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Motherwell’s confidence and momentum in-front of goal was evident throughout an exceptional five-star victory over relegation rivals Ross County.

Desperate to atone for the dismal defeat in Dingwall last December, the Steelmen made a whirlwind start to the game. Two quickfire goals from Andy Halliday and Blair Spittal had Motherwell in dreamland, with Theo Bair also denied twice by the County ‘keeper inside the first 22 minutes.

By the time Bair scored from the penalty spot, for the fifth consecutive league game, the match and the three points were in the bag. It took until the final five minutes of the second half for Kettlewell’s men to add two more, with an incredible second for Spittal and a first for debutant Jack Vale.

That meant the Fir Park faithful could not only enjoy the team’s most emphatic win of the season, but see the Steelmen move six points clear of County and rise to 8th place in the league table.

Stuart Kettlewell kept to the same starting eleven that produced a fine performance on Saturday against Kilmarnock and should have ultimately had three points to show for their efforts.

Former ‘Well player Derek Adams returned to Fir Park with County three points and one place behind the Steelmen.

Even at this stage of the season, this was regarded as the proverbial ‘six-pointer’ for two teams desperate to climb away from the relegation play-off spot. And with both teams finding wins hard to come by, an open competitive game was anticipated.

That was made clear within the first minute when there was action in both boxes.

Motherwell though, quickly established the general pattern of play within the first half as they surged relentlessly towards the County goal.

It took the Steelmen only eight minutes to make the breakthrough. Spittal and Bair combined on the left before picking out Halliday in the box, who lashed home his first goal for the club and set the home side on the road to a terrific win.

Five minutes later, it was almost a rerun of Saturday’s goal. Spittal split the visitors defence allowing Bair to angle his run towards goal, but George Wickens stood firm to beat away the striker’s effort.

Simon Murray had a chance to fire home an equaliser for the visitors, but Liam Kelly got his body firmly behind the low shot.

After 20 minutes, Bair was again thundering through the centre of the County backline, but as he tried to round Wickens, the keeper bravely dived at his feet to push the ball away.

Two minutes later and the ‘Well doubled their lead. Good interchange of play on the left between Halliday and Georgie Gent allowed Spittal to drag the ball into the corner of the box before firing a powerful drive across the keeper and in off his far post.

Bair and the Fir Park faithful thought he had grabbed number three when he collected a wonderful long ball from Stephen O’Donnell before blasting it high past Wickens, only to be ruled out for offside.

Yet another chance came Well’s way in the 33rd minute, but after doing well to reach the visitor’s byline, Harry Paton made the wrong choice trying to pick out Spittal when Bair was free at the opposite end of the six yard box.

The Canadian striker was not to be denied a goal for his first half efforts, and when his fellow country man Paton was tripped within the 18-yard-box, Bair collected the ball to hammer home the resultant penalty and find the net for his sixth goal in five league games.

Motherwell started the second half in the same fashion but had to replace Halliday with Lennon Miller after only four minutes.

It made little difference to the hosts intention to add a fourth goal, which almost arrived after 53 minutes.

A swift break down the right ended with O’Donnell laying the ball inside to Bair, but after taking a touch at the edge of the box, the striker blasted the ball high over the bar.

Bair had another chance to add to his tally after 73 minutes. Once again Spittal was the provider and as Bair faced the advancing ‘keeper he looked to have netted, but his cute dink over Wickens bounced just past the post.

With 15 minutes remaining, Kettlewell made a triple substitution bringing on debutant Adam Devine, Shane Blaney and Sam Nicholson.

The former Hearts man made an immediate impact, with Bair testing the ‘keeper inside the six-yard box before heading the ball across goal, allowing Nicholson to join a melee with two County defenders in-front of goal.

Nicholson then turned provider, working his way towards the penalty area before laying the ball across to Gent, whose thumping left foot drive forced a fine diving save from the County stopper.

Ten minutes from time, Bair left the field to a standing ovation as Jack Vale came on aiming to mark his debut with a goal.

However, it was Spittal who claimed his second with a stunning strike, curling the ball high past Wickens from 25 yards.

Vale was not to be outdone, and in the final minute, the Blackburn Rovers loanee latched onto Spittal’s pass, nudging the ball past the advancing ‘keeper for a comprehensive and highly impressive win.

Harry Paton tells us how he is looking forward to all the games that February has to offer. He believes the team are playing well and the rewards will come if they continue like they have been.

He is enthusiastic about the news faces at the club and has enjoyed seeing his fellow Canadian teammate Theo Bair flourish in recent weeks.

In North Lanarkshire the child protection committee, are getting involved in Safer Internet Day on 6^th February.

For Safer Internet Day today, celebrations across the UK are focusing on online issues that matter to young people, including:

• the changes they see online
• new and emerging technology
• managing influence

1. Inspiring change.

Technology has the power to change all our lives. Let’s celebrate all the amazing ways technology is shaping the world we live in, whilst also working together to ensure children and young people can stay safe in an ever changing online world.

By having fun, working together, and engaging with the online issues young people care about the most, we can all create a safer internet for the future.

2. Establish a safe space.

The online world can change how we think, feel and act – positively and people to learn and talk about potentially sensitive topics. For ideas visit here.

3. Be ready to respond to safeguarding concerns.

While discussing their online lives, it is possible that children and young people will raise concerns about things they have experienced online. Make sure you are up to date with your school or setting’s safeguarding procedures and, for further advice, visit here.

4. Know where to get more information or help.

Remember that there’s plenty of help and advice available if you need more information about anything online safety related.

The UK Safer Internet Centre’s ‘Need Help? page contains further information on reporting specific concerns to organisations outside of your school/setting saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/need-help

The Professionals Online Safety Helpline is a free helpline offering advice and support to all members of the children’s workforce on any online safety issues.

5. Kickstart conversations that last all year round

The online world is changing all the time, but talking with young people about their online experiences can help you understand what’s going on. Kickstart the conversation today but make it a regular habit all year round.

You can access top tips on how to keep yourself, or your child, safe online by visiting Homepage – UK Safer Internet Centre.

To understand some young peoples views about the benefits and challenges of using social media please watch this short video.

With the February fixtures coming thick and fast, it’s a quick turnaround for Stuart Kettlewell as his side prepare to take on Ross County on Tuesday night in the cinch Premiership. 

The boss talks us through the recent run of form from Theo Bair and goes into detail about discussions that are ongoing with trying to keep players at the club for next season.

Following a brief break from the domestic calendar, Motherwell are back in action with title-chasers Celtic descending upon East Kilbride, in the first of a crucial double header for the women of steel.

Paul Brownlie’s side will face a midweek test from the Glasgow giants under the K-Park lights before facing local rivals Hamilton in the second Lanarkshire derby of the 2023/24 SWPL campaign on Sunday.

As the final pre-split fixtures near, Motherwell will be keen to record a positive finale to the regular season, with their bottom-six post-split position already confirmed.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

The women of steel concluded 2023 with a vital three points over Dundee United in the City of Discovery, with defender Jo Addie netting the solitary goal in a defensively resolute performance at Foundation Park, but the squad have yet to find a domestic victory since.

The women of steel will be keen to rectify their recent run of form and capitalise upon their positive displays that have ultimately been left unrewarded, with Hearts and Edinburgh rivals Hibs edging through two closely-fought encounters.

January acquisitions Laura Berry and Sophia Martin will both have to wait for their Motherwell debut after signing on loan from Rangers and Glasgow City until the end of the season. The pair are currently both involved in international action with Scotland, with Berry netting a decisive second-half goal to ensure an impressive 3-2 victory over Sweden this morning in the first match of the MIMA cup in Murcia, Spain.

Celtic

The visitors make the short trip to East Kilbride after securing their place in the Quarter-Final’s of the Scottish Cup, with a resounding 6-0 victory over Hamilton. Despite this, an Old Firm defeat to fierce rivals Rangers in the Sky Sports Cup Semi-Final and one win from their last three SWPL encounters summarises a difficult month for the Glasgow side.

Celtic talisman Amy Gallacher remains one-goal behind top-goalscorer Jorian Baucom in the SWPL, netting 18-times for Elena Sadiku’s side across the 2023/24 campaign.

Ticket information

Cash & card payments are also available for this fixture.

• Adult – £8
• Concession – £3
• Under 11s – Free to enter.

*Concession tickets apply to those over 65, and to 12–17-year-olds, with full-time students also eligible with a valid matriculation card.

Additional information – no pets allowed within K-Park.

How to follow the action

Supporters can follow Sunday’s encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match.

Motherwell were looking for the same kind of performance but an improved result from their last match seven days ago.

With former Motherwell man Kevin van Veen coming back to Fir Park, there was an added to bite to this match against Kilmarnock. Despite going behind, the Steelmen dominated the game and got the fans off their seats.

Theo Bair got his fifth goal in four league games before the interval.

The second-half would see Motherwell well on top but it would be a similar outcome as they couldn’t get the win.

Motherwell take on Ross County at Fir Park on Tuesday 6 February. 

Kick off is 7.45pm.

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, the game will be live on pay-per-view for £11. Game passes can be purchased by clicking here.

Kit Watch

We will be wearing our home kit for this match.

Injury Update

Callum Slattery remains sidelined with a long term injury and will be missing for this match.

Jon Obika has returned to training but Tuesday night’s game might come too soon for the striker. Barry Maguire is also a doubt.

Motherwell’s Fortunes

Motherwell are now five unbeaten but will be looking to convert their draws into wins.

The last three league games have ended in score draws but the performances have merited more. That will encourage boss Stuart Kettlewell ahead of what is a big game at the bottom of the table.

‘Well sit tenth in the cinch Premiership, just three points above Tuesday’s opponents.

Opposition Report

County’s last win came against Motherwell, back in early December.

Since then they have lost six and drawn two, failing to score in six of those.

Derek Adam’s has looked to correct that form by bringing in four players in the January transfer window, with Eli King, Brandon Khela, Teddy Jenks and Michee Efete all joining the County ranks.

A boost for the Dingwall side is that they managed to hold on to star player Yan Dhanda. Although he signed a pre-contract with Hearts, the midfielder remains at County and will be looking to build on his two goals and four assists so far this season.

Despite their recent lack of goals, striker Simon Murray is the one who looks most likely to net. With 13 goals so far and a goal in his last visit to Fir Park, County’s top-scorer is an obvious danger.

Motherwell had to settle for a share of the points for the third successive league game, when once again their performance merited all three.

After falling behind to Lewis Mayo’s early opening goal, ‘Well’s first half pressure paid off when Theo Bair grabbed the equaliser and his fifth goal in four games.

Although they dominated the second half and forced a string of saves from the Killie ‘keeper, the Steelmen, brilliantly led by the fast improving Bair, failed to get the winner they thoroughly deserved.

Despite the influx of new arrivals during the transfer window, Stuart Kettlewell stuck by the same eleven which started against St Johnstone last week.

Meanwhile, ‘Well fans cast an envious eye towards the Killie dug-out and their former hero Kevin Van Veen, who had to be content with a place on the visitor’s bench on his return to Fir Park.

In a promising start the Fir Park side forced three corners in the opening five minutes.

However, in their first threat on Liam Kelly’s goal after 12 minutes, Killie nicked the lead. After a possible foul on Davor Zdravkovski, Paul McGinn’s headed clearance only found Mayo at the edge of the box. And in a swirling wind he did well to control his volley and send the ball low and into the net off Kelly’s left-hand post.

The Steelmen then showed great resilience to keep the play and threat towards the visitor’s goal.

After 25 minutes Blair Spittal worked a 1-2 with Bair before his angled left foot drive forced Will Dennis into a diving save.

The hard running Bair was causing the Rugby Park defenders some anxiety and after Joe Wright had hauled the striker to the ground and earn a yellow card, Spittal fire another drive over the crossbar.

Then in the 37th minute ‘Well deservedly found the equaliser. Andy Halliday won the ball in the centre of the park allowing Spittal to release Bair between Wright and Findlay. Showing great composure the ‘Well striker raced onto the through ball before confidently steering his drive low past Dennis for a fine finish and his seventh goal of the season.

From then until half-time the home side, with Bevis Mugabi frequently deployed as an attacking right wing back, pressed for a second goal with only a couple of last gasp tackles from Wright and Findlay preventing Bair and then Harry Paton getting a strike at goal.

Motherwell started the second half where they left off testing the Killie ‘keeper within three minutes of the restart.

Spittal swung his free kick to the unmarked Halliday at the back of the six-yard box and his downward header was pushed away by Dennis.

Four minutes later the ‘keeper produced a better save to deny ‘Well the lead. Spittal was again the provider sliding the ball into Bair at the corner of the box who advanced towards goal only to see his shot destined for the far corner palmed away by Dennis at full stretch.

The pressure on the Killie goal was intense and Georgie Gent’s low cross into the six yard area found Dennis pouncing to smother the ball as Paton and O’Donnell anticipating a slip.

With 68 minutes played and desperate to change the flow of the game, Derek McInnes made a double substitution while leaving Van Veen on the bench.

It almost had an immediate impact as Gent’s attempted headed clearance saw the ball caught in the swirling wind, sending it back towards his own goal and narrowly past the post.

That was a rare threat from the Ayrshire side and Liam Kelly who ended the 90 minutes without a single save, as the action returned towards the visitor’s goal.

A long ball from Kelly was instantly controlled by O’Donnell before setting up Paton who drove the ball across Dennis and beyond the ‘keeper’s far post.

With 15 minutes remaining Kettlewell traded young legs for old, sending on Lennon Miller for Halliday, who had added a much needed presence to the ‘Well midfield.

Six minutes from the end ‘Wells appeals for a penalty, when Findlay caught Spittal at the corner of the box, were ignored by the referee and VAR.

In added time, though, it was Gent who almost stole the headlines and the winner with a right foot effort from 18 yards which had Dennis scrambling across his line to push away.

Stuart Kettlewell reflects on the 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock.

• Deserved to win
• Stronger defensively
• Tight turnaround

Defender Morgan Hay has joined Gartcairn on loan until the end of the season.

The summer acquisition traded Lanarkshire rivals Hamilton for ML1 ahead of the 2023/24 SWPL campaign, but two successive injury concerns left the 20-year-old on the sidelines for over four months.

Hay featured on three occasions across her time in claret and amber, playing a pivotal part in the women of steel’s assured 4-0 Lanarkshire derby victory over Hamilton in August.

The youngster heads out on loan to the SWPL2 side in search of regular first-team minutes, linking-up with fellow Motherwell loanee Kaela McDonald-Nguah. Gartcairn sit precariously at the foot of the SWPL2 league table, two points from safety.

Good luck, Morgan.