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[tab:Match report]

 Phil McGhee Fir Park

10-man Motherwell put on a brave show but still lost out 0-1 to SPFL Premiership league-leaders Celtic at Fir Park.

After going behind after only five minutes to an Anthony Stokes goal and having withstood an opening onslaught, ‘Well showed great determination to keep themselves in the game until the final whistle.

And despite playing out the final 25 minutes with ten men, when Simon Ramsden was red carded, it was Kenny Black’s side who finished the game the stronger and passed up chances for an equaliser.

That seemed impossible for a ‘Well side that made two enforced changes from the side which started against Dundee United, Fraser Kerr and Stuart Carswell coming in for the injured pair Mark O’Brien and Paul Lawson.

It was a memorable milestone for Keith Lasley who made his 400th appearance in a Motherwell jersey and as ever he enjoyed his midfield tussle with Scott Brown and the attention of the Celtic fans.

But along with his team mates it looked like being a long and miserable ninety minutes with the ‘Well goal under siege from the start.

After last weeks heroics, Dan Twardzik found himself one on one with John Guidetti within two minutes, but the Celtic striker steered his shot just wide much to the relief of the home fans.

The opening goal, though, was only delayed three minutes when a dreadful passback from Kerr allowed Stefan Johansen to nip round Twardzik. He then cut the ball back leaving Anthony Stokes the easy task of driving the ball between Ramsden and Stephen McManus on the goal-line.

A low drive from James Forrest might have made it two for the visitors, before the home side made their first attack on Craig Gordon’s goal. The ‘keeper wasn’t threatened, though, as Iain Vigurs fired over before a strong run and inviting cross from Henrik Ojamma found no takers.

A swift Celtic move after 20 minutes finished with a powerful Johansen shot which Twardzik was well positioned to block.

‘Well’s defensive cause wasn’t helped after 29 minutes when Kerr limped off to be replaced by 18 year old David Ferguson.

Despite their terrible start Motherwell grew stronger as half progressed and as half-time approached they might have sneaked an equaliser.

In the 39th minute a thunderous drive towards goal from Ojamma knocked Efe Ambrose off his feet. With the Nigerian defender still grounded Celtic played on but when they lost possession Lasley’s shot from the edge of the box forced the first save from Gordon.

Two minutes later Josh Law swept a cross to the edge of the six yard box and the inrushing John Sutton was only denied by Virgil Van Dijk’s outstretched toe. From the resultant corner Ramsden’s header was on target but comfortably held by Gordon.

‘Well started the second half in the same fashion and pressure on the Celtic defence forced a poor clearance from Nir Bitton but Ojamma’s volley from the edge of the box swerved wide.

The promise of a fightback was almost undone in the 52nd minute when Forrest wriggled though the home defence but his fierce shot was superbly held by Twardzik low to his left.

The Parkhead side began to threaten in attack but the Fir Park were coping until they were reduced to ten men after 65 minutes.

As Forrest raced through on goal, Ramsden was forced into a last ditch tackle at the edge of the box which sent the Celtic winger flying and the ‘Well defender walking up the tunnel.

That forced Ferguson into central defence with Law dropping to full back and leaving the home side on the back foot for a spell of the game.

For the second successive home game Twardzik kept his side’s hope’s alive with a series of outstanding saves. Having blocked angled drive’s from Guidetti and Izaguirre, the ‘Well ‘keeper produced a stunning reflect save to deny Matthews from five yards before diving bravely at Guidetti’s feet.

That kept the home side in the game and with 12 minutes left, Kenny Black sensed an equaliser might be on the cards when he made a double substitution bringing on Lionel Ainsworth and Lee Erwin.

The attack minded pairing brought an immediate presence and menace to a Celtic defence which then had an uncomfortable closing spell.

And eight minutes from time Motherwell should have had an equaliser their spirited performance might have merited.

Ainsworth’s cross picked out Erwin completely unmarked just six yards out, but with Gordon’s goal begging the young striker powered his header down and wide of target.

Undaunted, ‘Well pressed until the final whistle and in injury time, having been booked a minute earlier for diving over Ambrose, Erwin stepped inside the Celtic defender at the corner of the box, only to curl his shot beyond the far post.

[tab:As it happened]

 Ally Reilly at Fir Park

FT: Motherwell 0 – 1 Celtic #MFCvCFC

92mins: Erwin tries to curl a shot to the far post but it’s well side in the end

91mins: Erwin booked for simulation in the box #MFCvCFC

2 minutes added on

88mins: Celtic sub, Commons on for Guidetti #MFCvCFC

82mins: HUGE chance for Erwin who has the whole goal to aim for but heads wide with nobody near him! #MFCvCFC

80mins: Celtic sub, Forrest off for Scepovic #MFCvCFC

78mins: Double ‘Well sub, Erwin and Ainsworth on for Vigurs and Sutton #MFCvCFC

76mins: Quite incredible save from Twardzik to deny Forrest from point black range. Celtic should have scored at least one of those chances

75mins: Again, the ball is put in on a plate for Guidetti but gets it all wrong again on the edge of the box #MFCvCFC

74mins: Unbelievable miss from Guidetti at the front post. Seemed to get his feet all wrong and taps the ball harmlessly out of play

72mins: Another fine stop from Twardzik! This time he uses his foot to stop Izaguirre’s shot who then slices the rebound wide #MFCvCFC

69mins: Superb save from Twardzik, diving to his left to palm away Guidetti’s curling shot #MFCvCFC

65mins: RED CARD: Ramsden is sent off, ref says it was a clear goalscoring opportunity. Free-kick 20 yards out for Celtic #MFCvCFC

63mins: Celtic sub, Tonev on for Stokes #MFCvCFC

62mins: Twardzik races off his line to gather in Matthews low cross which was Guidetti bound #MFCvCFC

60mins: Ramsden picks the ball up in the Celtic half but doesn’t spot the run of Law who would have been through on goal. #MFCvCFC

58mins: Last ditch interception from McManus as Matthews looked to slide in Stokes in the middle of the goal #MFCvCFC

From the corner, Guidetti heads over at the front post.

56mins: Good covering from Law as he gets back to slide the ball out for a corner as Stokes threatened #MFCvCFC

52mins: Space opens up for Forrest just inside the box. He shoots with his left foot an Twardzik makes a good stop, diving low to his right

47mins: Decent bit of pressure from ‘Well but when the ball eventually falls to Ojamaa on the edge of the box, he slices his shot well wide

Stokes and Johansen get the second half underway #MFCvCFC

Teams are back out. Still 1-0 here to Celtic, need a big second half #MFCvCFC

HT: Motherwell 0 – 1 Celtic #MFCvCFC

41mins: Sutton fires a great ball in across goal towards Law but Izaguirre gets there first and knocks it wide for a corner. #MFCvCFC

38mins: Arguably ‘Well’s best chance of the game, Ojamaa fires straight at Ambrose then Vigurs is slid in but Gordon saves with ease.

29mins: Motherwell sub, young David Ferguson is on for the injured Fraser Kerr #MFCvCFC

20mins: Celtic cut through the ‘Well defence and eventually Johansen is slid in. From inside the box, he fires straight at Twarzik #MFCvCFC

18mins: Lasley plays a free-kick down the left wing to Ojamaa who then swings a cross into the box but it’s too deep and Izaguirre mops up

14mins: First bit of attacking intent from ‘Well but Vigurs’ shot from 25 yards is way off the mark. #MFCvCFC

13mins: Another great chance for Celtic.Forrest should score after being slid in by Brown but like Guidetti, drags it just past the post

11mins: All Celtic so far. Ball falls kindly for Forrest 20 yard out and he takes it on the volley. Flies not far wide of the left post

8mins: McManus is punished for a foul on Guidetti about 30 yards out on the right hand side. Johansen takes it and Carswell knocks it wide.

6mins: GOAL – Johansen pouncs on a slack back pass, nips around Twardzik and squares it to Stokes who taps in with ease

2mins: great chance already for Celtic. Guidetti is threaded through by Brown but fails to hit the target, dragging just wide from 15 yards

1min: Stokes delivers the corner deep and Ambrose heads well wide.

1min: Kerr takes no chances at the back post and nods it out for a corner #MFCvCFC

Law and Lasley kick the game off #COYW #MFCvCFC

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell caretaker manager Kenny Black:

Coming Soon…

Celtic manager Ronnie Deila:

Coming Soon…

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”211″]

For a truly unforgettable occasion, Motherwell FC are delighted to offer the perfect destination, a choice of tempting cuisine and sparkling entertainment this winter.

Christmas parties at Fir Park are always a night to remember and this year will be no different.

We’ve all the ingredients for a great party; high quality catering, lively entertainment and excellent service.

Enjoy a glass of Champagne on arrival then a fabulous three-course meal in the Centenary Suite before dancing the night away with our live band and disco.

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• Vegetarian option –  Roast Vegetable tartlet with Goats Cheese
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We have just two fabulous nights left available so book quick to ensure you don’t miss out:

• Friday, 12th December
• Friday, 19th December

Phone the Commercial Team on 01698 338008 / 338062 or email commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk to secure your seat. Alternatively, you can Click Here to book online.

£10 per person deposit to confirm booking. Non returnable after End of October, and cannot be used as part of full payment.

Outstanding balance to be paid by 15^th November.

Simon Ramsden says it suits ‘Well to be massive underdogs when they take on table-toppers Celtic tomorrow.

The Steelmen find themselves nineteen points behind the in-form Celts ahead of the Sky Live game on Saturday lunchtime.

Few will give the Claret and Amber men much hope, with some bookmakers having the hosts as much as 10/1 to win the match.

That suits the experienced Ramsden, who hopes it’ll give Motherwell the freedom to play with much pressure against the SPFL Champions.

Speaking to the broadcast press at ‘Well’s pre-match news conference, the 32-year old said: “Whenever you play Celtic, you’re not expected to win and that will no doubt be the case tomorrow.

[pullquote]We need to try and get something out of the game and will absolutely approach it like that. We want a positive performance and try to get a good result. In the position we are in we need to start climbing the table[/pullquote]

“They’ll come here full of confidence and look to turn us over, most people will think it’ll be a ‘backs to the wall’ job.

“In saying that, we need to try and get something out of the game and will absolutely approach it like that. We want a positive performance and try to get a good result. In the position we are in we need to start climbing the table.

“We’ve done it [won] in the past against Celtic, in my time at the club and before then.

“Celtic have a lot of attacking options who will cause you a lot of problems; we are well aware of that but I think last week we caused Dundee utd a lot of problems so if we play to that standard again, I think we can cause some problems tomorrow.”

Kenny Black says ‘Well can take inspiration from their previous result at Parkhead when they face Celtic tomorrow.

Motherwell went to Glasgow and earned a respectable 1-1 draw back in September.

The Steelmen went 1-0 ahead through John Sutton and the same player missed a glorious chance to double his tally shortly after. ‘Well could also have had a penalty when Jason Denayer stopped Iain Vigurs’ shot with a hand.

Even when Celtic did eventually get level, it was a debated penalty when Scott Brown was sent tumbling after a coming together with Josh Law.

Celtic have since hit top gear and haven’t lost in eight domestic games games. Black knows Saturday’s match will be altogether more tougher than the one the team faced three months ago.

[pullquote]We can take heart from the point we took earlier this season at Parkhead. There has been snippets throughout the season where we have performed well, we’ve just not done it for an extended time which we would like.[/pullquote]

He said: “We can take heart from the point we took earlier this season at Parkhead. There has been snippets throughout the season where we have performed well, we’ve just not done it for an extended time which we would like.

“We need to be good for ninety minutes and for a number of weeks to try and gather as much points as we can.

“There’s been  alot of off-field talk but it’s very much business as usual for myself. We’re obviously disappointed after last Saturday, but I think the best possible game we could have is the champions at home.

“It’s an early kick-off and gives us the something to go for. Hopefully we acn make an impact on the game at some point.”

Referee for Saturday’s SPFL Premiership clash with Celtic at Fir Park is Calum Murray.

Murray is an experienced whistler with well over fifteen years in the top flight and this is his second ‘Well match of the campaign, the other being the opening day success of St Mirren thanks to Lee Erwin’s first senior goal.

Somewhat surprisingly though, that Saints game was his first in North Lanarkshire for eighteen months.

He only took charge of one ‘Well match last term, that was the disappointing 2-0 defeat at McDiarmid Park – Stevie May and Nigel Hasselbaink on the score sheet.

Previous to that, it was February 2013 and a 3-0 for Stuart McCall’s side over Inverness (Michael Higdon double and a Nicky Law strike) at Fir Park.

Murray took charge of another two Motherwell matches that same campaign, the instantly forgettable 2-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox in the Scottish Communities League Cup and the 3-2 victory over Ross County at Fir Park.

Back in 2011, he also handled the Scottish Cup Final between Motherwell and Celtic at Hampden.

His overall record in charge of the Steelmen is fairly mixed. Of the 22 games he has taken charge of, Motherwell have won ten, drawn four and lost eight. The Fir Parkers have scored 29 whilst 29 have hit the back of the ‘Well net.

63 players have seen yellow on those fourteen matches, 34 of which were shown to a player wearing Claret and Amber.

Two players has been sent for an early bath, Bob Malcolm in the famous 1-0 win over Celtic back in early 2008 and Jim Goodwin, for a second bookable offence, in that match this term.

Calum will be ably assisted by Graeme Leslie and Gary Hilland with John McKendrick on fourth official duties. Donald McVicar is the Referee Observer and John Connolly is the SPFL Delegate.

Tickets for the Celtic match this Saturday are still on sale to both home and away fans from the Fir Park Ticket Office.

The club has sent a batch of tickets to Celtic for the Maxim Office Stand behind the south goal and they will distribute in the usual fashion.

Similar to previous matches between the teams, Motherwell will also sell ‘Away Family Section’ tickets in the North (Cooper) end of the Phil O’Donnell Stand – priced at £25 for one adult and one juvenile.

‘Home Family Section’ tickets are also available in both the Davie Cooper and East Stand, again priced at £27.

Tickets are priced at:

• Concessions are listed as Over 60s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation card.
• Juveniles are listed as Under 16s.
• Family tickets consist of 1x Adult and 1x Juvenile (Away Family Tickets are only available in the Phil O’Donnell Stand ‘Family Section’)
• The cheaper priced ticket is for the East Stand only.
• If you are new to Fir Park, check our handy ‘New Fans’ section that will detail everything you need to know about matchdays.
• Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Sharon or John McCaskie on 01555 870122 or email disabledfans@motherwellfc.co.uk.

PAYMENT OPTIONS: You can either pay cash or, if you prefer, via credit or debit card at the Fir Park Ticket Office – There is no cash at the turnstile. Please note there is a 2.5% surcharge on any credit card purchase. Alternatively, you can pre-purchase your ticket by booking online – just click the link below. *The following credit cards are accepted at the Fir Park Ticket Office:

 Highlights from Excelsior Stadium where two Dylan Mackin strikes earned the young Steelmen a point against Ross County.

U20s boss Jonatan Johansson praised his side after they battled back from 0-2 down to earn a point against Ross County.

The Steelmen started the game well, but somehow found themselves two behind when Steven Saunders and Darren Maatsen scored for the Staggies.

However, a second half double from Dylan Mackin earned the Fir Parkers a share of the spoils, with the only disappointment being they didn’t go on to win the match.

Speaking to MFC TV, the 106-times capped former Finnish International said: “Considering we came in two goals down at half-time, I’m very pleased to have got a point and the second half performance was excellent.

“To be two goals down after twelve minutes was harsh on us and was disappointing, but we showed some great spirit and character to get back into it.

[pullquote]It would have been great to score a third goal but after being two-nil down, 2-2 was pleasing.[/pullquote]

“Two minutes in I was thinking it was going well; we had to great chances from two good balls into the box but then, despite us going over set-pieces, County have scored from a corner which is disappointing.

“We then lost a little bit of composure. It’s natural to want to get back into the game after you lose a goal but we’ve been hit on a counter attack and they’ve scored a lucky second goal. After that it is an uphill battle.

“We’ve came out and scored a really good goal. We had been practising our play from wide areas so it was pleasing to see a goal come from it. I always put Dylan’s name down for direct free kicks but he always lets someone else take them.He’s got a fantastic left foot and showed that today with his free kick.

“It would have been great to score a third goal but after being two-nil down, 2-2 was pleasing.”

The U20s fought back to earn a 2-2 draw with Ross County but finished the match feeling they should have taken all three points.

Despite making an impressive start to the match, ‘Well found themselves two behind when Steven Saunders and Darren Maatsen both netted.

However, ‘Well roared back and Dylan Mackin scored twice in the second half to level things up and but for an exceptional goalkeeping performance from Antonio Reguero, the Steelmen would’ve won the match.

Jonatan Johansson made two changes to the side that lost to Dundee, Ross Stewart and Ben Hall dropping out, replaced by Max Currie and Ross MacLean.

And the Fir Parkers should have been ahead inside the opening sixty seconds when Mackin got on the end of a superb Jack McMillan cross, only to see his header brilliantly saved by Reguero at point-blank range. When the rebound fell for Cadden, the Spaniard was up like a flash to make the second save.

Incredibly, a minute later, and ‘Well past up another glorious opportunity to get ahead. It came from another delightful cross, this time Luke Watt, and Mackin was again on the end of it, but he steered his header a yard or so wide of target.

Even more incredible was that despite Motherwell’s hugely positive start to the match, completely against the run of play, County took the lead with their first attack.

A corner wasn’t properly cleared and when Maatsen hung up a cross towards the back post, Saunders got up above Morgyn Neill to head past Currie into the net.

Then, four minutes later, the Staggies doubled their advantage and it was a fluke from Maatsen.

The Dutchmen attempted to wriggle clear of his marker, McMillan, but could only screw a cross towards the back post. Unbelievably, it hit the frame of the goal and bounced into the net. The celebrations were understandably low-key from the former S.B.V. Excelsior forward.

The home side were stunned and set about the task of trying to get back into the game. They almost pulled a goal back when Mackin got on the end of a Craig McCall cross, but just as he pulled the trigger, right back Ross MacKillop got across in the nick of time to make the intervention.

County were buoyed by their lead and were content to hit on the counter as ‘Well threw everything forward. Both Maatsen and Steven Ross had shots from distance that flew over, but certainly nothing that would trouble Currie in the home goal.

At the other end, Reguero was again well placed to deny Steven Higgins after the front man hared in on goal following a McCall pass. Then, moments later, another Watt cross into the box flew over the head of Mackin but fell for Chris Cadden, but the midfielder couldn’t get a clean connection on his shot and it bobbled away from goal.

Motherwell continued to push and push for a goal, but did get a lucky escape when Kyle MacLeod went down inside the area from a Neill challenge. It looked like a strong claim on first inspection, but the match official, who was right up with play, was having none of it.

As the half finished, Steven Higgins again came close with a curling effort that went over, Thomas hit the wall with a free-kick and Cadden pulled a shot wide of target after Higgins had teed him up with a neat cut back.

It took the second half ten minutes to really get going when Watt fired a low shot that was deflected wide. From the corner, County countered at speed and were only denied a third goal by the strong hands of Currie, who pushed away the low shot from Maatsen.

It would prove a crucial save as with their next attack, ‘Well got the goal they so badly needed. McCall and Cadden combined in the middle of the park, before Thomas drove the attack forward. He slid it out wide to Higgins on the left flank and his first time low ball across the face of goal was gobbled up by Mackin at the back post, who drilled high into the net.

‘Well almost immediately went in search for a leveler and Mackin, MacLean, Thomas and Ferguson all passed up half chances to net.

Then, with seventeen minutes left, ‘Well thought they were level when Mackin was again denied by the brilliance of Reugero, who stopped his near post shot from point blank range.

Sadly, in the same attack, County defender Ben Frempah sustained a bad injury after an awkward fall and had to be taken to hospital. The best wishes of everyone at Motherwell FC are with him.

Johansson’s men continued to plug away though and eventually leveled with twelve minutes left on the clock. McCall won a free-kick on the edge, allowing Mackin to size it up. The big striker dully dispatched a cracker, leaving Reugero helpless.

Motherwell sensed blood and threw the kitchen sink at it, but were almost suckered at the other end when sub Russell Dingwall finished an excellent counter with a curling shot that forced Currie to tip over.

Then, deep into stoppage time, his opposite number was at it again, stopping brilliantly from Thomas whose goalbound looking effort was expertly turned over.

The home side would be forced to settle for a point in an entertaining affair at a cold Excelsior Stadium.

Motherwell U20s: Currie, Watt, McMillan, Ferguson, Neill, McCall, Cadden, Mackin, Higgins, Thomas, MacLean

Subs Not Used: Stewart, McNulty, Anderson, R. Leitch, Watters

Motherwell Football Club today released the following brief update on the search for a new manager.

“We continue to work to secure new investment and, in the meantime, the Board has recommenced the process of seeking a new first-team manager.

“The Board has narrowed the extensive candidates list down into something more manageable and will now seek to interview relevant applicants, with a view to making an appointment as swiftly as possible.”