Latest News

Pictures from the 1-0 defeat to Odense in the Europa League Play-Off Round second-leg. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

[svgallery name=”odense260810″]

[tab:Match report]

Motherwell’s Europa League campaign came to a frustrating end as Odense completed an aggregate victory at Fir Park.

The Steelmen dominated the second-leg of the play-off and created numerous chances but the Danes held firm to progress to the group stages.

Peter Utaka netted the only goal of the game on 28 minutes to put Odense through 3-1 on aggregate.

They finished with just nine-men after Espen Ruud and Anders Christensen were sent-off in the closing stages.

Jamie Murphy then missed a penalty as the Steelmen bowed out of the competition.

Craig Brown named an attacking line-up for the second-leg, including Murphy, Nick Blackman and John Sutton in the starting eleven for the first time.

And the latter almost gave the Steelmen a dream start when he shot narrowly wide after only three minutes.

Many of the 9,105 crowd thought Sutton had scored but the angle was against him and the ball went into the side netting.

Motherwell kept the pressure on in the opening stages and Chris Humphrey wasted a good chance moments later, slicing wide at the far post.

Tom Hateley then tested Roy Carroll with a low free-kick after Blackman was fouled on the edge of the area.

Murphy went close to breaking the deadlock on 26 minutes when he latched on to a Blackman flick and lobbed the advancing Carroll. Once again a goal looked on the cards but the ball dropped agonisingly wide of the target..

The Steelmen were then hit with a sucker punch as Odense took the lead against the run of play.

Utaka was the man to get the goal for the Danes, lashing the ball home from 10 yards after a Ruud corner was only partially cleared.

But Motherwell responded well to falling behind and they resumed control of the match.

The Odense back-four were under pressure and Anders Christensen almost headed a Humphrey cross into his own net.

Blackman then rose highest to meet the resulting corner but his header went just over the bar.

And on the stroke of half-time, Sutton diverted a Murphy cross towards goal only to be denied by Carroll.

Motherwell picked up where they left off after the break and Saunders threatened twice in quick succession from Hateley and Humphrey crosses.

The Steelmen just weren’t getting the breaks inside the box and they could have easily had a penalty when Sutton was held back by Andreasen.

At the other end, Eric Djemba-Djemba drove wide from distance and Utaka had a shot blocked but Darren Randolph was rarely called upon.

Carroll was the busier of the two goalkeepers and he made a good save on the hour-mark to keep out a Blackman shot from 20 yards.

He then blocked a Blackman header at the far post, although the striker really ought to have scored given the space and time he had inside the box.

Yet another chance went begging moments later when Humphrey beat his man and delivered a cross but neither Murphy or Blackman could apply a finishing touch.

Odense were reduced to ten-men with 15 minutes remaining when Ruud received his marching orders for a second-bookable offence.

This gave Motherwell further encouragement and they piled more bodies forward in search of an equaliser.

They were awarded a penalty in the 85th minute when Christensen handled a cross inside the box. The defender was sent-off, following his team-mate Ruud up the tunnel.

But Murphy saw his spot-kick come back off the post and Saunders’ rebound was saved by Carroll as Odense somehow held on.

[tab:As it happened]

90+4′ FULL-TIME The referee blows the full-time whistle.

90+3′ Blackman (Motherwell) misses the target.

90+3′ Traore (OB) commits a foul after challenging Hateley (Motherwell).

90′ Reynolds (Motherwell) misses the target.

88′ SUB Kadrii (OB) takes the place of Utaka.

87′ Murphy (Motherwell) misses from the penalty spot, hitting the right-hand post.

85′ RED CARD Christensen (OB) is dismissed.

85′ BOOKING Christensen (OB) is cautioned by the referee.

85′ Christensen (OB) is penalised for handball inside the box. Penalty awarded to Motherwell.

83′ Sutton (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Andreasen (OB).

83′ Randolph (Motherwell) makes a save.

83′ Djemba-Djemba (OB) has an effort on goal.

80′ Humphrey (Motherwell) takes the corner.

79′ Sutton (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Djemba-Djemba (OB).

76′ Murphy (Motherwell) misses the target.

76′ Blackman (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

76′ Hammell (Motherwell) takes the free-kick.

75′ BOOKING Djemba-Djemba (OB) is shown a yellow card for dissent.

75′ RED CARD Ruud (OB) is given his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

75′ BOOKING Ruud (OB) is shown a yellow card.

75′ Ruud (OB) commits a foul after challenging Blackman (Motherwell).

74′ Humphrey (Motherwell) takes the corner.

72′ Carroll (OB) makes a save.

72′ Blackman (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

71′ Ruud (OB) commits a foul after challenging Blackman (Motherwell).

69′ Carroll (OB) makes a save.

69′ Blackman (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

66′ SUB Demba-Nyren (OB) comes on for Toft.

66′ Utaka (OB) has an effort on goal.

64′ Hammell (Motherwell) takes the free-kick.

64′ Traore(OB) commits a foul after challenging Lasley (Motherwell).

61′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the free-kick.

61′ Christensen (OB) commits a foul after challenging Blackman (Motherwell).

60′ Carroll (OB) makes a save.

60′ Blackman (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

59′ BOOKING Lasley (Motherwell) is cautioned by the referee.

59′ Lasley (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Djemba-Djemba (OB).

58′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the corner.

58′ Djemba-Djemba (OB) misses the target.

57′ Djemba-Djemba (OB) commits a foul after challenging Murphy (Motherwell).

57′ Sorensen (OB) takes the free-kick.

56′ Hammell (Motherwell) commits a foul after challenging Toft (OB).

55′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the corner.

55′ Carroll (OB) makes a save.

55′ Hateley (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

55′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the free-kick.

54′ Djemba-Djemba (OB) commits a foul after challenging Blackman (Motherwell).

53′ SUB Johansson (OB) replaces Haland.

52′ Ruud (OB) takes the corner.

52′ Ruud (OB) takes the free-kick.

51′ BOOKING Saunders (Motherwell) is booked.

51′ Saunders (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Gislason (OB).

50′ Carroll (OB) makes a save.

50′ Humphrey (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

49′ Hammell (Motherwell) takes the free-kick.

48′ Djemba-Djemba (OB) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Sutton (Motherwell).

48′ Toft (OB) is adjudged to be in an offside position.

46′ KICK-OFF The second-half begins.

45+1′ HALF-TIME The referee blows for half-time.

45+1′ Carroll (OB) makes a save.

45+1′ Sutton (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

45′ Haland (OB) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Blackman (Motherwell).

43′ BOOKING Hateley (Motherwell) is booked.

43′ Hateley (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Gislason (OB).

41′ Lasley (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Andreasen (OB).

38′ Traore (OB) has an effort on goal.

38′ Hateley (Motherwell) delivers the corner.

36′ Utaka (OB) is adjudged to be in an offside position.

36′ Blackman (Motherwell) misses the target.

35′ Humphrey (Motherwell) delivers the corner.

34′ Andreasen (OB) has an effort on goal.

33′ Ruud (OB) delivers the corner.

32′ Sorensen (OB) has a shot blocked.

31′ Andreasen (OB) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Sutton (Motherwell).

29′ Hateley (Motherwell) misses the target.

28′ GOAL Utaka (OB) scores with a low shot from inside the box. Assist by Ruud.

28′ Ruud (OB) delivers the corner.

27′ Ruud (OB) takes the free-kick.

27′ Saunders (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Gislason (OB).

26′ Hateley (Motherwell) misses the target.

26′ Lasley (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Traore (OB).

23′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the free-kick.

22′ BOOKING Christensen (OB) is booked.

22′ Christensen (OB) fouls.

21′ Carroll (OB) makes a save.

21′ Hateley (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

21′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the free-kick.

21′ BOOKING Ruud (OB) is shown a yellow card.

21′ Ruud (OB) fouls.

17′ Andreasen (OB) has an effort on goal.

16′ Djemba-Djemba (OB) has a shot blocked.

13′ Carroll (OB) makes a save.

13′ Hateley (Motherwell) has an effort on goal.

12′ Hateley (Motherwell) takes the free-kick.

12′ Christensen (OB) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Blackman (Motherwell).

7′ Humphrey (Motherwell) misses the target.

5′ Humphrey (Motherwell) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Djemba-Djemba (OB).

4′ Hateley (Motherwell) delivers the corner.

3′ Sutton (Motherwell) misses the target.

1′ Humphrey (Motherwell) delivers the corner.

1′ KICK-OFF The match is under way.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell boss Craig Brown:

“Over the two legs we should be the team going through. We were the fitter team, the better team, the more disciplined team and the better footballing side.

“I’m massively disappointed. I can’t fault the guys at all, we did everything we could and just didn’t get a break. If we showed the clinical finishing that we should have then perhaps we would have won the match.

“As soon as we missed the penalty, I felt it was gone. I feel sorry for Jamie Murphy. He has been a key player in the progress we have made in this Europa League. He has scored some vital goals for us.

“The penalty was probably the easiest chance, but it hit the post and that was our last chance gone, effectively.

“It’s particularly disappointing to end that way in front of our own fans. We feel quite upset because we had a very good support here tonight and we were so desperate to please them but that’s what happens in football.”

Odense manager Lars Olsen:

“I am delighted to be in the next round as it was a difficult tie for us. We were lucky on a few crosses into the box and lucky with the penalty.

“We are happy to go through but on the night we were lucky. Credit to Motherwell, they played very well and put us under a lot of pressure.

“I thought the sendings off were harsh but we defended well with nine-men.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”8″]

The club can today confirm that the issue surrounding the transfer of Paul Quinn is now closed.

Following receipt of the outstanding money, Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said, “We can confirm that Cardiff City have honoured their payment in full and the matter is now closed.

“We thank them for this and wish to put the dispute firmly behind us.

“We are proud of Paul Quinn and his career development and wish him, Cardiff City and their fans every success for the season ahead.”

Craig Brown admitted his Motherwell side were not at their best against Kilmarnock on Sunday afternoon.

But he was more than happy to take three points from the game at Rugby Park as the Steelmen got off the mark in the SPL.

A Nick Blackman strike settled a hard-fought contest in which both teams struggled to find any flow or incisiveness to their play

Darren Randolph had little to do but made a crucial save late on to secure the points and a welcome boost ahead of the visit of Odense on Thursday.

“I’m proud of the lads for getting all three points,” said Brown. “I can’t say I’m ecstatic about the way we played. I don’t think the game was of the highest quality – either in terms of entertainment or in the technical aspects.

“Overall it was an even game and I thought it could have gone either way. Thankfully we got the goal, and both keepers making excellent saves ensured it finished 1-0.

“We battled hard for the three points but Mixu would probably be justified in claiming his side deserved a point.”

It was a terrific result for the visitors after their midweek exertions in Denmark and Brown conceded that the trip to Odense, as well as the second leg this Thursday, played a massive part in his team selection.

“When you play a European game on Thursday and don’t get back until the middle of Friday and then you are asked to play at the weekend it is tough,” said the Motherwell boss.

“We haven’t got the biggest of squads and the players aren’t massively used to playing so many games in quick succession. It is a massive undertaking for the players and I have to praise their commitment and fitness levels.

“We had to play today with half a mind on Thursday. That is not to be disrespectful to the SPL  as we are trying to compete on two fronts the best we can. Thankfully we have done the first part of that with a win here.”

The gaffer made four changes to the side which lost 2-1 in Odense with Jon Page, Nick Blackman, Esteban Casagolda and Marc Fitpatrick coming into the starting line-up, and at one point Motherwell had three teenagers on the field in Robert McHugh, Steven Saunders and Jon Page – with Hateley, Murphy and Blackman not much older.

Brown paid tribute to his reshuffled, youthful eleven after grinding out Motherwell’s first SPL win of the season.

Reflecting on the game, the gaffer said: “Both strikers were involved in the goal. Casagolda laid it out wide and then got on the end of the cross to flick on to Nick Blackman, and his finish was good. The reflex save at the end from Darren Randolph was also excellent.”

“I thought Jon Page did very well at right-back, and it was Marc Fitzpatrick’s first start since January and for him to still be working hard at the end was a great achievement for him because he has been the most unlucky player with injuries.”

“If we had lost today we have got Celtic next week which will be a tough task. So it was a vital win – even though I don’t think we played anywhere near as well today as we did against Hibs.”

Pictures from the 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Rugby Park. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

[svgallery name=”kilmarnock220810″]

[tab:Match report]

Nick Blackman scored the only goal of the game as Motherwell earned their first SPL victory of the season at Kilmarnock.

The striker converted a Chris Humphrey cross from close range on 37 minutes for his goal for the club.

And it proved decisive as the Steelmen got the better of their hosts in a disappointing game at Rugby Park.

Craig Brown made four changes to the side with Thursday’s Europa League clash with Odense in mind.

New-boys Blackman and Esteban Casagolda were handed their full debuts in place of Jamie Murphy and John Sutton.

Youngster Jonathan Page also made his first start for the club, with captain Stephen Craigan dropped to the bench.

And forgotten man Marc Fitzpatrick came into the starting eleven at Rugby Park as well, replacing Keith Lasley in midfield.

The changes appeared to take their toll on the team though and it was a sloppy start to the match from the Steelmen.

Kilmarnock were first to threaten when James Dayton picked out David Da Silva inside the box and the Portuguese striker headed over.

Da Silva then tried his luck with a shot from the edge of the area but once again he failed to hit the target.

Motherwell eventually found their feet and Blackman went close with a dipping volley from the left-side of the box.

But it was one of the few chances in a disappointing first-half. Killie created very little themselves and the majority of play was contested in the middle of the park.

That all changed on 37 minutes though as Motherwell broke the deadlock. Blackman was the man to get the goal, ghosting in at the far post to tap home a Humphrey cross from the right.

Killie responded immediately and Page made a crucial intervention to block a powerful Da Silva shot from inside the box.

They pressed for an equaliser before half-time but continued to struggle in the final third.

There might have been a lack of quality on show but there was certainly no lack of commitment and both teams were strong in the tackle.

Indeed, Randolph and Fowler were booked at the interval following a spot of handbags in the tunnel.

Motherwell started the second-half brightly and Blackman tested the Killie keeper with a low shot from the right-side of the box.

Humphrey then created a great chance for Fitzpatrick when he cut the ball back to the on-rushing midfielder but he shot straight at Bell.

The home side hit-back and Fowler drove a shot narrowly wide from the edge of the area.

They introduced Connor Sammon on the hour-mark and the big striker almost picked out Danny Invincibile with a dangerous cross shortly after.

Brown made a whole host of changes for Motherwell too and Craigan came on for Page to provide further stability in the closing stages.

Murphy also joined the action and created a chance for Hateley, who saw his powerful 20-yard strike parried by Bell.

It was a good save from the Killie keeper but his counterpart Randolph went one better at the other end moments later.

Manuel Pascali looked like salvaging a draw when he rose highest to meet a James Dayton corner but Randolph showed great reactions to tip the ball over the bar and preserve the lead.

Killie threw more bodies forward in the dying minutes but Motherwell held on to register their first three points of the new season.

[tab:As it happened]

90+3′ FULL-TIME The final whistle is blown by the referee.

90+3′ Goal kick taken long by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).

90+1′ Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by James Dayton (Kilmarnock) to centre, header by Mohamadou Sissoko (Kilmarnock) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar.

90+1′ Foul by Steven Saunders (Motherwell) on David Silva (Kilmarnock). Free kick crossed right-footed by David Silva (Kilmarnock) from left wing, save (tipped over) by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).

90′ Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by David Silva (Kilmarnock) to centre, header by Manuel Pascali (Kilmarnock) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).

89′ Mohamadou Sissoko fouled by Nick Blackman, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Jamie Hamill.

89′ Mohamadou Sissoko (Kilmarnock) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Darren Randolph (Motherwell) from own half, resulting in open play.

89′ Foul by Robert McHugh (Motherwell) on Ben Gordon (Kilmarnock). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ben Gordon (Kilmarnock) from own half, resulting in open play.

88′ Tom Hateley takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Save by Cameron Bell.

86′ Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by James Dayton (Kilmarnock) to far post, header by Liam Kelly (Kilmarnock) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed left.

85′ Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by David Silva (Kilmarnock) to centre, resulting in open play.

83′ SUB Kilmarnock substitution: Craig Bryson replaced by Liam Kelly.

81′ Corner taken by Tom Hateley from the left by-line, save made by Cameron Bell.

80′ Robert McHugh gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Ben Gordon. Free kick taken by Jamie Hamill.

78′ SUB Jamie Murphy (Motherwell) comes on for Chris Humphrey.

78′ David Silva gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Chris Humphrey.

76′ Free kick crossed right-footed by Jamie Hamill (Kilmarnock) from right wing, clearance by Tom Hateley (Motherwell).

76′ BOOKING Steve Jennings (Motherwell) is booked for unsporting behaviour.

76′ Foul by Steve Jennings (Motherwell) on James Dayton (Kilmarnock).

76′ Cross by Steven Saunders (Motherwell), clearance by Mohamadou Sissoko (Kilmarnock).

74′ Foul by Steven Saunders (Motherwell) on Conor Sammon (Kilmarnock). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Manuel Pascali (Kilmarnock) from own half, resulting in open play.

72′ Foul by Conor Sammon (Kilmarnock) on Stephen Craigan (Motherwell). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Stephen Craigan (Motherwell) from own half, resulting in open play.

71′ Conor Sammon delivers the ball, save made by Darren Randolph.

68′ Free kick crossed left-footed by James Dayton (Kilmarnock) from left wing, clearance by Steve Jennings (Motherwell).

67′ SUB Motherwell substitution: Jonathan Page replaced by Stephen Craigan.

67′ BOOKING Jonathan Page (Motherwell) is booked for unsporting behaviour.

67′ Foul by Jonathan Page (Motherwell) on David Silva (Kilmarnock).

66′ Shot by James Dayton (Kilmarnock) drilled right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Jonathan Page (Motherwell).

65′ Foul by Nick Blackman (Motherwell) on James Dayton (Kilmarnock). Free kick crossed right-footed by Jamie Hamill (Kilmarnock) from right wing, clearance by Steven Saunders (Motherwell).

63′ SUB Conor Sammon (Kilmarnock) is brought on for James Fowler.

61′ SUB Robert McHugh (Motherwell) takes the place of Esteban Casagolda.

61′ Shot from just outside the penalty area by James Fowler misses to the left of the target.

60′ Marc Fitzpatrick has an effort at goal. Comfortable save by Cameron Bell.

58′ Daniele Invincibile (Kilmarnock) is caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Darren Randolph (Motherwell) from own half, resulting in open play.

56′ Nick Blackman produces a drilled left-footed shot from 18 yards. Save by Cameron Bell.

51′ David Silva (Kilmarnock) is caught offside. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Darren Randolph (Motherwell) from own half, resulting in open play.

50′ Mark Reynolds challenges Daniele Invincibile unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Jamie Hamill.

46′ KICK-OFF The second-half begins

45+2′ HALF-TIME The referee calls an end to the first half.

45+2 BOOKING Caution for James Fowler (Kilmarnock). 

45+2 BOOKING Darren Randolph (Motherwell) receives a yellow card.

44′ Direct free kick taken right-footed by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell) from own half, resulting in open play.

44′ BOOKING James Dayton (Kilmarnock) booked for unsporting behaviour.

44′ Foul by James Dayton (Kilmarnock) on Stevie Hammell (Motherwell).

41′ Danny Invincibile gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Steven Saunders. Direct free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

40′ Foul by Esteban Casagolda (Motherwell) on Frazer Wright (Kilmarnock). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Craig Bryson (Kilmarnock) from right wing, resulting in open play.

39′ Nick Blackman gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Mohamadou Sissoko. Mohamadou Sissoko takes the free kick.

38′ Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by James Dayton (Kilmarnock) to centre, save (caught) by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).

38′ Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by David Silva (Kilmarnock) to near post, clearance by Jonathan Page (Motherwell).

37′ GOAL Nick Blackman (Motherwell) scores with a left-footed volley into the bottom-left of goal from six yards. Assist by Chris Humphrey.

35′ Inswinging corner taken by David Silva, Headed effort from deep inside the penalty area by Daniele Invincibile misses to the left of the goal.

34′ Shot from 20 yards from David Silva. Clearance made by Steven Saunders.

33′ Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Chris Humphrey (Motherwell) to far post, resulting in open play.

29′ Foul by Esteban Casagolda (Motherwell) on Jamie Hamill (Kilmarnock). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Cameron Bell (Kilmarnock) from own half, resulting in open play.

26′ Danny Invincibile (Kilmarnock) is fouled by Stevie Hammell, the ref awards a free kick. Craig Bryson takes the free kick.

24′ David Silva is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Direct free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

17′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Marc Fitzpatrick on Manuel Pascali. Free kick taken by Cameron Bell.

16′ Unfair challenge on Steven Saunders by Daniele Invincibile results in a free kick. Darren Randolph restarts play with the free kick.

15′ James Dayton fouled by Stevie Hammell, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick crossed left-footed by James Dayton from right wing, clearance by Mark Reynolds.

11′ James Fowler challenges Tom Hateley unfairly and gives away a free kick. Steven Saunders restarts play with the free kick.

10′ Handball by Esteban Casagolda (Motherwell). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Manuel Pascali (Kilmarnock) from own half, resulting in open play.

10′ Foul by Danny Invincibile (Kilmarnock) on Mark Reynolds (Motherwell). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Stevie Hammell (Motherwell) from left channel, passed.

9′ A cross is delivered by David Silva, Darren Randolph manages to make a clearance.

9′ Chris Humphrey challenges Ben Gordon unfairly and gives away a free kick. Cameron Bell takes the free kick.

8′ Foul by Esteban Casagolda on Manuel Pascali, free kick awarded. Cameron Bell takes the direct free kick.

7′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Stevie Hammell on James Dayton. Free kick taken by Manuel Pascali.

6′ James Dayton fouled by Stevie Hammell, the ref awards a free kick. Manuel Pascali restarts play with the free kick.

3′ Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by David Silva (Kilmarnock) to short, resulting in open play.

2′ Corner taken right-footed by David Silva, Stevie Hammell manages to make a clearance.

2′ Cross by James Dayton (Kilmarnock), clearance by Steve Jennings (Motherwell).

1′ Tom Hateley concedes a free kick for a foul on David Silva. Direct free kick taken by David Silva.

1′ Shot by Craig Bryson (Kilmarnock) right-footed from right channel (25 yards), blocked by Darren Randolph (Motherwell).

1′ KICK-OFF The match gets underway.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell boss Craig Brown:

“I’m proud of the lads for getting all three points but I can’t say I’m ecstatic about the way we played.

“I don’t think the game was of the highest quality – either in terms of entertainment or in the technical aspects.

“Overall it was an even game and I thought it could have gone either way. Thankfully we got the goal, and both keepers making excellent saves ensured it finished 1-0.

“We battled hard for the three points but Mixu would probably be justified in claiming his side deserved a point.”

Motherwell goalscorer Nick Blackman:

“We could have played a lot better and the boys know that, but the main thing is that we’ve got three points away from home.

“I’m really pleased to have scored a goal on my first start. “I’m very happy and it was good that we managed to get three points.

“I’ve come up here to get goals and that is how I will be judged as a striker so hopefully there will be a few more to come.

“I’ve set myself targets if I get a run in the team but I’m not going to say what they are.”

Kilmarnock manager Mixu Paatelainen:

“I thought we played well. We passed the ball and created chances but we didn’t score. Motherwell scored one and I thought they got out of jail.

“But that’s football. If you fall asleep for one second you will get punished against good teams and they have plenty of good players.

“So I’m disappointed we lost the game. We created enough chances to at least get a point.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”7″]

The youth team came from behind to beat Hibs 4-3 in an unbelievable opening game of the U19 season.

Trailing 3-1 with less than 20 minutes remaining, Gordon Young’s side produced a magnificent comeback to stun the Edinburgh hosts.

It was a terrific turnaround from the young Steelmen who had been the victims of what appeared to be some very questionable decisions from the match officials throughout the game.

And it was doubly pleasing for the manager, given seven players were making their first ever start at this level, with the majority of the squad made up of players still eligible for the U17s.

It was a windy afternoon at the Hibernian training centre and the home side certainly adapted better in the opening exchanges.

However, despite all their possession and balls across the face of goal, the Motherwell defence held firm and goalkeeper Tom Bradley didn’t look in any way troubled.

That was until the 12th minute when Hibs took the lead in controversial circumstances. Some neat build-up play on the right flank led to a neat ball over the head of Liam Sloan for Philip Addison, who appeared to be at least a yard offside.

The assistant referee’s flag wasn’t forthcoming though and the striker kept his composure to knock it past Bradley.

Whether it was a sense of injustice is anyone’s guess, but Young’s men went on to dominate the rest of the half and should have drawn level eleven minutes later.

Ross McKinnon’s corner from the right was met at the back post by Josh Watt who turned it back into the middle with a neat header. It dropped kindly for defender Michael Lynch but he failed to connect properly with the shot, allowing a grateful Calum Antell to gather.

‘Well continued to push but were being restricted to chances from set-pieces. Ten minutes from the break it was another set-piece that almost led to an equaliser. Taking it short, McKinnon combined with Watt with a neat one-two before curling a beautiful curling effort at goal. It looked net-bound all the way but McKinnon was denied by a fantastic save from Antell who threw up a last ditch hand to turn it over the bar for another corner.

The second-half kicked off in similar fashion to the first as Hibs burst out the traps. Inside the opening five minutes they tested Bradley’s awareness with a bouncing low shot that forced the Welshman to tip round the post.

It was a sign of things to come as the home side doubled their lead but once again there was major controversy surrounding the goal.

With ‘Well on the attack a neat ball into the left channel allowed the hardworking Keiran McGachie to get in behind the home defence. In a straight race with keeper Antell the striker won the ball and tipped it past the Hibs goalkeeper only to be taken out.

Incredibly, the referee waved play on as the home side broke up the park. A long ball over the top allowed David Crawford to outpace Lynch. He eventually squared it inside for Daniel Handling who tucked it into an empty net.

The Motherwell players surrounded the referee and Bradley was booked for his protests. It was an incredible decision and the visitors were rightly aggrieved.

But they didn’t allow their heads to drop and within a minute were back in the game courtesy of a debut goal for McGachie. The big striker, who put in a great shift up-top, quickly latched onto a mistake in the home defence and rounded Antell before coolly tucking it home.

Yet within five minutes, Hibs restored their two-goal advantage. The excellent Stuart Carswell was a penalised for a trip on the edge of the box. It looked more of a coming together but that does not excuse the very poor marking as the free-kick bounced across the box eventually landing at the feet of Forster, allowing him to poke home from close range.

At that point it looked as if ‘Well were on the road to an opening day defeat but they gave themselves a lifeline with 18 minutes remaining. Good build-up play from another debutant Stephen Howarth opened space for McGachie. He managed to turn Smith before being scythed down inside the box.

This time the referee had no option but to point to the spot. McKinnon stepped up and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, sending Antell the wrong way.

The goal put Hibs on the back foot and they started to look nervous. Young’s men went for the jugular almost straight from the restart and eventually equalised three minutes later.

Fantastic work down the left by McDonald and substitute Lee Erwin created space for Howarth. The youngster took a touch round his marker before lashing a low drive under Antell and into the net.

And the comeback was completed four minutes from time when Keiran MacDonald struck an incredible winner, smashing home an unstoppable volley from the edge of the area that flew past Antell into the top left-hand corner.

Motherwell: Bradley, Brown, Sloan, Lynch, McKinnon, Carswell, Watt (Erwin), Scanlan (Halsman), Howarth, McDonald (McLean), McGachie. Subs not used: Muir, Griffin, Connor, Murray.

Pictures from the 2-1 defeat to Odense in the Europa League Play-Off Round first-leg. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

[svgallery name=”odense190810″]