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Scottish Cup football is back, and Ross County lay in wait for the Steelmen in the first game of 2019.

The Championship side travel to Fir Park on the back of consecutive defeats, but won’t be short of motivation for the fourth round clash.

Championship leaders

Steven Ferguson and Stuart Kettlewell have led their side on a revival of sorts in the first half of the 2018/19 campaign.

After suffering relegation, the Staggies have enjoyed a scintillating six months or so and now sit top of the Championship after 21 games.

However, it’s a tight league this term, with Ayr and Dundee United hot on the Highlanders tails.

Premiership experience

Having been in the top flight just a matter of months ago, County are no strangers to opposition like Motherwell.

A number of their first team players have valuable Premiership experience, with the Dingwall outfit themselves or with other clubs.

Don Cowie spent a number of seasons at Hearts, Liam Fontaine arrived from Hibs, whilst players like Marcus Fraser and Michael Gardyne have been at the club for a number of years.

Another shot at glory

The Staggies made it to the Scottish Cup final in 2010, but fell narrowly short as Dundee United went on to lift the famous old trophy.

Every season that rolls around presents another opportunity for the club to go one step further, and they’ll be desperate to do just that.

They are no strangers to lifting silverware though, having won the League Cup in 2016.

Motherwell return to competitive action on Saturday as Ross County visit in the William Hill Scottish Cup.

Here’s an early look ahead to the match.

Form guide

Motherwell ended 2018 with a morale-boosting win over rivals Hamilton Academical, with Tom Aldred netting a double to secure the bragging rights going into the winter break.

Ross County, meanwhile, have continued action in the Ladbrokes Championship. Their last two games, both away from home, have seen them lose 1-0 to Greenock Morton and 4-0 to Queen of the South. Prior to that, they won two on home turf against Partick Thistle and Inverness CT.

Head to head

The Staggies faced the Steelmen five times in the 2017/18 campaign, four times in the Premiership and once in the Betfred Cup.

Motherwell won three, two of which were at Fir Park. County won one, while there was also one draw.

Secure your seat early

Season ticket holders can guarantee their seat if they buy in advance. Your seat is being held for you until 9am on the day of the game. Tickets will automatically be loaded onto your season card when purchased.

All fans can buy their tickets in advance online right now.

A cash gate will also be in operation. Kick off is at 3pm.

Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Andy Sim on 07428 225254 or email tickets@mfcdsa.com.

Our trip to Tenerife in the winter break again went brilliantly well thanks to Soccer Experience and the Baobab Suites.

For the second year in a row, our team benefitted from warm weather training in Adeje.

Our time there was a catalyst for the run that took us to the Scottish Cup final in 2018, and we’re hopeful we can experience a similar run of form as a direct benefit of the time away.

Stephen McManus has left Motherwell to become the new Under 18s coach at Celtic.

The former defender departs after a five-and-a-half year spell with the club, which saw him serve both as a player and youth coach.

“While it is unfortunate and coincidental timing to lose both Stephen McManus and Stephen Craigan in quick succession, our ongoing review of our player progression pathway at the club is continuing,” chief executive Alan Burrows said.

“Steven Hammell and David Clarkson are assisting with the squads in the interim, giving us the opportunity to conclude a thorough interview process for both vacant roles.

“It is due to the nature of our success at this club that our players and staff occasionally depart, having been sought out by other clubs. That is testament to the work we put in and the opportunities provided to the likes of Stephen over the years.

“We hope to appoint replacements for both positions in the very near future. Steven Hammell and David Clarkson’s involvement ensures continuity in our day-to-day work in the meantime.”

Speaking of his departure, McManus said: “It was a difficult decision to leave Motherwell after five great years.

“From day one back in 2013, it has been an honour to work and represent the club. The opportunity given to me to move into coaching, after deciding to retire from playing, is one I will forever be grateful for.

“I’d also like to thank everyone at the club for their support and understanding over my decision to leave, for their help and guidance over the years, and wish all the very best for the future.”

We would like to thank Stephen for his time at his club and his professionalism throughout, as well as wishing him well in his new role and the very best for the future.

Allan Campbell says he understands the reasons he’s been often rested in the early part of the 2018/19 season, but believes he’s ready to reach his previous heights again.

The young midfielder had a hectic 2018, barely having a summer break due to international commitments after being a club regular, and says he respects manager Stephen Robinson’s call to rotate him in order to avoid burnout.

Richard Tait has been an onlooker in Tenerife, but says watching from the sidelines has given him belief the mid-season break will serve as a catalyst for the second half of the campaign.

The defender is nursing an ankle knock sustained against Hamilton Academical and, when he’s not been working in the gym, says he’s seen plenty to give cause for optimism in 2019.

Manager Stephen Robinson says the ability to get away for a week of hard work in Tenerife can be beneficial in many ways.

A gruelling week has allowed players to get their fitness up, while also enjoying being able to train in warm weather and bond again, as the second half of the season looms.

Tom Aldred, Carl McHugh, Keith Lasley and Craig Hinchliffe try to come up with three answers on any given subject in just five seconds.

Peter Hartley says the mistakes made by Motherwell in the first half of the season can be rectified, starting with hard work in the mid-season camp.

The club captain says inconsistencies shown can be ironed out, based on encouraging performances in spells and the attitude of players in Tenerife.

Motherwell Football Club are pleased to announce Top Cat Window Blinds as the team’s new back of shirt partner for the rest of 2018/19 season and the 2019/20 campaign.

The partnership will see the Top Cat logo feature across the back of the shoulders of first team home and away shirts in all competitive games. This is in addition to the Suicide Prevention logo, which currently features at the bottom of the shirts.

Top Cat Blinds are a leading manufacturer and supplier of window blinds for domestic and commercial use with showrooms and offices in Glasgow and the surrounding areas.

The company has over 18 years of experience, and pride themselves on the quality of the fabrics and components they use and the skilled craftsmanship that goes into the making and fitting of every blind.

“Everyone here at Top Cat is super proud, honoured and excited to be in partnership with Motherwell Football Club,” Dale Carr, director of Top Cat Window Blinds, said. “We are looking forward to the rest of this season and next as the partnership grows from strength to strength”.

Suzanne Reid, head of commercial and marketing at Motherwell FC, said: “We are delighted to make this announcement, which is fantastic news for the club and also our supporters. As part of the partnership, all Motherwell FC season book holders will be offered a 20% discount from Top Cat Window Blinds.”