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[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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Motherwell return to Ladbrokes Premiership action on Wednesday night when they face Ross County at Fir Park.

Following the win over Hamilton Academical in the William Hill Scottish Cup at the weekend, Stephen Robinson’s side are looking to make it two wins from two.

For the manager, the fixture is a chance to get the league campaign back on track after a disappointing December and an opportunity to jump back into the top six.

“We’re confident after our win on Saturday but more so because of the performance and the manner of the performance,” he said.

[pullquote]We need to get back to winning ways in the league, it’s a chance for us to put some distance between ourselves and Ross County, and we’re looking forward to it.[/pullquote]

“We were well aware that we needed a rest but I also think the new signings will give a boost around the place as well.

“When you’re not winning games what you have to do is stay really positive that what you were doing before was the right way to do it, and you have to keep people believing that.”

Goalkeeper Trevor Carson, by his own admission, had forgotten what a clean sheet was like before he shut out Hamilton on Saturday.

“Keepers and defenders thrive on clean sheets,” he said. “Before we went out on Saturday I said to the boys ‘let’s get back to being hard to beat.’

[pullquote]It’s great saying it but actually getting it, going home on Saturday at 5pm with a clean sheet and a win, there’s no better feeling in football.[/pullquote]

“The lads are raring to go. We know how important the game is to put a bit of distance between ourselves. But more importantly, it’s a chance to get back into the top six.

“We think we belong there. That’s our aims for the season, to get away from a relegation scrap and push on.”

	Motherwell v Ross County
	Wednesday 24th January 2018
	7.45pm
	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.

The Cooper Bar is open for both sets of supporters to enjoy pre-match food and drink from 5.30pm.

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.

Motherwell Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Peter Hartley on a permanent contract.

The central defender, who signed on loan from Blackpool in the summer, has penned a deal until the summer of 2020.

Hartley has established himself as a pivotal figure in Stephen Robinson’s side since his move, making 17 appearances so far in the 2017/18 campaign.

“It was a very, very easy decision to make,” said Hartley. “I’ve been at this club for six months and it’s a fantastic dressing room, probably one of the best I’ve been in.

[pullquote]It’s a club that’s trying to move forward and achieve things. I want to be part of that.”[/pullquote]

Hartley has played a key role in the season so far, featuring in the Betfred Cup final and being a rock at centre back.

“If I am going to be somewhere, it’s all or nothing with me,” he added. “I am going to give everything I’ve got for two and a half years.

“I have enjoyed every moment. I’ve played at Hampden twice in the semi final and final.

“We went on a good unbeaten run. I’ve made a lot of good friends in the dressing room. I’ve got nothing but good words to say about the coaching staff and everybody around the club.

“It’s just the right place for me in my career right now. I’m happy to commit my future to the club.”

Manager Robinson is naturally pleased to have landed the defender on a permanent deal.

“Securing the future of Peter is a massive boost to this football club and everything we are trying to achieve,” he said.

“As soon as the opportunity came up to get him on a permanent deal, we wasted no time in getting the transfer done.”

Stephen Robinson is eyeing a much-needed league win as his side prepare for the visit of Ross County on Wednesday. 

And the Northern Irishman admits his players are confident as they get set to return to Ladbrokes Premiership action for 2018.

Speaking to MFC TV, Robinson said: “We’re confident after our win on Saturday but more so because of the performance and the manner of the performance.

[pullquote]We need to get back to winning ways in the league, it’s a chance for us to put some distance between ourselves and Ross County, and we’re looking forward to it.[/pullquote]

“We were well aware that we needed a rest but I also think the new signings will give a boost around the place as well.

“When you’re not winning games what you have to do is stay really positive that what you were doing before was the right way to do it, and you have to keep people believing that.”

Trevor Carson by his own admission had started to forget the feeling of going home with a clean sheet.

The Motherwell goalkeeper kept a succession of shutouts in the early part of the season, but suffered as the team went through a mini-slump towards the end of 2017.

Having picked up a win in the Scottish Cup against Hamilton Academical on Saturday, and crucially keeping the visitors out at his end, Carson believes the Steelmen are now successfully playing to their strengths again.

“I’d forgotten what a clean sheet was to be honest,” the goalkeeper joked. “Keepers and defenders thrive on clean sheets.

“Before we went out on Saturday I said to the boys ‘let’s get back to being hard to beat.’

[pullquote]It’s great saying it but actually getting it, going home on Saturday at 5pm with a clean sheet and a win, there’s no better feeling in football.”[/pullquote]

Ross County lie in wait in the Ladbrokes Premiership on Wednesday night, as Motherwell look to make it back-to-back wins at Fir Park.

“The lads are raring to go,” Carson added. “We know how important the game is to put a bit of distance between ourselves. But more importantly, it’s a chance to get back into the top six.

“We think we belong there. That’s our aims for the season, to get away from a relegation scrap and push on.”

Motherwell are back in action in the Ladbrokes Premiership on Wednesday night as Ross County travel to Fir Park.

Stephen Robinson’s men returned after the winter break with a comprehensive victory over Hamilton Academical in the William Hill Scottish Cup and are looking to make it two wins from two in January.

Over 4,000 ‘Well fans turned out to cheer the team to their win at the weekend. Your support means a lot to the team. We’d love to see you turn out in your numbers again for the visit of the Staggies.

Adult tickets start at £19 and don’t forget our family deal, where one adult and one child aged under 15 can go together for just £24.

Tickets are available in advance from the ticket office at Fir Park. Cash gates will also be in operation on the night.

———————————–

	Motherwell v Ross County
	Wednesday 24th January 2018
	7.45pm
	Fir Park
	Tickets on sale from the Fir Park Ticket Office or pay at the gate.

Admission prices are as follows:

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 Monday night before the match.

Motherwell have been drawn away to either Dundee or Inverness CT in the fifth round of the 2017/18 William Hill Scottish Cup.

The tie is due to be played on the weekend of Saturday, February 10.

Dundee and Inverness CT played out a 2-2 draw in the fourth round on Saturday. They will face again in a replay at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium on Tuesday, January 30.

Admission information will be confirmed in due course.

FULL FIFTH ROUND DRAW

Formartine United or Cove Rangers v Livingston or Falkirk

Morton v Peterhead or Dumbarton

Hearts v Albion Rovers or St Johnstone

Kilmarnock v Brora Rangers

Ayr United v Fraserburgh or Rangers

Aberdeen v Dundee United

Dundee or Inverness CT v Motherwell

Celtic v Partick Thistle

Watch extended highlights of the Steelmen’s 2-0 William Hill Scottish Cup fourth round victory over Hamilton Accies, as Stephen Robinson’s side bring an end to their losing run.

Stephen Robinson was delighted to see his side get back to winning ways with a 2-0 win over Hamilton Accies.

The Northern Irishman’s recuperated side controlled their fourth round Scottish Cup encounter in the first fixture of the year.

In particular, the manager praised his team’s efficiency – admitting they were back to doing what they’re good at.

[pullquote]We got back to what we’re very good at, we were physical and we were aggressive. We got balls into the box and we had quality up top.[/pullquote]

“We needed the rest, we needed it to recuperate and to recharge our batteries,” the ‘Well boss admitted, “but I thought the performance today was very comprehensive.

“I thought we were efficient and did the simple things really well. We got back to what we’re very good at, we were physical and we were aggressive. We got balls into the box and we had quality up top.”

He added: “Nadir will get better and fitter with every game, Curtis is a big handful and we haven’t seen the best of him yet and Craig Tanner is coming to the fore too.”

[tab:Match report]

Lewis Irons at Fir Park

Motherwell ended their losing run with a convincing 2-0 win over local rivals Hamilton Accies.

A bizarre Scott McMann own-goal gave Stephen Robinson’s side a perfect start to their Scottish Cup campaign, before Craig Tanner coolly converted from the penalty spot to send the Fir Parker side through to the fifth round.

There were three new faces in claret and amber as Curtis Main, Nadir Çiftçi and Tom Aldred made their debuts in the opening game of 2018.

And things got off to the perfect start when Scott McMann’s back-pass evaded goalkeeper Gary Woods and rolled in to the net after just four minutes.

Aldred nearly marked his debut with a goal when the ball broke to the centre-back from a corner, but the defender’s effort on the spin flashed wide of the mark.

Two minutes later, Tanner was bundled to the deck in the Accies box and it seemed a certain penalty, but Craig Thomson waved play on despite protests around the ground.

Curtis nearly became the main man of the afternoon when Allan Campbell’s surging run and neat through ball picked out ‘Well’s new number nine, but his prodded effort flew narrowly over Woods’ crossbar.

Ten minutes before the break though, Tanner doubled the hosts advantage with a well-taken penalty.

But it was the build-up that made it, with a glorious Çiftçi flick freeing Main in the box. The striker was tripped and Thomson pointed straight to the spot, before Tanner sent Woods the wrong way to bag his seventh goal of the season.

Aldred’s impressive start to life in Lanark was marred slightly when the defender pulled up with injury in the 37^th minute. Robinson took no risks and replaced the new recruit with the soon-to-retire Stevie Hammell.

Just minutes in to the second half, Charles Dunne produced a crucial block to deny Accies a route back in to the game – but the home side quickly regained focus.

Cédric Kipré nodded Tait’s clever cross inches over the bar, before skipper Carl McHugh nearly produced a stunning goal with a half-volley from the edge of the area which was narrowly wide.

Çiftçi couldn’t bag his first Motherwell goal before being replaced by Gaël Bigirimana in the 66^th minute, but his curled effort minutes before tested keeper Woods, who produced a good stop.

Main made way for Alex Fisher in the 78^th minute of the match, and a minute later McHugh crashed a header against the bar from Tanner’s delivery, before sending an audacious over-head kick wide of the mark – which would have sent the home crowd wild had it found the top corner.

Fisher nearly found the back of the net to wrap up a fine afternoon for the Steelmen but his effort from Tanner’s neat cut-back was straight at Woods.

[tab:As it happened]

 Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

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