The manager reflects on the first home win of the season.
- Limiting Hibernian’s chances
- Options in the forward areas
- Still striving to improve
The manager reflects on the first home win of the season.
Motherwell ran out 2-1 winners against Hibernian on Sunday afternoon, as the Steelmen picked up their first league win of the season.
Goals from Conor Wilkinson and debutant Mika Biereth meant Motherwell came away with a relatively comfortable three points at home.
The first half was largely uneventful although ‘Well very nearly went in with a lead at the break.
Shortly after a lengthy VAR check for a potential penalty on Callum Slattery, Motherwell were heaping pressure on the Hibernian backline. Pape Souare had the ball at feet, he faked to cross before charging to the byline and drilling a ball into the area, Dan Casey connected but his header couldn’t beat the frame of the goal. A largely uneventful first half was complete, with the score 0-0.
Hibernian made two changes at the break in the hope of sparking the game into life. However, it would be Stuart Kettlewell’s substitution who would do just that. Making his first appearance for the club, 20-year-old Mika Biereth was subbed on for Theo Bair.
It didn’t take long for the Arsenal loanee to make his mark. On 66 minutes, Slattery played a curling ball up the right hand side of the pitch. Biereth gave chase, and looking second favourite behind Louis Stevenson. However, the striker battled with the full-back, stayed on his two feet as the Hibernian defender went to the ground, Biereth composed himself before picking out Wilkinson in the box who poked home for his first goal in the cinch Premiership.
On 85 minutes, Biereth was at it again. Lennon Miller picked up the ball and played a slicing pass forward where Biereth, again, looked second best to get there first. Will Fish looked to be in control before the Danish under 21 international outmuscled the defender, chopped twice and lashed into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.
However, the game wasn’t over yet. Dan Casey was penalised for a handball after a VAR check in stoppage time. Adam Le Fondre stepped up and scored what would turn out to be a consolation goal but also Hibernian’s first shot on target, robbing Liam Kelly of a deserved clean sheet.
Bevis Mugabi speaks to the press prior to the match against Hibernian.
The Ugandan international picked up a long term injury last year and discussed the importance of staying fit and well this time round.
Mugabi also speaks about his hopes of an international call-up for Uganda, having recently spoken with the manager.
The manager reflects on last Saturday’s draw against Dundee and looks forward to the match against Hibernian.
Kettlewell discusses Hibernian playing in Europe and how that effects his preparations for the match.
He also touches on Joe Efford, Mika Biereth and our loan strategy this season.
We will take on Hibernian in our first home match of the 2023/24 cinch Premiership campaign.
Kick-off is 3pm on Sunday 13 August.
Supporters are able to buy tickets online here or visit the ticket office at Fir Park.
Ticket Office open from 11am – the ticket office is open until kick-off with no pay gate facility.
Hunter Stand | O’Donnell, Cooper, McLean Stand | |
Adults | £24 | £26 |
Concessions | £19 | £19 |
Young Adults | £12 | £12 |
Juniors | £6 | £6 |
– 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.
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.
Luke Irons will be joined by Academy Director David Clarkson on commentary.
We will be wearing our home kit for this match.
Harry Paton and Jon Obika remain doubts ahead of the match and will be closely assessed as we approach Sunday. Mika Biereth is eligible for selection.
Calum Butcher remains out.
A point was gained in difficult weather conditions against Dundee last Saturday.
Theo Bair grabbed the goal on his debut, becoming our sixth different scorer this season after five matches.
The result meant Stuart Kettlewell remains undefeated on the road for the Steelmen.
Hibernian opened their league campaign against St Mirren at Easter Road. The visitors went on to win 3-2, despite a two-goal comeback from Hibernian in the second period.
The Hibees are in UEFA Europa Conference League action on Tuesday night against Luzern of Switzerland.
Having been on loan at Kilmarnock last season, Christian Doidge has returned to Hibs with a bang. The striker has scored two goals and assisted once in two games. Martin Boyle has also returned to action after long term injury.
In monsoon like conditions at Den’s Park, Motherwell began their 2023/24 cinch Premiership adventure.
Against newly promoted Dundee, who have a brand new look across the board this season, 800 fans made the journey to back the Steelmen as they looked to get off the mark.
With the rain pouring and gathering on the pitch, the match would become less than a spectacle. Blair Spittal went close with a left footed effort from outside the box but it would be debutant Theo Bair who go the ‘Well ahead just on the stroke of half-time.
The rain continued in the second half as Dundee grew into the game. Two efforts would come off of Liam Kelly’s post before Lyall Cameron brought the game level with a header at the back post.
Lennon Miller almost found the back of the net in the dying stages but his strike deflected just wide of the post. A draw would end up being a fair reflection of the match as Motherwell now look forward to their first home match in the league this season.
Tickets details for our last 16 Viaplay Cup match against St Mirren are now confirmed.
Concession’s are over 65, full-time students, 13-17 years and wheelchair users.
If any of our supporters require Ambulant and Carer or Wheelchair and PA, please contact St Mirren Ticket Office Tel No; 0141 840 6120 or email tickets@stmirren.com.
You can buy your tickets online.
The manager reflects on an opening day draw with Dundee.
Debutant Theo Bair netted just before half-time but his goal was cancelled out by Lyall Cameron’s second half header.
Persistent rain before the game caused tricky conditions and this was reflected in the bulk of the first half play.
Blair Spittal went closest for the Steelmen with a powerful left footed shot which was superbly palmed away by McCracken. Wilkinson and Miller both tried their luck with shots from outside the box but both had the same outcome: well over the bar and not troubling the goalkeeper.
The deadlock was finally broken just before the break. Stephen O’Donnell was played in down the right by 16-year-old Lennon Miller and his pinpoint low cross as expertly finished be Bair for his first goal in Motherwell colours.
The rain continued throughout the second half and just as Motherwell looked to be on top, Dundee levelled through Cameron. An in-swinging cross deep to the back-post found the Dundee midfielder who lost his man and nodded past Kelly.
Dundee went on to strike the post twice in the second half however couldn’t add to Cameron’s goal.
Motherwell pushed for a winner, but Lennon Miller’s goal-bound shot from outside the box as deflected inches wide of the post and Bevis Mugabi’s header looped just over the bar.
Next up for the Steelmen is a return to Fir Park to face Hibernian on Sunday 13 August.