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Danny Johnson has left Motherwell to join Dundee.

The forward, who joined on at Fir Park in the summer of 2018 from Gateshead, moves to the Ladbrokes Championship side on a permanent basis.

“Danny has an opportunity to go and play regular football, and we didn’t want to stand in his way,” manager Stephen Robinson said.

“He has conducted himself very professionally throughout and I am certain he will go on to do well for Dundee.

“He was a little unfortunate not to get more game time for various reasons. But he scored some important goals for us and we wish him well in his move. He’s always welcome here.”

Everyone at Motherwell thanks Danny for his efforts at the club, and wish him well in the future.

Christy Manzinga is Motherwell’s tenth new recruit of the summer window.

The 24-year-old frontman has been with the club for several weeks and has already demonstrated his ability, having scored a spectacular bicycle kick against Gretna in pre-season.

He also featured in a closed-door bounce game against Partick Thistle. That, combined with his performances in training, has convinced ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson to add him to the squad on a one-year deal, with the option for a second year.

“We are excited by what we’ve seen from Christy and are pleased to add him to the squad,” the Fir Park gaffer said.

“Even after the first day in training, we thought there was something there.

“We would’ve added him sooner, but we spotted a small issue during his medical that is being sorted by our head physiotherapist, David Henderson.

“He is four to six weeks away from getting to fitness. When he does, we feel he will be a big addition to our forward line.

“He has played a lot as a number nine, but he can also play on either flank. He’ll bolster our options and add even more pace and power to our forward line.”

Christy came through the youth ranks at PSG, signing as a 13-year-old and playing in the same youth team as Cedric Kipré, as well as alongside Adrian Rabiot, Presnel Kimpembe, Ferland Mendy and Kingsley Coman.

Spells at French sides Lorient and Angers followed in his late teens, before moving to Belgium with Royal Châtelet. He has also represented DR Congo at Under 21 level.

He will wear squad number 12 during the 2019/20 campaign.

Annan Athletic are the visitors on Saturday, as Motherwell wrap up their Betfred Cup group stage campaign.

With three wins from three, the Steelmen still need a fourth victory to ensure progression in the competition, and the chance to be seeds in the last 16.

Ticket prices for all matches are set at £12 for adults and £6 for concessions. Supporters can pay at the gate.

Tickets are available online now and can be printed at home, or brought to the gate on your smartphone.

Tale of the tape

Motherwell still need a point to guarantee progression as group winners, while a win should guarantee we’re seeded for Sunday evening’s draw for the last 16.

Annan Athletic cannot progress, having picked up one point from their three games so far in a draw with Queen of the South.

Come have something to eat before the game

Both the Centenary Suite and Cooper Bar will be open from 12pm for all fans to come in and enjoy food and drink before the match.

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Christian Ilić and Peter Hartley were on target for Motherwell in a 2-0 win at Dumbarton on Tuesday.

The goals ensured Stephen Robinson’s men made it three wins from three in their Betfred Cup group, heading into the final match with Annan Athletic on Saturday.

“We dominated from start to finish. We solved the problems and eventually wore them down.”

Stephen Robinson speaks after the win at Dumbarton.

Motherwell made it three wins from three in their Betfred Cup group with a comfortable 2-0 win at Dumbarton.

Christian Ilić and Peter Hartley scored in either half to ensure victory, having controlled large parts of the game.

Ilić was one of four changes for Motherwell, with Maguire, Hartley and Grimshaw also coming in. Jake Carroll, Charles Dunne, Liam Donnelly and Sherwin Seedorf dropped out.

On a long pitch at Dumbarton, the visitors had to adapt their normal fast-paced wing play, but did so well.

After knocking at the door for long spells, hitting both the post and the crossbar, the deadlock was broken before the interval in mildly controversial circumstances.

With the ball on the left of the box in Motherwell possession, the linesman’s flag on the near side went up quickly, then immediately back down again, as Hylton and Tait stepped over the ball.

With play then eventually being worked back to Ilić just behind the penalty spot, the Croatian swept home the ball into the bottom left corner to open the scoring.

The home team protested that the linesman had flagged, but the referee waved them away, saying no decision had been made and that play rightly continued.

Motherwell continued to surge forward in the second half, with Hylton in particular causing major trouble down the left side.

The second would come from a set play with 15 minutes to go. Polworth’s corner kick delivery from the right was met by the man who rose highest, with Hartley nodding down into the bottom right corner of the net.

Motherwell’s progression to the knockout stage still isn’t secure, however, with a win required against Annan Athletic to make sure.

Motherwell: Gillespie, Grimshaw, Gallagher, Hartley, Tait, Maguire, Campbell, Polworth (Semple), Hylton, Ilić (Seedorf), Scott (Long).

Subs not used: Carson, Sloth, Livingstone, Donnelly.

Allan Campbell has signed an improved contract with Motherwell Football Club.

The academy graduate has established himself as a key figure in the first team in recent seasons, making 85 appearances for the club.

The 21-year-old’s contract runs until the summer of 2021.

“We have now put Allan in line with other first team players,” manager Stephen Robinson said.

“We felt it was a deserved reward for his hard work and his consistent performances.

“He is continuing to improve with every game, and devotes his life to constantly trying to get better.

“He is a brilliant role model to every young player in our academy. He epitomises everything we strive for at this club with his work ethic and talent.

“When he signed his previous deal, he was at a different stage of his career. His development and growth has accelerated to such an extent that it was vital we matched that with terms to reflect that.”

Keith Lasley spoke on Motherwell’s strong start to the season, making changes for the trip to Dumbarton and signing a new deal when he addressed the press on Monday.

Here’s the best quotes from his press conference.

On the start to the season

“It’s been encouraging. Good start. A lot of new faces and a big turnaround in the squad.

“But the guys who have come in have worked hard and blended in with the group we had there already.

“It’s been an encouraging start. We know it’s early days.

“But certainly in terms of players taking on information and getting themselves ready physically for what we know is going to be a tough season ahead. I think it’s been encouraging.

“So, we keep going. Another tough game on  Tuesday night at Dumbarton. We keep the process going  of getting through this League Cup first and foremost. That’s the main target. Then obviously with a few to starting the league campaign.”

On making changes for the trip to Dumbarton

“We’ve got a competitive squad. A really competitive squad.

“The guys that have not started are really chapping at the door. We put a big emphasis on that here.

“It’s not about the 11. It’s about the guys behind there, driving the guys on lucky enough to get those shirts.

“There will be some changes in the next couple of games. But it won’t be for change’s sake. It will be guys that are deserving of a chance and really pushing to nail down a first team jersey.

“A good indication of that were the  substitutes the other night. The subs that came on –  Grimmy, Christian and Barry Maguire – came on and you wouldn’t have known there was any change there. If anything, they came on and enhanced the game.

“There’s guys that are ready,It’s testament to how they train, how the group trains as a whole. I think when we are at our best, that is the case at this club.Everybody is pulling together and ready to take their opportunity when they get it.

“So yeah, there will be changes. But it will be done for the right reasons. It’s guys that are really hungry to come in and make an impact.

On signing a new deal

“It’s not a word that you associate with football a lot is it? Stability?

“Delighted to be given the opportunity to be able to continue working alongside the manager. It’s a couple of years now.

“In that time,  there’s been a lot of progress made. As always, there’s big squad turnarounds. Every year presents its own challenges. Certainly since I’ve came into the job.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. It has been challenging, but certainly the experience of working alongside the manager, who has done a fantastic job, has been great for me.

“I just want to continue learning and I am delighted I have been given the opportunity to do that.”

With six points from six so far in the Betfred Cup group stage, Motherwell head to Dumbarton on Tuesday night in pursuit of another win.

A 3-0 win over Queen of the South on matchday one was followed up by a 4-0 home victory over Morton on Friday, with a performance which has got the Fir Park faithful excited for what lies ahead.

Fans can pay at the gate for £12 for adults and £6 for concessions. Motherwell fans will be accommodated in the west side of the main stand at the ground. Turnstiles are signposted for away fans.

Tale of the tape

Motherwell sit top of Betfred Cup group E on six points, having played two matches. Queen of the South are the nearest challengers on five, but they have played a game more.

Dumbarton are second bottom in the group with three games played. A 1-0 away win at Annan in their first game was followed up by a 6-1 defeat at Morton, and then a 4-1 loss at home to Queens at the weekend.

Team news

Motherwell wait on news on Christopher Long and Devante Cole, who both missed the win over Morton.

David Turnbull (knee), Craig Tanner (knee) and Casper Sloth (compassionate leave) will all miss the match.

Getting there

Dumbarton advise on the following directions for travelling to the C&G Systems Stadium.

If travelling by car, you should follow the A814 into the town from the main A82 trunk road. Journey along Glasgow Road until you see Dumbarton East Station. Then, 100 yards or so along from the station, you will see a brown sign for the Castle (Victoria Street) and the ground is at the bottom of this road.

By train, Dumbarton East Station is approximately five minutes walk from the stadium.

Can’t make it? Listen live

Wherever you are in the world, there’s live audio commentary available from the match.

Just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk and subscribe. Packages start at just £12 a month if you’re abroad, or £5.99 if you’re in the UK/Ireland. You get every home Ladbrokes Premiership game live as part of the deal, as well as the majority of away matches.

James Scott grabbed a double, with Jermaine Hylton and Liam Donnelly also netting, as Motherwell went top of their Betfred Cup group with a 4-0 home win over Greenock Morton.