed on had it been an SPFL game and they’ll all be fit for Thursday.”

-WATCH HIS INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

In their final game before the Europa League tie, ‘Well had an entertaining and evenly balanced workout with Billy Davies’ side.

Forest dominated the early stages and took the lead through Matt Derbyshire. But ‘Well controlled play in spells and had chances of their own before Bob McHugh grabbed a deserved equaliser seven minutes from time.

Until the usual flurry of substitutes in the final half hour, with Stephen McManus, Shaun Hutchison and Iain Vigurs all withdrawn as a precaution with the visit of Kuban in mind, ‘Well had a settled look about them.

It was the Championship side though which started strongly and Andy Reid brought out an excellent stop from Lee Hollis in the opening minutes and the visitors continued to dominate early on.

The deadlock was broken on 11 minutes when Derbyshire slid home from Dexter Blackstock’s cross.

Stuart McCall’s side reacted positively and Danny Collins was twice forced into important clearances – where on both occasions goal scoring opportunities looked likely.

Jamie Paterson really should have done better when he latched on to Adlene Guedioura’s slide-rule pass, however he blazed high over.

Motherwell responded at the other end with Iain Vigurs heading over Simon Ramsden’s cross.

Bob McHugh fired just wide of the target as the hosts created their best chance of the opening half hour.

John Sutton came agonisingly close to levelling proceedings on the stroke of half-time when he threw himself at Paul Lawson’s pin-point delivery.

‘Well suffered an early second half blow and perhaps a concern for next week when Stephen McManus limped off after 49 minutes replaced by Fraser Kerr.

The rearranged Well defence almost conceded a second goal on the hour mark. From six yards Guedioura looked to have swept home Chris Cohen’s cross but Lee Hollis produced a remarkable reflex save to push the ball behind.

Three minutes later McFadden and Vigurs came off allowing Carswell and Francis-Angol 27 minutes to impress.

Stevie Hammell’s cross gave Sutton half a chance but his downward header was easily held by the de Vries.

Motherwell then passed up their best chance when Sutton nodded the ball into the path of McHugh who thumped a left foot drive against the keeper’s legs.

With 15 minutes remaining Lee Irwin and Gunnar Neilsen replaced Lasley and Hollis before the last two subs Euan Murray and Craig Moore came off the bench.

In terms of goal action Forest came close to increasing their lead when Ishmael Miller dragged his shot across goal and just wide of the post.

But with seven minutes remaining ‘Well grabbed the equaliser. Francis-Angol swept down the left before picking out McHugh 10 yards in front of goal. The on form striker took a touch before hammering the ball high past de Vries to take his pre-season tally to three goals and give a satisfactory end to the evening.

Motherwell: Hollis (Nielsen, 75), Hammell, Ramsden, Hutchinson (Murray, 78), McManus (Kerr, 52), McFadden (Francis-Angol, 63), Lawson, Sutton (Moore, 80), Vigurs (Carswell, 63), Lasley (Erwin, 75), McHugh

Motherwell face FC Kuban Krasnodar in Russian on August 8 and there are fifteen seats remaining on the official club charter flight.

The package costs £1335 inclusive (which includes the £135 charge for a travel visa), accommodation, all transport to and from the stadium and a match ticket.

Although higher than we would like to charge, the price has been discounted by the club in order to encourage supporters to attend what is sure to be another exciting European adventure.

If you are interested, we can assure you of a really great experience travelling on the official charter flight and with the group at large. Previous trips have been well-organised, with many already booked for this trip having travelled before with the club. The flight would leave Glasgow early on Wednesday and return to Scotland immediately after the match.

Essentially all you have to do is turn up on the day and we’ll look after the rest for you.

We also have a dedicated member of staff working on the visa applications. If interested then please contact Jennifer Reston on 01698 333 333 or email jennifer.reston@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Motherwell take on English Championship side Nottingham Forest tonight at Fir Park.

Billy Davies’ side travel north of the border for what is our last outing before the Europa League Third Qualifying Round, First Leg, due to take place on Thursday 1 August.

The match with Forest will kick-off at 7pm with pay at the gate prices as follows:

Adult: £15
Concessions (60+ & FT Students): £10
Under 16s: £5

Fans should also note both the Centenary and Davie Cooper Suites will be closed both pre and post match due to a previously booked private function.

Stuart McCall hopes tomorrow’s tester against Nottingham Forest will prove perfect foil ahead of the Europa League opener next week.

The Steelmen will welcome former boss Billy Davies and his assistant David Kelly back to Fir Park for the final warm-up match before taking on FC Kuban Krasnodar.

‘Well have enjoyed a tough pre-season schedule, facing opposition from south of the border, starting with Doncaster two weeks ago and including Newcastle and Morecambe.

And McCall is confident that programme will benefit his side, particularly as the Russians will have played three competitive matches before they touchdown in Scotland.

[pullquote]Forest is great preparation for us. They started round about the same time and have played a similar amount of matches so they’ll be up to speed.[/pullquote]

Speaking exclusively to MFC TV, McCall said: “We’ve obviously got one eye now on the Russians who we face next Thursday at Fir Park.

“We are keen to work on our shape but are also mindful of not giving too much away given it is almost certain Kuban will see the match.

“They won’t have seen a lot of us but we’ve seen their last two matches and will take in their match with Zenit on Friday.

“Forest is great preparation for us though. They started round about the same time and have played a similar amount of matches so they’ll be up to speed.

“With the size of the squad, they’ll be able to mix it up. They have quality throughout the side and a real goal threat.

“It will be a tough test for sure but it is one we are looking forward to.”

-WATCH HIS INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV–

Clyde 1’s Superscoreboard Unleashed is back this August and it is bigger than ever before!

Join Jim Delahunt, Hugh Keevins, Gordon Dalziel, Andy Walker and me Gerry McCulloch on Friday the 23rd of August at the O2 ABC for a show than promises to tick all the boxes for Scottish football fans.

As well as all the usual fierce debate from the SSB panel, you can also expect…

• New ways to get involved in the debate, before and during the event
• Big name special guests
• Light hearted sketches brought to you by the panel and guests
• A ‘beat the goalie’ challenge live on stage
• Results of the best SPL goal of all time as voted for by the readers of the Scottish Sun and listeners of Clyde 1
• Interactive games to win big prizes
• And lots of other great surprises from the top team

Ticket prices start from £18 and can be purchased from www.ticketweb.co.uk or by calling 0844 477 2000. Or alternatively, you can pick them up in person from the O2 ABC box office.

For all other event information, including the details on our new VIP ‘Dug Outs’, visit www.clyde1.com/unleashed

Unleashed will be a night to remember so come and join the fun in their biggest setting yet!

Ticket prices for the UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round, First Leg against FC Kuban Krasnodar can now be confirmed.

Tickets will go on general sale today, priced at:

* Concessions are listed as over 60s and full-time students with a valid matriculation card.
* Juveniles are listed as sixteen and under.
* Family 1 tickets include one adult and one Juvenile.
* Family 2 tickets include one adult and two Juveniles.
* Prices are for all stands, although the Maxim Office Park Stand will only be sold after the other three are sold out.
* 2013/14 Season Ticket holders seats have been reserved until Saturday. Any not purchased before close of business on Saturday will then go on full general sale.
* If Season Ticket holders cans make note of their relevant seat numbers before purchase, it would help speed up the sales process at the Chapman Building.
* The match will kick-off at 7.45pm

Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said: “Our travel costs to Russia are astronomical and, as such, the club really need our fans to come out in as big numbers as possible for the home leg on August 1st.

“European football is the pinnacle for this club and the atmosphere at previous matches against the likes of Nancy, Odense and Panathinaikos have been extraordinary.

“It is sure to be a real test for Stuart and the lads and we need all the backing we can from our loyal fans. We have also introduced two special family tickets this year to try and encourage as many along as possible.”

Ticket Office Opening Times

Tuesday 23rd – Thursday 25th July: 9.15am – 6.30pm
Friday 26th July: 9.15am -7pm and for 1 hour after final whistle
Saturday 27th – Sunday 28th July: 9am – 3pm
Monday 29th & Tuesday 30th July: 9.15am – 6.30pm
Wednesday 31st July: 9.15am – 8pm
Thursday 1st August (Matchday): 9.15am – kick off