Stephen Robinson believed a draw was a fair result as both Motherwell and Kilmarnock failed to take their chances in horrendous conditions at Rugby Park.
Latest News
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First team
Manager: A draw was fair
Saturday 02 March 2019 -
First team
Motherwell earn point at Kilmarnock
Saturday 02 March 2019Motherwell earned a point at Kilmarnock that was a fair reflection of the play at Rugby Park.
With neither team able to produce a goal over 135 minutes play at Rugby Park this week, both sides had to settle for a point each for their determined efforts to overcome some testing weather conditions.
Although visibility wasn’t a problem for the 1,500 Motherwell fans’ second trip to Ayrshire in four days, the rain and swirling wind on the artificial surface posed more of a challenge for the players.
Stephen Robinson’s side resumed action at Rugby Park with the same line-up that started in midweek.
However, Steve Clarke saw enough through Wednesday’s fog to recognise that ‘Well had the upper hand and subsequently, the Killie boss made two tactical changes to strengthen his midfield.
Just like the game in midweek Killie looked more menacing from kick-off and Conor McAleney broke through only to drive wide of target.
The first goalmouth threat came at the other end after six minutes. David Turnbull’s corner found Richard Tait with his back to goal and his speculative overhead kick was fumbled by Dan Bachmann on his line, with Curtis Main lurking.
Eight minutes later, the Killie ‘keeper redeemed himself. A quick pass from Main released Jake Hastie, who raced towards the home penalty area before curling a terrific left foot shot destined to bend inside the post, until Bachmann leapt to his right to beat the ball away.
The Killie goal was under threat again when Charles Dunne thundered the ball across the goal face. But it was hoisted high and clear before it reached Turnbull at the back post.
After 21 minutes, Mark Gillespie made his first save comfortably holding Rory McKenzie’s 25 yard drive.
Motherwell were again on the front foot and ten minutes from half time Main’s angled drive deflected for a corner. Before Turnbull could take it, though, Richard Tait and Stephen O’Donnell were involved in a tussle which earned both of them a yellow card from John Beaton.
Just before the break ‘Well again came close to opening the scoring. Allan Campbell rolled the ball along the 18 yard line for Gboly Ariyibi, whose drive was heading towards the right hand corner of Bachmann’s goal before the ‘keeper produced another great stop.
The Steelmen headed to the dressing room at half-time knowing that they had chances to go in front on the first half – but assured they would have a second 45 minutes this time to claim all three points.
But within minutes of the restart Gillespie had to fall on Gary Dicker’s 12 yard shot to keep the scores level.
‘Well’s first threat of the half came in the 57th minute. Turnbull’s corner found Tom Aldred’s heavily bandaged head but as the defender stooped to meet the ball he fell on the ball which led to an almighty scramble two yards from the home goal line.
It was Gillespie’s goal, though, that had a lucky escape after 67 minutes when McKenzie met the ball eight yards out. His effort carried the ball over the ‘keeper only to rebound off the face of the crossbar.
Action moved to the other end and Turnbull’s trundler forced Bachmann to squeeze the ball round his post.
Elliot Frear, at the expense of Ariyibi, was then given 20 minutes to make an impact on the game. But it was Killie sub Eamonn Brophy who came close to an immediate impact when he hooked the ball towards goal only to watch Gillespie react superbly to palm the ball away.
With 15 minutes remaining and both sides aiming for a winning goal, James Scott took Main’s place leading the Fir Park attack.
Three minutes from time a determined drive to the bye-line and tempting cross from Grimshaw found no takers in front of goal was ‘Well’s final attempt to grab all three points.
Driving sleet in the final minutes summed up the weather that both sets of players had to endure to eventually get through this fixture.
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First team
Live stream of Kilmarnock v Motherwell
Saturday 02 March 2019Saturday’s rearranged game at Kilmarnock will be available to watch or listen to online.
If you live outside of the UK/Ireland, you can watch a live stream of the game direct from Rugby Park. Kick off is at 3pm GMT.
To sign up for our service, just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk and choose your package. Subscriptions to see live games start at just £12 a month.
Every league game between now and the split will be broadcast live on our service.
If you’re in the UK or Ireland but can’t make the game, there’s also live audio commentary available on our service. Our domestic subscriptions cost £6 a month and also get you full game replays.
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First team
Lasley urges big support at Kilmarnock
Friday 01 March 2019Keith Lasley is urging Motherwell fans to make the trip to Kilmarnock on Saturday, with adult fans able to get in for just £5.
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First team
Frear: We’ll find focus
Friday 01 March 2019Elliott Frear says the team have had a strange week after their midweek postponement, but are ready to find focus again ahead of the rearranged trip to face Kilmarnock.
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First team
Previewing Kilmarnock v Motherwell (again)
Friday 01 March 2019After abandonment on Wednesday night because of fog, Motherwell head to Kilmarnock again on Saturday.
Kick off at Rugby Park is at 3pm. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match.
The abandoned game
Motherwell impressed in the 45 minutes that got through on Wednesday, with Tom Aldred having the game’s biggest chance with a close-range header.
Around 650 supporters made the midweek trip, before the fog started to pour in half an hour into the match. After realising at half time that it wouldn’t lift, the game was called off by referee John Beaton.
It’s just £5 to get in
Motherwell Football Club will pay the entry fee for Saturday’s rearranged match at Kilmarnock to fans who made the trip to the original game.
Supporters who received a voucher, or put their name on a list at Rugby Park on Wednesday, are entitled to have the cost of getting into the new fixture reimbursed.
Fans who didn’t make the trip on Wednesday can enjoy a discounted entry price of £5 for adults, over 65s, under 21s and students. Children under 16 can get in for £3.
Adult £5 Over 65s / Under 21s / Student £5 Under 16s £3 Turnstiles will open around one hour before kick off. Entry is at the Rugby Road entrances.
Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Andy Sim on 07428 225254 or email tickets@mfcdsa.com.
The form guide
Motherwell were on a six-game winning run before a spirited performance ended in defeat at Celtic on Sunday.
Steve Clarke’s men are without a win in their last seven in all competitions, drawing three and losing four. Their last win came in January, when they picked up back-to-back wins over Forfar Athletic and Rangers.
The Killie boss, however, has a 100% record over Motherwell in the four games he’s faced us.
Team news
Motherwell remain without Trevor Carson, Chris Cadden and Craig Tanner. Christian Mbulu and Ross McCormack are also still sidelined.
Watch it live online
If you’re based outside of the UK/Ireland, you can watch a live stream of the game direct from Rugby Park.
To sign up for our service, just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk and choose your package. Subscriptions to see live games start at just £12 a month.
Every league game between now and the split will be broadcast live on our service.
If you’re in the UK or Ireland but can’t make the game, there’s also live audio commentary available on our service. Our domestic subscriptions cost £6 a month and also get you full game replays.
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First team
In Numbers: Facing Kilmarnock away
Friday 01 March 2019Motherwell continue their late push for a top six finish with a trip to face Kilmarnock on Saturday.
Here’s the game previewed in numbers.
Zero
From 14 matches, Motherwell are remarkably yet to pick up a draw on their league travels this season.
Stephen Robinson’s men have won six and lost eight so far, netting 15 and conceding 28.
Kilmarnock’s home form, in contrast, has seen them win eight, draw one and lose 5 from 14.
Seven
A normally deadly Kilmarnock side have struggled of late, failing to win any of their last seven matches.
Draws with Aberdeen, Dundee and Rangers have gone along side four losses, coming against Hearts, Livingston, Celtic and Rangers.
In the same period, Motherwell have won six and lost one, with their winning run ending at Celtic Park on Sunday.
10
With the two teams enjoying contrasting form of late, the Steelmen have closed the gap on their opponents to 10 points.
With Kilmarnock in fourth and Motherwell in eighth, it seems unlikely that will be caught up before the split with six games left.
That said, Motherwell have closed that gap by the exact amount required over their last six matches, as they were sitting 20 points behind their opponents at the turn of the year.
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First team
Need to Know: A look at Kilmarnock
Thursday 28 February 2019Kilmarnock welcome Motherwell to Rugby Park for the second time in the 2018/19 Ladbrokes Premiership on Saturday.
Here’s a look at our opponents.
Form guide
Killie haven’t won in their last seven games in all competitions, drawing three and losing four along the way.
Their last victory came against Rangers on January 23, with Eamonn Brophy and Jordan Jones striking to complete a 2-1 comeback win.
The Wolf Man chasing goals
The aforementioned Brophy is Kilmarnock’s top scorer this campaign, netting nine in the league and one in the cup.
He has, however, only found the net in one game from six in 2019 so far. Before that, he had been in prolific form in September and December specifically.
Keeping up the challenge
Kilmarnock had been challenging for top spot for a good chunk of the campaign. They may have slipped from that, but the chance to finish in a European spot is still in their grasp.
Rangers sit nine points ahead in second, while Aberdeen occupy the other guaranteed Europa League spot with a four-point cushion.
Fourth spot could, of course, be good enough for Europe depending on what happens in the Scottish Cup.
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First team
Club will pay entry for fans heading back to Kilmarnock
Thursday 28 February 2019Motherwell Football Club will pay the entry fee for Saturday’s rearranged match at Kilmarnock to fans who made the trip to the original game.
Supporters who received a voucher, or put their name on a list at Rugby Park on Wednesday, are entitled to have the cost of getting into the new fixture reimbursed.
Fans who didn’t make the trip on Wednesday can enjoy a discounted entry price of £5 for adults, over 65s, under 21s and students. Children under 16 can get in for £3.
We would encourage as many as possible to make the journey to Ayrshire to take in the game at the cheaper rate, as we look to push the team on towards a place in the Ladbrokes Premiership top six.
“We thank all fans for their patience today while we made arrangements for the new date,” chief executive Alan Burrows said of the decision.
“While we disagree with Kilmarnock’s decision to not allow fans who travelled free entry to the rearranged game, we respect that it is wholly their call to make under league rules. Our club does not have a say in setting ticket prices for league matches hosted by other clubs.
“We want to do something to thank and reward the supporters who travelled, only to see the game abandoned. We also hope that the discounted ticket price for others will attract many of you to head to Rugby Park to cheer on the team.”
How to claim your £5 or £3 back
We will start paying back supporters from 12pm to 4pm on Friday, 1 March at the ticket office at Fir Park. This offer will remain in place until Friday, 8 March.
Supporters should bring the voucher they were given at Rugby Park to the ticket office at Fir Park to claim their money. Please note that the number of vouchers per person we will exchange for cash will be capped at four.
If you were instead made to give your name on a list at the ground, we have put plans in place with Kilmarnock whereby you will be asked to collect a voucher from the ticket office at Rugby Park on Saturday, and then return it to us next week. We are unable to obtain the list from Kilmarnock as doing so would breach GDPR law.
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First team
Kilmarnock match rearranged
Thursday 28 February 2019Motherwell’s abandoned Ladbrokes Premiership match with Kilmarnock will now be played on Saturday, 2 March.
Kick off at Rugby Park will be at 3pm. As per SPFL rules, the match will be replayed in full from the start.
Kilmarnock Football Club have set the following prices for the rearranged game:
Adult £5 Over 65s / Under 21s / Student £5 Under 16s £3 Please note that vouchers given to fans on Wednesday night are obsolete and will not entitle the holder to free or discounted entry.
Entry will be pay at the gate at the ground.