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“We need to stand up to this run, myself included.

“Next week is the biggest week of our season.”

Steven Hammell’s men slumped to a disappointing 3-2 defeat against Hibernian despite some determined play and a fighting performance until the final whistle.

The Fir Park men were largely responsible for their own downfall with some dreadful defending contributing to Kevin Nisbet’s hat-trick. At two down Stuart McKinstry’s goal gave some hope of a fight back before Nisbet’s well taken third tied up the points.

To their credit the Steelmen kept going until end and Ross Tierney’s goal in added time gave them renewed hope until the final whistle. Steven Hammell might also rightly lament his side’s lack of luck at key times when headed efforts from Ricki Lamie and Sondre Solholm struck the crossbar.

With both teams desperately seeking a win to ease their respective concerns an open attacking game was in prospect for the fans on a sunny Sunday. Ultimately although Motherwell showed plenty of fight the Easter Road men made the most of their chances to ease the pressure on manager Lee Johnson.

Motherwell hoping to mark their first home appearance of the new year with a long overdue three points, perhaps looking for a change in fortune, began the first half facing the Davie Cooper stand.

However, in the initial stages it was Hibs who took the play towards Liam Kelly’s goal.

In the 13th minute an inviting cross from Aidan McGeady allowed Kyle Magennis to nod the ball towards goal but it gave the ‘Well ‘keeper his first comfortable save of the afternoon.

The Fir Park defenders failed to learn from that and three minutes later the Edinburgh side were ahead.

This time McGeady’s cross found Nisbet 12 yards out unmarked and with plenty of time to take a touch before slamming the ball low into Kelly’s left-hand corner.

Motherwell’s protests that Kevin van Veen had been fouled by Rocky Bushiri in the build up gained little sympathy from referee David Munro or John Beaton in front of the VAR monitor.

Another VAR check was required five minutes later when Elie Youan fired the ball off Sean Goss’ foot the ball rising to strike him on the arm. Thankfully common sense prevailed as the penalty claims were waved aside.

That gave the visitors some added confidence as the ‘Well defenders struggled to contain the Hibs players as they swarmed about the home box.

After 27 minutes, though, the pressure turned to the other box where David Marshall’s goal was fortunate to survive a brief onslaught.

Matt Penney played the ball into a packed penalty area where Van Veen teed up Blair Spittal. Although his effort was blocked the ball rebounded to the edge of the box. Callum Slattery’s low shot sneaked through a ruck of legs and seemed destined to nestle in the corner of Marshall’s goal until the ex-Scotland ‘keeper threw himself across to his left and push the ball round the post.

From the resultant corner the ball was only cleared wide to the left. Van Veen sent it back across the six-yard box where Ricki Lamie rose the highest only to head the ball against the crossbar this time with Marshall well beaten.

After a shaky opening to the game the Steelmen ended the half exerting some pressure on a Hibs defence which also lacked confidence.

Conor Shields should have done better when Goss picked him out beyond the six-yard area. But with Vann Veen and Dean Cornelius waiting in support the former Queen of the South striker headed the ball aimlessly towards the ‘keeper.

Three minutes from the break a powerful strike from Goss hammered into Ryan Porteous and although ‘Well claimed for a penalty once again the handball was considered unintentional.

Hoping to maintain their play towards the visitor’s goal Motherwell returned for the second half with Stuart McKinstry replacing Shields.

However, a positive and promising start was undone eight minutes into the half when another defensive lapse gifted Hibs a second goal.

A long ball downfield from Porteous posed little threat until Penny mistimed his challenge. That allowed Youan to race towards the byeline before rolling the ball across the six-yard box and provide Nisbet with a simple tap-in for his second goal of the game.

That should have been a hammer blow for the home side but instead the Steelmen decided to make a fight of it.

Already proving a handful on the left wing, McKinstry’s inswinging cross was left by Porteous forcing his ‘keeper into a speedy reaction to smother the ball on his goal line.

The on-loan Leeds United youngster wasn’t to be denied for long though and in the 59th minute he gave the Fir Parker’s the chance of a fightback. Latching onto Solholm’s thorough ball, McKinstry kept his cool dragging the ball away from Marshall before slotting home his finish.

A glut of chances appeared at both ends, and a weak header from Nisbet, when he should have claimed his hat-trick, kept ‘Well’s hopes alive.

The next headed attempt on goal came after 69 minutes and once again Motherwell were out of luck as Solholm’s effort bounced off the top of the crossbar.

With just under 20 minutes remaining Hibs decided to strengthen their backline bringing on the experienced Paul Hanlon.

Before he got a touch, though, Nisbet had wrapped up the points and his hat-trick. Josh Campbell swept in a cross from the right and Nisbet stepped in front of Lamie to fire the ball high past Kelly from 12 yards for a fine goal.

Ross Tierney and Max Johnston, after his successful loan at Cove Rangers, were give the last 10 minutes to make an impact.

And the Irishman made the most of his limited appearance. At the start of added on time Van Veen’s flick fell for Tierney who lashed the ball past Marshall and set-up a grandstand finish.

Two minutes later a dramatic comeback looked on the cards as Johnston powered his way into the box only to watch his intended cut back for the waiting Van Veen deflected back to his ‘keeper by Bushiri as Hibs held out for the narrowest of wins.

Motherwell manager Steven Hammell says it’s his job to start matching results with his side’s performance levels. 

Hammell points out that his side have been working hard off the pitch at making sure they capitalise on the big moments in games, in a hope that they will benefit.

Motherwell frontman says his side have had numerous chances already to turn their season around and that they should be on more points than what they are at the minute. 

With the ‘Well sitting 10th in the cinch Premiership, Van Veen insists despite creating chances and not playing poorly, he would take a victory in any form against Hibernian to help build momentum in 2023.

Louis Moult has returned to his parent club, Burton Albion.

Moult returned to the Brewers for treatment on an ankle problem during the World Cup break and hasn’t been available for selection since our match against St Johnstone in early November.

The injury may now require further work so we have exercised a clause to end the loan agreement this January, with the search for replacements already well underway.

“Louis is a legend at Motherwell and we are gutted it didn’t quite work out the way we had all hoped,” manager Steven Hammell said.

“Whilst it was clear whenever Louis played that he has the fantastic quality that we all remember, he was playing with a lot of pain which got progressively worse. He will need to try and get that rectified.

“From our point of view, we have identified and been working on alternatives that we hope will be with us soon. January is obviously a tricky month, but a lot of work has been undertaken so far that we hope will benefit the squad for the second half of the season.”

Louis made seven appearances in his second spell at the club, scoring one goal against Hearts at Tynecastle.

Everyone associated with Motherwell FC thanks Louis for his incredible contribution and effort over his two spells at the club and wish him all the very best in his recovery.

Daniel Hunter will remain on loan at Cumbernauld Colts until the end of the season. 

The midfielder has made seven appearances at the Lowland League side this season, scoring one goal which came on his debut.

The 18-year-old joined Colts in the summer and extents his stay to continue his game time.

Motherwell return to action after their winter break with a Scottish Cup fourth round tie against Gartcairn on Sunday 8 January. 

Kick-off is 4pm.

How to follow the game

Tickets for the match cost £8 for adults, with concessions and kids costing £3.

Cash and card are accepted at the turnstiles. There is no facility to buy tickets online before the match.

Story of the match

Motherwell last played on 9 December against Partick Thistle where Chelsie Watson got on the scoresheet in a 1-1 draw.

The women of steel are unbeaten in their last three games, with one draw and two wins.

Gartcairn are flying high at the top of SWPL2, two points clear of second placed Montrose.

The away side haven’t played since 4 December, where they lost 2-0 on the road to Montrose but had won three out of their three matches prior.

We are back at home for the first time in 2023, taking on Hibernian on Sunday 8 January at Fir Park.

Kick off is 1.30pm.

Tickets

Supporters are able to buy tickets online here or visit the ticket office at Fir Park.

The ticket office is open until kick-off with no pay gate facility

Away supporters can purchase tickets in the Tommy McLean stand from the ticket booth up until kick-off (cash and card available).

Ticket office opening times
Monday – Thursday 9am – 5pm and Friday 9-4pm, matchday 10am – kick-off.

Important Information

– Concessions Tickets would be ages 65 and over and FT Students with a valid matric card.
– Young Adults tickets would ages 12 to 17.
– Juveniles would be 11 and under.
– Family tickets would be one adult / senior citizen concession and x2 juveniles.

How to follow game online

The game will be shown live on Sky Sports.

If you are outside the UK, you can watch the game via Motherwell TV.

Should you be in the UK, it will be live commentary only.

The Story of the Match

The Steelmen will be hoping the new year brings new fortunes at home – a frustrating draw with Kilmarnock last time out at Fir Park which left ‘Well still searching for their first home win since August.

The visitors sit four points ahead but have only won two away games all season and are currently on a run of two wins in 11 games.

Fir Park has been a happy hunting ground of late for Hibs, with their last defeat in Motherwell being in August 2019.

Match Officials

• Referee: David Munro
• AR1: Calum Spence
• AR2: Douglas Ross
• Fourth Official: Craig Napier
• VAR: John Beaton
• AVAR: Graham Chambers