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Under 20s boss Stephen Craigan believes his sides good run of form sets them up well for tomorrow’s trip to Kilmarnock.

A dramatic comeback victory against rivals Hamilton last week meant the young ‘Well team have now strung together five consecutive victories.

Speaking to MFC TV this afternoon, the U20s boss looked ahead to tomorrow’s Development League fixture.

He said: “We’re looking forward to it after last week’s comeback and the enthusiasm and hunger the players showed tells me that they are all ready for tomorrow’s game.

“It’s just about churning out performances now because we’ve had quite a tough spell with a lot of games and we have another tough week coming up.”

[pullquote]That’s five wins in a row now and it shows that they’re taking on the information about just trying to replicate their performance all the time and trying to maintain their high standards.[/pullquote]

He added: “We want to get off on the front foot and put in a good, positive performance. That’s five wins in a row now and it shows that they’re taking on the information about just trying to replicate their performance all the time and trying to maintain their high standards.”

Kilmarnock will prove to be tough opponents at Rugby Park tomorrow night, and Craigan believes his side have to make sure they get off to better starts than they have in recent weeks.

He said: “In the last couple of weeks we’ve given ourselves a mountain to climb, with the cup game against Partick Thistle and the game against Hamilton too.

“We can’t afford to do that though because somewhere along the line the mountain becomes too high and you can’t reach the top.”

He added: “We need to try and dictate the game from the start, the players know what’s required of them and we worked on some shape this morning, some patterns of play and just reemphasised some of the good stuff that we can do. Hopefully that will come to fruition tomorrow night.”

[pullquote]We’re full of confidence and we feel that if we can go to Rugby Park tomorrow, put in a good performance and replicate the things we’ve talked about, we’ll do ok.[/pullquote]

The Northern Irishman, who has sent a few of his players out on development loans to gain valuable experience, believes that competition is healthy among the squad.

He said: “It’s good because we’ve now got 13 or 14 players who can play, that’s the key message. Some players have come in and done well, some have stayed in the team, some weren’t in the team in the first half of the season but have got in the team and stayed in the team.

“There’s always that little bit of pressure on they boys knowing that there’s someone over their shoulder who can come in.”

He added: “We’re full of confidence and we feel that if we can go to Rugby Park tomorrow, put in a good performance and replicate the things we’ve talked about, we’ll do ok.”

 

At just 18-years of age, Barry Maguire boasts a number of qualities that can be hard to find in even the most experienced centre-backs.

The Scottish defender reads the game superbly, most do, but he also has an eye for both short and long passes and is very, very two footed – so much so in fact that on a number of occasions it is often questioned, ‘what foot is Barry again?’

The truth is he doesn’t have a preferred foot due to the fact he is so comfortable on either side.

Of course, that is a huge positive to the youngster’s game, but it is just one of many qualities which make Barry likely to eventually force his way in to first team contention.

Primarily a central defender, Barry’s future is not limited to that position due to the fact that he has something his manager believes is vital… the ability to adapt.

With the Scottish FA Youth Cup quarter final delicately poised at 3-3, Stephen Craigan made a clever tactical switch which ultimately led to the crucial winner.

Withdrawing Reece Rintoul, the Northern Irishman changed his sides shape and shifted Maguire in to midfield.

He thrived. And soon enough he justified Craigan’s tactical switch by winning the ball in a key area and springing the Steelmen on their way to Dylan Mackin’s 87^th minute winner.

After the match, the U20s boss couldn’t hide his delight and touched on Maguire’s ability as a young footballer trying to make his way in the game.

He said: “We decided to put Barry in to midfield and he played terrifically.

“He’s full of energy, he’s full of heart, he’s full of desire – he’s full of everything you want from a young football player.”

He added: “Putting Barry in to midfield gave us a physical presence and a bit of energy to go and close the game down and press.

“The winning goal ended up coming from him being ahead of the midfield, winning the ball and getting us on to the front foot.

“Players have to adapt, and Barry can do that due to the ability he has with the ball at his feet and the physical presence he has too.”

Whether Maguire gets his chance for Mark McGhee’s first team doesn’t seem unlikely – when it happens is the thing that is harder to predict.

What isn’t hard to predict though is that Barry Maguire has all the right components to have a bright future in the game.

‘Well fans, watch this space.

Motherwell U20s face Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Tuesday night in the Development League.

After last weeks impressive 4-3 comeback win over rivals Hamilton, the Fir Parkers will be keen to follow up and keep the pressure on top of the table Hibs.

And Stephen Craigan may be forced to revise his options due to Luke Watt, Tom Fry and Dylan Mackin being involved for their loan clubs at the weekend.

Mackin, on loan at Alloa Atletic, bagged a late equaliser as his side took on Livingston.

New arrivals Oliver Pain and Shea Gordon could be in line to make their debuts after completing loan switches in the January window.

You can follow all the action live on twitter @MotherwellFC

Extended highlights from Fir Park Stadium as ten-man Motherwell lose 0-3 to Hearts at Fir Park.

‘Well boss Mark McGhee expressed his frustration after a crucial red card for Carl McHugh turned today’s clash with Hearts on its head.

The Irish midfielder won the ball in a 50/50 tackle with Don Cowie, but referee Andrew Dallas deemed it to be dangerous and sent the ‘Well number eight off early in the second half.

Speaking to MFC TV after the match, the manager admitted the decisions were the difference between the sides today.

He said: “There were ridiculous decisions. I’m delighted with the performance, and at 1-0 down with ten men we dominated the game and we did everything apart from turn good possession in good areas in to a goal.

[pullquote] There’s nothing we can do about it, what we can do is look at that last third where we got into those areas lots of times but couldn’t turn it in to goals.[/pullquote]

“Other than that the sending off is never a sending off and I’m convinced by that. For me, it was all about decisions today.”

Looking forward, McGhee admitted his side cannot let today dampen their spirits moving forward.

He said: “There’s nothing we can do about it, what we can do is look at that last third where we got into those areas lots of times but couldn’t turn it in to goals.

“I thought we were the best team when we had ten men at 1-0. We were sensible, we picked and chose our moments to go forward we didn’t just go forward and abandon defence.”

[pullquote]We’ve got a lot to look forward to, I’m not disappointed with the performance, I’m gutted with the result and for me it in no way reflects the nature of the game today.[/pullquote]

He added: “We defended when we had to and then got back behind the ball, we took our time because we knew we had plenty of time left in the match to get a goal and I was convinced we were going to get a goal with the way we were playing.

“You can’t legislate for going down to ten men, with ten men you’re going to be at a disadvantage.”

On new arrival Stephen Pearson, the manager said: “He set the tone, he had a couple of magnificent tackles, he showed his energy, getting up and down the park he’ll be a great asset for us now he’s here.

“We’ve got a lot to look forward to, I’m not disappointed with the performance, I’m gutted with the result and for me it in no way reflects the nature of the game today and even at ten men we deserved something from the game.”

Images from today’s 0-3 loss to Hearts in the Ladbrokes Premiership at Fir Park.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix

[svgallery name=”hearts040217″]

[tab:Match report]

Phil McGhee at Fir Park

It was another midday kick-off in the rain in front of the live televised game at Fir Park and for the second consecutive Saturday it was the referee who dominated TV replays.

In a situation very similar to Scott McDonald’s red card the previous week, Motherwell found themselves victims of strict refereeing, when Andrew Dallas controversially sent Carl McHugh off for a robust but fair tackle seven minutes into the second half.

That handed Hearts, who had failed to make much of an impression until then, an extra man and Motherwell’s bad luck was compounded within minutes of the red card when the Tynecastle side took a fortunate lead through Alex Tziolus’ wickedly deflected shot. Two goals from Esmael Goncalves in the final six minutes left Hearts with a flattering scoreline and a hard working ‘Well side a heavy defeat they didn’t deserve.

Scott McDonald’s two-match suspension meant a start for Lionel Ainsworth. There was also a starting place for on loan defender Zak Jules, who formed a central back three with Stephen McManus and Ben Heneghan.

After six minutes McHugh’s terrific cross field pass found Richard Tait free to whip in a cross which Louis Moult met but as his header crashed of the cross bar the belated offside flag prevented any chance of a follow up.

That was virtually Tait’s last contribution as a challenge on Goncalves after 17 minutes cost the full back a booking and his place as he limped off to be replaced by Jack McMillan.

A dipping drive from Don Cowie and a Jamie Walker shot into the side netting gave notice of Hearts’ goal threat. It took until the 28^th minute, though, for Craig Samson to make his first save, low to his left to bundle Maluary Martin’s bouncing free kick round the post.

Having been penned in their own half for most of the opening 45 Motherwell had a couple of chances to break the deadlock before half-time.

Firstly from Stevie Hammell’s inswinging corner Jack Hamilton’s palmed clearance fell in front of Ainsworth and his half volley sped past the stranded ‘keeper only to be cleared off the goal line by Avlonitis.

Two minutes from the break, ‘Well were gifted a chance courtesy of the referee. As Moult raced on to a loose ball at the edge of the box he tripped over Ainsworth’s outstretched leg.

Amazingly, Andrew Dallas not only awarded a free kick but booked the innocent Martin.

Moult saved the ref from further embarrassment when he curled the free kick just beyond Hamilton’s left hand post.

The Fir Park side made a bright start to the second half and after a great burst forward, Jules released Cadden on the right but as Moult waited at the back post his cross was cut out by the Hearts’ ‘keeper.

However, a bizarre six minutes gave Hearts the advantage and left Motherwell facing an uphill task.

For the second consecutive Saturday ‘Well found themselves harshly reduced to 10 men. Carl McHugh was clearly committed to his tough tackle with Don Howie. And after clearly winning the ball he caught the former Scotland internationalist, but it was difficult to see how McHugh could avoid contact.

Reduced to 10 men for almost final 30 minutes, Mark McGhee made a double substitution bringing on Lee Lucas and Stephen Pearson for his third debut in Motherwell colours.

However, before either could contribute the Steelmen were dealt a double blow when the Tynecastle side opened the scoring. There was little danger as Alex Tziolis tried his luck from 25 yards until his fierce drive deflected off the closing down Lasley, sending the ball spiralling high over Samson before dropping under his bar.

Eight minutes later Lasley came within inches of an equaliser when he met a headed clearance 20 yards in front of goal and his controlled volley steered the ball through a packed defence and narrowly past the wrong side of the post.

With Pearson driving from the middle of the park and Cadden pushing down the right wing Motherwell continued to take the game to the visitor’s goal.

And 12 minutes from time Pearson’s sprint into the centre of goal was almost rewarded but Cadden’s cross drifted over the midfielder.

Motherwell were still pressing for a deserved equaliser until six minutes from time they were caught on the counter attack. Pearson and Lucas had possession at the edge of the Hearts’ box but when the Edinburgh side raced to the other end Goncalves swept the ball past the exposed Samson to make it 2-0 and kill the game.

The ‘Well ‘keeper then denied Goncalves a second brilliantly blocking at his feet. But when a tiring Jules lost out to Choulay at the corner flag, his cross was drilled home by Goncalves and gave Hearts a rather flattering scoreline for their efforts.

[tab:As it happened]

 Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

 

FT: Motherwell 0 – 3 Hearts #MFCvHMFC

90′ | 0-3

Three minutes added on

88′ | 0-3

Goal – Choulay wins the ball wide on the right and squares it to Goncalves who slots it past Samson.

86′ | 0-2

Goncalves could have sealed it as he broke clear again but Samson stands up to it and makes the stop.

84′ | 0-2

Goal – Hearts counter and when Choulay plays in Goncalves, he slides it in past Samson.

MATCH ATTAX | Young ‘Well fans can vote now for your Man of the Match. Tweet us with your name, age, choice & #MatchAttaxMOTM.

78′ | 0-1

Cadden whips in a deep ball towards the head of Pearson but it’s just inches away from the midfielder!!

75′ | 0-1

Hearts sub, Nicholson on for Walker.

74′ | 0-1

Goncalves tests Samson with a low shot from the edge of the box but the ‘keeper makes the save.

68′ | 0-1

Goncalves hits it on the spin 10 yards out but he can’t hit the target. Dragged wide of the post.

64′ | 0-1

So close! Loose ball falls Lasley’s way but his low shot goes inches wide of the post!

62′ | 0-1

Hearts sub, Martin off for Kitchen.

59′ | 0-1

Goal – Tziolis tries his luck from range and it loops over Samson with the help of a huge deflection.

54′ | 0-0

Motherwell double sub, Hammell and Ainsworth off for Lucas and Pearson.

52′ | 0-0

Red card! McHugh shown the red! Was a firm challenge and got the ball but did catch the man on the follow through.

51′ | 0-0

Motherwell counter through Jules who sets Cadden free but he can’t find anyone with his delivery into the box.

48′ | 0-0

‘Well work the ball wide to McMillan but his low cross into the box is dealt with by the Hearts defence.

Lasley gets the second 45 underway. COYW!!!

Half time sub for Hearts, Choulay on for Johnsen

50-50 | The winning numbers are:

1st: 163724

2nd: 165063

3rd: 163683

HT: Motherwell 0 – 0 Hearts #MFCvHMFC

43′ | 0-0

Martin booked for trip on Moult. Looked harsh to be fair. Free-kick to ‘Well 20 yards out….just wide by Moult!!

40′ | 0-0

Corner Motherwell…off the line by Avlonitis! Ainsworth had Hamilton beaten but the defender sweeps it clear.

39′ | 0-0

Gonvalves looked like he was going to break away from McMillan but Dallas’ whistle blows for handball against the frontman

33′ | 0-0

Walker booked for kicking the ball away after the whistle had gone. Daft one.

29′ | 0-0

From the resulting free-kick Martin forces Samson into a decent low save.

28′ | 0-0

Lasley booked for a trip on Walker 35 yards from goal.

17′ | 0-0

Best chance of the game there as Walker blasts into the side-netting from 10 yards!

17′ | 0-0

Motherwell sub, McMillan on as Tait limps off.

16′ | 0-0

Tait booked for pulling down Goncalves in the Hearts half.

14′ | 0-0

Walker dispossesses Jules 30 yards out but thankfully his shot from distance flies over the bar.

13′ | 0-0

Sowah does well and gets past Cadden down the left. Samson takes no chances and puts his low cross out for a corner.

6′ | 0-0

Close! Moult has a header off the bar! The linesman’s flag went up but the well striker was onside. Encouraging.

4′ | 0-0

Goncalves drags a shot just wide of the post from outside the box. Samson looked comfortable with it.

Andrew Dallas gets the game underway. COYW!!

 

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee:

 

Hearts manager Ian Cathro:

 

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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The fourteenth issue of the Steelmen matchday magazine is on sale ahead of tomorrow’s league clash with Hearts at Fir Park.

Here, we take a look at what can be found inside the 68-page programme.

New signing Elliott Frear reveals why he decided to join the Steelmen in the January transfer window and talks about what he hopes to achieve in claret and amber.

Regular pieces including the pre-match column from manager Mark McGhee and club captain Keith Lasley, along with ‘5 Fast Facts’ and ‘Getting to Know You’ – where midfielder Lee Lucas is profiled – all remain in the latest issue of the 2016/17 season programme.

The interesting feature ‘Well in Numbers’, where feature writer Andrew Paterson looks at some of the key numbers in Motherwell history, continues.

‘Future Steel’ is an inside look at the next generation of players waiting patiently to break in to the first team and this week’s star is defender Barry Maguire, as he continues to put in sound displays for the U20s.

As part of the clubs aims to work closely with the Motherwell FC Community Trust and The ‘Well Society, regular updates are included in the programme.

This week’s main features on tomorrow’s opposition remain, including an in depth look at Hearts as well as this season’s new ‘Tactics Board’, where we ponder Ian Cathro’s starting eleven from the Jambo’s win over Rangers on Wednesday.

Our match report section looks back on Tuesday nights 2-1 victory over Ross County at the Global Energy Stadium in Dingwall.

An update on Stephen Craigan’s U20s side is included too, reporting on the youngster’s victory on Monday night when a dramatic final 20 minutes saw the youngsters turn around a 3-0 deficit against rivals Hamilton to win 4-3 and remain second in the Development League table.

After a busy January transfer window, the clubs latest news makes for interesting reading in tomorrow’s programme.

Get all the latest from the Ticket Office as well as an in-depth look at tomorrow’s match-officials.

All this and more is available for £3 and is on sale from the Club Shop as well as the usual sellers located in and around the ground pre-match.

You can also order back editions or take a subscription to the magazine for the rest of the season by visiting the website of our publishers, Curtis-Sports.