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[tab:Match report]

Motherwell were left to rue a controversial penalty decision as Stuart McCall’s side fell to a 1-0 defeat at McDiarmid Park.

One goal always looked likely to decide an uninspiring affair, and it arrived just after the hour as Liam Craig converted from the spot following the soft award of a penalty against Stephen Craigan.

Despite shots from Chris Humphrey and Esteban Casagolda ‘Well couldn’t find a way to breach the Saints defence and McInnes’ men held firm for the win.

Motherwell lined up with the same team which earned Stuart McCall his inaugural win in claret-and-amber against Hibs on Saturday, including a second start for new loan star Steve Jones.

The St. Johnstone boss gave a start to promising young striker Stevie May, with the 19-year old having impressed in several cameos this season for the Perth side.

Both sides traded half-chances in the early stages, with Jamie Murphy firing a right-footed shot over the bar from the edge of the box in the opening minutes, followed by a sharp Murray Davidson drive from a whipped Danny Grainger corner.

Motherwell had the first major opening of the contest when Saunders released Chris Humphrey down the right flank. The Jamaican fizzed in a low cross towards John Sutton, but the Saints defence managed to scramble the ball clear as far as Jamie Murphy, only for the under-21 star to scuff his effort, allowing Anderson to clear of the line.

Murphy’s shot proved to be the closest effort for some time in what evolved into a lacklustre first period. Indeed, it took until eight minutes before the break for another decent attempt on goal. It came, once more, from the evasive Murphy, who surged towards the box and fired a powerful drive inches wide.

The second half didn’t improve by much. A fairly insipid beginning to the period was livened up by the busy young Stevie May, who jinked past a couple of challenges and fired a low shot from just inside the box. Darren Randolph stooped low to hold the shot, but it was a promising bit of invention in a match desperately requiring a spark.

The opening goal came in suitably scrappy – as well as contentious – fashion, as referee Calum Murray pointed to the spot after a tussle between Michael Duberry and Stephen Craigan just after the hour mark.

The award looked exceedingly soft but Liam Craig made no mistake in dispatching his kick past Randolph, sending the big Irishman the wrong way with a calm spot-kick.

McCall’s men were struggling to create any notable openings, but Chris Humphrey did try his utmost to grab an equaliser. The former Shrewsbury flyer surged down the right before cutting inside and driving a low shot wide of Enckelman’s post.

Motherwell threw on Esteban Casagolda and Jamie Pollock in the latter stages as they chased a point from their trip to Perth. The big Spaniard, who is yet to score for the Steelmen, had a decent chance with five minutes left on the clock, but he fired over the bar from the angle of the box after some good build-up play.

Two consecutive blocked efforts from Pollock and Saunders proved to be as close as the Steelmen would come, and even Darren Randolph’s presence in the opposition box for a last-ditch corner wasn’t enough to force a dramatic late goal and ‘Well succumbed to a disappointing defeat.

[tab:As it happened]

Graham Barnstaple at McDiarmid Park

FT. Saints 1 – 0 Well

90mins – 3 minutes added! Painful stuff! I’m losing the will to tweet!

82mins – Motherwell push forward but too many half things in and around the area!

78mins – Dribbling run from Humphrey and shot drops just wide of the post. That was close…

72mins – Casagolda on for Murphy who has struggled tonight I am afraid.

71mins – Jennings booked! Another questionable card for the midfielder. *sigh*

63mins – Well Video Analyst says he has no idea why it was given after watching it back. Strange!

61mins – GOAL Liam Craig tucks it away for 1-0 to Saints. Stuart McCall is furious!

60mins – Well, I think it was a handball. No idea – might have been a shove!

60mins – Penalty for St Johnstone. Craigan handball!

58mins – Even my laptop chucked it.. Just turned itself off there. It’s a bad day when the computers are falling asleep!

54mins – Stevie May goes on a great solo run and shot but Darren Randolph made a decent save to keep it 0-0.

51mins – Quick counter attack from ‘Well. Humph burst forward but his shot blated wide into the stand.

46mins – No changes. Stevie May has an early shot that almost goes towards the back of the empty stand behind the goal.

Half Time – Team are out for the 2nd half!

Half Time – Stranraer scouts are sitting just infront of the Press Box. Looking resplendid in his SFC jacket.

Half Time – The PA guys sounds like Terry Butcher. That’s quite a coup for Saints. Some interesting half-time results too!

Half Time – That was pretty awful stuff! Apparently Saints’ game vs St Mirren on Saturday was worse. Glad I missed that one then!

45mins – Late shot by Liam Craig blasts over the bar. It’s been a pretty dire first half to be honest. First ten was decent enough too!

38mins – Offt, ‘Well go close there. Mistake in the Saints backline allows Murphy to pick up. Quick turn and shot goes just wide.

32mins – Saunders has a shot from the edge of the area but it bounces harmlessly wide. A lot of long balls so far – from both teams.

26mins – Well manage to get it clear. First 15 in this game was decent… The proceeding ten have been pretty poor to be honest.

26mins – Free kick for Saints outside the box…

15mins – Saints hit back quickly but a shot from the booked May, from 30 yards, zips over the bar.

15mins – Motherwell almost take the lead. Great ball from Saunders plays Humph in. His square ball lands at Murphy but Saitns get it away.

14mins – Stevie May is booked for diving! Interesting… To be fair to the referee, he was well placed!

13mins – Humphrey shot blazes way over the bar as both teams trade early chances.

9mins – Turn and shot from Samuel takes a deflection off Craigan and bobbles comfortably back to Randolph.

5mins – Down the other end, Grainger’s corner fell kindly for Davidson inside the area but his half volley was easily held by Randolph.

2mins – Wee half chance for ‘Well. Sutton’s knock down fell for Murphy but his shot fizzed over the bar.

1mins – Just some of the wee things you notice. Only three players (Craigan, Jennings and Sutton) are not wearing white boots. Oh dear…

1mins – Motherwell kick-off!

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“There was nothing in the game, it was tight. We said at half-time it might take a set piece or a decision. Unfortunately a decision has gone against us.

Craigan got turned round, he’s facing the wrong way, he’s jumped up and it’s hit him on the back of the head. If you look at their players, there’s no-one claiming for a penalty. It’s the turning point of the game.

“It was a game that we expected, St Johnstone at home, very hard to break down. In the last 20 minutes the pressure we had and the balls we put into the box, we just needed someone to put himself in there.

“We just couldn’t find that equaliser and I think we deserved to come away with a point. It’s such a soft decision which has ultimately cost us the game.”

St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes:

“I thought we worked so hard for that. Before the game, I thought it was a game we would win and I certainly did not think we would lose it.

“I looked at the players and they were desperate to make amends for Saturday’s performance and they worked and worked and worked and got the break from the penalty kick and I thought the win was merited.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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As a veteran of Motherwell’s last Co-operative Insurance Cup Final – a 5-1 defeat to Rangers – Steven Hammell is desperate for revenge on Sunday.

But, first and foremost for the 28-year old, there is a vital trip to McDiarmid Park on Wednesday to contend with as the Steelmen look to build on a terrific win over Hibs at the weekend.

[onlymembers]“We’ve got to take a lift from the weekend. It was an excellent win for us and we have to take the momentum from a result like that,” Hammell insisted. “We want to go on a good run, and a win at St Johnstone would keep the confidence high for the weekend.

“Hopefully things are falling into place under the new gaffer. We’ve got a semi-final to look forward to and we’re all going to be pushing for a starting spot.

“It’s not every season that you get to go to Hampden so we’ll be making the most of it. The last time we played Rangers, in 2005, it was a massive disappointment and we want to make sure we don’t come away with any regrets this time.

“There will be a great atmosphere and it’s a one-off game at Hampden, so anything can happen.”

Everybody at the club will be looking to pull together in what could be a definitive week in the Steelmen’s season.

That’s including Stevie Hammell and Jamie Murphy, who have been enjoying something of a friendly rivalry in recent days – on and off the pitch.

Jamie Murphy was awarded the second goal in the weekend’s victory over Hibs when Hammell believed he might have been due the strike, and ‘Murph’ followed that with a ‘controversial’ victory over Hammell in the match-day programme quiz.

“Murph’s adamant that he got a touch on the ball, but I’m not too sure. I think if you run away with your hands in the air then people think that you have scored the goal,” the ‘Well full-back smiled.

“Apparently the dubious goal people gave it to Jamie, so I guess it’s his goal. It’s been too long since my last goal here, so hopefully the next one won’t be too far away.

“And Murph cheated me out of the quiz in the match programme too! Half of the questions were about him and he still needed to throw a guess at most of them. He’s cheated me twice in one day at the weekend.”

With well over 300 games under his belt in claret and amber, Hammell is one of the more experienced members of the ‘Well setup and he is extremely excited about the current batch of kids coming through at the club.

Injuries, suspensions and departures have meant and increasing role in the first-team for the likes of Meechan, Page and Hutchison, and the youngsters have let no-one down.

“It’s excellent that the young boys here are getting their chance. We have a good group here, that are all willing to learn and there’s some good players,” the Rutherglen-born defender said.

“It’s tough on the young players to ask them to play every game, but they’ve chipped in and been excellent.”[/onlymembers]

‘Well travel to Perth to take on St Johnstone tomorrow hopeful of building on Saturday’s excellent win over Hibs.

Stuart McCall secured his first three points as manager, pushing the Steelmen closer to both Inverness Caley Thistle and Kilmarnock who currently occupy fifth and fourth respectively, with goals coming from Jamie Murphy and Steven Saunders.

[onlymembers]Saints were held 0-0 at home by Danny Lennon’s St Mirren last Saturday but are enjoying another solid season in the SPL. Derek McInnes has performed wonders with the McDiarmid Park men since his appointment over three years ago.

Both teams will be desperate for three points in the race for the top-six, so an entertaining affair is expected.

Motherwell fans will be housed in the north end of the Main Stand, not the usual stand behind the goal, with tickets available on the gate priced at:

Adults: £20
Concessions: £10

• Concessions are listed as U18s and Over 65s
• Fans that require wheelchair access should contact the club on 01698 338068 or email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Supporters Association

One Supporters Association coach will make their way to the match:

CENTRAL BRANCH

The bus for Perth will leave the Bentley Hotel at 5.45am. Phone Jim on (01698) 299650 or e-mail Christopher on christopher_hutton@btinternet.com.

By car

The stadium is located close to the A9 and is relatively straightforward to get to.

Head towards Perth on the M9 and take the first exit at Broxden roundabaout (signposted Football traffic) on to the A9. Then take the fourth exit at Inveraimond roundabout so you have turned back on yourself.

Exit on to the slip road and turn left at the roundabout on to the A85 (Crieff road). The stadium will be clearly visible on the left.

Parking is available for visiting fans behind the Main Stand, priced at £2.00 per car. Street parking is also available on numerous streets around the ground.

By bus

Several operators run buses to Perth, departing every hour from Buchanan Station in Glasgow city centre.

Further information and timetables are available online at www.citylink.co.uk.

By train

Perth station is over three miles away from the ground, although frequent bus services run throughout the city.

Further information and timetables are available online at www.scotrail.co.uk. [/onlymembers]

Stuart McCall is ready to lock horns with another old Ibrox buddy, in the same week that he faces Walter Smith and Ally McCoist at Hampden.

The ‘Well gaffer played alongside Derek McInnes with Rangers for three years and has nothing but praise for a man he calls ‘studious’ and ‘a top man’ – however friendships will be on a temporary hiatus at McDiarmid this week.

[onlymembers]“I think Derek McInnes has done a terrific job with St. Johnstone,” the Motherwell boss praised.

“I remember when Derek came to Rangers – when he was 23 or 24 – and he always wanted to listen and learn.  He was one that I always thought was the studious type and would go on to be a real success in the management side of things.

“He always wanted to improve himself as a player and as a person, and he is a top man; having said that, we’ll be enemies for ninety minutes.”

It looks as though the men in claret-and-amber will head to Perth without any more re-enforcements following Mike Grella’s deal collapsing last week, although the gaffer insists he is still keeping tabs on several players.

And McCall’s only signing so far, Steve Jones, performed admirably on his debut against Hibs on Saturday, making him likely to start on Wednesday.

“It’s been a frustrating period so far. We were undone by a little fiddly rule, and it was a real shame because he can now go back and play for an English club but he can’t come up to Scotland,” the ‘Well gaffer lamented.

“I spoke to the Leeds Chief Executive and even he didn’t know that loophole existed. It’s a rule which exists but, if I’m honest, I think it’s a poor one because the kid can’t come up here and play games and score goals – which has been good for many young players’ careers.

One positive of a difficult transfer window thus far has been the emergence of more talent from the under-21 pool.

Departures, injuries and suspensions have meant that Jon Page, Steven Meechan and Shaun Hutchison have been required to play a major role in recent weeks, and the young talents have not disappointed, with Hutchison, in particular, impressing in the stead of Mark Reynolds.

“We’re still out there looking and we have a week left so there is time. I’ve said before that we’re a little short on bodies, but the young players keep stepping up to the mark,” the former Bradford boss insisted.

“The younger players here have been schooled well and taught the game in the right way. It’s now a case of them getting games – whether here at Motherwell or out on loan at other clubs.

“Hutchison’s done really well, Forbes has played a couple of games and we’ve called on Meechan and Page. It’s pleasing to see these guys coming in to the team and doing well.

With the Motherwell squad looking particularly thin at the moment, all Steelmen fans will have taken a sharp inhalation of breath as Tom Hateley hobbled off against Hibs and Steve Jennings appeared to pick up an injury.

Thankfully it seems likely that both players will be ready to face the Saints on Wednesday, although the game has come around to quickly for another midfield stalwart as the Steelmen look to build upon a win over Hibs and propel towards securing a top six berth.

“A place in the top six has to be the aim for Motherwell,” McCall told the press ahead of the match with St. Johnstone. “The higher in the top six we can get, the better, but the first three spots in the league are already accounted for.

“Kilmarnock have been on a good run, Dundee United have games in hand and Inverness are a threat. I feel like there really isn’t much between the sides in the SPL. You can go down as far as Hamilton and there is still quality there.

“For the game, Tom (Hateley) and Jenno (Jennings) both got knocks at the weekend and I’m hoping Tom will make it for midweek; Jenno will definitely be fit.” McCall confirmed.

“The game has come a little bit too soon for Lasley, but we hope to have him back soon.”[/onlymembers]

Referee for tomorrow night’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park is Calum Murray.

Murray will be handling his first ‘Well game of the current campaign, but he’s a familiar face to ‘Well fans having been a top-flight official for eleven seasons.

Last season, he was the man in the middle for the 1-1 draw with Rangers last February; Tom Hateley netting a sensational equaliser for the Steelmen. He also took charge of the 3-2 home defeat by Dundee Utd in April when a John Sutton double wasn’t enough to give ‘Well the points.

Despite being such an experienced whistler, this will be the first time in Calum’s long career that he has taken charge of a Motherwell versus St Johnstone match.

His overall record in charge of the ‘Well is fairly decent. Of the thirteen games he has taken charge of, Motherwell have won seven, drawn two and lost four. The Steelmen have scored nineteen whilst sixteen have hit the back of the ‘Well net.

34 players have seen yellow on those thirteen matches, nineteen of which were shown to a player wearing Claret and Amber. Only one player has been sent for an early bath, Bob Malcolm in the famous 1-0 win over Celtic back in early 2008.

Calum will be ably assisted by Tom Murphy and Alan Cunningham with George Salmond on fourth official duties.

Steven Saunders was delighted to grab a goal against Hibs, although he insists it has come two months late.

The Scotland international defender scored a perfectly good goal the last time these two sides met at Easter Road in November, but it was disallowed by ex-association referee Dougie McDonald.

[onlymembers]This time there was no doubt about the veracity of Saunders’ goal as he bulleted a near-post header past Graeme Smith.

“Against Hibs at Easter Road I scored and it was given offside when it wasn’t, so it was about time I scored!” The highly-rated defender smiled.  “This makes up for it a bit.”

“To score a goal at any time is good for a defender, but we are more delighted with the clean sheet as that is what you are looking for playing at the back.

“The boys give me a bit of gip for not scoring often enough because of my height and my jump but for me it is about keeping clean sheets and playing well.”

It was a highly eventful afternoon for the 19-year old, who conceded a penalty as well as getting his name on the score-sheet.

Referee Alan Muir was left with no choice but to point to the spot as the former Queen’s Park youth handled in the box following a Danny Galbraith save.

Thankfully Marouane Zemamma wastefully launched his penalty kick over the bar, ensuring Saunders wasn’t punished and meaning Motherwell claimed their first SPL win since November last year.

“My foot gave away and I put my hand up and it was a silly mistake that I won’t make again,” Saunders said candidly.

“That is our first win since beating St. Johnstone back in November and it was good for us to get a win again. We have a couple of games in hand and we need to carry on picking up points.”[/onlymembers]

Vote for your Player of the 4th Round on the Scottish Cup Facebook page and be in with the chance of winning tickets to a 5th round match of your choice!

This is your chance to have a say in who wins the new Player of the Round trophy.

To enter, visit the Scottish Cup Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/scottishcup and click the ‘Poll’ tab! (You may have to ‘LIKE’ the Scottish Cup group before you are able to vote).

The winner is announced on Monday 24 January so get voting, quick!

I’ve not long managed to sit down after another hectic day matchday. Thankfully, this week, we’ve had a positive result against Hibs which puts in right back in the mix in the race for fourth.

I told the press after the game that I would like us to be more creative but, at the same time, we’ve kept four clean sheets in the last five games which is extremely positive.

Another very pleasing aspect of today’s match was the performances of some of our younger players. We almost expect a performance from the likes of Steven Saunders and Jamie Murphy but Shaun Hutchinson has turned in yet another excellent display and I thought both Steven Meechan and Jonathan Page didn’t look out of place at all.

We had some bad news in the shape of a knock to Tom Hateley but I am pleased to report that I don’t think it is as bad as we first feared, and he’s in contention for Wednesday night’s game in Perth.

I’d also like to take the time to thank the fans who came along and gave the team great support today. I know Steve Jones, in particular, was delighted with the reaction he got and I that is a testament to the great fans we have here at Fir Park.

At the same time, I would encourage you all to keep at your friends and family to come along to Fir Park. We had 4,202 fans watching us today but I am hopeful with improve displays and the re-emergence of some of our younger talent, we can swell those numbers.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I’ll hopefully see as many as you as possible at McDiarmid Park on Wednesday night.

Forever Claret and Amber,

Stuart McCall
Manager

Stuart McCall watched his side keep yet another clean sheet, but pleasingly ‘Well also got back on the goal trail with a 2-0 win against Hibs.

Before this match Stuart McCall’s ‘Well had kept three clean sheets in four games but were still to claim their first SPL win.

[onlymembers]Naturally the gaffer was delighted to keep one of those records going – while decimating the other.

“That is now four clean sheets in five games which we are pleased with,” the former Bradford boss praised.

“We would like to be more creative at times but the park was a bit bumpy so we have to be happy with the result.

“People had been talking about Hibs going through a bad run, but we hadn’t won in ten weeks of SPL football. There was a lot of pressure on us too.
 
“It was a good game for us and it was one we were delighted to win. A massive three points for us from a game we needed to win.”

Motherwell were fully deserving of their three points. The Steelmen were particularly impressive in the first period, and went in ahead at the break thanks to goals from Jamie Murphy and Stevie Saunders.

‘Well were aided by a wasteful Marouane Zemamma penalty kick which the Moroccan smashed over the bar following a Saunders handball.

“We were then a bit fortunate with the penalty, which was missed,” McCall admitted.  “Then after that I thought we dug the result out, and there are lots of ways to win football matches.

“We also worked hard on set pieces and we delivered some great balls and I was delighted to get the goals that way.”

This result is a massive boost for Motherwell, and puts ‘Well one point behind fifth placed Inverness Caledonian Thistle, with a game in hand and only four points behind Killie in fourth, with one game in hand over Mixu’s men.

All of a sudden the campaign has a more positive hue, and the gaffer is still in the market for a couple of new faces after the disappointment of missing out on Mike Grella due to a cross-border technicality.

In the meantime the former Everton and Rangers midfielder was full of praise for his young ‘Well stars Jonothan Page and Steven Meechan who performed admirably when called upon.

“We are getting a load of names fired at us but we have to make sure we get the right people in,” the 46-year old boss insisted. “It will only be loan players and it will have to be from England. We will be looking to get somebody in before the end of the window.”
 
“We need everyone to contribute when called upon especially when you have a small squad like we’ve got.
 
“Page has never played in that position (central midfield) before but I just felt Zemmama was beginning to get some space and cause us some problems. We were in the fortunate position to hold on to what we have got, and Page and Meechan did their job for the team.”[/onlymembers]

Pictures from the 2-0 win over Hibernian in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Fir Park.

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

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