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Stephen Robinson couldn’t pick many faults with his side as they slumped to their first home defeat of the year.

The Northern Irishman instead decided to focus on the positives as ‘Well lost narrowly to Steve Clarke’s Killie.

Reflecting on the 90 minutes at Fir Park, Robinson credited the defensively drilled Ayrshire outfit.

He said: “There’s not a lot I can say was wrong with the whole performance. But our deliveries and decision-making in the final third could have been better.

“We’ll take it on the chin and say congratulations to Killie. They got the lead then defended for their lives at points.”

He added: “But ultimately, we put 30 balls in the box and had 12 corners so we should have made more of that. But there’s positives to take.”

Lewis Irons at Fir Park

With both teams fighting for a top six place, a single first half strike from local boy Stephen O’Donnell was enough to give Kilmarnock a win and hoist them over Motherwell into sixth spot.

However, ‘Well’s performance from a hectic start to a frenzied finish merited at least a point as the defensively organised Rugby Park side desperately clung on to their slender lead.

As the old cliché goes, the Fir Parkers will play a lot worse and win, as every player tirelessly pressed the visitor’s goal for virtually the entire game, without producing a clinical finish their build up play deserved.

Suspension forced Cedric Kipre to sit out his first game of the season, allowing Elliot Frear to make his first start of the year in an other wise unchanged ’Well.

In a frantic first 30 minutes, both the home fans and the healthy contingent of 1200 from Ayrshire were entertained with fast open football.

Kilmarnock were first to threaten after two minutes when Kris Boyd used his experience to turn inside the box before curling short just beyond the post.

‘Well responded immediately with three great chances inside the next eight minutes. Firstly Curtis main had his snap shot deflected behind and when Jamie MacDonald spilled Craig Tanner’s corner, Main reacted quickest only to see his effort blocked inside the six yard box.

Frear, looking lively down the left, then swept in a low cross which Tanner directed narrowly past before Charles Dunne’s long ball was nodded by Main only to be smothered by MacDonald.

At the other end, Tom Aldred was called upon to block consecutive shots from Stephen O’Donnell and Eamonn Brophy.

However, most of the play was towards the visitor’s goal as series of crosses stretched the Killie back four.

With 15 minutes played Dunne’s cross found Main six yards from goal but his header was comfortably held by MacDonald.

Five minutes later, a quick break down the other wing saw Andy Rose release Chris Cadden and, although his cross eluded the ‘Well front two, Kirk Broadfoot was lucky to see his attempted clearance rattle off the foot of his own post.

Kilmarnock were perhaps equally fortunate a minute later when Scott Boyd’s tug on Nadir Cifti’s jersey inside the box went unpunished, as the grounded striker appealed for a penalty.

Main then forced another save from MacDonald before his loose ball led to Kilmarnock’s goal largely against the run of play.

There looked little danger when O’Donnell took possession of the ball 40-yards out but after a couple of strides towards the home goal the full back hit a sweet grounder just inside Trevor Carson’s right hand post, to give his side a lead to defend.

That stunned the ‘Well players momentarily but they should have equalised three minutes later. A cute flick from Cifti sent Cadden racing into the box but with Tanner waiting unmarked the Scotland under 21 man drove his shot across and wide of goal.

Despite being behind at the break the Fir Park men refused to sacrifice their passing game which had Killie pressed into their own half for almost the entire second half.

And within three minutes of the restart ‘Well came within a foot of deserved equaliser when Aldred met Frear’s inswinging corner only to see his header blocked on the goal line.

A long ball over the Killie defence found Main out pacing Boyd before volleying the ball narrowly wide of target. From another Frear corner, Carl McHugh’s hooked shot towards goal was deflected behind off the back of a Killie defender as the play towards the visitor’s goal became almost incessant.

Desperate to breakdown a well disciplined Rugby Park defence, Stephen Robinson committed his three substitutes, but it was the tireless running of Main which continued to pose a problem and there were strong claims for a penalty when he was caught by Scott Boyd as he raced towards the six yard box.

With 12 minutes remaining, Main’s efforts were almost rewarded when he exchanged passes with Tanner before curling a shot agonisingly beyond the far post. And just before the four minutes of added time, Tanner’s curled corner bounced equally close to the other post.

In the final minute, and perhaps summing up a frustrating afternoon for ‘Well, MacDonald was booked for time wasting.

The Signing Zone returns to Fir Park on Saturday as the Steelmen host Kilmarnock in the Ladbrokes Premiership. 

So don’t miss your chance to meet Gaël Bigirimana and January signing Nadir Çiftçi, who will be in the Cooper Bar from 12:45pm ’til 1:15pm ahead of kick off.

The two will be making their first appearance in the Signing Zone, offering supporters the chance to meet the players, pose for selfies and get their autographs.

There will be face painting, fun activities and good offers on food and drink in the Cooper Bar ahead of the club’s crucial clash with Killie.

Few will have expected January signing Tom Aldred to have hit the ground running as easily as he has.

But for ‘Well’s number 19, who is back in Scotland for a second stint, he is feeling settled in his new surroundings at Fir Park.

“I’m loving it here,” said the January recruit from Bury. “I knew I’d made the right decision after just a few days.

“The manager, the staff and all the lads are brilliant, it’s just an easy place to feel settled.”

With the suspension and injury to Peter Hartley, Tom’s arrival could not have come at a better time for manager Stephen Robinson.

Without the ever-present Hartley, Robinson would be without one of his most important players.

But 27-year-old Aldred has arrived in Lanarkshire and slotted in alongside Cédric Kipré and Charles Dunne in the Fir Parkers’ back three.

And in his seven appearances, the defender has kept an impressive four clean sheets.

“It’s always great for a defender to keep a clean sheet, but it’s just an added bonus because the main thing is to get three points, because that’s the main thing of course.

“We’ve got a big game coming up against Kilmarnock, and it’s important for a number of reasons.

“Firstly, to try and put some points between ourselves and Killie. If we can manage to do that it puts us in a strong position for cementing ourselves a place in the top six.

[pullquote]But on top of that, and most importantly in my opinion, it keeps our winning run going and that can play a huge part.[/pullquote]

“With some important league games and a big quarter final in the Scottish Cup, we need to make sure we head in to every game on the back of a good performance and a good result.

Aldred may not be a stranger to the Scottish league, but he believes his second stint north of the border is one he is ready to grab with both hands.

The central defender, who has signed on loan at Motherwell until the end of the 2017/18 season, had a short spell in the Scottish Premiership earlier in his career with Inverness CT.

Having also represented the country at youth level, the 27-year-old wasn’t going to pass up the chance to move to Fir Park when the chance arose.

“Playing in the Scottish Premiership was something I was really interested in. I’m familiar with Scotland. My mum’s side of the family are Scottish and I’ve visited up here a few times.

“So I’m really glad to be in Scotland, and here with Motherwell. And after the brilliant cup run earlier this season, it’s brilliant to be a part of the group now that we’re on the brink of another return to Hampden.

“If we can go out there against Hearts and play to our best, we have a real, real chance.”

Settling in was never going to be a problem for Tom, who says he gets on well with the boys in the dressing room.

“I knew a few of the boys before I got here as I’ve played with some of them, and against some off them too, down in England.”

Joining up with a side who were performing well in the first half of the season could present a difficult challenge for a player. But Tom thrives from competition.

“Wherever you go now, there’s competition for places,” he said. “Anywhere you go at any team, at any level. The more competition, the best it brings out in yourself.

“I was really looking forward to getting my head down, working hard and being the best I can be for the football club and I’m grateful to the manager for giving me the chance.

“Things got off to a good start for us this year. To keep two clean sheets in the first two games was obviously a good start, but it’s only the start, so it was something to build on and go on from there.

“We’re on the back of two clean sheets again so it would be nice to stretch that to three games today.”

Stephen Robinson has built a strong, well-drilled side at Fir Park and Tom admits he greatly admires the work done at Motherwell.

“The manager is so organised and tactically astute. As a defender it’s brilliant and he’s a fantastic manager to work for.

“Everyone in the team knows their job, sticks to it and, most importantly, works for each other and for the manager.

“We have such a drive and desire to win. That, in my opinion, is something that you don’t always get in such abundance in one dressing room.

“Hopefully we can go out there today and do our best from the first whistle, and get that all important win.”

Ticket prices for our William Hill Scottish Cup quarter final against Hearts have been confirmed.

Following agreement with our opponents, tickets for the match at Fir Park will cost £18 for adults.

A special family ticket will also be on sale. One adult can take two children aged 15 and under for £30.

Concession tickets are £12 for the big match, with those aged 15 and under getting in for £8.

Concession rates apply to those aged 60 and over, 16-18 year olds and full time students with a valid matriculation card.

If you have a season ticket, your normal seat has been reserved for you to purchase.

Tickets for Motherwell fans will be on sale from Saturday, February 17. To buy, visit the ticket office at Fir Park or call 01698 333333 (Monday to Friday only).

Want to watch the match in style?

Our hospitality package for the match will cost £50 for season ticket holders and £55 for non-season ticket holders.

Included in the price is:

• A two course meal served in the Centenary Suite
• Half time refreshments
• Pay bar
• Match ticket

To book, call the hospitality and events team on 01698 333333 or email hospitality@motherwellfc.co.uk.

There may still be 12 games remaining in the Ladbrokes Premiership, but there is an air of anticipation surrounding Saturday’s clash with Kilmarnock.

With the two sides currently level on 32 points, and with the same goal difference, ‘Well have the chance to put three points between themselves and their nearest competitors for a top six spot.

Add to that the fact that both sides have only tasted defeat once since the turn of the year, Saturday’s clash pits two in form sides against one another at Fir Park.

Stephen Robinson, who knows that Kilmarnock will be tough opponents, is hopeful of seeing his side maintain their strong run of form.

The ‘Well boss believes that three points could not only stretch the club away from any potential relegation worries, but could present the ‘Well with real top six aspirations.

In Kilmarnock though, Robinson admits his side come up against a side brimming with confidence and in fine form.

“I was at Kilmarnock’s game against Dundee and it was a good game, an exciting game and Killie have been on a fantastic run,” the manager said.

“But so have we. We’ve won four, drawn two and lost just once since the break, so we’ve been quietly doing it whilst other sides have maybe got plaudits.

“That’s fine though,” he added. “We did the same in the first half of the season and we don’t mind doing that – picking up results and people not making too much of it.”

Whilst this fixture presents the chance to extend that hold on the top six, Kilmarnock also have a couple of games in hand, so Robinson isn’t getting too carried away.

“My first priority is to stay in the division,” the Northern Irishman said. “So this is the potential of another three points and making sure that’s a reality.

“We’re looking forward to it, Killie are on a good run and Steve Clarke’s done a good job there, a really, really good job.”

[pullquote]Obviously we can look up the way too because it will be a big game in the battle for the top six and keeping our run going.[/pullquote]

The manager addressed team news ahead of the Premiership encounter too, revealing the extent of Peter Hartley’s injury lay-off.

He said: “Peter won’t require surgery but he will be out for a minimum of two months. He has a problem with his foot that was rather innocuous when he was jogging in training.”

Motherwell will also be without Cédric Kipré, who is out through suspension, accumulated by yellow cards.

One man who will be fit, and will be hugely important for the Fir Park side, is Chris Cadden.

His start against Dundee in the William Hill Scottish Cup last weekend took the player to the 100-game milestone in claret and amber. A huge achievement for such a young player.

“It was a brilliant feeling,” the 21-year-old said of making the milestone. “To play 100 games is a brilliant achievement for me. It was a really proud day for me and my family.

“When I came in, I took each game as it came. The gaffer has trusted me, which I’ve appreciated.

“Both Mark McGhee and Stephen Robinson have trusted me and hopefully I’ve repaid that trust.”

Across his 100 games, Cadden has seen it all. From scrapping against relegation at the wrong end of the table, to reaching the Betfred Cup final.

The team’s form took a minor dip after that appearance at Hampden Park but the squad have returned energised from the winter break, and a bonding trip to Spain.

“At Motherwell, we are going to have peaks and troughs,” he said. “It’s not always going to be plain sailing or going for second in the league all the time.

“We are going to have that wee dip. But we’ve come back from it. Having the winter break, the trip to Tenerife done us the world of good and we’ve come back strong.”

	Motherwell v Kilmarnock
	Saturday 17th February 2018
	3.00pm
	Fir Park
	Tickets on sale from the Fir Park ticket office or pay at the gate.

Admission prices are as follows:

• Cheaper price is for the John Hunter stand.
• Concessions are applicable to 60 and over and full time students with a valid matriculation card.
• Juveniles are applicable to aged 15 and under.
• Away fans will be housed in the McEwan Fraser Legal south stand. Cash gates are in operation.

If you can’t make it along, don’t miss the action by tuning in to mixlr.com/motherwellfc for live commentary or follow the match on Twitter @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.

The Cooper Bar is open for both sets of supporters to enjoy pre-match food and drink from 11am. Children are welcome.

Nadir Çiftçi and Gael Bigirimana will also be in the bar from 12.45pm in the Signing Zone. Come along and get your photograph taken and get an autograph.

Chris Cadden’s dream as a youngster was to be able to make just one appearance in a Motherwell shirt at Fir Park.

His start against Dundee in the William Hill Scottish Cup last weekend took the player to the 100-game milestone, an achievement he’s rightly proud of.

“It was a brilliant feeling,” the 21-year-old said of making the milestone. “To play 100 games is a brilliant achievement for me. It was a really proud day for me and my family.

“When I came in, I took each game as it came. The gaffer has trusted me, which I’ve appreciated.

[pullquote]Both Mark McGhee and Stephen Robinson have trusted me and hopefully I’ve repaid that trust.”[/pullquote]

Across his 100 games, Cadden has seen it all. From scrapping against relegation at the wrong end of the table, to reaching the Betfred Cup final.

The team’s form took a minor dip after that appearance at Hampden Park but the squad have returned energised from the winter break, and a bonding trip to Spain.

“At Motherwell, we are going to have peaks and troughs,” he said. “It’s not always going to be plain sailing or going for second in the league all the time.

“We are going to have that wee dip. But we’ve come back from it. Having the winter break, the trip to Tenerife done us the world of good we’ve come back strong.”

Stephen Robinson believes Saturday’s clash with Kilmarnock is a big game for a number of reasons.

The ‘Well boss admits that three points could not only stretch the club away from any potential relegation worries, but could present the ‘Well with real top six aspirations.

In Kilmarnock though, Robinson’s side come up against tough opposition.

“I was at Kilmarnock’s game against Dundee and it was a good game, an exciting game and Killie have been on a fantastic run,” the manager said.

[pullquote]But so have we. We’ve won four, drawn two and lost just once since the break, so we’ve been quietly doing it whilst other sides have maybe got plaudits.[/pullquote]

“That’s fine though,” he added. “We did the same in the first half of the season and we don’t mind doing that – picking up results and people not making too much of it.”

With Motherwell and Kilmarnock level on points and with the same goal difference, the Steelmen only find themselves ahead of Killie due to goals scored.

And the manager is aware that Saturday is a big match.

“My first priority is to stay in the division,” the Northern Irishman said. “So this is the potential of another three points and making sure that’s a reality.

[pullquote]Obviously we can look up the way too because it will be a big game in the battle for the top six and keeping our run going.[/pullquote]

“We’re looking forward to it, Killie are on a good run and Steve Clarke’s done a good job there, a really, really good job.”

The manager addressed team news ahead of the Premiership encounter, revealing the extent of Peter Hartley’s injury lay-off.

He said: “Peter won’t require surgery but he will be out for a minimum of two months. He has a problem with his foot that was rather innocuous when he was jogging in training.”

Motherwell’s match against Hearts in the quarter finals of the William Hill Scottish Cup will be played on Sunday, March 4.

The fixture will be broadcast live on BBC Scotland and will kick off at 2.15pm.

Ticket information will be announced shortly.

Motherwell have already defeated Ladbrokes Premiership sides Hamilton Academical and Dundee to reach the last eight in the 2017/18 competition.

Motherwell return to Ladbrokes Premiership action on Saturday against Kilmarnock.

Both sides are fighting it out for a place in the top six in the division, as the season races towards the split.

Stephen Robinson’s side are in fine form so far in 2018, losing just one of their seven matches in the new year and have won three of their last four matches at Fir Park.

Adult tickets start at just £19 and one adult can bring along a child for just an extra £5 in the John Hunter stand.

To get your ticket, come along to the Fir Park ticket office between 9am and 5pm, call 01698 333333 or pay at the gate on the day.

The cheaper price is for the John Hunter stand. Concessions are applicable to 60 and over and full time students with a valid matriculation card. Juveniles are applicable to aged 15 and under.

Away fans will be housed in the McEwan Fraser Legal South Stand. Cash gates are in operation.

Motherwell fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Brian Davidson on 07428 225254 or tickets@mfcdsa.com. Fans must contact Brian by Wednesday night before the match.

Great hospitality offers

Want to watch the game in a bit more style? We’ve still got limited availability in our Millennium Suite and our McEwan Fraser Legal South Stand boxes.

Our Millennium Suite package includes:

• Complimentary drinks one hour before and after the game
• Light snacks on arrival and prior to kick-off
• Complimentary matchday programmes and team-sheets
• Your own designated seat in the directors box
• Half-time refreshments

Our McEwan Fraser South Stand boxes package includes:

• Hot one-course buffet served with complimentary drinks
• Padded seat within the box with excellent view
• Matchday Programme and teamsheet
• Half-time pies or sandwiches
• One hour complimentary drinks at full time

To book, call our commercial team on 01698 333333 or email hospitality@motherwellfc.co.uk.