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Grant Russell at the Global Energy Stadium

Motherwell claimed another point on the road in a battling performance away to relegation-threatened Ross County.

Stephen Robinson’s men slightly edged a tight affair in terms of chances, with Curtis Main, Chris Cadden and Ryan Bowman all going agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock.

The clean sheet also marked the 18th shutout of the season for the ‘Well defence, putting them just one off the club record.

The Steelmen were unchanged from their emphatic 3-0 William Hill Scottish Cup semi final over Aberdeen. Carl McHugh returned from suspension to take up a spot on the bench.

After the initial exchanges, both teams were forced into early changes through injury.

Chris Routis was withdrawn for the hosts, with Jason Naismith taking his place, while Andy Rose was withdrawn shortly afterwards with a collarbone injury. McHugh took his place.

Both sides had half chances in a scrappy first period. Harry Souttar tested Trevor Carson with a free header from a set play on the half hour mark for the hosts, while Curtis Main hit the side netting with a long-range shot as the first period wore to a close.

Immediately County went on the offensive again. Schalk picked the ball up in the centre of the park 30 yards from goal but his ambitious drive sailed over the bar.

Motherwell upped their intensity as they went in the search of an opener before the close of the first half. The end result was a corner kick which eventually found its way to Main whose header cannoned back off the far post, only for referee Alan Muir to adjudge a foul had been committed.

County then almost took the lead on the stroke of the interval. Billy McKay found himself in acres of space 12 yards out with a potential shot at Carson but he chose to move the ball further right to Fraser. The recovering Charles Dunne, fortunately, was on hand to lunge in bravely to block the shot.

The second half saw the game open up in spells, with Motherwell creating a succession of chances.

Tom Aldred was first to give the visitors hope, with his header from a corner kick being headed clear of the line by Max Melbourne.

Bowman then thought he had done enough to put Motherwell into the lead. Chris Cadden’s burst down the right led to the ball getting into the feet of Main. The big striker then laid off his strike partner, but his snap shot from the edge of the area was turned around the post by Scott Fox.

Immediately from the corner Main met the ball at the back post, with his header across the face of goal bouncing just past the left post.

County grew back into the game but as they pressed as pressed, it was Motherwell who nearly broke the deadlock with five mintues to spare.

Main used his strength superbly to hold off the attentions of Souttar from a long ball, but his shot from outside the area went wide.

Immediately County were back on the front foot. Schalk was next to trouble the travelling defence, but his ferocious shot from 20 yards was just over.

The game flew from end to end. Next it was Cadden who came close, with his shot from the edge of the area, after being teed up by Aldred, agonisningly failing to dip in time as it cleared the crossbar.

There was time for a late debut for James Scott in the 90th minute as he replaced Main, but he wasn’t presented with a scoring chance to make it a maiden appearance to remember.

Having narrowly missed out on the top six, Motherwell make the long trip to Dingwall in their first post-split fixture of the 2017/18 campaign.

And following the historic Scottish Cup semi final victory over Aberdeen, the Steelmen have the chance to confirm their top-flight status on Saturday.

Victory would rule ‘Well out of any relegation or play-off scrap, whilst a win for hosts Ross County would give the Northerners a lifeline in their fight for survival.

It makes for an intriguing Premiership encounter in the Highlands.

But there is more to the clash than just survival for the players in claret and amber.

Manager Stephen Robinson knows the importance of a good run of form at the end of the campaign, with the Scottish Cup final just around the corner.

And the Northern Irishman has been impressed with his players reactions this week in training as they prepare for the challenge of the Staggies.

“We’ve trained well and the boys look really sharp,” the Northern Irishman said. “Everyone is fighting for places now so the intensity hasn’t dropped at all.

[pullquote]Sometimes you can get complacent, but that certainly hasn’t happened this week.[/pullquote]

He added: “First and foremost we need the points to guarantee our safety. By no means will we be throwing any towel in and waiting just for the cup final, you can’t do that.

“Players need to play football. It’s all well and good resting people and trying to save them, but we want to win the next five games and go in to the final in really good form.”

Andy Rose echoes the sentiments of his manager.

With 11th placed Ross County up next on, the midfielder is prepared to face a determined side at the Global Energy Stadium.

But the Steelmen are equally determined, revealed the 28-year-old, with competition for places in the starting eleven rife, despite injuries.

“We’ve got a lot more to achieve this season,” he said. “At the moment, that’s getting three points this weekend.

[pullquote]We’ve shown against the top sides that we can compete and win. For us to take our game to the next level, we need to show consistency.[/pullquote]

“We’re a relatively new group with a lot of new faces this season. I think a part of growing and maturing together is consistency.

“For us to take our game to the next level, we need to show that consistency and turn in performances like Saturday’s on a weekly basis.

“That’s all part of growing as a tea,” ‘Well’s number 15 added. “Those performances breed confidence, and now we need to be focused on the next league games to finish as high up the table as we can.”

Tickets are available on the gate at Global Energy Stadium.

Kick off on Saturday is at 3.00pm.

Admission prices are as follows:

If you can’t make it along, you can follow the match on Twitter @MotherwellFC. Live audio commentary will be available on mixlr.com/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.

Andy Rose is expecting a tough few weeks as the Steelmen head in to the final stretch of the 2017/18 campaign.

With 11th placed Ross County up next on Saturday, the midfielder is prepared to face a determined side at the Global Energy Stadium.

But the Steelmen are equally determined, revealed the 28-year-old.

“We’ve got a lot more to achieve this season,” he said. “At the moment, that’s getting three points this weekend.

“We’re a relatively new group with a lot of new faces this season. I think a part of growing and maturing together is consistency.

“We’ve shown against the top sides that we can compete and win. For us to take our game to the next level, we need to show that consistency and turn in performances like Saturday’s on a weekly basis.

“That’s all part of growing as a tea,” ‘Well’s number 15 added. “Those performances breed confidence, and now we need to be focused on the next league games to finish as high up the table as we can.”

Stephen Robinson is eager to see his side go on a good run of form as the season draws to a close.

In the first post-split match on Saturday, the Steelmen travel to Dingwall on the back of a historic Scottish Cup semi final win over Aberdeen.

And the manager has been impressed with his players reactions this week in training.

“We’ve trained well and the boys look really sharp,” the Northern Irishman said. “Everyone is fighting for places now so the intensity hasn’t dropped at all.

“Sometimes you can get complacent, but that certainly hasn’t happened this week.”

He added: “First and foremost we need the points to guarantee our safety. By no means will we be throwing any towel in and waiting just for the cup final, you can’t do that.

“Players need to play football. It’s all well and good resting people and trying to save them, but we want to win the next five games and go in to the final in really good form.”

Motherwell will play Celtic in the final of the 2017/18 William Hill Scottish Cup.

The Scottish champions side defeated their Glasgow rivals Rangers 4-0 at Hampden Park in the second semi final of the weekend.

They will now take on Motherwell following the Steelmen’s emphatic 3-0 Saturday win over Aberdeen at the national stadium.

It will be the first time the sides have met in the competition since the 2010/11 final, when Celtic ran out 3-0 winners.

The final will take place at Hampden on Saturday, 19 May with a 3pm kick off. Ticket information will be announced as soon as possible.

Chris Cadden, Liam Grimshaw and goal scoring hero Curtis Main react after the 3-0 Scottish Cup semi final win over Aberdeen.

Manager Stephen Robinson reacts after Motherwell reach the 2018 Scottish Cup final with a 3-0 win over Aberdeen.

Stephen Robinson and his men made it a historic cup double with an emphatic victory over Aberdeen to earn themselves a Scottish Cup final appearance.

A brace from Curtis Main and a strike from the hard working Ryan Bowman, saw off the Dons’ cup challenge for the second time this season.

As the ‘Well fans wildly celebrated a superb achievement at full time, few will remember the last time a Motherwell team made two cup finals in one season a feat not achieved since 1951.

Liam Grimshaw got the nod to take the midfield slot vacated by the suspended Carl McHugh, while Charles Dunne and Andy Rose were fit enough to make a familiar looking starting line-up. In the absence of the ‘Well captain, the latter was deployed in a more central role.

On their fourth visit to Hampden on cup business this season, Motherwell looked comfortable in their surroundings. And after some initial pressure from the Dons the Fir Park settled into their routine.

There was little goalmouth action until the 19th minute when Dunne’s long throw had Joe Lewis flapping. A minute later the Dons’ ‘keeper was helpless as out of nothing Motherwell opened the scoring.

Richard Tait used his strength to got the better of Dominic Ball at the edge of the box and while the defender stopped appealing for handball, the ‘Well full back rolled the ball across the six yard box allowing Main to poke it over the line and surprise the Dons.

Before the Aberdeen fans could recover from that shock they were stunned just two minutes later when ‘Well doubled their advantage.

Bowman showed great determination to win a tussle with Kari Arnason before firing the ball towards goal. The chance appeared lost when the shot rebounded from Lewis but Bowman reacted superbly deftly guiding the ball beyond the ‘keeper and just inside his right hand post and send the ‘Well fans into ecstasy.

Dons looked for a quick reply but May’s half hit volley was comfortably held by Trevor Carson, with his only real save of the first half.

At the other end Bowman was proving a real handful for the towering Dons’ defenders and after wriggling free his low left foot drive was saved by Lewis.

A swift passing move between Campbell and Main released Bowman but he used a hand before firing another shot on target.

Two minutes from the break Dons were forced into a substitution and immediately Gary Mackay-Steven created his side’s first real opening only for May to drag his shot wide of target and leave the Steelmen two ahead at the interval.

Wary that they had conceded a two goal lead against Rangers three weeks ago, Robinson’s men were resolute in defending in depth while hoping to grab a decisive third goal on the break. And with the diminutive pair of Campbell and Grimshaw winning every second ball ‘Well controlled the game.

A rare lapse in the box after 62 minutes found Adam Rooney unmarked but his powerful angled drive was brilliantly parried by Carson, who commanded his goal area superbly for his seventh cup shut-out.

However, just as the Aberdeen fans were dreaming of a fightback their illusions were shattered when ‘Well grabbed a third goal to kill the tie.

Arnason was again at fault when he hammered the ball against Main on the half way line. Although the Icelandic internationalist gave chase he had no chance of catching the ‘Well striker who carried the ball forty yards before slamming a left foot finish beyond advancing Lewis and into the net.

With a cup final place secured, it was no surprise when Robinson brought off his striking pair to a standing ovation and give the overworked Dons’ defence some respite for the closing 10 minutes.

However, on an afternoon when the ‘Well players created a place in the club’s history, everyone in claret and amber was a hero as they celebrated with the fans for yet another return to Hampden on 19 May.

Motherwell return to Hampden Park on Saturday looking to grab the chance of a shot at creating new heroes.

Nobody needs reminding of the 27-year wait for a major trophy our club has endured. The William Hill Scottish Cup semi final presents an opportunity to take one step closer to bringing glory back to our town.

After an intense week of training, only long-term absentees Peter Hartley and Craig Tanner will be out of selection contention for Stephen Robinson’s side.

Kick off at the National Stadium is at 12.15pm.

Opponents Aberdeen have waited one year longer than the Steelmen to get their hands on the Scottish Cup trophy again and have been involved in some epic battles against the ‘Well in the 2017/18 campaign, with both sides now sitting on two wins apiece from four fixtures.

The manager knows what is on offer for his side and has wasted no time in reminding them of their opportunity to become club legends.

“It would be a massive achievement for us if we were able to overcome Aberdeen and reach another final,” he said.

“We’re well aware it’s going to be a tough game. Aberdeen will be thinking the same as us, but it gives us massive incentive.

“We’ve been lucky enough that we’ve had one cup run that we were unfortunate in the final, now we have given ourselves another massive opportunity to reach a final.

What has been a relatively good season could turn out to be an incredible season. We have an opportunity to do that by reaching the final.”

Richard Tait has been one of the most consistent performers in claret and amber this season.

But the defender believes no one is guaranteed a spot in Stephen Robinson’s starting 11 for the trip to Hampden on Saturday.

“Everyones raring to go,” he said. “We came in to train on Tuesday and everyone was firing and fighting for their place in the team.”

Having failed to make it to Hampden Park in over six years, Saturday’s last four clash with Aberdeen comes just five months after November’s Betfred Cup final.

Falling short on that occasion against Celtic has only added fuel to the fire for the Steelmen.

“We’re motivated to go one step further. The last time we were at Hampden will help us this time around.

“We know what is expected of us and we know what we need to do to try and progress to the final.

“It is easy to get motivated. We know what’s at stake and we know what could happen if we were to get to the final and then possibly go on to win it.

“Your name would be immortalised and the fans would speak your name for the rest of your career and past that.”

The ticket office is open at Fir Park from 9am to 10:30am. There will be no sales at Hampden Park.

Ticket information for the match is as follows:

William Hill South Stand and North Stand

£30 Adult / £15 Concessions

East Stand

£20 Adult / £10 Concessions

Concessions are regarded as those aged under 16 and those aged 65 and over.

Getting to Hampden

Our bars at Fir Park will be open from 9.30am on the day of the game and are fully licensed to sell alcohol from this time. Buses will leave at 10:45am.

Information to Supporters

• – Motherwell supporters should use trains to Kings Park
• – Supporters travelling by car should use the same route and utilise on street parking at the east end of the stadium
• – On street parking is controlled by an Event Day Parking traffic regulation order. Parking restrictions are indicated by way of road markings and road signs. On street parking should only be utilised out with restricted areas as a tow-away scheme is in operation for illegally parked vehicles.
• – As a result of the Event Day parking restrictions, there is limited parking available in the vicinity of the stadium. Supporters are encouraged to travel via public transport where possible.
• – There will be a zero tolerance approach to alcohol on buses with increased checking by police

Unacceptable Conduct at Hampden Park

The Scottish FA will not tolerate Unacceptable Conduct at a match at Scotland’s National Stadium, Hampden Park or at away stadia hosting matches of the Scottish FA. The following information provides notice of what amounts to Unacceptable Conduct and the sanctions which the Scottish FA may seek to impose upon those individuals who commit Unacceptable Conduct.

This statement of Unacceptable Conduct should at all times be read in conjunction with the terms of the Ground Regulations.

Unacceptable Conduct takes place where a person present at or in the immediate environs of a match engages in violent conduct and/or disorderly conduct. A person will also commit Unacceptable Conduct if at or in the immediate environs of a match, they assist another or others engaged in violent conduct and/or disorderly conduct.

Violent conduct means conduct where there is: (i) actual, attempted or threatened physical violence against a person or persons; or (ii) intentional damage to property.

Disorderly conduct means: (i) conduct which stirs up or sustains, or is likely or designed to stir up or sustain, hatred or ill will against or towards a group of persons based on their membership or presumed membership of a group defined by reference to a category or against an individual who is or is presumed to be, by the person or persons engaged in the conduct, to be a member of such group; (ii) using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or conduct; (iii) displaying any writing or other thing which is threatening, abusive or insulting; or (iv) using words or conduct or displaying any writing or other thing which indicates support for, or affiliation to, or celebration of, or opposition to an organisation or group proscribed in terms of the Terrorism Act 2000 and any successive or replacement legislation thereto.

Any person committing Unacceptable Conduct and/or any person who assists another or others to commit unacceptable conduct may be subject to any or a combination of the following:

• refusal of entry to the stadium
• removal from the stadium
• suspension from attending matches of the Scottish FA
• indefinite ban from attending matches of the Scottish FA
• be the subject of a report to Police Scotland and/or any prosecuting authorities which may result in possible criminal proceedings

Please note that all banners will be subject to scrutiny at the turnstiles.

If you can’t make it along, you can follow the match on Twitter @MotherwellFC. The game is also live on BBC Scotland and Sky Sports.

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 today delighted to announce four first team players have extended their contracts.

Defenders Cédric Kipré, Charles Dunne and Richard Tait have all committed themselves to Fir Park until the summer of 2020, whilst Ryan Bowman has added another year to his current deal, which now expires in 2019.

Kipré, who has been attracting significant interest, has been a revelation since his summer move from Leicester City.

The former PSG youngster has earned rave reviews, having played more domestic minutes than any player in Scotland, and won his first call up to the Ivory Coast national squad last month.

Dunne joined from Oldham Athletic last June, having played under ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson at the Latics.

The pacy 25-year old, who previously earned a big-money move to the English Championship whilst at Wycombe, has developed into one of Motherwell’s most important players in the heart of the defence.

Tait has been a model professional and Mr Consistency since arriving from Grimsby Town in the summer of 2016.

The full back has been asked to perform in a number of different positions over the last 22 months and combines his stubborn defensive duties with an impressive 13 assists, a stat that has put him in contention for a potential Scotland call up.

Ryan Bowman was bought from Gateshead on the last day of the 2016 summer transfer window, having notched 38 goals in two seasons for the Tynesiders.

He has since netted nine times in 36 starts in claret and amber, with his work rate, aggression and desire proving the perfect foil for Louis Moult previously and Curtis Main now.

“I am delighted to have signed up four of the lads who have been mainstays in the team this season,” ‘Well boss Stephen Robinson said. “They have been outstanding for me.

“We do not want to be in a similar situation as we experienced recently where we had to completely rebuild a squad, introducing more than 20 players across two windows.

“This will allow us to be more specific in terms of our recruitment whilst continuing to assess those still at the club whose contract expire this summer.”