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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.

Motherwell will play Hearts in the quarter finals of the 2017/18 William Hill Scottish Cup.

The match is due to be played at Fir Park on the weekend on Saturday, March 3.

The tie marks the first time the Steelmen have reached the last eight of the competition since the 2011/12 season.

Scottish Cup sixth round draw in full

Celtic v Morton

Aberdeen v Kilmarnock

Motherwell v Hearts

Rangers v Falkirk

Extended highlights from Dens Park as Motherwell progress to the quarter finals of the Scottish Cup with a 2-0 win over Dundee.

Goalscorers Curtis Main and Craig Tanner, along with debutant David Turnbull, spoke after the 2-0 victory over Dundee in the Scottish Cup.

Curtis Main: “It was a tough game, especially in the first half, but obviously we got our noses in front and from then on I think we were comfortable.”

Craig Tanner: “Three goals in three appearances against Dundee so if I could play them every week I’d be a happy man. But no, this is my highest goal scoring season which is great.

“The main thing is that we’re in the next round though and we’re all delighted.”

David Turnbull: “I’m just buzzing to get on and for us to get the win. I’m thankful to the gaffer for giving me a chance to get my first appearance.”

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson hailed a true team performance as his side progressed to the quarter final of the Scottish Cup.

Goals from Craig Tanner and Curtis Main secured a 2-0 victory over Dundee at Dens Park, on an afternoon when ‘Well dominated the encounter.

And the manager was delighted with his teams performance from start to finish, all over the pitch.

“I think that was the complete away performance,” the Northern Irishman said.

“We played in their half of the pitch and we played some good football as well. We were well worth our win today.

“The three boys at the back and the two wing backs were excellent. I don’t think Charles Dunne gets the plaudits he deserves but over the past month or so he’s been terrific for us. As have the whole back line, they give you a base to play from.”

And on Trevor Carson’s crucial save, the manager added: “It’s only 1-0 at that point and Trevor makes a big save, that turns the game and the crowd get behind us. It shows the importance of keeping him here.”

Grant Russell at Dens Park

Motherwell booked their place in the last eight of the Scottish Cup with an assured win over Dundee.

Goals from Craig Tanner and Curtis Main did the job for the Steelmen, who now go into the draw for the quarter finals of the competition.

Manager Stephen Robinson made just one change to the team that defeated St Johnstone 2-0 in midweek. Injury saw Allan Campbell drop out of the squad completely, with Tanner taking his starting place.

Within three minutes of the start, Motherwell had the ball in the net.

From a corner kick, Cédric Kipré rose well to head the ball back across goal, where Tom Aldred was on hand to smash the ball into the net.

But his effort was ruled out for offside, with the far side linesman immediately lifting his flag to quell the celebrations.

Motherwell continued to dominate and Curtis Main was the next to test the reactions of the travelling support.

The striker found room 25 yards out from goal and, sensing his opportunity, fizzed a left-footed shot towards goal.

‘Keeper Elliott Parish was stranded and the supporters behind the goal were on their feet in expectation, but the ball just bulleted wide of the right post.

Just two minutes later, Nadir Çiftçi was the next to be presented with a golden chance. A cross from Chris Cadden from the right landed kindly to him six yards out, but his diverted header past Parish also dropped agonisingly wide of the left post.

Motherwell were the dominant team and they finally made that pay as the game hit the half hour work.

Great build-up play eventually led to the ball landing at the feet of Tanner 25 yards from goal. With Main screaming to be laid in to his left, the forward instead saw the opportunity to catch the ball on the half volley.

It turned out to be the right call. His left-footed shot dipped and bounced under the dive of Parish and nestled into the right hand corner of the net to give the Steelmen a deserved lead.

A battle ensued as the first half wore on. Çiftçi found himself in the book after clattering into Paul McGowan, who was also shown a yellow card as he responded by going in aggressively while the Motherwell man lay on the ground.

As half time approached, Motherwell then had a shout for a penalty waved away by referee Bobby Madden. Carl McHugh’s header from 12 yards was blocked, leading to big appeals from the players around him that a hand had been used to do so, but nothing was given.

Immediately up the other end, Dundee went close. A free kick from the right found Darren O’Dea’s run but his header dropped over the crossbar.

Straight after the restart, Dundee arguably should have levelled.

Sofien Moussa found himself with room at the front post but, with the cross from the right coming in low and with pace, he just failed to get it under control and it bobbled harmlessly away.

The Dark Blues continued to apply pressure. Mark O’Hara was next with a chance, his shot from 25 yards sending Trevor Carson stretching to tip it over the top.

Aurtenexte was the next to cause problems amongst the Motherwell backline. Finding himself one on one with Kipre, he cut inside to leave the defender trailing before bearing down on Carson.

In the blink of an eye, the Dundee man’s shot was heading for goal but the big goalkeeper was down quick and low to turn the ball away.

The sucker punch then arrived for the hosts. A long ball forward caused panic in the Dundee defence, with Parish rushing out of his area to try and clear.

Main’s presence alone turned the situation into a positive one for the visitors, and he beat Holt to the ball to nick it past the goalkeeper 18 yards out and into the empty net.

The 1447 travelling Motherwell fans continued to roar their team on as the game petered out without much more in the way of chances for either side.

A place in the quarter finals of the Scottish Cup now awaits Robinson’s men, one game away from another potential trip to Hampden Park.