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Pictures from the 3-1 win over Kilmarnock in the Clydesdale Bank Under 19s League at Kilwinning.

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A second half brace from Lee Erwin helped Motherwell U19s to a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock at a blustery Kilwinning this morning.

‘Well took the lead midway through the first-half when Keiran McGachie raced clear of the Killie defence before coolly rounding Russell Cadwell and slotting home from an acute angle; the big striker’s second goal of the campaign.

The home side hit back before the break as Greg Thorburn met a neat near-post cross from the right to slot past Willie Muir from close range.

However, with the wind in their favour, Gordon Young’s men dominated the second period. Erwin restored the Steelmen’s advantage thirteen minutes after the restart when he latched on to a McGachie cross-cum-shot to tap home.

And the Fir Parkers put the icing on the cake two minutes from time when Keiran MacDonald won the ball deep in his own half and immediately sent Erwin on the attack. The former Scotland U17 star turned inside his marker before exquisitely dinking Cadwell to complete the scoring.

Young opted for the same starting eleven that lined up against Hearts seven days previous. However, with a strong wind blowing down the pitch, they found it difficult during the opening exchanges.

Killie set the early pace and Ross Davidson tested Muir in the visiting goal with a curling free-kick after just six minutes, but he found the ‘Well stopper in no mood to concede, superbly clutching the ball despite heavy pressure from the strikers.

It took ‘Well seventeen minutes to register an attempt and, although McGachie’s long range drive flew the wrong side of the post, it served as a reminder to the hosts that the Steelmen carried a significant threat up front.

Killie were having the bulk of the ball, which was to be expected given Motherwell’s battle against the elements, but shots were restricted to efforts from distance and nothing that unduly troubled Muir in goals.

Indeed, for all the Ayrshire side’s possession inside their own half, it was Motherwell who would take the lead. A lovely curling pass over the top of the home defence from Erwin allowed McGachie to race clear. His first touch took him round Cadwell and his second tucked the ball into the empty net from a difficult angle.

It was a hammer blow to the home side but, to their credit, they roared back into the game and came within inches of equalising just four minutes later, but they were denied by the crossbar. A well-worked corner from the right found Davidson at the edge of the area and his pile-driver cannoned back off the bar with Muir able to clutch the headed rebound from Rory McKenzie.

Kilmarnock wouldn’t be denied for long, as Greg Thorburn tucked home from a few yards out moments later. The left-back had made a terrific run across the box to meet the teasing near post cross from the Trialist right-back. His finish left the ‘keeper with no chance and Gordon Young with a very different half-time team talk to provide.

With the wind at their backs, Motherwell dominated the second half and were almost back in front just six minutes into the second half. McGachie met a Steve Hetherington cross from the left, but the big striker could only head over when a goal seemed certain.

‘Well continued to knock at the door and were eventually rewarded with a second goal just before the hour-mark, and it was Lee Erwin who grabbed it. A ball down the right channel had both McGachie and Josh Watt competing for the ball. The striker won the battle, and his low drive into the box was tapped home by Erwin from almost on the goal line. Kilmarnock defenders were screaming for offside but the officials waved away their protests and the goal stood.

Killie tried to hit back through McKenzie but his low shot, after a marauding run, was comfortably clutched by Muir.

Despite McKenzie’s effort ‘Well were the only team who looked likely to score again. Euan Murray almost obliged, heading a MacDonald corner inches wide of the post. But it was only a temporary reprieve, as Erwin soon did make it 3-1 with a piece of true individual brilliance.

MacDonald won the ball just outside his own area and was quick to send Erwin racing clear, the big striker lurking unmarked on the halfway line with Killie committing bodies forward. Bearing down on goal, he cut inside a despairing challenge from Lee Ashcroft before chipping the ball over a helpless Cadwell and into the net. Game, set and match.

There was still time though for Erwin to threaten again, but the striker was denied a hat-trick by another excellent block by Cadwell from point blank range. It summed up the dominance of the Steelmen in a good win for the visitors – who now face St Johnstone next Friday at Bathgate (1pm KO).

Kilmarnock: Cadwell, Trialist (Thomson – 77mins), Thorburn, Rankin (Brown – 71mins), Ashcroft, Fisher, Kennedy, Davidson, McKenzie, Lindsay (McKitrick – 83mins), Johnston

Subs Not Used: Trialist (GK)

Goals: Thorburn (44)

Motherwell: Muir, Francis-Angol, Murray, Brownlie, Devlin, MacDonald, Ashgar, Hetherington, Watt (Moore – 65mins), McGachie (Leitch – 72mins), Erwin

Subs Not Used: Stewart (GK), Green, Lynch

Goals: McGachie (35), Erwin (58, 89)

Referee: John Gilmour

Stuart McCall is hoping to take advantage of any lethargy in the Rangers side on Sunday as the Steelmen look to put a nine-year hoodoo to bed.

The Gers are arriving in North Lanarkshire on the back of a last-gasp defeat in Slovenia in the sweltering 30-degree heat of Maribor. It’s a result indicative of a miserable European campaign so far for Ally McCoist’s charges.

However, the Champions are still unbeaten in the league and Motherwell have failed to beat the Light Blues in 34 attempts.

[pullquote]We’re under no illusions about how difficult it will be. We’re going to have to be at our best and we know we’ve not had the best record against Rangers in the past.[/pullquote]

And Stuart McCall is reluctant to succumb to over-confidence, despite Motherwell’s own terrific start to the season.

“I’ll tell you after the match [whether there’s ever a good time to play Rangers],” the ‘Well gaffer joked. “There’s the heat that they played in and losing a last-minute goal which, psychologically, isn’t great.

“But they’ll be a wounded animal coming here, and I look back to when we had our worst performance and defeat at Ibrox; three days later we went up to Pittodrie, played brilliantly well and won the game.

“We’ll see, all I can do is focus on our lads; we’re all ready and we know our roles and responsibilities for Sunday.

“We’re under no illusions about how difficult it will be. We’re going to have to be at our best and we know we’ve not had the best record against Rangers in the past.”

There is certainly a feeling that, with the men in claret and amber sitting atop the SPL having yet to concede a goal, this could be a great chance to get the elusive victory over their visitors from down the M74.

“In anything, you need that little bit of Lady Luck,” he admitted. “And I think we’ve had luck, so far this season, what we’ve deserved but we’ve also had a little bit of help from fortune. We’ve just had little things go our way, and we need that – any team needs that.

“Certainly to beat either half of the Old Firm you need a little luck, you also need to play very well.”

McCall, a respected former Scotland international, also made a point of calming some of the more vociferous criticism Scottish football has received on the back of a disappointing showing last night.

Hearts were soundly thrashed by a superb Spurs side while Rangers and Celtic were both on the end of poor results, but the 47-year old doesn’t see any cause for doom-and-gloom on the back of a night which – in particular – illustrated the financial disparity between England and Scotland.

“You have to put things in context, Rangers and Celtic had disappointing results but I’d hope they will both still go through,” McCall said, positively. “Hearts is a different story. You have to look at the budget and the players you can call on. There’s Defoe and van der Vaart, Lennon on one side and Bale on the other side – it’s formidable.

“To be honest I think we have to relish what we’ve got and enjoy the young lads we’ve got playing now. The national team is doing OK, albeit a lot of them are playing down south. It all comes down to finances.

“We get outbid from non-league teams for players we are looking at, and that’s the reality of the finances in the Scottish game. That puts it in context and, as I say, I think we’ve just got to enjoy what we’ve got.”

The Steelmen boss also took a moment to confirm to the assembled press that he is still actively hunting for players.

McCall and Kenny Black are in the process of scouring the English leagues and other sources for potential loan players; specifically a versatile defender and a utility attacker.

He continued: “We’ll look new signings next week. We’re still looking for a defender that can play at right-back or in the centre because we only have Tom Hateley and young Nicky Devlin isn’t quite ready.

“We really need players that can play in a couple of positions because we can’t get the number of bodies in with our budget.

“I’d like to bring in a wide man too – that can play up front and score twenty goals for 200 quid a week! We’ve watched a couple of games. There’s nothing definite but we’ve looked at a few centre-halves. It will be from the loan market.”

It’s Round 2 of the Cash Converters “Convert for Cash” Challenge and you have a chance to win £100 against Rangers this coming Sunday.

It’s on STEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELMEN!!

The Cash Converters “Convert for Cash” challenge is here again. The event that pits home fan against away fan, confronted by the site of our very own gaffer Stuart McCall, is back for round 2.

Faced by a life-sized statue of Stuart McCall, fans must run round him 3 times, before composing themselves to score past our mascot, Claret, EITHER from the edge of the box (the £100 ball) or the penalty spot (the £50 ball).

Enter at the Cash Converters Motherwell Facebook page by CLICKING HERE.

In addition, Cash Converters will also be donating £150 per challenge to their official charity for the 2011/2012 season, Dreams Come True.

For your chance to win £100 in the “Convert for Cash” challenge, enter your details at the Cash Converters Motherwell Facebook page now: CLICK HERE.

The Facebook page will also give you the chance to win a whole host of other prizes, including tickets and exclusive, money-can’t-buy experiences. Simply “Like” the page, and get entering.

The draw will close at 10.00am on Friday August 19th.

*Please note: You must be aged over 18 to take part, and proof of age will be required on the day. You must also already possess a match ticket.

The Motherwell U19s squad return to action this weekend against Kilmarnock hoping to bounce back from the opening day defeat to Hearts.

Gordon Young’s men crashed to a 2-1 defeat at Bathgate last Saturday despite a Keiran McGachie header midway through the first half.

Killie faced a tough opener themselves at Murray Park and crashed to a 2-0 defeat courtesy of an own goal and a Jack Werndly strike.

Saturday’s match will take place at the Kilwinning Sports Club; kick-off is at 11am.

• Under 19s League Table
• Under 19s Fixtures and Results
• Top Scorers

Looking further ahead, Motherwell will take on St Johnstone U19s at Bathgate’s Creamery Park on Friday 26th August (1pm KO).

Motherwell Supporters Trust is delighted to announce the return of its Fans Forum event for Season 2011/2012.

We will be hosting this exclusive Trust members event at Fir Park’s Centenary Suite on Thursday 1st September. This will be the first opportunity for Motherwell fans to quiz manager Stuart McCall and he will also be joined by club captain Stephen Craigan. 

The doors open at 7pm for what promises to be a lively and engaging night with the Annual General Meeting starting at 7.30pm. The bar will be open and a good night in the company of ‘Well fans is guaranteed.

Our guests will discuss a mixture of pre-selected questions (email them to fansforum@mstonline.net) on the burning football topics of the day, followed by an open forum where the audience will be able to pose their own questions directly.

Scottish Sun sports journalist and lifelong Motherwell fan Andy Devlin will return as our host for the evening.

The Fans Forum follows the Trust’s Annual General Meeting, as a result, this will be a Trust members only event. As ever you will be able to renew your membership on the night or sign up for the first time.

The Trust’s membership fee for this season is just £10, while young ‘Well fans under 16 can join the Trust for free. We continue to offer our members pack including a copy of An Evening with Tam Cowan DVD and Trust keyring but by joining you’ll by adding your voice to the largest Motherwell supporter’s organisation and supporting Motherwell’s youth development.

The Ticket Office at Fir Park will be open late night on Thursday and again on Saturday for fans wishing to purchase tickets for Sunday’s match with Rangers.

The office will be open until 7pm on Thursday (18th August) and from 9am to 4pm on Saturday (20th August) with tickets available for both home and away fans.

Fans should note that the cut-off point for positing tickets will be Thursday. All tickets posted will be, where possible, recorded delivery. If this is not suitable and tickets are requested to be sent first class, Motherwell Football Club cannot accept responsibility for tickets not arriving in the mail in time for the match.

Telephone bookings for collection at the ground will be open until 4pm on Saturday. Tickets can be collected on the day of the match but the club would urge fans to pick up prior to 12 noon to avoid long queues and delays. Unfortunately, the club cannot take telephone orders on the actual day of the match.

Tickets are priced at:

• Concessions are listed as Over 60s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation card.
• Juveniles are listed as Under 16s.
• Family tickets consist of 1x Adult and 1x Juvenile.
• The cheaper ticket is for the East Stand only.
• If you are new to Fir Park, check our handy ‘New Fans’ section that will detail everything you need to know about matchdays.
• Fans who require wheelchair access should contact John McCaskie on 01555 870122 or email sharon.mccaskie@sky.com.

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 a genuine player-issue 2010/11 training top worn by defenders Shaun Hutchinson and Stephen Craigan.

There is also a Scottish Cup Final Substitutes top, complete with embroidery and a pair of Jamie Murphy’s signed Nike (Total Ninety) matchworn boots.

From Stephen Craigan’s Testimonial, not only do we have two signed matchday programmes, but the skipper’s match shirt. The winning bidder will be asked to provide a daytime contact number whereby they will receive a call from Stephen Craigan and invited to attend Fir Park, at a suitable time for everyone, whereby they will be presented with the kit by the man himself!

At this meeting Stephen will sign the shirt, with the winning bidder also encouraged to bring their camera so the presentation can be captured for posterity.

A fantastic and unique lot, no doubt!

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 333 333 or email bid@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Standard eBay terms and conditions apply to any purchases.

Motherwell FC has formed an innovative new partnership with Breathing Space – the helpline and website for people in Scotland who are feeling low or depressed.

The new football season kicked-off with the club’s first team players displaying the Breathing Space logo on their jerseys, highlighting the Steelmen’s passion and commitment to raising awareness of the importance of good mental health.

Breathing Space messages will be displayed on home match days and key players and representatives of the club, including Scottish cup winning legend Stevie Kirk, will be ambassadors for the service.

Two games will also be dedicated to Breathing Space, with the players wearing Breathing Space T-shirts in warm-up sessions, announcements made within Fir Park Stadium, and information and promotional materials given out to supporters.

[pullquote]This new partnership is testament to the commitment of Motherwell Football Club in addressing mental health issues both in Lanarkshire and all over Scotland.[/pullquote]

Motherwell FC has, over the years, taken an active role in promoting mental health issues, as the club itself has been touched by suicide.

“Research shows that 70% of people who complete suicide haven’t been in contact with any support services and a significant number of those who complete suicide are men,” said Tony McLaren, Breathing Space National Coordinator.

“Breathing Space is a crucial service for Scotland, which has double the suicide rate of England and Wales per 100,000 of the population. This new partnership is testament to the commitment of Motherwell Football Club in addressing mental health issues both in Lanarkshire and all over Scotland,” explained Tony.

As a club, Motherwell has been involved in a number of important mental health initiatives, including partnerships with ‘See me’, ‘Choose Life’ and ‘Steps for Stress’, in addition to a wide range of community programmes, to establish itself as Scotland’s premier Community Club.

“We are delighted to be in partnership with Breathing Space, which is such an important service for individuals affected by low mood or depression. Using our profile to raise awareness of this service is a positive step towards improving the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland,” said Stuart McCall, Motherwell Manager.

Breathing Space is a free and confidential phone and web based service for any individual who is experiencing low mood or depression, or who is unusually worried and in need of someone to talk to. Calls to the service exceed 7,000 each month, with calls relating to a wide range of issues including relationship difficulties, stress at work, bereavement, isolation, loneliness and suicide.

Because many people suffering from low mood and depression feel particularly bad in the evenings, the lines are open from 6pm to 2am Monday to Thursday and 6pm on Friday to Monday 6am. For emotional support, talk in confidence with trained advisors by calling Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or visit www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk.

A British Sign Language service can be accessed from the website.

Breathing Space is also partnered with Macmillan Cancer Support, Scottish Huntington’s Association and the Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

Craig Thomson is the man in charge for Sunday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Rangers at Fir Park.

39-year old Thomson, considered to be one of the best officials on the FIFA list, has yet to officiate a Motherwell match this season although he has already handled Celtic’s 5-1 demolishing of Dundee United at Celtic Park last weekend.

He will be a familiar face to Fir Park fans having been a top-flight official for almost a decade and taking charge of three league matches last season.

Thomson was the man in the middle for the SPL opener against Hibs when goals from John Sutton and Jamie Murphy wasn’t enough as Hibs ran out 3-2 winners thanks to goals from Antony Stokes, Paul Hanlon and Liam Miller.

His next appointment was the 1-0 home defeat by Hamilton Accies in the Lanarkshire derby. Then Accies striker Nigel Hasselbaink separated the sides with a 15th minute curler from the edge of the box.

Most recently, he took charge of the 0-0 draw with Hearts last April when an unfamiliar ‘Well side did well to take a point at Tynecastle.

His record in charge of the Steelmen is mixed with nine wins, fourteen defeats and seven draws from 30 matches

Not included in that list was the 2007/08 Scottish Cup fourth round replay win against Hearts at Fir Park, when he replaced the injured Stuart Dougal midway through the second-half.

In those games, Motherwell have scored 39 and conceded 40. 107 players have gone into the book, 51 were wearing claret and amber, while four players, including Stephen Craigan, have been dismissed. The skipper saw red in the 2-0 Scottish Cup defeat to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park six years ago.

Thomson will be ably assisted by Andy Tait and Raymond White with George Salmond on fourth official duties. Referee Observer will be Brian Cassidy with George Douglas as SPL delegate.