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Richard Tait, Andy Rose and Gaël Bigirimana speak after the loss to Hamilton Academical in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Stephen Robinson didn’t recognise his team as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat against local rivals Hamilton Academical.

Goals in either half put ‘Well to the sword in what was a dismal afternoon at the Superseal Stadium.

Reflecting at full time, Robinson expressed his disappointment with his sides third defeat of 2018

[pullquote]That’s not the team we’ve come to know. We didn’t compete today from start to finish.[/pullquote]

In terms of the game I think our set play delivery was poor, whereas theirs was good and caused us problems.

The first goal was poor defending from a set piece, which isn’t like us.

It’s tough to take because the players have shown over the course of the season that they’re far better than they showed today.

Phil McGhee at the Superseal Stadium.

In what had been an impressive run of four wins in five games, Motherwell’s good form came to an end with a poor showing in the Lanarkshire derby.

In truth, Hamilton Academical were the more determined side as they secured a 2-0 win at the Superseal Stadium, and fought hard to protect Marios Ogkmpoe’s early lead.

And when slack play allowed David Templeton to add a second midway through the second half, there was no way back for the under par Steelmen.

In truth, the opening goal was the first real effort of the match with just ten minutes on the clock. The ‘Well defence failed to clear Templeton’s corner and as the ball bounced around the six yard box, Ogkmpoe cutely back healed the ball high into the net despite Richard Tait’s attempt to head the ball over the bar.

For the remainder of the half, ‘Well bossed the middle of the park but without exposing the Accies defence, as they struggled to test the home goal for the remainder of the game.

Good build up midway through the half found its way to Tait on the left of the box who cut inside on to his right foot before driving the ball narrowly past the post.

Shortly after, Tanner fed the ball through to Curtis Main, who turned at the edge of the box before his low shot forced a routine save from Gary Woods.

In the final action of the first half of a rather poor 45, Main’s head flick directed Tait’s cross narrowly over the bar.

The weather failed to improve in the second half, but ‘Well came out looking rejuvenated for the second half. Within 10 minutes of the restart, Stephen Robinson made a double substitution with Nadir Ciftci and Gael Bigirimana bringing a bit of composure to the visitor’s play.

Almost immediately Bigirimana, sent Tait in behind the home defence and when his cross was nodded out to Carl McHugh it was an invitation to repeat his winning goal against Hearts. However, on his favoured left, the ‘Well captain struck a sweet volley narrowly over the bar.

But the sucker punch arrived 20 minutes into the half when miscommunication between McHugh and Bigirimana allowed Templeton to pick up the ball  the ball inside the centre circle. And although he chased the Accies man back into his own box, he couldn’t prevent Templeton steering the ball low past Carson to double Hamilton’s advantage.

And despite placing the home defence under some sustained pressure in the closing stages, Accies never looked like surrendering their lead.

With five minutes remaining and the bulk of ‘Well’s 1700 fans heading back across the Clyde, Ciftci curled a free kick wide of goal as the Accies ‘keeper still waited to make his first meaningful save.

And to sum up ‘Well’s day in the final minute of injury time, Woods produced his first stop, diving full length to push Bigirimana’s curling shot round his post to deny the Fir Parker’s a consolation goal.

Motherwell face Hamilton Academical in the Ladbrokes Premiership at the Superseal Stadium in the fourth Lanarkshire derby of the season. 

And on the back of a dramatic victory over Hearts in the quarter final of the Scottish Cup, the Steelmen are back to league action on Saturday with huge momentum behind them.

Carl McHugh’s stunning chest and volley from 25 yards sent Stephen Robinson’s side in to the last four, and with a top six spot to play for, now face an important game on Saturday.

Having clinched three important points against Partick Thistle, Hamilton also go in to the derby clash on the back of a win.

With two wins in three meetings against Accies this term, Stephen Robinson’s side could move within a point of sixth placed Hearts with a third derby victory.

And manager Stephen Robinson is confident his side will be up to the task when they come up against Martin Canning’s side on Saturday.

“We’ve done well in recent times against Hamilton and we aim to continue to do that, but we’re well aware of what a tough game it will be,” the Northern Irishman said.

“But we’ll be ready to scrap. We’ll put out a team who’ll be ready to scrap and fight, that’s the first and foremost for us, but it will be a very tough game.

“Since the winter break though we’ve won seven games, so we’re on a good run of form and against Hearts I thought our tempo was very good and back to what we’re about.”

[pullquote]We’re scoring a lot of goals at the moment, the only game we haven’t scored in since the break was against Kilmarnock.[/pullquote]

Having enjoyed a strong season at the helm, Robinson also took the chance to praise some of his players for their performances this term.

In particular, his Scottish contingent have impressed on a regular basis in claret and amber.

“We’ve got a couple of boys who I believe will be on Alex McLeish’s radar, whether that’s the 21s or the full squad,” Robinson said.

“I hear a lot of the press talk about problems at right back but no one has mentioned Richard Tait.”

Much like his manager, Ryan Bowman is relishing Saturday’s Lanarkshire derby.

The strong striker knows that the Steelmen will be in for a tough afternoon, but insists ‘Well have the players to win the battle and pick up all three points.

Speaking to the broadcast press ahead of Saturday’s game, the Englishman revealed the hard work going on around the training ground ahead of the fourth meeting with Hamilton Academical this season.

[pullquote]We’ve been preparing all week for this derby match, there’s been a good atmosphere in training, and we’ll be ready for the battle.[/pullquote]

“We’re focused on Hamilton on Saturday because we know it’ll be a tough game for us,” the 26-year-old said.

“We’ll be ready to battle, but once we win the battle we have the players who can win us the game on the ball.”

	Hamilton v Motherwell
	Saturday March 10, 2018
	3.00pm
	Superseal Stadium
	Tickets on sale at the gate.

Admission prices are as follows:

Motherwell supporters should enter through gates 7-12. Gates 7 to 9 will be cash-only gates, while gates 1o to 12 will be for those who have already purchased tickets.

We are expecting a big crowd, so please get there early.

If you are travelling by train, please leave extra time as you will be directed on a longer route to the ground.

If you can’t make it along, you can follow the match on Twitter @MotherwellFC. Live audio commentary will be available on mixlr.com/motherwellfc

You can see the match highlights on MFC TV’s YouTube channel, as well as full reaction and a match report right here on the official website.

Ryan Bowman is relishing Saturday’s Lanarkshire derby. 

The strong striker knows that the Steelmen will be in for a tough afternoon, but insists ‘Well have the players to win the battle and pick up all three points.

Speaking to the broadcast press ahead of Saturday’s game, the Englishman revealed the hard work going on around the training ground ahead of the fourth meeting with Hamilton Academical this season.

[pullquote]It’ll be a battle and a scrap, we know to expect that. But we have good form against them recently, especially at their place.[/pullquote]

“We’re focused on Hamilton on Saturday because we know it’ll be a tough game for us,” the 26-year-old said.

“We’ve been preparing all week for this derby match, there’s been a good atmosphere in training, and we’ll be ready for the battle.

“But once we win the battle we have the players who can win us the game on the ball.”

Stephen Robinson believes the Scots in his squad could catch the attention of Scotland manager Alex McLeish.

Richard Tait, Chris Cadden and Allan Campbell have had terrific campaigns so far in claret and amber as the Steelmen prepare for a second semi final and a top-six push.

Speaking to the broadcast press, the ‘Well boss spoke about his Scottish contingent ahead of a crucial Lanarkshire derby on Saturday.

[pullquote]We’ve got a couple of boys who I believe will be on Alex McLeish’s radar, whether that’s the 21s or the full squad.[/pullquote]

“I hear a lot of the press talk about problems at right back but no one has mentioned Richard Tait.”

He added: “Since the winter break we’ve won seven games, so we’re on a good run of form and against Hearts I thought our tempo was very good and back to what we’re about.”

“We’ve done well in recent times against Hamilton and we’re well aware of what a tough game it is, but we’ll have a team ready to go out and scrap and fight.”

Steven McLean will be in charge of Saturday’s Lanarkshire derby clash at the Superseal Stadium.

It will be McLean’s third involvement with Motherwell as he steps in to the middle for a crucial fixture in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

His first match this term was the 2-0 victory over Rangers at Hampden in the semi final of the Betfred Cup – one of the most memorable victories of the season for any ‘Well fan.

He followed that match up with a fixture at Fir Park, as Kilmarnock sneaked all three points in a narrow 1-0 win for Steve Clarke’s side.

The 36-year-old took charge on six occasions last term. Those included a midweek away win to Ross County, a 3-2 home loss against Dundee and a 1-1 draw at Ibrox back in April.

His overall record in charge of Motherwell reads 17 wins, 10 defeats and six draws from 33 matches.

In those games, ‘Well have scored 58 and conceded 52. 102 cautions have been dished out, 56 flashed at those wearing claret and amber.

Four players have been sent off, two for ‘Well, when Fraser Kerr and Keith Lasley were sent for an early shower in the same match against Kilmarnock in February 2013.

McLean will be assisted by David Roome and Joseph Lawson, with Craig Charleston on fourth official duties.

Motherwell’s William Hill Scottish Cup semi final against either Aberdeen or Kilmarnock will be played on Saturday, April 14.

The match, which will be played at Hampden Park in Glasgow, will kick off at 12.15pm.

The fixture is also being broadcast live on Sky Sports and BBC Scotland.

Ticket information for the match is as follows:

North and William Hill South Stand

£30 Adult / £15 Concessions

East & West Stands

£20 Adult / £10 Concessions

Concessions are regarded as those aged under 16 and those aged 65 and over.

The Scottish FA haven’t as yet been able to give the competing clubs a confirmed date as to when the tickets are likely to be available. When they do, the club will announce when the tickets will go on sale and the planned sale arrangements.

Getting to Hampden

The club are operating a bus from the Cooper Bar on the day of the game. The bar will be open before departure for food and drink.

The bus, which will take supporters to and from Hampden Park, will cost £8. Supporters can buy by calling 01698 333333 or visiting the ticket office at Fir Park.

Semi final hospitality

Come and enjoy the day in style with our pre and post-match hospitality here at Fir Park.

For just £80, you can get:

• Your match ticket
• Hot breakfast roll
• Match programme
• Official bus to and from Hampden Park
• Pay bar facility at Fir Park
• Hot buffet served at Fir Park on your return

It’s time to cast your vote for what you think should be the 2017/18 Motherwell FC goal of the season.

We’ve put together a shortlist of the best strikes so far this campaign. All you need to do is pick your favourite. Click here to cast your vote.

Our shortlist is as follows:

15/8/17: Chris Cadden v Queens Park

26/8/17: Louis Moult v Hearts

9/9/17: Ryan Bowman v Kilmarnock

14/10/17: Andy Rose v Hamilton Academical

22/10/17: Louis Moult v Rangers

18/11/17: Louis Moult v Aberdeen

13/12/17: Craig Tanner v Partick Thistle

4/3/18: Carl McHugh v Hearts

Our award ceremony takes place this year on April 7 at the Alona Hotel in Strathclyde Park. If you’ve still not got your tickets, the last remaining few are still available. They cost £50 for adults and £20 for under 12s. Phone 01698 333333 or email events@motherwellfc.co.uk to book.

You can also vote for your player and young player of the year by clicking here.

Motherwell’s postponed Ladbrokes Premiership fixture with Aberdeen has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 3. 

The league clash, which was originally scheduled on Wednesday, February 28, was called off due to severe snow.

The game at Fir Park will kick off at 7.45pm.

If you have already purchased a ticket, it will be valid for the rearranged match.