| 3 | Rangers | 12 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 23 |
| 4 | Dundee United | 13 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 20 |
| 5 | Motherwell | 12 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 19 |
| 6 | St Mirren | 14 | 5 | 3 | 6 | -4 | 18 |
| 7 | Dundee | 13 | 4 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 15 |
Manager Stuart Kettlewell is looking forward to the uninterrupted run from now until March, as his team look to come back from this international break better than the previous one.
Kettlewell provides an update on those recovering from injury, as well as answering questions on the reported interest for Lennon Miller.
Get ready for the second half of our William Hill Premiership campaign with a half season ticket.
You can get yours online now.
Valid from our home match against Rangers on Sunday 29 December, your half season ticket will get you entry to at least nine games at Fir Park.
Secure your own personally selected seat to view all the action at Fir Park, from where you want.
Stuart Kettlewell’s side have made a valiant start to league proceedings, and are currently seven points better off from this point last season.
Having reached the semi-final of the Premier Sports Cup in November, the Motherwell manager urges everyone to get along to the stadium and support the players.
“The feeling around the club is that it’s going in an upward trajectory,” he said.
“There were over 8000 fans at Hampden, almost double our average home attendance. So, we know there are people out there who came along but don’t have a season ticket.
“We want to see our attendance go up as much as possible. Not only does it help the players, but it benefits the club as a whole. I urge as many of you as possible, if you’re able, to save yourself a bit of money by paying every week and come along to the games with your half season ticket.
“It’s greatly appreciated by everyone. I’m looking forward to this next section of the league campaign, and it would be great to have as many of you by our side as possible.”
Not only do you get to see the action for a cheaper price, but you also get a range of benefits from local businesses.
| Love to Travel | Book a holiday in one of the 4 Love to Travel shops and receive free fast-track security through Glasgow Airport and half price lounge or parking at Glasgow Airport |
| North Lanarkshire Council | NL offers Motherwell Season Ticket holders a corporate rate on memberships for gyms, classes and pools at £29.99 per month. This is a 15% discount
Corporate members can also choose one other adult to add to their membership at the same discounted price. To join select corporate membership : Join@home with North Lanarkshire Council (leisurecloud.net) |
| Inspired Flooring | 10% off sofas, furnishing and lighting. 15% off carpets and flooring (material only, not labour) – in store at the Motherwell showroom on Brandon Parade |
| Tony Macaroni | 25% off a la carte food on match days (Motherwell restaurant only) |
| Village Blinds | 20% off |
| Topps Match Attax | 10% discount code for topps.com (includes all cards and stickers to a maximum £15 discount – please phone 01698 333 333 to claim your code) |
| Double Tree Hilton Strathclyde | 8% discount off Best Available Rate at DoubleTree by Hilton Strathclyde |
| Salt | 10% off (not for alcohol and only available Sun-Thurs. Not in conjunction with any other offers) |
| G&C Leggate Opticians | 15% discount on complete spectacles or sunglasses in Motherwell shop |
| Carluke Golf Club | Visitor four ball for the discounted rate of £80 instead of £120 (Sunday to Friday and subject to tee time availability) |
| Aroma Coffee Shop | 10% off in Wishaw Coffee Shop |
| Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen | 20% off food only in the Hamilton restaurant (excludes Saturday) |
We had three players away on international duty this month.
Having captained Motherwell for the last two matches, Lennon Miller had the armband on once again, this time for Scotland’s Under 19s. Playing the full 90 minutes in their first match against Wales, Scotland lost out 1-0 at Forthbank.
In their second match against Liechtenstein, Lennon Miller was unused substitute. Scotland won the match 4-0.
Against France, Miller started and had the armband once again. Scotland drew 0-0, with Miller coming off on the 67th minute.
It was huge match for Tawanda Maswanhise and Zimbabwe against Kenya. A draw would be enough to secure qualification to AFCON 2025.
Maswanhise started the match and scored his first goal for his country after 32 minutes. He was substituted on 72 minutes and although Kenya levelled the game, the Warriors did enough to hold on to the draw and subsequently qualified.
In their second match against Cameroon, Maswanhise started on the right-wing. After going 2-0 down early in the first-half, Zimbabwe got a goal back in the second period but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback. Maswanhise was substituted just before the hour mark.
Kofi Balmer was an unused substitute for Northern Ireland’s 2-0 win over Belarus.
He was on the bench for their second match against Luxembourg on Monday night, and again didn’t get on the pitch. Northern Ireland secured promotion to League B of the Nations League after a 2-2 draw on the night.
We return to William Hill Premiership action on Saturday 23 November, as we head North to take on Ross County in Dingwall.
Kick off is 3pm.
These tickets will be digital only and available up to Kick Off. There will be no physical ticket sales on the day. Supporters are advised to arrive early to ensure ease through the Turnstiles.
| Away Stand | |
| Adults | £28 |
| Over 65 | £15 |
| Student (18-21) | £15 |
| Under 18 | £10 |
| Under 12 (Must be accompanied by an over 18) | £6 |
Ambulant disabled should be put through as the relevant age group, if they require a carer this is FOC with proof.
And for any wheelchair and carers please phone the shop on 01349 860860.
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.
We will be wearing our home kit for this match.
Stephen O’Donnell, Paul McGinn, Callum Slattery, Jack Vale, Ross Callachan and Sam Nicholson remain out for this game.
Harry Paton returned to the action last time out against St Johnstone. Liam Gordon has served his two match suspension and is available for selection.
Players on international duty will be assessed when they arrive back at Fir Park.
Motherwell continued their fine start to their Premiership campaign last time out against St Johnstone. Tawanda Maswanhise found the back of the net for the third time in two matches, with Tom Sparrow adding his second in Motherwell colours.
That result leaves Motherwell seven points better off than this time last year. The Steelmen are joint fourth in the table on 19 points after 11 league games.
Ross County have two wins since the end of July. Don Cowie’s side are on 12 points, with them drawing six games in the league campaign.
The two sides did meet on the opening day of the season, with the game ending 0-0 at Fir Park. Ronan Hale has had a noticeable impact since joining in the summer, with the striker finding the back of the net seven times in all competitions this season for the Staggies.
Motherwell’s last trip to the Highlands ended in a comfortable 5-1 win, with Blair Spittal scoring twice either side of half time and Harry Paton, Davor Zdravkovski and Paul McGinn also getting on the scoresheet.
When Aston Oxborough first arrived at Motherwell back in August 2022, the man who signed him, Graham Alexander, had just departed the club.
Prior to arriving, Oxborough knew that current number one and to-be club captain, Liam Kelly, was firmly the man he had to overcome if he wanted game time.
Knowing the state of play, his move here was calculated and planned out. He knew he would have to bide his time, and eventually, after two seasons when Liam Kelly left for pastures new, Oxborough signed a new deal, having only made two appearances in two seasons.
At the age of 26, he had very few minutes to his name, and it was a case of now or never for him in Motherwell colours. With the arrival of another keeper, Oxborough fought it out for the number one spot and has now cemented that position in the team thanks to countless good performances and has even picked up some accolades along the way.
This upturn in fortune has occurred at just the right time, with the arrival of his first child, Arlo, coinciding with this good form on the pitch. Having suffered miscarriages in the past, Arlo’s arrival marks the start of everything clicking into place for the English shot-stopper on and off the pitch.
It was a momentous occasion for Motherwell Football Club last week. A trip to the national stadium for the first time in six years. Reaching a semi-final is not something that comes around very often for the club and its supporters.
The sentiment wasn’t lost on the ‘Well faithful. Over 8000 fans descended onto Hampden, brimmed with belief and hope. The result may not have gone the way they wanted, but Kofi Balmer ensures that the disappointment of coming up short won’t have a lasting effect on the squad.
“It wasn’t the way we wanted to end the day,” Balmer said.
“We went into the game wanting to get to the final; it didn’t happen, but I thought we gave a good account of ourselves. We pushed them right until the end, which this squad will always do.
“We’ve got to park that game now and focus on the upcoming matches.”
Arriving this summer from Crystal Palace, the run to the semi-final and positive start to the William Hill Premiership campaign has been ideal for Balmer, as he begins to understand the importance of this club to it’s community.
“The location of the stadium is very much a signal of how engrained the club is with the community,” he explained.
“The following that we’ve had for the semi-final and all the games to date has been nothing short of stunning. As a new player coming in, it’s helped me understand what it means to everyone.
“It gives me an extra bit of fight to ensure I put 100% in.”
He may have had to be patient initially, but having been given his opportunity on the pitch, Balmer hasn’t looked back and has put in a number of impressive displays. With that comes the recognition and reward.
With only a small amount of minutes played on the pitch, Balmer earned a late call-up to the Northern Ireland squad last month.
“I wasn’t expecting it, that’s for sure,” he laughed.
“There was no way I was match-fit. I’d just been sitting in the living room, and the phone went. It was the administrator for Northern Ireland, and they’d just said that Michael O’Neill wanted me to join up with the squad.
“It may have been last minute, but there was no way I was going to turn it down. Obviously, it’s great to be called up again this month.
“As a kid, it’s what you want to do. I think it’s not only my dream, but it’s my dad’s and brother’s dream because that’s what they wanted me to do when I was younger. It’s a great achievement, and it just shows what can happen when you get a run of games under your belt. Hopefully I can get that first cap.”
His move to Motherwell was calculated, however. Balmer had seen the past success stories of players who have come to Fir Park, impressed and got their call-up. Trevor Carson and Liam Donnelly being perfect examples.
“It’s a good place to get games,” he explained.
“I know a couple of boys who already came to Scotland, played games, and got the shout for their countries. I think the international stage was a big factor in me coming here; it’s now starting to pay off.
“But the club football will always come first for me. I’m under no illusions with that. The week-to-week is my priority.”
Balmer may only be 24-years-old, but the Northern Irishman has experienced his fair share in the world of football, all starting from the tender age of 16.
“I was only 16 when I made my debut for Ballymena United,” the defender added. “It was against Coleraine, which is a derby. It was a big game because we needed at least a draw to get into the European play-offs. I didn’t know what to expect, but I played the game, and I actually scored the equaliser.
“That secured the European spot, and I sort of cemented my place in the team. I played over 100 games for them before moving to Larne, where I played a season. The biggest European game I played in was against Malmo for Ballymena. It’s all helped shape me.”
Having burst onto the scene and becoming highly sought after, Balmer moved across the water to Crystal Palace, where he would train predominately with the academy team.
“When you were younger, you always wanted to go across the water as early as possible,” he explained.
“But in a way, I’m glad I didn’t because I was able to get that proper experience within the men’s game. I matured mentally and physically, which gave me an advantage over the other academy players at Palace when it came to maturity.
“When we got beat, it wouldn’t affect them as much. I was used to first-team football, where you’re fighting every week for as many points as possible. Playing back home helped me so much; if I moved younger, I don’t think I’d be in the position I am now. It gave me an extra push at a younger age.”
And where he is now is at the heart of the Motherwell backline. Having impressed since his introduction to the starting 11, Balmer has no plans on stopping.
“I want to win as many games as possible,” the 24-year-old said.
“Our target is to win the next game. I want to stay fit and play as many games as I can. I have enjoyed it all so far. I’ve worked with Stephen Frail before; he was my Under 19s Northern Ireland manager.
“The gaffer knows what he wants, and if he sees something you can improve on, he’ll coach it into you. That’s the way it should be. It’s been great to be back in the first-team environment; it’s where I’m comfortable, and hopefully we continue to pick up points in the league.”
Motherwell have a number of players out on loan at present. Below, we take a look at how they got on in the last four weeks.
Matty Connelly has made a further seven appearances for East Kilbride since our last update, taking him up to 17 games for the season.
Throughout the month of October, and November so far, East Kilbride haven’t lost a game. Connelly hasn’t missed a minute of action. They are top of the Lowland League and have reached the semi-final of the SPFL Trust Trophy, after they knocked out Championship opposition in the form of Ayr United on Tuesday night.
Their run to the semi-final has been littered with success against teams in the divisions above, including Cove Rangers and Airdrie.
Max Ross has now made seven appearances for Albion Rovers. He has started in the last seven games for Rovers.
Winning four, drawing two and losing one, Ross and Albion Rovers are up to seventh in the Lowland League table, as they look to close the gap on those above.
At Cowdenbeath, Brannan McDermott has started all five games since our last loan report. He’s now up to seven appearances.
He scored his first goal in a 2-2 draw with Albion Rovers. He is yet to miss a minute of action this season.
Since the last update, Olly Whyte has started all five games. Although they haven’t won a game in the league since the start of October, Cowdenbeath produced a remarkable Scottish Cup upset in late October.
They knocked out League Two Spartans at Ainslie Park, winning 2-1.
Dylan Wells hasn’t featured for Edinburgh City as yet. He picked up a knock but will return this weekend.
Filip Stuparevic is up to nine appearances for Morton this season. Now an established starter for Morton, Stuparevic’s side picked up a big point against Ayr United last weekend.
In their most recent match, Morton were defeated 2-1 by Livingston in the quarter-final of the SPFL Trust Trophy, where the Serbian played 64 minutes.
Luca Ross has made one further appearance since the October report for Annan Athletic.
He was named on the bench for Annan against Queen of the South at the end of October.
Mark Ferrie is up to five appearances for Bonnyrigg Rose. He has started the last four matches for Rose.
In their last match against Elgin City, Ferrie’s dink in the second-half got him off the mark for the season, helping his side on the way to three points. He picked up the man of the match award in the process.
Bonnyrigg are fifth in the League Two table, they are on 17 points as they close down on the playoff spots.
Three Motherwell players are away on international duty for the next seven days.
After returning to the Northern Ireland squad last month, Kofi Balmer has been named in Michael O’Neill’s initial squad in November.
Northern Ireland are in Nations League action this month, against Belarus and Luxembourg. They are looking to confirm their promotion back to League B.
A win in their home match against Belarus would all but secure top spot in the group.
Lennon Miller will be turning out for the Scotland Under 19 side, in a triple header.
The 18-year-old has been an integral part of Stuart Kettlewell’s side as well as Scotland’s Under 21s, however with no games for Scott Gemmill’s youngsters, Neil McFarlane has called upon the midfielder’s services.
Scotland play three Under-19 European Championship qualifiers, taking on Wales, Liechtenstein and France, with the aim of progressing to the Elite Round in March.
It’s a huge couple of games for Zimbabwe and Tawanda Maswanhise this month, with the Warriors in touching distance of qualifying for AFCON.
Their two strong results last month have ensured Zimbabwe are in pole position to grab second spot in Group J.
They are on eight points and currently in second place in Group J. They will take on third placed Kenya, before playing already qualified Cameroon.
A point against Kenya would be enough to qualify.
Stuart Kettlewell had set his team the task of reaching 19 points by the November international break. To do this, they would have to overcome St Johnstone at Fir Park in their final match before the break.
With the Perthshire side under the new guidance of former Motherwell player Simo Valakari, the Steelmen needed a fast start. Showing energy and a clinical edge, Motherwell blew the visitors away in the first half and held a 2-0 lead going into the interval thanks to goals from Tawanda Maswanhise and Tom Sparrow.
St Johnstone were aided by a VAR intervention to give a handball against Andy Halliday, which saw Nicky Clark convert to halve the deficit.
They thought they got the game level in stoppage time from a corner, but VAR spotted a handball in the area to rule the goal out. That meant 19 points have been achieved in 11 league outings for the Steelmen, with a trip to Ross County waiting for when they return to domestic action.
Stuart Kettlewell gives his thoughts as Motherwell defeat St Johnstone at Fir Park.
First half goals from Tawanda Maswanhise and Tom Sparrow gave the Fir Park side all three points ahead of the November international break.
