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Motherwell FC today paid tribute to the 7,000 fans that made the Semi Final at Hampden such a memorable occasion.

The Steelmen were cheered on by a positive, vocal and loud support which spurred the team to a terrific 3-0 win.

And it was something that was highlighted by staff both on and off the field.

‘Well boss Stuart McCall said, “I would like to dedicate the win to our terrific fans that have been absolutely fantastic since I arrived four or five months ago.

“The backing the boys received today was terrific and that certainly helped lift their performance, particularly in the first half.

“I hope each and every one of them has a great night tonight. They deserve it and I am so glad they now have a Cup Final to look forward to.”

Chief Executive Leeann Dempster added, “It was fantastic to see the stands at Hampden so colourful and I want to thank the fans for helping us get there.

“These are very exciting times for the club, we want to build on this and really push on. Between now and May 21st, I want the whole of Lanarkshire to be bathed in Claret and Amber and really get the community feeling behind the club and the players.

“Getting to any Final is a major achievement and I want to pay special credit to Stuart McCall, his staff and the players for such an excellent display.”

Stuart McCall hailed the “individual brilliance” that propelled his team into their first Scottish Cup final for twenty years.

A superb solo goal from Jamie Murphy and a 30-yard lob from John Sutton secured Motherwell’s 3-0 win over St Johnstone before half-time after Stephen Craigan had been gifted a fifth-minute opener when Perth goalkeeper Peter Enckelman missed Tom Hateley’s inswinging corner.

McCall felt his side had not been at their best in the first period but he hailed the moments of magic that secured Motherwell’s triumph.

Murphy ran from the left flank across three Saints defenders before firing into the bottom corner and almost repeated the feat after Keith Lasley had missed a great chance following an impressive move, all in the first half.

McCall said: “First and foremost I’m absolutely delighted to be in the final. I think we probably merited it but I looked at the clock after 25 minutes and we were 2-0 up and not really played to be honest.

“We got a goal from a set-piece and a bit of individual brilliance from Jamie Murphy. I said prior to the game we had players in the team like Murphy who could produce a bit of individual brilliance and he certainly did that.

“Without being too negative, we could have played better in the first 45 minutes. St Johnstone had a lot of possession but the third goal was a terrific goal, a good lay-off from Franny (Jeffers) and a great finish from Sutty.

“The bits of excellence we got the two goals from and Lasley and Murphy just went wide of the post. We played in little spells, if these little spells are good enough to get you goals then great.

“In fairness to St Johnstone they certainly deserved a goal in the second half but, all in all, job done.

McCall, who delayed his team selection to allow winger Chris Humphrey to prove his fitness following a leg injury, admitted he wanted Aberdeen to shock Celtic in the second semi-final tomorrow.

Motherwell would be assured a Europa League place if Celtic reached the final and won the league but McCall is only eyeing Hampden glory.

“There is no way I cannot say we would like Aberdeen,” he said. “That’s not being disrespectful, it’s just being honest. If I stood here now and said I’m not bothered, I’d be a liar.

“That’s no disrespect to Craig and Archie or Aberdeen, I’m sure they would say exactly the same. So, come on Aberdeen!”

But he added: “In all seriousness, we’re in a final and if we can get our strongest eleven on the park, I’m confident we can give anyone a game on any given day.

“If it was Celtic I know we would have to be at our very best but we’ve got a little bit of confidence in the fact we have beaten them already.”

“Getting back to the game, it was a really difficult morning. Chris Humphrey had a fitness test at half eight because on Thursday he was no-go, the blood was swelling up in his leg. We had to delay the team selection to the last minute, which I don’t like doing.

“To tell lads like Gavin Gunning and Maurice Ross they were out of the starting eleven and guys like Saunders and Ross Forbes, who was outstanding last week, out of the sixteen was really difficult. But we’re a group and everyone is behind each other.”

McCall will now look to secure the future of several players after securing a top-six place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and a cup final on successive weekends.

Steve Jennings, Sutton, Craigan, Maurice Ross and Jeffers are all out of contract at the end of the season.

“We will hopefully be discussing next week, if anyone bothers to turn in, they want to go straight to Tynecastle for next week’s game,” McCall said.

“They will be in on Tuesday and certain people will hopefully be discussing lengthening their stay.”

Pictures from the 3-0 win over St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup Semi Final at Hampden.

These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

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[tab:Match report]

Alan Temple at Hampden

Motherwell reached the final of the Scottish Cup with a sensational display against St Johnstone at Hampden this afternoon.

It’s the Steelmen’s first final in this competition since they won the  trophy back in ’91, and the ‘Well fans will be hoping that is an omen, as the claret and amber hordes prepare to march upon Mount Florida once more on May 21st.

Fittingly, it was Motherwell legend and club captain Stephen Craigan who started the rout, heading past Peter Enckleman after a pinpoint Tom Hateley cross.

The Saints defence completely failed to deal with the superb Jamie Murphy throughout the game, and the Scotland under-21 star made it 2-0 with just 14 minutes on the clock, firing brilliantly past Enckleman.

The game was effectively ended as a contest in the most spectacular manner, as John Sutton lashed home a brilliant 30-yard drive.

Keith Lasley, Jamie Murphy and John Sutton also came close in a match which could have provided an even more comprehensive score-line. Murray Davidson and Danny Invincible came closest for the Saints, who worked diligently until the final whistle, but were unable to penetrate the stubborn ‘Well rearguard.

Motherwell come into this mammoth encounter on the back of a superb run of form, having gone four matches unbeaten and clinched top-six football in the preceding few weeks.

So, unsurprisingly Stuart McCall was keen to continue the momentum and go for the jugular from the outset, selecting an adventurous 4-4-2, with Chris Humphrey and quarter-final ‘Player of the Round’ Jamie Murphy attacking the wide expanses of Hampden.

There was a more cautious approach from a St Johnstone side who had only scored once in their previous eight SPL matches – and that was an own-goal – with Collin Samuel leading the line up front on his own. Captain Jody Morris returned from injury, while Michael Duberry also started at the heart of the Saints’ defence.

Despite the Saints’ chronic lack of recent goals they came out of the blocks firmly on the offensive, and within two minutes Darren Randolph had to be at his brilliant best. Danny Invincible powerfully headed an in-swinging cross towards goal, and the big Irishman had to stretch to tip the effort safely over the bar.

It was a warning which the Steelmen clearly heeded, because within a couple of minutes the men in claret and amber were in front. It came through the simplest route possible; a superb bending corner by Tom Hateley which left Peter Enckleman grasping at thin air, and ‘Well captain Stephen Craigan powered home a header at the back-post.

Ten minutes later Motherwell doubled their advantage, as Jamie Murphy weaved his magic at Hampden. The former Scotland under-21 international cut in from the left flank, evaded two challenges, and fired low past the helpless Enckleman.

Derek McInnes’ side pushed desperately to find a way back into the game, with Murray Davidson coming close with a ferocious 25 yard effort, although Randolph appeared to have to drive covered.

For all St. Johnstone’s endeavour and possession, Motherwell were still looking vibrant and dangerous going forward. This was illustrated as Francis Jeffers linked up beautifully with Keith Lasley, with the latter firing just wide from inside the area.

And the men in claret and amber made it 3-0 five minutes before the break as John Sutton lashed home a spectacular 30-yard volley past a flat-footed Peter Enckleman, all but assuring Motherwell’s place in the final by the end of the first half.

John Sutton then curled a good effort inches wide of the post as the Steelmen ended the half firmly in the ascendancy.

As expected, St Johnstone were sent out for the second period with a flea in their ear, and enjoyed much of the early possession, and they threatened in the early stages of the half through a Danny Grainger free-kick which was well held by Darren Randolph.

That was immediately followed by a Murray Davidson shot, which was well turned over the bar by the ‘Well keeper, performing to his usual exemplary standards.

A terrific defensive effort from Stuart McCall’s side managed to weather the Saints storm until the 80th minute, when Murray Davidson – the Perthshire side’s most impressive performer – managed to finally beat Randolph, only to see his header crash off the bar.

That would prove to be the final measure of resistance from St Johnstone as the game petered out to a 3-0 score-line; and Motherwell will be back for the final in May.

[tab:As it happened]

Graham Barnstaple at Hampden

Full time – 3-0, When the Well go up to lift the Scottish Cup we’ll be there!!!

90mins – Three minutes of stoppage time to go before the celebrations can really begin.

84mins – Crowd today is 11920, good turn out from ‘Well as it looks as though about 7000 is in Claret and Amber.

83mins – Just under 10 to go and we are almost there, Saints fans are leaving and Well fans are finding their voice.

81mins – Davidson hits the bar with a header from a corner, then Craig booked for a tackle from behind on Lasley .

78mins – Jones comes on for Humphrey.

75mins – Maurice Ross on for Jennings, he goes to right back and Hateley into midfield.

73mins – Big shout for a Saints pen as May goes down in a challenge from Hammell, Brines waves away the appeal. Think he got it just about right judging by the TV pictures we have.

66mins – Obligatory Yellow for Jennings – the new Nick Cusack? McHugh coming on for Jeffers, Steven May on for Saint.

56mins – Another fine save from Randolph this time from a long range shot from Davidson that he turns over the bar.

50mins – Robertson’s first involvement is to be shown yellow for a late, high challenge on Hutchinson.

46mins – Second half underway – no changes for Well, one for Saints Samuel off and Jordan Robertson on.

Half time 3-0 – Rapturous applause from Well fans, Saints fans booing!! Well deserved lead.

45mins – One minute being added on.

42mins – Well fans singing “Are you watching Craig Brown!!” I imagine he probably is!

39mins – That brought back memories of O’Neill in the 1991’s Semi Final!!

39mins – GOOOOOAALLLLLL – 3-0!! Sutton picks ball up 30 yards out turns and his volley can only be turned in by Enckelman!!!! 😉

35mins – Jeffers rolls ball to Murphy, surging 40 yards run ends with a 15 yard shot just wide.

33mins – Duberry yellow for a late challenge on Lasley.

31mins – Jeffers combines with Lasley in the box, Keith leaves a defender in his wake but shoots just wide from an acute angle.

25mins – Craigan’s goal is his first since April 2006, he scored against Dunfermline in the SPL then! FIVE years.

23mins – Murray Davidson shot just over from about 25 yards out. Randolph had it covered though.

14mins – Murphy’s 12th goal of the season.

14mins – GOOOOAAAAALLLLLL – 2-0, Murphy cuts in from left weaves to the edge of the box and smashes a low shot into bottom right corner.

4mins – Crags first goal of the season, what a time to get it!!

4mins – GOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL – Hateley corner swung into six yard box, Craigan heads in unmarked.

3mins – Game underway, Saints on front foot in the opening minute or two….with Randolph having to tip an Invincible header over.

1mins – Saints kick-off.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“It was a great result; I looked at the clock and there were 25-30 minutes gone and we were 2-0 up but had not really played.

“We got a goal from a set piece and then a bit of magic from Jamie Murphy. The third goal was fantastic.

“I’m delighted to be through, we can play better but at the times it counted, we were very good.

“I thought it was a competent display, good energy, willingness for each other and if you don’t put the hard work in, you don’t get anything so I’m delighted for every on of them.

“I’ll let them have a shandy tonight, I’ll let the staff have a couple of shandies.

“For eveyone, the supporters, the staff, the players, we’ve got to enjoy the moment and we’ve got a cup final to look forward to but, prior to that, we’ve got five great games in the SPL.”

 St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes:

“Today of all days to be so poor defensively as we were in the first 45 minutes, very rarely do you get away with defending in the manner we did.

“Motherwell will feel their forward players were inspirational at times, the third goal was an instinctive strike but we failed to deal with the first header.

“The second goal was a catalogue of errors and to lose a goal from a set-piece is very unlike us. All that combined made it a difficult afternoon.”

“You are always learning about your players and mentalities when it comes to the business end, can you make that stride to be successful?

“Some of them were exactly how we expected, some of them didn’t do as well as they can. I know the ones who I can hang my hat on and trust if I get back to his stage again as a manager and St Johnstone get back to this stage.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Top-scorer John Sutton hopes to lead by example in tomorrow’s Scottish Cup Semi Final at Hampden.

Much has been made of the youthful nature of Motherwell’s squad. In the likes of Tom Hateley, Shaun Hutchison and Jamie Murphy, the Steelmen have young players in pivotal roles, but in John Sutton they have also have an experienced campaigner – one with the taste for the big occasion.

Sutton has played in a cup final with St Mirren and has impressed against Odense for ‘Well – which was, until this Saturday, the club’s biggest game in many years – but now he wants to defeat St Johnstone and earn a place in what, he admits, would be the biggest game of his life.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play in a few big games over the course of my career so far,” recalled the 27-year old, who has been in super form in recent weeks. “The match against Odense which could have seen Motherwell qualify for the Europa League group phase was huge and playing in the [Challenge] Cup final with St Mirren was very special to me.

“But this match will be well up there; if not the biggest. I just hope this match leads on to an even bigger match and even more special occasion: a Scottish Cup final.

“It’s nice to be scoring goals, but the most important thing is that the team is playing well. It doesn’t matter whether I’m scoring, assisting or just working hard and helping the team out. The only thing that matters is results and thankfully the results have been good.

“As well as reaching this semi-final we have reached the top-six, which was our benchmark at the beginning of the season.

“This match, along with our league achievements, gives us a great opportunity to do something very special this campaign.

The anticipation and fervour of Scottish Cup semi-final week is a long way from the difficult run of form and tumultuous off-the-field matters which defined a difficult festive period for the club.

Many felt the Motherwell were a sinking ship, but they have bounced back and, despite only being in charge for a little over four months, Stuart McCall has managed to impose his own style and beliefs on the squad and guide them to top-six football and a Scottish Cup semi-final.

And Sutton never doubted that ‘Well would bounce back: “We have always done better when people have written us off.

“A few managers have come and gone and everyone seems to say ‘Oh, this is Motherwell on the way out,’ yet we always prove the doubters wrong.

“The manager came into a very difficult situation. At the start of the season we were fairly clear in third place in the SPL and then we dropped like a stone. I think we’ve done well to turn that round and stay in the top-six, but in many ways I think the season could be defined on Saturday.

“Hopefully we can keep proving people wrong and have a good ending to the season. If we can squeeze past St. Johnstone I think, after everything that has happened, we’ll look back on a very successful year.

“You see Kirky (Stevie Kirk) and other lads from that ’91 team around the club most days – maybe that can be us.”

Motherwell will close the season with a final day visit to Celtic as the post-split fixtures were announced today.

The Steelmen have two matches at home; versus Rangers on April 30th with 12pm kick-off live on ESPN and Kilmarnock on Wednesday 11th May, kick-off 7.45pm.

That means away trips to Hearts on 23rd April, Dundee United on 7th May then the season finale at Celtic Park on Sunday 15th May – kick-off 12.30pm.

>> Full Fixture List

Motherwell fans travelling on official buses from Fir Park should be aware of the following important information.

When you arrive at Fir Park the Davie Cooper Bar will be open from 9am. However, fans should note that entry will be on a first-come-first-served basis with places in the lounge limited.

You will notice that your bus number is printed on your ticket – this is the ticket you should present to the driver upon boarding (Buses will leave at 11am prompt).

Please ensure that you retain your bus ticket as you’ll need it to get back on the buses when leaving Hampden for Fir Park (Buses will leave at 3.15pm prompt). It is also important that you return on the same bus as you arrived in – again, the number will be clearly marked on the ticket.

Finally, please be aware that absolutely no alcohol will be permitted on any buses under any circumstances.

PICK UP POINTS

(CLICK MAP ABOVE FOR LARGE PLAN)-

Buses 1 – 4 to pick up point, Centenary Suite, Phil O’Donnell Stand, Fir Park Street

Buses 5 – 9 to pick up point, Edward Street (in front of Fir Park Club)

Buses 10, 11 and 12 to pick up point Fir Park Street (in front of Chapman Building)

Buses 13, 14, 15 and 16 to pick up point, Knowetop Avenue from Davie Cooper Stand back to Dalzell Drive

Buses 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 (5 double deckers) to pick up point, Knowetop Avenue (directly behind Fir Park Club)

EVERY BUS WILL BE CLEARLY NUMBERED

THE DAVIE COOPER BAR

For safety reasons, all drinks purchased from the Davie Cooper Bar will be served in plastic tumblers. Due to the high volume of fans expected on Saturday morning, we’d ask that you be patient, we’re working on a first come / first served basis but you WILL get served!

The Davie Cooper Suite will be open on our return from Hampden with entertainment in the form of Karaoke and a DJ.

DAVIE COOPER STAND CONCOURSE

Due to the volume of fans expected on Saturday morning, the Davie Cooper Concourse will be OPEN for shelter and the additional toilet facilities. Stewards will be on duty to ensure your safety and assist with any questions you may have.

This area will host an ‘Information Point’ where details of your bus pick-up points will be posted.

REMEMBER IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET TO YOUR BUS IN TIME!

A claxon will sound at 10:45am and again at 11am to signal that buses are preparing to depart.

Kiosks

The Davie Cooper Kiosk will be open from 9am on Saturday morning.

As well as Hotdogs, a selection of crisps, sweets, juice and hot drinks will be available.

Motherwell are in the best possible shape going into Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final, according to midfield stalwart Keith Lasley.

The 31-year old has endured a difficult season in terms of injuries, regularly turning out in the claret and amber despite chronic rib pain – making his consistent of excellence all the more remarkable.

This mirrors many members of a squad which is one of the smallest in the SPL yet has played a gargantuan 46 games this campaign.

But, as ‘Well approach their biggest game of the season so far, the knocks are subsiding, there’s a full squad to pick from and most players are in precocious form.

“The pain doesn’t seem so bad when you are getting ready for a cup final,” The former Plymouth and Blackpool playmaker confided. “Adrenaline gets you through a game at Hampden when you are aiming to get into a major cup final. I think, by the time the game rolls round, we’ll be ready to go.

“I think everybody will be available and the gaffer changed the team a little bit for the last match [against Hearts] and everybody performed well, so we have a good pool to choose from.

“There’s been knocks and strains for the past few weeks, which is to be expected after a tough schedule of matches on a heavy pitch, but the manager took the chance to freshen up the team and the guys that came in did very well and got a good result in Edinburgh.

“The gaffer has already said that he will have a tough decision to make this weekend.”

Motherwell’s midfield orchestrator has spent almost ten years of his career in North Lanarkshire and has racked up well over 200 games for the Steelmen – you don’t have to tell him just how important this weekend’s tie is for the players, staff and fans alike.

Indeed, there’s a notable smile as he talks about the various curiosities and coincidences which the ‘Well faithful have chosen to adopt as omens, including the fact that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the 1991 cup win, and the last time Motherwell knocked out the cup holders they went on to win the trophy.

‘Time for new heroes,’ roared a banner in the East Stand during the quarter-final replay against Dundee United. The ‘Well hordes will certainly head to Hampden full of belief.

“The cup win in ’91 gets talked about every year with Motherwell.” Lasley mused. “That is going to continue to be the case until we can win it again. Maybe the fact that this is the anniversary will add a little bit more for the fans.

“We get reminded of that and it is our aim to emulate that and this year we are down to the last four and hopefully we can go all the way.

“Everybody certainly keeps trying to come up with omens; certain stats or events, so you always hear that as a player. The fans are clearly excited about this and I just hope we can put on a good show for them on Saturday.”

While Keith is happy to encourage such fervour and excitement among those who will make the short jaunt down the M73 toward Mount Florida, he is also wary of the dangers of looking beyond a very tricky tie with St. Johnstone.

Derek McInnes’ side came admirably close to a top-six spot this season and over the last few years have consistently impressed in cup competitions, so Lasley knows that anything other than maximum focus against the Saints will result on the men from Perth being the one’s returning to Glasgow on May 21st.

He praised: “The St. Johnstone team are a really solid unit and we are aware they have had a good season and they are always terrific in cup competitions.” Lasley praised. They beat us the last time we played them so we know how difficult the game is going to be for us.

“They will be thinking along the same lines as us: it is a great chance to get to a Scottish Cup final. There’s very little between the two sides and it will probably be a really close game. Its two sides who have good qualities facing off against each other.

“It’ll come down to the better team on that particular day winning the tie – hopefully that is us.”

The Motherwell squad took time out from their Semi Final preparations to have a go at the Soccer AM Crossbar Challenge.

The popular Sky Sports show visited Dalziel Park on Tuesday afternoon to give the Steelmen a go at hitting the bar from the halfway line.

Some shots were good – some (cough, Gavin Gunning, cough) were not so good. Check it out on Saturday morning to see how the boys got on.

In the meantime, our friends at SNSPix were there to capture all the action and the laughs.

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Motherwell fans should note that no telephone orders can now be taken for this weekend’s Semi Final clash with St Johnstone.

Tickets can now only be purchased, in person, from the Fir Park Ticket Office (Opening Times below).

• Wednesday 13th April – 9.15am – 4.30pm
• Thursday 14th April – 9.15am – 7pm (Late night)
• Friday 15th April – 9.15am – 3.30pm
• Saturday 16th April – 9.30am – Kick-Off (at Hampden Park)