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Stuart Kettlewell’s post-match thoughts.

• • Unacceptable to gift goals
  • Slow start set the tone
  • Looking ahead to Aberdeen

Two goals inside the first 15 minutes ensured all three points were heading back to Govan, as Rangers won 2-0. 

‘Well fans had to endure horrendous weather before the midday kick-off and their afternoon didn’t get any better as two goals from Kieran Dowell and Todd Cantwell set up the Ibrox side for a comfortable win.

And although it was a much improved, competitive performance from the Fir Park side in the second half, the damage was done and the game lost in that opening 15 minutes.

Weather wise it was anything but a Christmas Eve setting, as torrential rain and a blustery wind welcomed both teams on to an otherwise impressive looking Fir Park pitch.

However, the fans shared some festive cheers as the ‘Well Bois, bedecked in Santa hats and the Rangers fans packed in the Tommy McLean stand joined in some Christmas songs.

Stuart Kettlewell retained the same line-up which came close to ending the team’s winless run against St Mirren last week.

But the Fir Park boss was left raging as his side made a dreadful start to what should have been a tough test for Rangers.

The players might have found it difficult to adapt to the atrocious conditions, but within four minutes Philippe Clement’s men had found the back of the ‘Well net.

Harry Paton lost possession to Kieran Dowell at the edge of the box and the young midfielder raced on to a return pass from Cyriel Dessers, before firing the ball high past Liam Kelly from 12 yards.

It was the worst possible start for the Steelmen, searching first their home league win over Rangers in 21 years.

The chances of ending that statistic was all but erased after 15 minutes Rangers doubled their lead.

Poor defending in front of Kelly’s goal allowed Cantwell to swiftly tuck the ball low inside the ‘keeper’s right hand post.

Still trying to recover from that dreadful opening, the first threat on the visitor’s goal came after 20 minutes when Callum Slaterry’s 25 yard drive skidded past Jack Butland’s left hand post.

Even allowing for the difficult conditions, ‘Well’s decision making and use of the ball was poor.

Careless play from Bevis Mugabi in the centre circle allowed Dessers to race through on goal and only a fine save from Kelly kept the score at 2-0.

Biereth carried play to the other box and only Leon Balogun’s sliding tackle inside the six yard prevented the Arsenal loanee from testing Butland.

However, Kelly was by far the busier ‘keeper and it took two fabulous saves to deny Ross McCausland and Cantewell from extending the visitor’s lead before the break.

Having struggled with the conditions in the first half, Mugabi remained inside for the second, with Paul McGinn, wearing a protective face mask, taking his place in the centre of the ‘Well defence.

That coincided with a much more positive re-start from the Fir Park men.

Within two minutes Georgie Gent delivered a low tempting cross from the left and Balogun was forced to scoop the ball over his own crossbar as ‘Well fans finally had something to raise their hopes of a fightback.

And three minutes later the Steelmen came close to pulling a goal back. Biereth floated the ball towards the back of the six-yard area and Brodie Spencer’s diving header sent the ball back across goal and just beyond the far post.

Kettlewell made his second substitution after 62 minutes replacing Paton with a more attack minded Oli Shaw.

With the intention of snatching a third goal to kill the game Rangers then made a double substitution after 70 minutes but it was the Ibrox defence that looked increasingly nervous.

And in the 73rd minute Motherwell’s best move ended with Ridvan Yilmaz clumsily barging into the back of Spencer as he prepared to fire the ball across the box. VAR’s review deemed it wasn’t a penalty and a couple of minutes another review for a possible penalty was called upon.

Blair Spittal’s free kick into packed six-yard area sparked off a goal mouth melee with ‘Well players claiming for a handball but once again VAR agreed with the referee’s decision to wave play on.

Although the Steelmen pressed until the final whistle for a consolation goal to show for their second half efforts they failed to force a single save from Butland, as Kelly remained equally untroubled at the other end throughout a blustery second forty five.

Paul McGinn says the mood has been positive in the dressing room going into this weekends cinch Premiership match against Rangers. 

From watching in the stands the last few weeks, he can see that the team isn’t far away from picking up results consistently. McGinn has recovered from his cheekbone injury and has been adjusting to life wearing a protective mask in games.

Matthew Connelly has joined East Kilbride on loan until the end of the season. 

The 20-year-old keeper has had loan spells with Gretna, Falkirk and Stranraer previously.

East Kilbride have made a positive start in their Lowland League campaign and are currently seven points ahead at the top of the table.

Best of luck, Matty.

Stuart Kettlewell reacts to the news that Chairman Jim McMahon and interim Chief Executive Derek Weir will be departing the club. The manager says that the two have been supportive since he arrived at the club and have been excellent servants to Motherwell. 

He says there is scope for one maybe two players in the January window as the focus turns to the January window that opens in a couple of weeks. Kettlewell also gives his thoughts on a new look Rangers side that have started brightly under the reigns of new manager Phillip Clement.

Motherwell are back at Fir Park on Christmas Eve to take on Rangers. 

Kick off is 12pm.

How to follow the game

– Concessions Tickets would be ages 65 and over and FT Students with a valid matric card.
– Young Adults tickets would ages 12 to 17.
– Juveniles would be 11 and under

Supporters are able to buy tickets online here or visit the ticket office at Fir Park.

Ticket Office open from 10am until 12pm. No pay gate facility.

The game will be shown live on Sky Sports.

If you are outside the UK, you can watch the game via Motherwell TV.

Should you be in the UK, it will be live commentary only.

Kit Watch

We will be wearing our home kit for this match.

Injury Update

Lennon Miller, Pape Souare and Dan Casey all remain sidelined for this match.

It was revealed last week that Casey is facing six to eight weeks on the sidelines.

Calum Butcher is a doubt and will be assessed closer to the game. Paul McGinn made his first appearance since October, after recovering from a cheekbone injury.

Motherwell’s Fortunes

Motherwell picked up their first clean sheet since September 3 2023 on Saturday against St Mirren in a 0-0 draw. It was the Steelmen’s fifth draw in seven outings but the winless run continued to 14 games as a result.

Liam Kelly saved Mark O’Hara’s spot kick.

With midweek games still to be played, Motherwell are now 11th in the table after 18 games.

Opposition Report

Rangers picked up the first piece of silverware on offer this season, defeating Aberdeen to lift the Viaplay Cup trophy.

Captain James Tavernier made it 14 goals for the season in the process of netting the winner at Hampden.

The Gers are chasing down Celtic at the top of the table, with the gap down to five points, although they have two games in hand over their old firm rivals.

Motherwell went to high flying St Mirren in search of a much needed three points. 

In heavy rain and gusty conditions, the first half passed by relatively incident free, with very few chances presenting themselves. The first big opportunity came for St Mirren at the start of the second half, when Stephen O’Donnell handled the ball in the penalty box and the hosts awarded a penalty.

Step forward Liam Kelly, who saved Mark O’Hara’s effort to keep the scoreline level. From then on, Motherwell took control.

Mika Biereth, Blair Spittal, Harry Paton and Theo Bair all had chances but couldn’t find a way past the St Mirren keeper.

It was a clean sheet for the ‘Well, their first since September 3, but the wait for a win goes on with Rangers next up.

Motherwell left Paisley with a point after a 0-0 draw with St Mirren.

Goalkeeper Liam Kelly was the hero as he saved Mark O’Hara’s 50th minute penalty to help his side earn a point.

Swirling wind and rain caused havoc as both sides struggled to carve out any good chances in the first half.

Greg Kiltie had the best chance of the first forty-five as he got on the end of Small’s cross but the winger mis-hit his shot and it looped over the bar.

Despite and evenly contested first half, the second half almost got off to the worst possible start for the Steelmen.

Marcus Fraser got in down the St Mirren right and his cross struck the hand of the sliding Stephen O’Donnell. Referee Craig Napier wasted no time in pointing to the spot.

Former Motherwell man Mark O’Hara stepped up but Liam Kelly was equal to his effort, diving low to his right and the Motherwell defence did the rest to clear the danger.

From there Motherwell looked the more likely to break the deadlock with a host of great chances.

Georgie Gent got the end of Blair Spittal’s free-kick but his header was straight at Hemming.

Then Blair Spittal was played in and although the midfielder did the hard part, cutting inside to beat Gogic, he couldn’t find the target.

Minutes later fellow midfielder Callum Slattery was played in and went down under pressure from Gogic in the box but this time the referee waved away the claret and amber claims.

Mika Biereth took advantage of some slack defending as he burst through 1-1 but the ball seemed to get caught in his feet and Hemming raced off his line to make the block.

St Mirren had a rare break upfield and Liam Kelly was called into action to beat away Thierry Small’s curling effort.

Stuart Kettlewell shuffled his pack, bringing on Oli Shaw and Theo Bair and the Canadian almost won it late on. He went through on goal but again Hemming did well to save with his legs and ensure his side went home with a point.

Motherwell will be frustrated to have left with only one point but Stuart Kettlewell will take positives away from this side’s performance.

Stuart Kettlewell reacts to the 0-0 draw with St Mirren.

Tricky conditions
Should have won with the chances we had
Defensively strong

With Christmas fast approaching, and many in the festive spirit, not everyone is looking forward to the December period.

Stuart Kettlewell and his team spent the afternoon handing out presents from the club, including 50 teddy bears kindly donated by the Motherwell FC Community Club, to the children at Wishaw General Hospital.