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A double from Theo Bair and a Blair Spittal strike secured Motherwell’s first win since September. 

The three first-half strikes ensured a 3-1 win and three points for the Steelmen to round off 2023.

Stuart Kettlewell’s faith in his players and especially Thoe Bair was repaid in some style.

A superb first half and opening spell found the Steelmen two up inside the first 20 minutes with goals from Blair Spittal and Theo Bair. And although Scott Pittman pulled one back, a sensational solo effort from Bair restored ‘Well’s two goal advantage at the interval.

While Livingston had the bulk of the chances in the second half, for once the Fir Park men’s impressive first forty-five and solid second half were enough to secure a long over due win.

The ‘Well boss made two attack minded changes, providing Bair and Oli Shaw with a starting place along side Mika Biereth. At the heart of the home defence Paul McGinn, after coming on as a substitute last week, was deemed fit enough, minus his protective face mask, to make a full return since dislocating his jaw against Kilmarnock in early November.

It took only 20 seconds for the home side show their intent.

Straight from the kick-off Shane Blaney fired the ball towards the Livi box and after Biereth cut the ball back, Bair’ shot was deflected just wide of the post.

A few minutes later Georgie Gent cross from the left found Bair but his shot was parried clear by Shamal George.

Another burst down the left and cross from Gent forced Ayo Obileye to head clear from almost under his own cross bar as the visitor’s goal came under incessant attack.

And the home side were duly rewarded after 14 minutes.

Biereth stole possession at the edge of the box to set up Bair 12 yards from goal. But rather than shot he passed the ball inside to Spittal who slide the ball beyond the stranded ‘keeper.

Five minutes later the favour was reciprocated. Spittal sent the ball towards the Livi box and as George raced from his line Bair dinked the ball past the ‘keeper and into the empty net for a fine finish.

Nothing was seen of Livingston in the home penalty area until they pulled a goal back after 23 minutes. Christian Montano floated the ball towards the penalty spot and Pittman swivelled to volley the ball past Liam Kelly for another impressive finish.

That gave the West Lothian a boost as the confidently gained possession in the Motherwell half.

However, it was short lived as Bair conjured up a wonderful third goal. Biereth sent a low ball down the right channel inviting the ‘Well striker to race into the box with Mickey Devlin. A quick turn left the Livi defender on his backside before Bair with a sublime touch clipped the ball past George.

It might have been a fabulous, if fortuitous, first half hat-trick for Bair after Oli Shaw’s downward header rebounded from his heel before trundling over the line, but on this occasion, VAR wasn’t required to confirm that Bair was offside.

Bevis Mugabi replaced Blaney just in time to see the ‘Well goal have a narrow escape. Bruce Anderson cut in from the left holding off Stephen O’Donnell and squeeze his shot past Kelly, only for the ball to rebound off the post and back to the grounded ‘keeper.

Shaw’s injury after 57 minutes gave Callum Slattery a solid half hour to make an impression on the game.

Instead, though, it was the Lions who looked more likely to reduce the leeway as a couple of headed efforts sent the ball racing wide of Kelly’s goal.

With 15 minutes remaining David Martindale’s men appeared to have lost their momentum as the Steelmen regained their attacking threat.

Another run and layoff from Biereth gave Bair a chance of claiming a deserved hat-trick for hi overall performance, inleading the line. Once again he held the ball up for Slattery who lost possession at the edge of the box before he could get his shot away.

The failure to make it four and even the torrential downpour couldn’t dampen the appreciation of the ‘Well fans as they stood to applaud the players at full time.

Brodie Spencer says the call off yesterday hasn’t effect the team and the full focus has now turned to the Livingston match this weekend. 

He says the team had prepared properly for the match against Aberdeen and now he is aware of the magnitude of this upcoming match.

Stuart Kettlewell says although this weekend’s match against Livingston in the cinch Premiership has been labelled as a six pointer, the game presents no added value to any of the games that have come before.

Kettlewell also talks us through the process in which the game against Aberdeen got called off last night, with the team already in Aberdeen for the match.

The boss also gets asked about speculation surrounding Kevin van Veen and potential January incomings.

We take on Livingston at Fir Park on Saturday 30 December, in what is our final match of 2023. 

Kick off is 3pm.

How to follow the game

– 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

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

Ticket Office open from 9am – the ticket office is open until kick-off with no pay gate facility.

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.

Kit Watch

We will be wearing our home kit this match.

Injury Update

Dan Casey, Lennon Miller and Pape Souare will all be missing for this match.

Calum Butcher remains a doubt for the game.

Motherwell’s Fortunes

Motherwell’s most recent match was postponed due to weather conditions against Aberdeen. Their last outing was against Rangers on Christmas Eve, where the title challengers came away with a 2-0 win at Fir Park.

It’s been five draws in the last eight for the Steelmen, with their last win coming at the start of September.

Motherwell are currently 11th in the table, four points ahead of Aberdeen. The last match between the two sides, ended in a 2-0 win for Livi, however the game changed on the stroke of half time when Lennon Miller was sent off.

Opposition Report

Livingston were in midweek action against St Johnstone on Wednesday night, with the match ending 0-0. That result means Livingston remain bottom of the table, four points adrift off 11th on 12 points.

Their last win was against the Steelmen back in October, and have since played 11 and registered two points.

James Penrice has been one of the more consistent performers in the West Lothian side, playing in every match this season. With five assists to his name, his attacking presence has caused issues for the opposition.

On Wednesday afternoon, our match against Aberdeen at Pittodrie was postponed on the advice given by Police Scotland with regards to road closures en route to Aberdeen.

With the Motherwell team travelling to Aberdeen first thing this morning, we had been in communication with Aberdeen all day and we were advised that the pitch was playable and there were no safety concerns at the stadium. We had also been advised that the weather forecast was to improve closer to kick-off.

Following constant discussions between the two clubs, the SPFL and Police Scotland, the decision was taken to postpone the match for the safety of supporters travelling to the game.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused to anyone travelling to Aberdeen,

A re-arranged date and ticket details will be communicated in due course.

It’s a quick turnaround and trip north for Motherwell on Wednesday 27 December, when we take on Aberdeen at Pittodrie. 

Kick off is 7.45pm.

How to follow the game

Tickets available online.

Ambulant supporters pay the age-appropriate price with carer free of charge. All wheelchair and ambulant supporters should contact the ticket office to purchase.

Tickets are on sale from the ticket office and online. We have been sent physical tickets so no etickets are available for this match, postage and collection only.

Postage will be available until Monday 18th December.

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.

Kit Watch

We will be wearing our home kit for this match.

Injury Update

Pape Souare, Lennon Miller and Dan Casey will all be missing for this match.

Calum Butcher is a doubt as he edges closer to his return.

Motherwell Fortunes

It’s now 15 games without a win for the Steelmen, following a 2-0 defeat to a rejuvenated Rangers side. Two early first half goals gave the Gers a comfortable advantage that Motherwell weren’t able to claw back.

Mika Biereth continues to the source of goals at the top end of the pitch. The Dane six goals and two assists in his 12 appearances so far.

The last time the two sides met, it was Aberdeen that came away with the points from Fir Park. Two goals either side of half time meant the Steelmen were 4-0 going into the closing stages. Theo Bair and Mika Biereth came off the bench and both found the back of the net, as the game ended 4-2 to the visitors.

Opposition Report

Having reached the Viaplay Cup final earlier this month, and losing narrowly to Rangers on the day, Aberdeen have had to balance life Europe and domestic action.

The Dons finished third in their UEFA Europa Conference League group, rounding off their campaign with an impressive 2-0 win over German side Eintracht Frankfurt.

They were due to face Dundee in their last match but the game was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. It means the Dons’ last outing was against Livingston, where they came away with a 2-1 win, thanks to a double from Bojan Miovski.

Miovski continues to impress for Aberdeen, with the North Macedonian on 14 goals for the season in all competitions.

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From leading the women of steel out onto the Fir Park turf to representing ML1 at Hampden Park in an historic Scottish Cup campaign, Motherwell skipper Gill Inglis has been an integral component to the development of the women’s game in claret and amber.

“It’s an honour to be captain of this club,” Inglis explained.

“It’s about leading the team, setting high standards both on and off the pitch, and communicating effectively with players and staff as I can be the link between them.

“Paul and Leanne often talk about creating high standards and driving each other on, and there’s an emphasis on the captain to ensure that those standards are met.

”With the women of steel narrowly missing out on a place in the top-six in the previous season, the summer transfer window provided an ideal opportunity to progress, with an influx and integration of promising developing talent with experienced professionals at the club. An opportunity for the captain to mentor and guide the latest acquisitions at the club.

“It’s important that new players are welcomed into the squad both on and off the pitch,” Inglis noted.“

Everyone has to start their career somewhere. At that stage in my career, the positive impact from the more experienced players was invaluable, so we’re fortunate that within the current squad, there’s a number of more experienced players who the younger ones can go to for advice and look up to.

“We have to get to know them as players, as individuals and they have to get to know their new teammates. A positive ethos builds trust amongst players who strive for a common goal.”

That positive ethos was a fundamental component in the women of steel’s exceptional Scottish Cup campaign, with Motherwell etching themselves into the history books by becoming the first women’s side to contest a domestic cup Semi-Final at the national stadium, Hampden Park. A moment that will live long in the memory.

“Leading the team out at Hampden was an experience I’ll never forget,” Inglis said.“

Hosting the latter stages of the tournament at Hampden is a step in the right direction for the women’s game and it provides the players a platform to perform.

“Getting back to that stage and earning the opportunity to play at the highest level is an ambition we collectively share as a squad.”

The women of steel have faced a turbulent run of form in the domestic calendar, with an early Sky Sports Cup exit to fellow SWPL side Montrose preceding a five-game winless run, as several positive performances were left unrewarded.

“That result was really disappointing for everyone at the club,” Inglis said.

“Going into the game, there was a good feeling about the squad, as we felt we had prepared well. We created numerous chances on the day, with a penalty saved, a shot cleared off the line and several shots off of the crossbar.

“On another day, it could have been a completely different result, but individually and collectively we’ve learned a lot from that game.”

Jo Addie netted her second goal of the season after latching onto Sarah Gibb’s floated delivery to ensure a vital victory over Dundee United in the City of Discovery last weekend, as Motherwell concluded 2023 on a positive display.

“Sunday’s victory over Dundee United was a massive result for us,” Inglis detailed.

“Dundee is a hard place to go, and I thought we managed the game effectively, especially in difficult conditions by showing a lot of character to secure a vital three points.

“It’s good to finish the year on a positive result and hopefully we can kick on from this in the second half of the season.”

The women of steel will return to competitive action in a fortnights time to face Partick Thistle at Petershill Park, with Paul Brownlie’s side looking to replicate their Scottish Cup successes of the previous season.

“The cup game against Thistle is another huge game for the club.”

“Our recent meetings in the last few years have usually been quite close, and entertaining games for the spectator. As a squad, we are motivated to go as far as we can in any competition that we play in.“

“There won’t be a huge break over the Christmas period anyway, so hopefully we can hit the ground running in January.”

Stuart Kettlewell’s post-match thoughts.

• • Unacceptable to gift goals
  • Slow start set the tone
  • Looking ahead to Aberdeen

Two goals inside the first 15 minutes ensured all three points were heading back to Govan, as Rangers won 2-0. 

‘Well fans had to endure horrendous weather before the midday kick-off and their afternoon didn’t get any better as two goals from Kieran Dowell and Todd Cantwell set up the Ibrox side for a comfortable win.

And although it was a much improved, competitive performance from the Fir Park side in the second half, the damage was done and the game lost in that opening 15 minutes.

Weather wise it was anything but a Christmas Eve setting, as torrential rain and a blustery wind welcomed both teams on to an otherwise impressive looking Fir Park pitch.

However, the fans shared some festive cheers as the ‘Well Bois, bedecked in Santa hats and the Rangers fans packed in the Tommy McLean stand joined in some Christmas songs.

Stuart Kettlewell retained the same line-up which came close to ending the team’s winless run against St Mirren last week.

But the Fir Park boss was left raging as his side made a dreadful start to what should have been a tough test for Rangers.

The players might have found it difficult to adapt to the atrocious conditions, but within four minutes Philippe Clement’s men had found the back of the ‘Well net.

Harry Paton lost possession to Kieran Dowell at the edge of the box and the young midfielder raced on to a return pass from Cyriel Dessers, before firing the ball high past Liam Kelly from 12 yards.

It was the worst possible start for the Steelmen, searching first their home league win over Rangers in 21 years.

The chances of ending that statistic was all but erased after 15 minutes Rangers doubled their lead.

Poor defending in front of Kelly’s goal allowed Cantwell to swiftly tuck the ball low inside the ‘keeper’s right hand post.

Still trying to recover from that dreadful opening, the first threat on the visitor’s goal came after 20 minutes when Callum Slaterry’s 25 yard drive skidded past Jack Butland’s left hand post.

Even allowing for the difficult conditions, ‘Well’s decision making and use of the ball was poor.

Careless play from Bevis Mugabi in the centre circle allowed Dessers to race through on goal and only a fine save from Kelly kept the score at 2-0.

Biereth carried play to the other box and only Leon Balogun’s sliding tackle inside the six yard prevented the Arsenal loanee from testing Butland.

However, Kelly was by far the busier ‘keeper and it took two fabulous saves to deny Ross McCausland and Cantewell from extending the visitor’s lead before the break.

Having struggled with the conditions in the first half, Mugabi remained inside for the second, with Paul McGinn, wearing a protective face mask, taking his place in the centre of the ‘Well defence.

That coincided with a much more positive re-start from the Fir Park men.

Within two minutes Georgie Gent delivered a low tempting cross from the left and Balogun was forced to scoop the ball over his own crossbar as ‘Well fans finally had something to raise their hopes of a fightback.

And three minutes later the Steelmen came close to pulling a goal back. Biereth floated the ball towards the back of the six-yard area and Brodie Spencer’s diving header sent the ball back across goal and just beyond the far post.

Kettlewell made his second substitution after 62 minutes replacing Paton with a more attack minded Oli Shaw.

With the intention of snatching a third goal to kill the game Rangers then made a double substitution after 70 minutes but it was the Ibrox defence that looked increasingly nervous.

And in the 73rd minute Motherwell’s best move ended with Ridvan Yilmaz clumsily barging into the back of Spencer as he prepared to fire the ball across the box. VAR’s review deemed it wasn’t a penalty and a couple of minutes another review for a possible penalty was called upon.

Blair Spittal’s free kick into packed six-yard area sparked off a goal mouth melee with ‘Well players claiming for a handball but once again VAR agreed with the referee’s decision to wave play on.

Although the Steelmen pressed until the final whistle for a consolation goal to show for their second half efforts they failed to force a single save from Butland, as Kelly remained equally untroubled at the other end throughout a blustery second forty five.