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Pictures from the 1-0 defeat by Dunfermline U19s in the Clydesdale Bank Under 19s League at the Excelsior Stadium.

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Motherwell U19s lost for the first time in almost two months as a first-half Blair Henderson strike separated the sides.

The Steelmen dominated possession throughout the ninety minutes and spurned a number of chances, including a 43rd minute penalty where Stevie Hetherington’s low effort was beaten away by goalkeeper Ryan Goodfellow.

Keiran McGachie twice hit the woodwork as the young Motherwell side battled hard but the Pars held firm for the three points much to the disappointment of Gordon Young and the watching Stuart McCall.

Motherwell went into the game on the back of some excellent form and opted for the same starting eleven for third successive game.

And the Fir Parkers carried that form into the early part of the match; taking the game to their opponents. As early as the opening two minutes, Lee Erwin created space for himself on the left flank before delivering a tantalising low ball across the face of goal. It was a yard or so ahead of Keiran McGachie though and it rolled out harmlessly for a goal kick.

That was a sign of things to come and sixty seconds later; McGachie came within an inch of netting his sixth of the season. The former Stenny man burst clear of the Pars’ defensive line and rounded goalkeeper Goodfellow. Unfortunately for the big striker, the angle was tight and his low shot came off the outside of the left hand post.

Incredibly, despite having the lion-share of possession and the best of the chances, Dunfermline took the lead with their first attack and the ‘Well rearguard will have nightmares when they watch a re-run of the goal. Darren Brownlie’s pass-back put Willie Muir in trouble and the ‘keeper could only slice the ball high into the air. It looked to be heading into touch but Brownlie kept it in, allowing Allan Smith to collect. His cross was cut out by Adam Cummins but the Liverpudlian could only watch on in horror as his attempted clearance deflected fortuitously into the path of Blair Henderson who tucked home from close range.

‘Well went quickly in search of a leveller and a McGachie header from a Francis-Angol cross forced keeper Goodfellow into the save. Down the other end, Dunfermline were getting most joy out of pressing Motherwell high up the pitch and they did so again, midfielder Millen finding unlikely space just inside the area but his effort was turned blocked by the sliding challenge of Adam Cummins.

If that was close, the same player came closer ten minutes before the interval when he rounded off an excellent passing move with a low shot that came back off the post. Motherwell’s reply was a low shot from Mboa Mekongo that was pounced upon and held by Goodfellow.

At that point, Gordon Young probably would’ve settled for a 1-0 deficit at the interval but his team had a great chance to get level from the penalty spot. McGachie, Motherwell’s most potent attacking weapon, was the architect, dancing round a few challenges inside the area before eventually being tripped by Jack Brice. Stevie Hetherington quickly grabbed the ball but his low effort was expertly saved by Goodfellow low to his right.

‘Well boss Stuart McCall joined his colleague Young in the dressing room at half-time but it took a while for either side to really stamp their authority. Motherwell dominated in terms of possession and had a number of cross balls flash across the face, but keeper Goodfellow was rarely troubled.

The first noteworthy chance came on the 69th minute mark when McGachie flashed a twelve yard header just wide of the post. The same player burst through again a minute later but his low shot on the diagonal was watched wide by the Dunfermline goalkeeper.

‘Well introduced Adam Ashgar in place of Josh Watt and the substitute almost brought his side with the best chance of the half. A neat move involving Darren Brownlie, Mboa Mekongo led to the young midfielder with an opening at goal. He lost his footing on the now greasy surface and his effort was blocked.

Motherwell were dominating possession but were lacking the luck and composure in front of goal. Less than a minute after Ashgar’s effort, McGachie sent another looping header goalwards but, incredibly, it hit the outside of the post and dropped wide.

It would sum up a frustrating afternoon for Motherwell who now face the long journey north to Aberdeen next week hoping to return to winning ways.

Motherwell: Muir, Brownlie, Francis-Angol (Lynch – 89mins), Cummins, Murray, Mboa Mekongo, Hetherington, MacDonald, Watt (Ashgar – 66mins), McGachie, Erwin (Moore – 29mins)

Subs Not Used: Stewart, Green

Tom Hateley is hoping to continue quietly racking up the points with another away-day scalp, this time with victory against Hibernian on Saturday afternoon.
 
Without fanfare, the Steelmen have crept into second spot in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, sitting a point ahead of Glasgow giants Celtic.

‘The ‘Well have already racked up six wins from ten SPL outings, including notable away wins at Rugby Park, St. Mirren Park and, most recently, Tannadice.

[pullquote]We’ve got massive belief in our squad that we can win games. It may be a bit of a surprise to see ourselves sitting in second but it’s something we’re relishing.[/pullquote]

And Hateley admits that all the players are thriving under the relative lack of media focus and expectation at Fir Park – something which has allowed the men in claret and amber to produce some of the most entertaining football in the country.

“We haven’t had much of the limelight and I’m happy about that,” the 22-year old considered. “A lot of the press has been about the Old Firm as it probably should be. That has worked well for us. We have just gone under the radar and done what we had to do to get three points.

“We’ve got massive belief in our squad that we can win games. It may be a bit of a surprise to see ourselves sitting in second but it’s something we’re relishing.

“It’s always nice to prove people wrong that don’t think we can do something as a team or individuals. It’s quite a good feeling to do something you’re not expected to do. All the boys love to play football and that’s the most important thing. You try not to focus too much on what’s going on around you or what people think you should be doing. We’ve got players who can win games for us and as long as they keep doing what they’re doing, I’m sure we’ll all be smiling.

“We have got players at this club that can win you games and are quick and good on the counter attack, and we’ve done well away from home so far due to that. Hopefully that can continue.”

Motherwell’s current success is made all the more notable given the relative lack of depth in the ‘Well pool – something exascerbated by the recent absence of Shaun Hutchinson and the long-term injury of Stevie Saunders.

Hateley even concedes that you could pretty much name the Motherwell XI ahead of time, such is the consistency borne out of a lack of experienced repacements. Yet the results keep on coming.

He continued: “We enjoy playing games, I’m young and I’m not getting tired or sore from playing games. It’s something we’re all enjoying.

It will be interesting to see in a couple of months if we get some injuries or suspensions, what will happen. That could be a problem but until something like that happens, and touch wood it doesn’t, then hopefully we can keep doing well.”

The former Motherwell Young Player of the Year also took the time to praise the foresight of many of the upcoming talents at the club.

It was mooted that there was interest in the likes of Jamie Murphy, Chris Humphrey and Hateley himself over the summer.

But the versatile youngster believes the club – and the players – are reaping the benefits from staying on in North Lanarkshire.

“Murph probably had the best opportunity to go elsewhere in the window just gone but he stayed and that’s great for us.” Hateley lauded.

“As young players, all we want to do is focus on playing games. You don’t want to be sitting on the bench or sitting in the stand somewhere. As long as you’re playing games and enjoying your football, and it always helps to be doing well like we’re doing at the moment.”

Stuart McCall insists his side will not dwell on what has been a marvelous start to the Steelmen’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League campaign.

Instead, the ‘Well boss has already targeted putting more points on the board with a tough trip to face Hibs on Saturday.

Motherwell currently sit in 2nd place in the SPL after ten matches, providing one of the most memorable opening to a campaign in the club’s history. The only black mark, ironically, came at the hands of Colin Calderwood’s side, as they knocked ‘Well out of the Scottish Communities League Cup partly due to an erroneously disallowed Bob McHugh ‘goal’.

[pullquote]Both sides have a lot of attacking players on the park. Agogo has got his fitness now, and with him and O’Connor up top there is attacking threat.[/pullquote]

But McCall says he isn’t concerned with the past – whether it’s his own sides great league form or the recent defeat to Hibs – choosing, instead, to focus on the future.

“It’s been a great start to the season,” the gaffer praised. “But we won’t be looking back; you’ve always got to look forward in this game. The next game is a difficult trip to a rejuvenated Hibs side.

“It’s possible [to replicating the form of the first quarter of the season in the next set of games] but I would say it’s unlikely. If you were to take this total for every quarter then you’d be up there with about 80 points, challenging for the title. We just need to take every game as it comes and we always try to win them all.

“The lads have played really, really well in most of the games this season. We’ve got a good amount of wins on the board and we’ve deserved that.

“We won’t look back on that either [the defeat on penalties and disallowed goal in the cup] but we will look at the game overall. There was a part of the game when Hibs had a lot of chances, but throughout the game it was their keeper who was tested regularly. And in extra-time we had five outstanding opportunities to win the game.

“Everyone knows the goal should have stood but it’s water under the bridge now. It was a terrific game of football. We have to defend better, but hopefully our attack can be just as potent.

“We can [win anywhere] if we’re at it. Everyone played well against Dundee United and that’s what you need.”

The Motherwell gaffer has admitted that he is wary of the “rejuvenated” Leith side’s attacking potency, which was ably demonstrated as the SPL’s second-top marksman Garry O’Connor fired two goals past the Steelmen in the Scottish Communities League Cup.

O’Connor has been aided in recent weeks by Junior Agogo, who is finding a degree of form and fitness at Easter Road following his summer move. Indeed, the Hibees have only lost one of their last five domestic outings.

With that dangerous pairing, and a supporting cast of the likes of Ivan Sproule and Leigh Griffiths, McCall has no doubts about the task awaiting his defensive unit in the Capital on Saturday.

“The match in the cup was a very open game,” the former Bradford boss recalled. “Both sides have a lot of attacking players on the park. Agogo has got his fitness now, and with him and O’Connor up top there is attacking threat.

“Likewise, we have players in our team who can create chances – I think it’s probably the team that defends best on the day that will come away with three points.

“They’ve picked up some decent results of late and we had a terrific game here against them in the cup which could have finished five-all. I’m sure myself and Colin [Calderwood] will be hoping both defences are on better form this time.

“I’ve been pleased with the defending in our last two games. The home game against Aberdeen was very good and then we went to Tannadice and defended really well as a unit. That’s the whole team; the goalie, the midfield, the wide men and attackers. We need to do that again.”

Despite the initial prognosis suggesting he could be back for the upcoming trip to Edinburgh, Shaun Hutchinson will miss out on the match.

The towering defender has recovered from his ankle knock, but picked up a slight hamstring strain in training which rules him out of contention for the weekend.

McCall continued: “Unfortunately Hutch won’t be ready. His ankle is OK now, but he’s pushed himself a little too hard and has tweaked his hamstring and it’s set him back a couple of days.

“If it was a cup final then maybe we’d risk him, but we’re not in a position where we need to be rushing him back.”

This afternoon’s scheduled U19s match with Dunfermline has been moved to Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium with a 2pm kick-off.

Bathgate’s Creamery Park was unplayable but instead of cancelling the game, both teams have agreed to the late switch.

Motherwell Football Club have held discussions with both the Scottish Football Association (Scottish FA) and Scottish Premier League (SPL) regarding the Merseyside Police investigation involving our player Steven Jennings.

The club takes the matter very seriously but notes that our player has been released without charge. He remains available for selection and is an important member of our team and club.

He will continue to assist in the police investigation and the Board will continue to monitor the process.

The club will not make any further statement on this matter at this time, nor will any member of our staff.

The Scottish FA and SPL note our decision and we will keep them both closely informed of the situation as it affects us and our player.

Motherwell will make the journey east along the M8 to face Hibernian at Easter Road this Saturday.

It marks the end of the first round of games and with the sides in decent form; both will be desperate for the three points.

The Steelmen currently sit second, a point ahead of Celtic in third, but the focus will surely be on opening a gap on fourth placed Hearts rather than any loftier ambitions.

Hibs have managed to turn their season around and have picked up dramatically in recent weeks. Colin Calderwood was under a great deal of pressure but a penalty-kick win over ‘Well in the Scottish Communities League Cup has heralded a reversal of fortunes and the Easter Road club will very much have one eye on the teams above them.

It’s sure to be a tough encounter for the Claret and Amber men.

Tickets for the match are available from the Fir Park Ticket Office now,  from the Easter Road Ticket Office (South Stand) on the day of the match, or on the gate priced at the following:

• Concessions are listed as Over 60s, Under 18s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation card.
• Fans who require wheelchair access should contact John McCaskie on 01555 870122 or email sharon.mccaskie@sky.com.

SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION COACHES

WISHAW BRANCH

The Wishaw branch bus to Easter Road on Saturday 15th October will leave Kenilworth Ave. at 1.15pm. To book seats please call Anne on 01698470601 or email andrew.sim48@btinternet.com as soon as possible.

CENTRAL BRANCH

The bus for the game v Hibs on Saturday 15 October will leave the Bentley Hotel at 1.15pm. To book a seat email christopher_hutton@btinternet.com or give Jim a call on 01698 299650.

BELLSHILL & DISTRICT BRANCH

Times TBC

TRAVEL

BY CAR

The stadium is located to the East of the city and is one of the more difficult grounds to find in the SPL.

Follow the M8 until its end and then take the A720 South, joining the A701 towards the city centre. Upon reaching the city centre, head left on to the A900 (signposted Leith), leaving at the junction with the B1350 to turn right on to London Road.

Then take the fourth left at the crossroads on to Easter Road, followed by the fourth right on to Albion Road. The stadium will be clearly visible ahead.

If travelling from the South, follow the A1 into Edinburgh before turning right on to the B1350 (London Road). Then turn right at the crossroads on to Easter Road, followed by the fourth right on to Albion Road.

Street parking is available on numerous streets around the ground.

BY BUS

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

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

BY TRAIN

Waverley station is served by trains from Glasgow and is within walking distance of the ground.

Upon leaving the station, cross Princes Street and head for Leith Walk, which is directly opposite the exit. Follow the road for approximately 1/4 mile and turn right on to the B1350 (London Road). Then turn left on to Easter Road and take the fourth right on to Albion Road. The stadium will be clearly visible ahead.

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

MAP

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Referee for Saturday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Hibernian at Easter Road will be Euan Norris.

It will be Euan’s second match in charge of the ‘Well this season after previously overseeing the 4-2 away success against Dunfermline at East End Park in late August.

Fir Park fans will be familiar with the 33-year old who handled two games last term.

The first, a 0-0 draw with Inverness was instantly forgettable. However, the other was one that will live long in the memory. Motherwell beat Championship-chasing Celtic 2-0 at Fir Park; former striker John Sutton netting a brace.

The season previous to last, Euan also handed two matches. He was the man in the middle when Motherwell edged out Falkirk 1-0 at Fir Park. Lukas Jutkiewicz got the only goal of the game, heading home a corner from the left after 18 minutes.

His other game that campaign was also at Fir Park; a stormy affair between Motherwell and Hibs.

The Steelmen won the game 1-0 thanks to a Jamie Murphy goal eight minutes from time but the game was marred by a red card for Liam Miller for a challenge on Jim O’Brien midway through the first forty-five.

Thankfully, FIFA referee Norris usually likes to keep his cards in his pocket with only fourteen cautions handed out in those games, with seven flashed at a ‘Well players.

Euan will be ably assisted by Gary Cheyne and Stuart Stevenson with Craig Charleston on fourth official duties.

Gordon Young hailed in-form striker Keiran McGachie after the 18-year old fired Motherwell into the third round of the Scottish Youth Cup.

The young Steelmen saw a plethora of chances come and go throughout a dominant display against a dogged Arbroath side, with Lee Erwin and McGachie seeing shots cleared of the line before Herman Mboa Mekonga lashed a shot against the bar.

‘Well finally broke through early in the second period, with the powerful McGachie nodding home from a Zaine Francis-Angol delivery – his fifth goal of a fruitful campaign.

And Young was keen to praise the young striker, as well as those around him who created such an abundance of chances.

“I am delighted for him,” praised Motherwell’s Head of Youth Development. “And the reason I withdrew him with twenty minutes left to play is because I am desperate to try and spread the goals around the team.

[pullquote]The most important thing was to get to the next round but we can be pleased with how we played during the game.[/pullquote]

“We’ve got to get goals from other areas of the park and he understands that; he’s a great kid who works exceptionally hard during games.

“I have to pay credit to my players because they played very well and executed some of what we worked on in training very well indeed.

“We asked them to be confident in on the goal, go forward and create chances, and they did that today. On another day we could have won the game by six or seven goals.

“The most important thing was to get to the next round but we can be pleased with how we played during the game.”

The part-time visitors of Arbroath struggled to conjure much going forward throughout the 90 minutes; a low shot in the second half which was comfortably clasped by Willie Muir proving the sum-total of their attacking intent.

However the Gayfield youngsters, roared on from the Fir Park stands by senior player/boss Paul Sheerin, were admirable in their defensive discipline and work ethic – something acknowledged by the opposition manager.

Young continued: “I have got to compliment Arbroath; defensively they did very well.”

“They’ve came here, got a great lift from the surroundings and set their stall out to frustrate Motherwell. Whether or not they have seen us before or not, I don’t know.

“But it’s great credit to them that they displayed a resilience to stay in the game for the full ninety minutes.”

The ‘Well under-19’s, as well as being a mere six points behind the leaders in the Clydesdale Bank Under 19 League, will now march on to the third round of the Scottish Youth Cup.

It’s already one step further than the club managed last year, and the gaffer is hoping the young talents of Fir Park left an imprint on the near-200 crowd at the stadium on Saturday afternoon.

“I think we finished the match with eighteen or nineteen shots on target,” Young recalled. “And we hit the woodwork three times.

“I hope it was entertaining for the people that came along to Fir Park today.”

Pictures from the 1-0 win over Arbroath U19s in the Scottish FA Youth Cup at Fir Park.

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