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Motherwell powered into the third round of the Scottish Youth Cup with a deceptively comfortable 1-0 victory over Arbroath at Fir Park.

After seeing a truly astonishing amount of chances passed up, ‘Well finally took the lead in the second half as the dangerous Keiran McGachie leapt highest to nod home just before the hour.

In truth, the score-line could have been far more damaging for the visitors from Gayfield. A combination of last-ditch defending, wayward finishing and good goalkeeping ensuring a series of good chances didn’t find the net.

Lee Erwin and McGachie will both look back ruefully on efforts cleared off the line, in particular, while Herman Mboa Mekonga saw his effort in the second period smash against the bar.

Gordon Young’s Motherwell charges have been in fine form this season, sitting in 5th place in the Clydesdale Bank Under 19’s League, a mere six points behind league leaders Celtic. The home side’s mood going into this encounter was further lifted by a fine draw with Rangers last week.

Arbroath have endured a stop-start opening to their league campaign, playing just four times while some other clubs in the Scottish Football League Under 19’s Youth Division have played eight. That lack of competitive action has seen the Red Lichties slip to 6th from bottom of a 25-team league.

The top flight side illustrated their full-time credentials from the start of a one-sided encounter, with Zaine-Francis Angol winding up a drive from distance after two minutes which flashed wide of Jack Whitton’s goal.

Josh Watt’s deliveries were proving an early nuisance for the visitors, and after one corner skidded dangerously across the face of goal Watt almost provided a perfect assist for Keiran McGachie. The towering striker comfortably out-jumped his marker but nodded just wide.

A surging run from Keiran MacDonald almost produced the opener after a quarter of an hour. The 18-year old burst towards the edge of the penalty box and tried to feed the ball through to McGachie, and the subsequent interception almost saw the ball ricochet into the net – but it trickled wide.

The young Steelmen continued to push for a deserved opener as the half progressed. Erwin came close with an industrious run down the left-flank followed by a good low shot which clipped the post and went wide.

McGachie – a constantly dangerous figure at the head of the ‘Well side – followed that with his low shot from just inside the area, but once again the ball trundled past the wrong side of the post.

Josh Watt’s delivery was once again causing havoc with ten minutes to play before the break. His left-footed cross was perfect for Erwin, who found himself unmarked in the box, but the 17-year old’s header was superbly parried by Whitton.

Arbroath’s goal continued to lead a charmed life as half-time approached. Watt managed to get a toe on a teasing ball across the face of goal, but Craig Patterson managed to dramatically block the effort on the line – a piece of defending his former Motherwell cup-winning namesake would have been proud of.

Young Jack Whitton was turning in a fine display in the driving Lanarkshire rain, and the second half began with the keeper making two more good saves. Firstly he parried away a powerful McGachie drive, then he had to palm an Erwin shot away from goal second later.

Remarkably Arbroath cleared another goal-bound effort off the line on 54 minutes. Watt fired in a superb low cross and McGachie scrambled it towards the goal after a collision with the keeper – but this time Lee Gallacher was on hand to keep the game scoreless.

Former Tottenham Hotspur trainee Zaine Francis-Angol getting through a power of work down the left-flank, and it was his delivery which finally unlocked the visitors’ backline. The left-back’s booming cross deceived Whitton and McGachie out-jumped the diminutive keeper to head into the net.

Francis-Angol could have had a goal of his own as he continues to massively impress at this level. He played a slick one-two with Erwin and, from a tight angle, drilled in a decent low shot, but once again Whitton was on-hand to save.

The Arbroath keeper was proving himself as an excellent shot-stopper, and he managed to make an excellent save with his legs after Darren Brownlie’s effort from distance took a violent knick on the way.

The spirited young part-timers of Arbroath were sticking diligently to their defensive task despite falling behind, but they were utterly failing to test the Steelmen, who were enjoying exorbitant amounts of possession. 

And Mboa Mekongo was the next to threaten for the home side. The midfielder athletically burst into the penalty area and smashed an effort towards goal, but – befitting Motherwell’s luck in front of goal – it crashed against the bar and bounced to safety.

Whitton was forced into action again with five minutes to play as Josh Watt lashed a powerful shot across the face of goal, but the young keeper was on hand again to fist the effort clear.

Motherwell, who could quite easily have been five-goals clear, ended the match in the same fashion in which it had been played: threatening Arbroath’s goal-mouth. Lee Erwin’s towering header had Whitton beaten, but it came back off the post.

Motherwell: Muir, Brownlie, Murray, Cummins, Francis-Angol, Hetherington, Mboa Mekonga, MacDonald (Leitch 88), Watt, Erwin, McGachie (Moore 73)

Subs Not Used: Stewart, Lynch, Ashgar, Green.

Head of Youth Development Gordon Young has insisted his Under 19s side will have to be at their best to overcome Arbroath in the Youth Cup tomorrow.

The young Steelmen will line up against their Second Division opponents at Fir Park hoping to book their place in the third round of the competition.

However, with the Red Lichties first-team squad doing well and the confidence that spreads throughout a club as a result, Young has warned his men not to be complacent, particularly with a disappointing record in the competition in recent seasons.

“The Arbroath first-team are top of the second division which is always great,” said Young.

“You have a synergy running through a club so when the first-team is doing well, there’s a great moral amongst everyone and we see that here at Motherwell. A lot of our players are only a couple of good games away from playing for our first-team; I think highly of this squad of players and, individually, I think they are exceptional.

“Collectively, they are starting to get to the mark where they should be putting more pressure on themselves to take that next step.”

[pullquote]This is a great opportunity for the players on both sides to showcase themselves at Fir Park; if we play to our capabilities and replicate recent form then there’s every chance of progressing.[/pullquote]

All managers and coaches maintain that in order to progress against lower league opposition, it requires everyone in the side to do a professional job.

Acknowledging this, Young has put his charges through an identical pre-match routine and will field his strongest possible side as a mark of respect to the Gayfield club.

Young continued, “Our motto this week is consistency versus complacency.

“The important thing when you approach a game like tomorrow is that you ensure everything in terms of preparation is the same as it would normally be. With that in mind, our build-up has been identical to what it would be if we were playing either half of the Old Firm or any other team for that matter.

“This is a great opportunity for the players on both sides to showcase themselves at Fir Park; if we play to our capabilities and replicate recent form then there’s every chance of progressing.

“We try and win each and every single match we play and to date, we have managed to win more than we’ve lost. We try, as a group, to treat every game, every week, as the most important so this is the focus at the moment. Win, lose or draw, as soon as it is over, the exact same preparation will go in to facing Dunfermline and that’ll be our most important game of the season.

“If we keep up that approach and prepare in the same way then we’ll not stray too far from our aim of getting guys into the first-team pool.”

With the Scottish National side facing the first of a double header against Lichtenstein later in the evening, it opens an opportunity for Motherwell’s youngsters to take centre stage tomorrow.

Young has urged the Motherwell supporting public to come out and support his side and add to the experience for the players still learning their trade.

“I would encourage everyone to get along where possible,” he pleaded.

“People continually ask me, ‘You got anyone coming through or how is such and such doing?’ This is a chance for you to have a wee look. It’s another learning curve for our youngsters as they experience a different environment.

“We try and play all our matches in a non-league stadium and not a training ground so the lads can differentiate, mentally, the difference between a training game and a competitive match.

“Playing at Fir Park will give everyone a massive lift. We only have two full-time teams at the club now and we have a small squad. Like Stuart Carswell coming out the woodwork towards the end of last season, I am confident there are two or three from tomorrow’s starting eleven that can be chapping on the first-team door certainly if not by the end of this season, then by the start of next.”

Motherwell U19s will take on Arbroath on Saturday afternoon (8th October) at Fir Park Stadium with kick-off at 1pm. Admission is on the gate with adults priced at £2 and concessions (U16s, Over 65s) at £1.

A Lanarkshire family has launched a nationwide search to find a bone marrow donor to help save their son’s life and maybe you can help?

Three-year-old Ryan Ferguson, from East Kilbride, has been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) and could require a bone marrow transplant to help him fight the condition.

Ryan’s parents Stuart and Paula launched an appeal on social networking site, Facebook at the weekend, and within two days attracted more than 2000 followers.

Now Stuart and Paula, with the aid of blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan, are organising a drive to find a donor.

Mr Ferguson said: “We got a blood test done at the doctor as Ryan has been unwell for eight weeks. It was confirmed on Tuesday, August 16 that he had leukaemia.

“He had ten days of chemotherapy and then spent four weeks in isolation. We were diagnosed on the Tuesday and he was meant to start nursery the following Monday, which he was so excited about.

[pullquote]I’m not doing this to say ‘Oh, poor wee Ryan’, it’s about raising awareness of how easy it is to join the Anthony Nolan register and how important it is.[/pullquote]

“Instead of sitting by a hospital bed and just watching Ryan trying to fight this, I’d rather put the word out there that donating isn’t a big deal. People don’t know how simple this is and how important it is.

“We started the Facebook page just thinking if we could maybe get a couple of hundred people on it who can come along, that’ll be a result and we will have done really well. I think now we’ve got more than 1700 followers, it’s just gone through the roof.

“I’m not doing this to say ‘Oh, poor wee Ryan’, it’s about raising awareness of how easy it is to join the Anthony Nolan register and how important it is.”

Potential donors who attend the East Kilbride recruitment drive will need to give a sample of saliva and fill in a short questionnaire.

Any successful donors will need to give a blood sample to confirm the match and could go on to donate stem cells either from bone marrow in the pelvis or by taking blood from a vein in their arm.

Potential donors within the family have already been tested. Ryan’s two brothers Calum, ten, and eight-year-old Andrew, have also been tested to see if they are a match. If one of the boys is not a match for Ryan, the search will begin for a donor.

Mr Ferguson said: “The boys don’t know a lot about Ryan’s condition at this time and what a bone marrow donation would mean.  We’ve just told them that they might have something in their blood that could help Ryan.  As soon as we said that they could potentially save their brothers life they told both myself and Paula that they wanted to do anything they could.”

As well as the strong response from family and Facebook friends, other organisations across Lanarkshire have lent the family their support. Lanarkshire Strathclyde Fire and Rescue have offered to staff the Holiday Inn event.

Potential donors must be between the age of 18 and 40 and in good health. The clinic will take place at the East Kilbride Holiday Inn on Sunday, October 9 between 10am and 4pm.

Words: STV

Motherwell Football Club can today (Thursday) confirm that the Scottish Football Association (SFA) made the club aware that one of our players was taken to a Merseyside Police Station early this morning in connection with an ongoing investigation.

We have no further comment to make at this time. Any further statement would be wholly inappropriate and the club can and will only do so when properly appraised of the next steps in the process by the relevant authorities.

Motherwell U19s are in action this coming Saturday when they take on Second Division side Arbroath at Fir Park.

With the rest of senior football taking a break for Scotland’s crucial double header, Gordon Young’s men will be looking to progress in a tournament they have struggled in over the last few years.

However, Arbroath will prove stiff opponents and ‘Well will have to be at the very best having lost to lower league opposition at the same stage of the competition last year.

Confidence is sure to be high amongst the Claret and Amber ranks though – ‘Well sit fifth in the table after seven matches; just six points behind league leaders Celtic.

Indeed, ‘Well are unbeaten now for well over a month, a run stretching four games which includes excellent draws against both halves of the Old Firm.

Head of Youth Development Gordon Young said, “We have had a decent start to the season with what is, by in large, a new group of players. We are playing at Fir Park and, for many of our players, this will be the first occasion they have experienced playing at such an arena in front of supporters.

“If you are not doing anything on Saturday and fancy some football ahead of the Scotland match, get along to Fir Park and support the U19s. The players would very much appreciate your support!”

Entry to the match at Fir Park will be £2 for adults and £1 for concessions (U16 and Over 60s) with kick-off at 1pm.

It is time for you to decide who you think deserves to win the Cash Converters Player of the Month for September.

Every month this season, sponsors Cash Converters will give you the opportunity to present the Motherwell Player of the Month with a trophy.

All you need to do is vote for which ‘Well player you think has been the stand-out performer for September and you could be chosen at random from all entries received, to congratulate our star man in person at Fir Park!

After Nicky law received the Player of the Month award for August, who do you think deserves it this month?

To cast your vote, simply visit our Cash Converters SPL Facebook page or by CLICKING HERE.

The link will also give you the opportunity to enter the draw to take part in the next Convert for Cash, which will be taking place on November 5th , when Aberdeen visit Fir Park.

For the September Player of the Month – VOTE HERE.

There are some fantastic and unique lots currently up for action on the clubs’ own eBay store.

The club’s official eBay store is full of claret and amber goodies you won’t find anywhere else!

From signed merchandise to hospitality packages and money can’t buy experiences, fans have the chance to get their hands on some exclusive Motherwell memorabilia?

Previous auctions have included match-worn shirts, signed footballs, programmes, tickets, and even sponsor rights. Right now, we have three 2010/11 training sweaters (Bob McHugh, John Sutton and Ross Forbes), a signed Darren Randolph European goalkeepers jersey issued for the match versus Breidablik and two incredible items, signed match worn boots previously belonging to Tom Hateley and Ross Forbes.

CLICK HERE to browse everything at our official eBay store.

The club also run charity auctions from time to time where all proceeds go towards one of the many local charities we support.

If you wish to donate an item please contact us on 01698 333333 or email bid@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Standard eBay terms and conditions apply to any purchases.

Experience life as a professional footballer with the Steelmen this October week holiday.

Take your football skills to the next level and experience life as a Professional Footballer in our first ever, week-long MFC coaching programme during the October School Week from:

Monday 17th until Friday 21st October

For the first time ever, Motherwell Football Club is offering young people between the ages of 6 and 12 the opportunity to experience life as a professional footballer in our Academy Experience programme.

Academy Experience is a week long intensive programme which will replicate the coaching received by professional players, and will include

• Training sessions delivered by members of the first team squad
• Coaching session with Kenny Black our Assistant Manager
• Training session at Fir Park.

Comprehensive coaching will include game awareness, technique development, balance, creativity, and nutrition.

Academy Experience is designed to take young players to the next level of performance, and to instil in them the skills and confidence they require to develop their potential.

Coaching will be delivered by our highly-qualified SFA accredited coaches, and the young people will be rubbing shoulders with the first team professionals and youth squads. Participants will also be presented with a certificate signed by Motherwell Manager, and former Scotland star, Stuart McCall.

The five-day programme costs just £55 which includes a healthy breakfast. Players should bring their own packed lunch, and appropriate footwear and clothing – and a change to allow for inclement weather.

Click here to download our brochure.

For further information, and to book please call us on: 01698 239 926 or go to our website at www.motherwellsoccerschools.com

Michael Higdon was thrilled after his man-of-the-match display against Dundee United helped the Steelmen to a terrific 3-1 victory.

The summer signing from St Mirren doubled Motherwell’s lead, calmly capatalising on a Dusan Pernis mistake, after Keith Lasley had opened the scoring.

And the former Falkirk hit-man completed his brace, calmly firing home from the penalty spot, despite team-mate Steve Jennings initially trying to claim the responsibility. Higdon smiled: “Jenno came over to me and said: ‘On your bike lad’. No chance!”

The goals added a deserved gloss to an energetic, bustling display as the 28-year old who gave the United defence, including Scotland international Garry Kenneth, a torrid afternoon.

Indeed, it was the perfect response after receiving some criticism for his display against Aberdeen last week from the fans – and from himself.

[pullquote]I have to keep working hard and I got my rewards this week. I am looking to beat last season’s total of 15 and I am well on the way to that.[/pullquote]

“I watched the DVD of last week’s game and I’m surprised they didn’t boo me more than they did,” said a refreshingly honest Higdon.  “Hopefully they will enjoy their pint tonight and recognise I am a good player.

“Three points was the main thing and two goals to top it off. I didn’t turn up last week, and it was the same in the St. Johnstone game, so the lads have been carrying me the last couple of weeks.

“I have to keep working hard and I got my rewards this week. I am looking to beat last season’s total of 15 and I am well on the way to that.”

Stuart McCall was full of praise for two-goal striker Michael Higdon in the wake of Motherwell’s 3-1 win over Dundee United at Tannadice.

Higdon capitalised on a goalkeeping error and coolly slotted home a penalty as the bustling striker showed the qualities which convinced McCall to bring him to Fir Park in the summer.

It takes the former Falkirk man’s tally to a more than respectable six goals in eleven appearances, and his manager is in no doubt that the 28-year old will continue to be a real goal threat for the ‘Well.

“Before he scored, in the first three or four games, he’d had shots kicked off the line or headed off the line, so he could be in double figures by now,” the Steelmen gaffer praised.

“I’m pleased for him, he’s got some stick off some fans in our last home game, and he’s reacted well to it.

“He knows how much we value him. He trains hard, he’s a conscientious lad and the rest of the boys are behind him, as they are each other.

“From the first whistle we’ve got in about it. We’ve talked about all week that we need to defend as a unit and fight in the midfield. We knew the midfield area was going to be key and I thought  Higdon led the line very well. All the pieces of the jigsaw fitted together today.”

[pullquote]He knows how much we value him. He trains hard, he’s a conscientious lad and the rest of the boys are behind him, as they are each other.[/pullquote]

Higdon’s super brace was supplemented by a fine strike by Keith Lasley, who appears to have discovered something of a goal touch in his 30’s

The ‘Well legend fired in his third goal of the campaign against the Terrors – already his most prolific season since he racked up four in the 2003/04 campaign.

McCall joked that the 32-year old’s form was down to him showing Keith his ‘Two Greatest Goals’ DVD, before praising the fluency of his opener, and the subsequent team effort to see out the result.

The former Bradford boss continued: “The first was a great team goal, well worked and a great finish.

“With Jenno back in there back to his best, that allows Lasley and Law to get forward and in to the box, that’s what we’ve worked on. We had to match up with them in the midfield and it worked out well. It’s been a good day for us.

“Then to get the second goal just on half time was great. The ball fell right at Michael’s feet, but it was perhaps on his weaker side, so he’s done well to put it away.

“All in all it was a good day’s work, borne out of team effort really. The only negative is going home without the clean sheet.”