| 3 | Rangers | 12 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 23 |
| 4 | Dundee United | 13 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 20 |
| 5 | Motherwell | 12 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 19 |
| 6 | St Mirren | 14 | 5 | 3 | 6 | -4 | 18 |
| 7 | Dundee | 13 | 4 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 15 |
Danny Johnson bagged a late equaliser as Motherwell battled to a point against champions Celtic.
Mark Gillespie’s penalty save in the first half, after Ryan Christie’s opener, gave the hosts the platform to make it three home games unbeaten against Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Mark Gillespie, Danny Johnson and Carl McHugh reflected on a terrific performance under the Fir Park floodlights against Celtic.
A dramatic late Johnson goal sealed a point against Brendan Rodgers side as the Steelmen bounced back following Saturday’s defeat to Livingston.
Gillespie said: “We showed loads of spirit, loads of fight, and that’s what this club is all about.”
A stunning late equaliser from on-form Danny Johnson, earned ‘Well a share of the points –and a third consecutive home draw with Celtic.
After a most unfortunate opening 13 minutes, when ‘Well lost two defenders and the opening goal to Ryan Christie, the Steelmen recovered to produce a gutsy second half performance.
But just when it seemed that their efforts would go unrewarded Danny Johnson produced a terrific equaliser three minutes from time, and have the ‘Well fans on their feet until the final whistle.
However, the turning point came five minutes from the interval when Mark Gillespie’s wonderful save denied Leigh Griffiths a second and decisive goal.
Motherwell took heart from that and having created the majority of the chances in the second half were well worth a share of the points.
Peter Hartley and Carl McHugh returned from suspension and with Connor Sammon partnering Danny Johnson up front, the Fir Park line-up added some steel through the spine of the side.
Liam Donnelly returned after a six week injury to fill the right back berth in a solid looking back four.
But it was at the other end, in ‘Well’s first attack that Donnelly combined with McHugh and his tempting cross into the six yard area was headed clear by the towering Filip Benkovic.
Sadly, Hartley’s involvement was curtailed after only four minutes, a knee injury forcing him off, with McHugh fallling back and Andy Rose coming on to take a midfield role.
A few minutes later Mark Gillespie made his first save comfortably catching Callum McGregor’s 20 yard drive.
With only 12 minutes played Stephen Robinson game plan was throw into disarray when Donnelly limped off. However, before Adam Livingstone could come on to make his senior debut at left back, the home side were a goal behind.
It was a double blow for the home side as Christie galloped into the space vacated by Donnelly before squeezing the ball beyond Gillespie and inside the ‘keeper’s far post.
Motherwell almost had the perfect response when Sammon headed for the visitor’s end before cutting the ball back to Alan Campbell. He then laid the ball into the path of David Turnbull at the edge of the box but his well driven shot flew over Craig Gordon’s bar.
For the remainder of the half the Parkhead men held the bulk of possession but never troubled the home goal – although Benkovic forced the ball into the net only to have his counter disallowed.
Other than that Gillespie was untroubled until five minutes from half-time. And even then Celtic’s effort from the penalty spot was self-inflicted. There was little danger when Rose clattered Christie on the byeline but referee Kevin Clancy had little sympathy as he pointed to the spot.
It seemed certain that ‘Well would fall two behind as the reliable Griffiths stepped up to take the kick. However, Gillespie pulled off a fabulous double save, diving low to his left to block the initial shot and then recovering to punch the ball away as the Scotland striker raced onto the rebound.
The half-time break appeared to steady the Fir Park men after their early upsets as they pushed the game towards the Celtic goal from the restart.
Within three minutes Campbell worked a one –two with Sammon before his shot from 20 yards forced Gordon into his first real save.
The Scotland under 21 midfielder then had another effort from the centre of the box deflected behind before a strong crossfield run from Turnbull ended with a shot wide of target.
After 66 minutes Johnson’s well meant header drifted over Gordon and the bar but the ‘Well fans sensed that an equaliser might be on the cards. Five minutes later, and after an exhausting hour on his debut, Livingstone was replaced by Curtis Main as ‘Well contested the last 20 minutes with three forwards on the pitch.
Nine minutes from time Sammon came close to rewarding the side’s second half efforts. Having latched on to a loose ball in the middle of the park the on loan Hearts’ striker powered towards the visitor’s goal but with Johnson on his right he dragged the ball on to his left foot before driving low to the keeper’s left forcing a fine diving save from Gordon.
‘Well continued to chase a leveler and it arrived three minutes from time. As the ball bounced around at the corner of a packed penalty box Turnbull fed the ball to Johnson. From a really tight angle the former Gateshead striker unleashed a superb low drive which zipped past Gordon and inside the ‘keeper’s far post.
There was still time for Celtic to respond but with McHugh and Tom Aldred brilliantly marshalling the defence for the entire second half, Gillespie finished the game without a single second half threat to his goal.
Motherwell and Celtic are set to go head to head for the first time this season on Wednesday night.
Brendan Rodgers’ side got the upper hand over Stephen Robinson’s Fir Parkers in both of last season’s cup finals.
But a first meeting with the Glaswegian outfit this term gives the Steelmen an opportunity to bounce back from Saturday’s defeat to Livingston.
It is almost two years to the day since Celtic last notched a victory at Fir Park.
‘Well’s impressive home form last term saw them unfortunate not to take more than two points from the two meetings in Lanarkshire.
An 88th minute equaliser from Scott Sinclair rescued a point for the visitors, before ten-man Motherwell dug in for an impressive goalless draw back in March.
The Steelmen are searching for a fourth win from six games as they prepare for Celtic on Wednesday.
It is also the total number of domestic games in which Celtic have conceded a goal this season.
Only Hibernian, Kilmarnock, Livingston and Partick Thistle have managed to score against the Parkhead outfit this term.
The total number of days since the last meeting between the two teams back in the Scottish Cup final in May.
Motherwell were on the losing end that day, and have a chance to exact some revenge in the first meeting of the 2018/19 campaign.
Motherwell face Celtic for the first meeting between the two sides since last season’s Scottish Cup final.
And after the disappointments of Saturday’s defeat at the hands of Livingston, the Steelmen will be keen to bounce back against a side who are in a strong vein of form.
Here are some key points you need to know about Wednesday’s nights visitors to Fir Park.
The Glaswegian outfit lifted their seventh trophy under the stewardship of Brendan Rodgers on Sunday.
It marks an incredible run of success for the club who will face the Steelmen for the first time the Scottish Cup final.
Fir Park proved a tricky place for the Hoops to travel to last term, with Stephen Robinson’s men remaining undefeated at home in the league against Rodgers’ side.
Celtic arrive at Fir Park in hot form, but find themselves second in the Ladbrokes Premiership.
Rangers, who have played one game more than the Hoops, are a point in front of last season’s champions.
With the Gers playing Aberdeen, Celtic will have motivation to try and propel themselves back to the summit of the division.
Much of Celtic’s impressive form this season has been built from their solid defence, which are by far and away the best in the top flight.
In 14 games, the Parkhead side have shipped just six goals, contributing to a goal difference of +24.
The last time Rodger’s Hoops conceded a goal domestically was back in the middle of October, when they defeated Hibs 4-2. Since then, they’ve kept six consecutive clean sheets.
Motherwell host Celtic on Wednesday night as the two sides go head-to-head for the first time in the 2018/19 season.
Here’s everything you need to know going into the match.
Celtic haven’t lost in 10 domestic matches, winning nine and drawing one. Their last domestic defeat came at Kilmarnock in September.
Motherwell have won three of their last five, defeating Aberdeen, Dundee and St Mirren, but losing to Livingston and Rangers.
Carl McHugh and Peter Hartley return from suspension for Motherwell. Charles Dunne is unlikely to be risked. Liam Donnelly and Aaron Taylor-Sinclair have returned to training. Chris Cadden, Craig Tanner and Trevor Carson remain out long term.
Celtic are likely to be without defender Dedryck Boyata following an injury in Sunday’s Betfred Cup final. Kristoffer Ajer and Nir Bitton remain on the sidelines.
A young Motherwell fan, Lewis Coll, recently passed away at the age of 17. We ask all supporters to join us in a minute’s applause to celebrate his life in the 17th minute of the match.
You can buy your tickets online now. Alternatively, the ticket office is open from 9am until kick off on Wednesday.
You can even print your tickets at home, so you don’t need to wait in line to collect.
Adult tickets in the John Hunter stand cost £21. Concessions can get in for £17, while under 16s go for £3. A family ticket for one adult and two juveniles is available for £25.
Entry to the Phil O’Donnell stand and Davie Cooper stand is priced at £28 for adults, £19 for concessions and £3 for under 16s. A family ticket for one adult and two juveniles is available for £32.
Celtic fans should contact their club for away tickets.
Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Andy Sim on 07428 225254 or email tickets@mfcdsa.com.
Supporters outside of the UK and Ireland can watch five Motherwell games live in December for just £12.
Through our online TV service, every home match and a selection of away fixtures can be streamed wherever you are, on your computer or mobile device.
To subscribe, just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk, scroll down and choose your subscription package.
| Wednesday, 5 December | Celtic (H) |
| Saturday, 8 December | Hearts (A) |
| Wednesday, 19 December | Celtic (A) |
| Saturday, 22 December | St Mirren (H) |
| Wednesday, 26 December | Kilmarnock (H) |
Live audio commentary will be available for the trips to St Johnstone and Hamilton Academical on Saturday, 15 December and Saturday, 29 December respectively.
Celtic come to Fir Park on Wednesday for the first meeting of the two sides in the 2018/19 season.
Here’s an early look ahead to the game.
It has taken until December for the two sides to face up to each other in the 2018/19 campaign, after the first scheduled fixture was postponed, owing to Celtic’s involvement in the Betfred Cup semi-final.
The last encounter, of course, was in the 2017/18 William Hill Scottish Cup final, when Celtic ran out winners.
League meetings between the two at Fir Park last campaign were keenly contested affairs. The Steelmen were 1-0 up in stoppage time in the corresponding fixture this time last year, only for a late penalty to bring the game level.
A 0-0 draw then followed later in the season, with Motherwell performing brilliantly despite going down to 10 men in the first half.
Celtic were said to be having a poor start to the 2018/19 season, but after a dip in form they’ve picked up at speed.
Winning nine and drawing one of their last 10 domestic matches, they made it seven consecutive trophy wins when they defeated Aberdeen in the Betfred Cup final on Sunday.
Motherwell have won three of their last five, including two wins in their last two home matches against Dundee and Aberdeen.
You can buy your tickets online now. Alternatively, the ticket office is open from 9am until 5pm on Tuesday, and from 9am until kick off on Wednesday. You can even print your tickets at home, so you don’t need to wait in line to collect.
Adult tickets in the John Hunter stand cost £21. Concessions can get in for £17, while under 16s go for £3. A family ticket for one adult and two juveniles is available for £25.
Entry to the Phil O’Donnell stand and Davie Cooper stand is priced at £28 for adults, £19 for concessions and £3 for under 16s. A family ticket for one adult and two juveniles is available for £32.
Celtic fans should contact their club for away tickets.
Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Andy Sim on 07428 225254 or email tickets@mfcdsa.com.
Motherwell are back in action on Wednesday night, as Celtic come to town in the Ladbrokes Premiership.
Brendan Rodgers’ side arrive having lifted the Betfred Cup on Sunday, their seventh straight domestic honour.
The Steelmen always provide tough opposition at Fir Park, however, and picked up two draws against Celtic at home last season.
You can buy your tickets online now. You can either choose to print your tickets at home and take them straight to the gate, or collect from the ticket office.
The ticket office is open from 9am until kick off on Wednesday.
Adult tickets in the John Hunter stand cost £21. Concessions can get in for £17, while under 16s go for £3. A family ticket for one adult and two juveniles is available for £25.
Entry to the Phil O’Donnell stand and Davie Cooper stand is priced at £28 for adults, £19 for concessions and £3 for under 16s. A family ticket for one adult and two juveniles is available for £32.
Celtic fans should contact their club for away tickets.
