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Stuart McCall was pleased with aspects of today’s friendly with Fulham despite ‘Well’s 0-2 defeat at Fir Park.

The Cottagers merited their victory but in their first ‘official’ pre-season fixture of the campaign, there was enough positives to take from the game.

‘Well enjoyed spells of good possession, looked tidy on the ball and created several decent half-chances throughout.

Fulham, to their credit, created a little more in front of goal and worked Twardzik more to run out deserved winners.

However, the 40-times capped for Scotland midfielder was satisfied with the match ahead of Thursday’s Europa League 2nd Qualifying Round clash with Icelanders Stjarnan.

[pullquote]Obviously you don’t want to lose football games but we played some nice stuff. At times they dominated but I also thought we had spells when we were on top as well.[/pullquote]

Speaking to MFC TV, he said: “I enjoyed large spells of the game but we knew it would be a stern test. It’s disappointing to lose a set-piece goal but, otherwise, we played some really nice football and got into some good areas.

“The bigger picture is that it’s another 90 minutes under the belts which we needed prior to Thursday’s game.

“Obviously you don’t want to lose football games but we played some nice stuff. At times they dominated but I also thought we had spells when we were on top as well.

“Focus now turns to Thursday. We haven’t discussed them too much but certainly come Thursday everyone will know about their strengths and weaknesses.”

Action pictures from this afternoon’s 2-0 pre-season friendly defeat by Fulham at Fir Park.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix.

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Motherwell lost 0-2 to an impressive Fulham side in their final preparation match prior to Thursday’s Euro tie against Stjarnan.

The Steelmen showed some good touches, had some positive periods in possession and carved out some half chances, but the opposition was worthy of their victory.

Cameron Burgess opened the scoring when he headed home Chris David’s corner in the first half before Kostas Stafylidis added a second after the break with a shot from distance.

All in all, it was a good workout for the Fir Parkers who now must up their game against the unbeaten Icelandic side in five days time.

Stuart McCall named a familiar looking side with summer recruit Dan Twardzik the only “newcomer” in Claret and Amber.

Felix Magath handed a debut to former Steelmen favourite Ross McCormack, who partnered young Moussa Dembélé in attack.

There was also an emotional homecoming for Shaun Hutchinson, the big Geordie having left for London just over a month ago after seven years at Fir Park.

It was the tourists who started the brighter and forced an early corner, but the Well rearguard held firm.

Indeed, it was the Claret and Amber men who created the first real opportunity of the half when Iain Vigurs’ effort at goal was flicked on by Bob McHugh, only to drop inches wide of the post.

Motherwell showed more attacking invention but it was the Whites who took the lead on the 20th minute. Chris David’s beautiful corner was perfect for Cameron Burgess who powered a header into the far corner.

The home side looked for an instant reply through McHugh but his shot stung the palms of Cottagers keeper Marcus Bettinelli.

Both sides continued to create in what was an entertaining first half. McCormack forced Twardzik into a good punch before David curled a free-kick just wide. Christensen was also unlucky to watch his 25-yard strike fly inches over the crossbar.

Down the other end, Sutton fired over after some positive play down the left flank.

Into the second half and after numerous half-time changes, Fulham doubled their lead. Kostas Stafylidis collected from distance and his fierce shot wasn’t properly dealt with by Twardzik, only for the wet ball squirm agonizingly over the line.

The game hit a bit of a lull with both sides ringing the changes.

Iain Vigurs brought things back to life on the 71st minute with a stinging low volley that forced the keeper into a good save following excellent build up on the left flank from Stevie Hammell, sub Dom Thomas and Keith Lasley.

As the game reached its conclusion, it was Fulham who finished the stronger. Twardzik made an excellent stop to deny McCormack with nine minutes left before again saving from both Bangna then Williams from close range.

Motherwell: Twardzik, Reid (Kerr – 72mins), Hammell, Carswell (Leitch – 76mins), Ramsden, McManus, Ainsworth (Francis-Angol – 46mins (Thomas – 55mins)), Sutton (Erwin – 76mins), Vigurs (Cadden – 76mins), Lasley, McHugh (Law – 46mins)

Lionel Ainsworth admits the squad can’t get wait to get back into footballing action against Fulham tomorrow.

After three weeks of fitness work and four bounce matches, the Fir Parkers set it up a few gears when Felix Magath’s side are in town tomorrow.

Not only do the Cottagers have numerous International quality players in their side, they have two ex ‘Well favourites in Shaun Hutchinson and Ross McCormack.

Speaking to the gathered press, Ainsworth said: “We’ve had a few tough weeks training and some competitive bounce matches but everyone is really looking forward to this one.

[pullquote]We’ve had a few tough weeks training and some competitive bounce matches but everyone is really looking forward to this one.[/pullquote]

“I don’t think any player would say they enjoy pre-season but as they go, it’s been good so far.

“You can see in training the lads are ready to go and we hope to use the Fulham game to bounce in into the European match against Stjarnan.”

Asked if he was looking forward to a 50/50 tackle with his former teammate Hutchinson, he joked: “I’ll beat him to the ball!

“In all seriousness, it’s a brilliant opportunity for Hutchy (Hutchinson) to go down there. It’s a great club and he’s a great guy and if he gets his chance, I am sure he’ll shine.

“Everyone knows what he did for the club here over a number of years and everyone wishes him all the very best and hopes he goes on to bigger and better things.”

Action pictures from Dalziel Park as the Motherwell squad prepare for Saturday’s clash with Fulham.

Snaps courtesy of JSH Pix.

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Stuart McCall thinks facing some old friends when Fulham visit Fir Park on Saturday will be excellent preparation ahead of the Europa League qualifier.

The Steelmen will take on either Bangor City of Wales or Stjarnan of Iceland in the 2nd Qualifying Round next Thursday night at Fir Park.

Before that though, Felix Magath will bring his Fulham squad, containing former ‘Well players Shaun Hutchinson and Ross McCormack, to North Lanarkshire for an attractive looking pre-season friendly.

And the Scotland assistant coach hopes the stiff test his side will no doubt face will stand them in good stead ahead of the Steelmen’s eleventh Euro tie in the last six years.

[pullquote]The real importance of this fixture for us is to have a thorough test prior to our Europa League match.[/pullquote]

Speaking to the gathered press at a pre-match news conference, McCall said: “The real importance of this fixture for us is to have a thorough test prior to our Europa League match.

“Over the last few seasons we’ve been fortunate enough to have some good games here against the likes of Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle Utd and Everton, which has always stood us in good stead for the campaign ahead.

“So far we’ve played in four closed-door matches but this will obviously be a step up; we will go from being favourite to underdogs.

“However, whilst it might be nice to win these games, I must stress that it is not about the result, it’s about the preparation, getting people through what will be for some players their first 90 minutes.

“Obviously we are looking forward to welcoming back Shaun Hutchinson and Ross McCormack to Fir Park but the real matter is what we take from the match.”

Tickets for Saturday’s match with Fulham (2pm KO) are available on the gate priced at £10 for adults and £5 for juvenile/concessions.

Motherwell FC Community Trust is happy to announce a job opportunity has become available at Fir Park.

Job Description

Creating Chances Co-Ordinator

17.5 hours per Week

Temporary Until May 2017

Salary: £19,500 (pro rata)

Creating Chances is funded by Children in Need, North Lanarkshire Council, and NHS Lanarkshire and will use the power of sport to engage young people who may otherwise be difficult to reach in local communities. The project will engage male and female young people in a range of constructive activities to increase participation in sport; breakdown barriers between statutory bodies such as the police and Fire Service; reduce crime and anti social behavior; encourage volunteering; and create routes into education and training.

The project will also deliver personal development activities covering issues from healthy eating to career development.

We are looking for a motivated individual to become of Creating Chances Co-ordinator who understands the issues and challenges of young people who are hard to reach and who has the ability to successfully co-ordinate a project of this nature. The successful candidate must have access to a car and a willingness to work flexibly and on occasion, some unsociable hours. The position is based at Fir Park Stadium.

To apply please send your CV with covering letter to:

Motherwell Football Club Community Trust
General Manager
Fir Park Stadium
Motherwell
Lanarkshire
ML1 2QN

The closing date for applications is Friday 18th July 2014. Interviews will take place on Friday 25th July at Fir Park Stadium. If you have not been asked for interview by Wednesday 23rd July 2014, please assume that your application will not be taken any further.

Regulated Work with Children and Protected Adults;

This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children or protected adults.

Preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check, prior to a formal offer of employment being made by Motherwell Football Club Community Trust. Please note: Successful candidates will be expected to meet the cost of the relevant PVG check (£59 or £18), which will be deducted from your wages following the commencement of employment. For further information on the PVG Scheme please visit www.disclosurescotland.co.uk.

For a full job description and person specification, please click here.

Fulham visit Fir Park this Saturday at 2pm in what will be the first official pre-season friendly match of the summer.

Stuart McCall’s men have taken part in numerous bounce games in preparation for the Europa League 2nd Qualifying Round against either Bangor City of Wales or Stjarnan of Iceland on Thursday week.

The Cottagers, bossed by Felix Magarth, have former ‘Well defender Shaun Hutchinson in their ranks, who left last month after almost seven years in North Lanarkshire.

The London club today also confirmed the signing of former Steelmen striker Ross McCormack from Leeds United for a reported £11 million, however, it is unknown if he will feature in the squad or match at the weekend.

The Whites have other notable names in their squad such as Scott Parker, Moussa Dembélé and Hugo Rodallega and will be stiff opposition for the Fir Parkers.

Kick off is 2pm

Tickets for the match are available on the gate priced at:

• Concessions are listed as 15 and under, Over 60s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation card.

Picture: Fulham FC / Press Association