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Motherwell face their third game in the space of a week with a trip to Tynecastle Park to take on Hearts in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

And following back-to-back 2-0 victories over Hamilton and Ross County respectively, the Steelmen head in to Saturday’s clash having kept consecutive clean sheets.

The same can be said for Hearts, who are the only other side in the top flight who are yet to concede in 2018.

That run goes back a lot further though, with Craig Levein’s side keeping eight consecutive clean sheets in an unbeaten run stretching back to the second of December  – a total of 11 games.

With two resolute outfits going head-to-head in Edinburgh on Saturday, it makes for an interesting encounter.

And manager Stephen Robinson believes the key to unlocking the side from the capital lies in being creative in the final third.

Speaking to the press on Friday, Robinson looked ahead to a second trip to Tynecastle in the space of two months.

“We have to make sure that we’re creative but also solid like we were on Wednesday night,” he said.

“We haven’t conceded a goal either in 2018 so we must accentuate the positives.

[pullquote]It was a tight match the last time we played each other and the game was won from a mistake.”[/pullquote]

“They’ve gone 11 games undefeated and not conceded many goals in that period of time.

“We have to make sure we produce the same solid performance but with a bit more quality up the top end of the pitch.”

Curtis Main got off the mark in claret and amber whilst fellow new signing Nadir Çiftçi laid on the assist.

But it was another impressive showing defensively from the ‘Well, and new signing Tom Aldred slotted in to the back-line in style on an evening when the hosts kept Ross County comfortably at bay.

And manager Stephen Robinson believes the key to unlocking the side from the capital lies in being creative in the final third.

Speaking to the press on Friday, Robinson looked ahead to a second trip to Tynecastle in the space of two months.

“We have to make sure that we’re creative but also solid like we were on Wednesday night,” he said.

“We haven’t conceded a goal either in 2018 so we must accentuate the positives.

[pullquote]It was a tight match the last time we played each other and the game was won from a mistake.”[/pullquote]

“They’ve gone 11 games undefeated and not conceded many goals in that period of time.

“We have to make sure we produce the same solid performance but with a bit more quality up the top end of the pitch.”

Curtis Main got off the mark in claret and amber whilst fellow new signing Nadir Çiftçi laid on the assist.

But it was another impressive showing defensively from the ‘Well, and new signing Tom Aldred slotted in to the back-line in style on an evening when the hosts kept Ross County comfortably at bay.

	Hearts v Motherwell
	Saturday 27th January 2018
	3.00pm
	Tynecastle Park
	Tickets on sale at the gates at Tynecastle Park

Admission prices are as follows:

• Cheaper price is for the lower section of the stand
• Students must provide a valid matriculation card.

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.

Alex Fisher has left Motherwell Football Club to join Yeovil Town on a permanent deal.

The English striker, who joined in the summer from Inverness CT, will go straight into the League Two side’s squad for the FA Cup tie with Manchester United on tonight.

Fisher made 19 appearances for the Steelmen and was part of the squad who made it to this season’s Betfred Cup final. However, he has found regular football difficult to come by.

“I just want to say thanks to everyone at Motherwell for making me feel so welcome,” the 27-year-old said of his departure.

[pullquote]”Although I only spent a short time with you all, it was a memorable time to be involved with the club.[/pullquote]

“I leave with a heavy heart but also relishing the opportunity to play in England again, and potentially make my debut against Manchester United.

“Thanks to everyone involved with Motherwell. I wish you all the very best for the future.”

Manager Stephen Robinson said of the player’s departure: “We wish Alex all the best at Yeovil.

“He was someone we signed based on his performances in the Scottish Premiership last season, but unfortunately it hasn’t happened for him here due to the form of others.

“That can happen sometimes in football. Sometimes things don’t just work for boys at certain clubs.

“This move will give Alex the chance of a fresh start. Around this club, he has been the model professional and his attitude is first class.

“We wish him well for the future. We will now look to replace him before the window closes.”

Tom Aldred is eyeing more clean sheets in claret and amber, after settling in comfortably in Lanarkshire following his January loan switch from Bury.

The defender, who has featured in the club’s back-to-back shut outs against Hamilton and Ross County, says it is just the start, but hopes to follow up on two consecutive wins on Saturday.

[pullquote]To keep two in the first two games is obviously a good start, but it’s only the start, so it’s something to build on and go on from there.[/pullquote]

“First and foremost, there’s a great set of lads and from the two games I’ve played here it seems like we’ve got a good team and it’s definitely one that we can go on to achieve something with this season.

“As a defender you pride yourself on keeping the ball out of the back of the net and keeping clean sheets.”

Stephen Robinson insists his side will need to find the creative edge to overcome Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday.

The Edinburgh side have kept eight consecutive clean sheets but face a ‘Well side who are brimming with confidence following two confident victories.

“We have to make sure that we’re creative but also solid like we were on Wednesday night,” he said.

“We haven’t conceded a goal either in 2018 so we must accentuate the positives.

[pullquote]It was a tight match the last time we played each other and the game was won from a mistake.”[/pullquote]

“They’ve gone 11 games undefeated and not conceded many goals in that period of time.

“We have to make sure we produce the same solid performance but with a bit more quality up the top end of the pitch.”

Referee for Saturday’s league clash with Hearts at Tynecastle Park is the experienced Willie Collum.

One of Europe’s most recognisable officials, Willie will be handling his second ‘Well fixture of the campaign, after taking charge of the Steelmen’s 1-1 draw with Celtic at Fir Park.

On that evening, a late penalty snatched all three points away from the Steelmen against Brendan Rodgers’ then-unbeaten side.

Last season, Collum oversaw four ‘Well fixtures, including two 4-2 wins. The first was an historic win over Accies at Fir Park when Louis Moult bagged all four goals, and the second was a ‘Well win by the same deficit against Inverness CT.

His overall record in charge of the Steelmen reads 11 wins, 19 defeats and nine draws from 39 matches in all competitions. In those games, Motherwell have scored 56 and conceded 70.

Eighty-eight players have gone into the book, 41 wearing claret and amber, while eight players have been dismissed.

Willie will be assisted by Alastair Mather and Brian Templeton. The fourth official is Gavin Ross.

Motherwell are back in action in the Ladbrokes Premiership on Saturday as they head to Tynecastle to take on Hearts. 

Stephen Robinson’s men face their third game in a week, following consecutive 2-0 victories over Hamilton Academical and Ross County respectively.

Thousands of fans braved the midweek cold to cheer on the Steelmen and we’d love to see you turn out in your numbers again for our trip to the capital.

Adult tickets start at £19 and student prices start at just £14.

Tickets are available in advance from the ticket office at Fir Park, or available over the phone. Call 01698 333333, and select option 2.

Please note, tickets will not be available on the gate.

———————————–

	Hearts v Motherwell
	Saturday 27th January 2018
	3.00pm
	Tynecastle Park
	Tickets on sale from the Fir Park Ticket Office or by telephone.

Admission prices are as follows:

Please note, tickets must be purchased in advance and won’t be available on the gate.

The cheaper priced tickets are for the lower section of the stand. Students purchasing a match ticket must provide a valid matriculation card.

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.

Watch extended highlights of the Steelmen’s 2-0 win over Ross County as Stephen Robinson’s men make it two wins from two in 2018.

Stephen Robinson hailed his side’s organisation following a second consecutive 2-0 victory.

A Harry Souttar error and a first ‘Well goal for Curtis Main secured all three points for the Steelmen under the floodlights at Fir Park.

And Robinson admitted that, whilst it wasn’t the best of games, it was crucial to return to winning ways in the league.

[pullquote]We’ll play better than that as it wasn’t a great game of football, but I thought we were really well organised.[/pullquote]

Speaking to MFC TV at full time, the manager said: “We’re happy with the result as it obviously takes us back in to the top six again. We’ll play better than that as it wasn’t a great game of football, but I thought we were really well organised.”

“Our back four were outstanding. Trevor Carson, with the one save he had to make, was an outstanding save.

“That’s what won us the game tonight and up front we had that little bit of quality that we’ve maybe been lacking. Nadir, with a little bit of quality in to the box and a super finish from Curtis.”

Motherwell made it two wins from two in 2018 as they saw off Ross County by two goals to nil in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Tom Aldred, Carl McHugh and Curtis Main, the latter of which scored his first goal for the club in the win, spoke in Mixed Zone after the match.

Tom Aldred: “Tonight was one of those games that probably could have gone either way. I think at the crucial times, we defended the situations really well.

“The clean sheet, as defenders, is what you pride yourself on. Another one after the weekend is brilliant and gives the team good foundations to build on.

Carl McHugh: “It was pretty but at this time of year, games are like that a lot. It’s just important to come out on the right side of it.

“We probably played better on Saturday. But we’ve been in efficient in both games and defended well.

Curtis Main: “Pleased with the performance, individually and collectively. We wrap that one, put it to bed and we go again Saturday.

“The goal happened very quickly. Nadir did well to close the guy down, pinched it off him, got his head up and seen the run. It was just instinctive [after that]. The ball came quick and I just had to guide it past the keeper.”

[tab:Match report]

Lewis Irons at Fir Park

Two is the magic number around Fir Park, as Motherwell made it two wins from two to get 2018 off to a perfect start with yet another 2-0 win.

And it was a second own-goal in two games which got the Steelmen off the mark, before Curtis Main bagged his first goal for the club to wrap up all three points.

Stephen Robinson was forced in to one change from his side’s win over Hamilton Accies following suspension to Richard Tait, so the returning Chris Cadden came in for the defender.

Visitors Ross County arrived in Lanarkshire in search of their first win in ten games, with new arrivals David N’Gog and Harry Souttar on the Staggies bench.

The latter was introduced to the action early on after captain Andrew Davies was forced off the field of play, but the Stoke-loanee got off to a disastrous start when a rather uneventful first 45 sparked in to life on the stroke of half time.

Some clever work down the right hand side between Andy Rose and Craig Tanner allowed the former to work himself a yard before whipping in a terrific cross. It was a tough one to deal with for the centre back but he could only arrow a powerful header in to his own net.

Some inspired words at half time saw the Fir Parkers come out after the break on the front foot, and in the 48^th minute, Nadir Çiftçi’s hard-work and terrific ball left Main with a brilliant opportunity to double the hosts lead. Close to goal, but under serious pressure, ‘Well’s number nine lifted a delightful finish over Aaron McCarey.

On an otherwise quiet evening, a resolute and extremely organised ‘Well side held out comfortably, barring an incredible close-range stop from Trevor Carson, to keep a second consecutive clean sheet.

[tab:As it happened]

 Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

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