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Craig Thomson is the man in charge of this Saturday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Hearts at Tynecastle.

Thomson, fresh from his midweek match at the Nou Camp, is a familiar face to Motherwell fans having already taken charge of the league opener against Hibs (3-2 defeat) and the 1-0 home defeat by Hamilton Accies. He was alos the man in the middle for five ‘Well games last season.

The whistler was the man in charge for the first Lanarkshire derby of last season when Jim Gannon’s side were held to a 2-2 draw by ten-man Hamilton Accies last November.

He was also the man in the middle for the 6-1 demolition at Ibrox in late December as Gannon’s reign as boss was coming to an end.

He oversaw the 3-0 away victory at Rugby Park in Craig Brown’s first full game in charge and the excellent 2-1 away win at McDiarmid Park. His fifth game was another sour note though as Stephen Pressley’s Falkirk came to Fir Park and ran out 1-0 winners courtesy of Ryan Flynn’s 27th minute strike

His record in charge of the Steelmen is mixed with nine wins, fourteen defeats and six draws.

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 29 games, Motherwell have scored 39 and conceded 40. 104 players have gone into the book, 50 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 Alasdair Ross and Lawrence Kerrigan with Anthony Law on fourth official duties.

Keith Lasley has called on battle-weary Motherwell to provide one more push in order to finally secure top-six football after the SPL split.

At the moment Inverness Caledonian Thistle would need seven points from their remaining three games to usurp ‘Well in sixth spot – should Motherwell lose at Tynecastle on Saturday – but a win against Hearts would mathematically confirm a top-half berth for McCall’s men.

But it will undoubtedly take one more almighty effort after a brave defensive showing against Dundee United secured a 2-1 victory – despite the hosts visibly tiring towards the end of the encounter.

“You saw how much we wanted that result tonight,” Lasley praised after a frenetic finish, during which Darren Randolph had to make a wonderful save to deny David Goodwillie an equaliser. “We know how big that was for us.

“We want to stay in the top-six and tonight was a massive three-points for that. But we are well aware that it might not be enough – Saturday (against Hearts) is a great opportunity to officially secure top-six and it means we don’t need to worry about what Caley Thistle do.”

With key players Jennings, Jeffers, Hammell and Gunning all missing McCall’s squad was patently down to the bare bones, and his lack of experienced, fit options on the bench was borne out by the fact he didn’t make his first substitution until the 90th minute.

This meant the players on the pitch had to endure a stamina-busting encounter on a very heavy, rain-soaked pitch – while Dundee United had the luxury of bringing on Jon Daly, Garry Kenneth and Danny Swanson as they bombarded Darren Randolph’s goal-mouth.

Infact, all things considered, it was a heroic victory for ‘Well’s knackered stars, who erected an impassable – albeit weary – defensive wall in the closing stages.

“We were maybe a wee bit lucky to take three points today.” Lasley admitted. “There wasn’t much in it in the first half but we managed to nick the first goal which is always vital in this league. The second goal gave us a bit of a cushion.

“But we knew United would come back at us – they are a good side on a great run in the league. We knew they would throw everything at us, and they did; maybe on another day they would have got the draw.

“I was running on empty and we’ve had a few other guys injured that have been playing who we couldn’t select. We’ve got a few boys playing through the pain but it’s a crucial part of the season and we all want to be out there.

“You saw towards the end that we were starting to tire a little bit, but we’ll recharge for Saturday which is another massive game.”

Stuart McCall hailed his brave Motherwell side after watching the Steelmen pick up a nervy three points in the driving rain at Fir Park.

‘Well were two goals to the good after first-half strikes from Jamie Murphy and Chris Humphrey, but had to endure concerted United pressure in second period – with Peter Houston referring to it as ‘like the Alamo.’

Despite some fraught nerves at the end McCall was exceedingly proud of his threadbare squad.

“The effort tonight was absolutely outstanding,” the boss praised. “We were hanging on towards the end; there’s no doubt about it. But we fought hard and it is a huge win. I said before the game that it didn’t matter how we got it – the main thing was the three points.

“It was Saunders’ first game back for a month, Maurice (Ross) has played two full matches back-to-back after not playing since November, Forbes has come in to start too. Sutty was on his last legs towards the end. 

“And you can look at the four lads in the stands; Jennings, Jeffers, Gunning and Hammell, and you can see the talent we were missing. I did look to the bench but we only really had kids fit and that would have been a very difficult environment to throw them into. 

“We were playing a side, tonight, who have just gone to Ibrox and scored three goals and were on a brilliant winning run in the league. They are a very good side, with excellent players so this was a top result for us.”

It is a victory which brings McCall’s side very close to securing their top-six participationafter the SPL split.

If the Steelmen defeat Hearts this weekend or Inverness Caledonian Thistle are beaten at Rugby Park then Motherwell are guaranteed top-half football. While even a point at Tynecastle would mean Terry Butcher’s men have to win all three of their remaining fixtures to deny McCall’s troops.

Even defeat in Gorgie would still mean the Highlanders would require seven points from three matches – one of which is against Celtic.

“They (ICT) still have nine points to play for and I wouldn’t put it past big Terry to drive them on,” the ‘Well gaffer insisted, refusing to suggest a top-half finish was assured. “But we are in a terrific position.

“The lads are in tomorrow and there will be no resting on their laurels ahead of the weekend. We go to Hearts and we will have to give another big effort. After that, thankfully we have seven days to rest up and recuperate – and be ready for the Scottish Cup semi-final.”

The gaffer was clearly reluctant to single out any players after a heroic team effort, but he did praise the goal-scorers and keeper Darren Randolph.

Indeed, Randolph’s contribution was every bit as vital as the goals from Murphy and Humphrey, with the talented stopper’s stunning save from David Goodwillie deep into injury time securing the three points. 

“Daz has pulled off a brilliant save from Goodwillie at the end when we were hanging on a bit,” McCall acknowledged. “And you can see Chris Humphrey is a player with bags of confidence at the moment. We left him out for a couple of weeks to recharge his batteries and he’s come out flying.

“It was great to see young Murphy get a goal as well, and he created United a few problems throughout the night.”

Pictures from the 2-1 win over Dundee Utd 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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Alan Temple at Fir Park

Motherwell notched their second victory over Dundee United in seven days with a brave 2-1 win at Fir Park.

Jamie Murphy enlivened what had been a fairly low-key first half as he drove home a splendid effort from what seemed like an impossible angle.

The home side made it two when Chris Humphrey skinned Paul Dixon before firing in a low shot which deflected into the net off the unfortunate Sean Dillon, making it three goals in as many games for the in-form ‘Well flyer.

A nervy finish was ensured when Johnny Russell flicked home a near-post header from a Paul Dixon corner, but – despite some anxious moments, including a match-winning Darren Randolph save – McCall’s men held on manfully for three precious points.

Remarkably, trips to Fir Park now account for four of Dundee United’s six away defeats in domestic matters this season – with Peter Houston presumably sick of the sight of North Lanarkshire.

Stuart McCall has previously bemoaned his side’s lack of consistency, but the Steelmen’s Fir Park form going into this clash was exemplary, having won three consecutive home matches in the SPL.

In the quest to make it four on the trot McCall made three changes to the side which defeated Aberdeen at the weekend, with Ross Forbes and Stephen Craigan coming in for Steve Jones and Gavin Gunning. Stevie Saunders also made his return to first-team duty, replacing Stevie Hammell.

The Arabs were also coming into this vital encounter on the back of an impressive weekend result, having defeated the defending champions, Rangers, in their own back yard – a thoroughly impressive response to their Scottish Cup elimination at the hands of Motherwell last week.

Peter Houston made two changes to the side which triumphed at Ibrox, with Craig Conway coming in for Danny Swanson and Scott Severin starting in place of Barry Douglas – Severin’s first start since 23rd October, ironically a 2-1 defeat against Motherwell.

The opening stages could hardly have been more different from the blistering start made by ‘Well seven days previous, with both sides struggling for any sense of urgency or vibrancy. Indeed, it took 15 minutes for either side to notch anything approaching a shot on goal, with Johnny Russell firing straight into the arms of Darren Randolph from 18 yards.

That half-chance seemed to spark the home side into life and Jamie Murphy created a decent chance for John Sutton. The Scotland under-21 starlet sailed past Keith Watson before teeing up the ‘Well striker, but his point-blank effort was well blocked by the scrambling Sean Dillon.

Sutton’s chance was a forbearer for the Steelmen’s opener, and once again the electric Murphy was at the heart. The 21-year old latched onto a poor clearance following a Ross Forbes cross, and proceeded to burst past to United defenders and beat Dušan Perniš from an astoundingly acute angle – the in-form wide-man’s eleventh goal of a prolific campaign.

And Motherwell doubled their advantage with five minutes to go until the break – and it was a case of déjà vu all over again, with exactly the same goal scorers as first-half of the cup encounter a week ago – as Chris Humphrey added to Jamie Murphy’s opener.

The Jamaican-born winger took a stunning first touch from a long diagonal pass to absolutely skin the toiling Paul Dixon on the right-flank. He cut inside toward the United box and his low drilled effort cannoned over the despairing Perniš, via Sean Dillon.

It was an admittedly lucky finish, but the least the winger deserved from a scintillating run.

The Arabs were, once again, struggling to impose themselves at Fir Park, but they did register one decent effort, with Craig Conway lashing a free-kick wide from 25 yards. However, it looked as though big Darren Randolph had it covered.

Over the half-time interval the skies of North Lanarkshire endeavoured to open, ensuring testing conditions for the second period – and in the wind and rain Dundee United attempted to piece together a comeback.

Firstly, Johnny Russell looped a shot just wide from the edge of the box following some neat interplay down the left between Paul Dixon and Craig Conway. That was immediately followed by a Russell volley wide of goal from 20 yards, after Darren Randolph punched a cross straight to the United youngster.

With less than ten minutes played in the second half it was Scott Robertson’s turn to come close for the Arabs. The United captain latched on to a David Goodwillie pass, and his low drive was well parried by Darren Randolph, preserving the two-goal cushion.

The relentless wind and rain were making conditions fairly treacherous, with United keeper Perniš seemingly having the most trouble with the weather, misjudging several clearances and making one particularly comical fumble of a simple long ball.

As the half progressed there was a distinct lack of fluency – something which very much suited the home side.

Yet the whipping gusts aided the Arabs attempts to get back into the match as Paul Dixon’s ferocious corner kick caught the gale, producing a massively swerving in-swinging delivery which was flicked into the net by Johnny Russell.

Moments later the visitors were almost level as Danny Swanson latched on to an incisive through-ball before driving a decent low shot towards the far corner of the net, but Darren Randolph was on hand to parry wide superbly.

‘Well had to defend for their lives in the closing stages as the Arabs piled men forward, and Darren Randolph made a magnificent point-blank save to deny David Goodwillie in injury-time – and effectively secure the win for the hosts.

A third consecutive victory ensures that a top-six place is now tantalisingly close for ‘Well. If the Steelmen defeat Hearts this weekend or Inverness Caledonian Thistle are beaten at Rugby Park then Motherwell are guaranteed top-half football after the split. While even a point at Tynecastle would mean Terry Butcher’s men have to win all three of their remaining fixtures to deny McCall’s troops.

[tab:As it happened]

Graham Barnstaple at Fir Park

Full Time – 2-1 Well, seven points ahead of ICT in race for top six.

92mins – Randolph makes a stiunning point blank save to secure three points.

90mins – Two minutes being added on and Page on for Forbes.

87mins – We look as though we are dead on our feet but there is some determined , dogged play going on out there.

85mins – 5 to go and Well fans getting nervous as we struggle for any posession!

80mins – GOAL to United, Dixon’s corner headed in at the front post by Russell, Randolh then denies Swanson when he is clean through.

65mins – final change for United Conway off and replaced by Jon Daly.

62mins – Pernis makes an over flamboyant save from a Hateley free kick.

59mins – Another United change, with Swanson on for David Robertson, they are now playing with three up at all times.

55mins – Crowd is 3435, almost 5000 less than last week!

53mins – first chance of half to United, Scott Roertson’s low drive from 18 yards denied by fine diving save from Randolph.

50mins – Gavin Gunning has just appeared in the Director’s Box with his right arm in a sling.

49mins –  United sub, Kenneth on for Keith Watson who didn’t look happy with the decision.

46mins – Second half underway, with the rain now sweeping across the ground.

Half time – 2-0 Well, not as scintillating as last week but it’ll do!!

41mins – If it stays as a Humphrey goal that is three in three games, he is on fire!!

41mins – GOAL – 2-0, Humphrey skins Dixon 35 yards out, races into the ox and his shot from 15 yards is deflected over a stranded Pernis.

27mins – That’s Murphy’s eleventh goal of the season, three behind John Sutton.

26mins – GOAL – Murphy skips past two defenders and then appears to run along the bye line before somehow squeezing in from tight angle.

22mins – Humphrey shot from edge of the box blocked, after United fail to deal with a corner .

16mins – first shot of the game, Russell out paces Cragian but his shot from 20 yards is easy for Randolph to gather.

1min – Maurice Ross is at left back with Steven Saunders at right back, Ross Forbes wide on the left, that’s the changes from Sat.

1min – Ref Stevie O’Reilly gets the match underway with United kicking off, and we are shooting into the South Stand.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“That result is outstanding as Dundee United are an excellent side. They’ve won six league games on the bounce, beating Rangers at Ibrox, and they have quality players.

“We had four regulars out and we had lads running on empty in the last 15-20 minutes. But we hung in there.

“A team as good as Dundee United are going to have spells in the game. You’ve got to accept that and you have to defend well when they do.

“And we did that ever so well. We got some great blocks in and big Daz made some great saves. We got home through grit, determination and desire.

“It’s disappointing to lose a goal from a set-piece but when you look at Garry Kenneth, Scott Severin and Jon Daly – they are a big, big side.”

Dundee Utd manager Peter Houston:

“You can’t afford to give a team like Motherwell a two goal start and that is exactly what happened today again. It was poor, poor defending at both goals.

“The first is from their first attack; they’ve never really been up the bar. A ball down the touchline, we try to be smart instead of clearing it, Forbes gets it to Murphy who does well to score.

“The second, Dixon rushes out to Humphrey, he flicks it round him. You ask players to get tight but not as tight as that. It then takes a wicked deflection over the keeper and we’re 2-0 down.

“The last hour we battered them and had enough chances to win the game. Pleased with the second half performance but once again we leave Fir Park with nothing.”

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Darren Randolph admits that Motherwell are wary of Dundee United backlash when Peter Houston’s side visit Fir Park on Wednesday.

The big stopper was surprisingly untroubled the last time the Arabs came to Lanarkshire seven days ago and Randolph has acknowledged that United will be desperate to make amends for the poor show which saw them relinquish their grip on the Scottish Cup.

“You could see from their win over Rangers on Saturday how good they can be,” the Irishman admitted. “We know they weren’t at their best last week but we fully expect them to come here tomorrow and put in a very different performance.

“Peter Houston will be looking for a reaction. They’ll start fast and try to not give us any time on the ball. We know that is how they will play and it is up to us to counter that and make sure we are the side which comes out determined and plays the game we want to play.”

The top-six berth which everyone at Fir Park has targeted is now mouth-wateringly close after the splendid 2-1 win over Aberdeen at the weekend, and a win over United could put ‘Well in a great position in a tight race to earn that top-half spot.

However, much depends on the form of Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who have one game in hand, and it looks as though a thrilling chase will go down to the final couple of games.

“It’s very tight, and we know Inverness have a game in hand,” in-form Randolph conceded. “But it is in our own hands. If we win both of them (against United and Hearts) then it really doesn’t matter what they do.

“We’ve been in and around the top-six all season so it would be a massive disappointment to drop out in the final couple of weeks of the season. The football we are capable of playing is definitely worthy of the top-half I think, so I think it is a must.”

Randolph, as a vital member of the first-team squad, is very conscious of the potential repercussions of the Steelmen not finishing in the top-six this campaign – particularly in terms of the retention of the squad.

With a number of players’ contracts expiring in the summer – including star players Steve Jennings and John Sutton – a high finish in the SPL, allied with a fairytale run to the cup final, could prove to be a massive boost in the club’s efforts to keep a talented squad together.

The former Charlton keeper confessed: “There will be interest in a few of our players because many of them have done so well through this season. But we are determined to keep our squad together for next season.

“Top-half means more TV money, bigger crowds and the higher you finish in the table the more money you receive. So we’ll be pushing to finish as high as possible and hopefully keep our team together for the next campaign.”

Stuart McCall has targeted a second win over Dundee United in the space of seven days, after acknowledging that ‘Well are in the midst of one of the tightest top-six battle in the history of the SPL.

With just a couple of game left until the split, the Steelmen and Inverness Caledonian Thistle, along with St Johnstone, Hibernian and Aberdeen, are locked in a fascinating battle for the final spot in the top-half, and the ‘Well gaffers knows the race will go down to the wire.

“We’ve got two really tough games to come,” the Motherwell gaffer admitted. “Dundee United and Hearts are two extremely difficult games and we are in a difficult situation because, who knows, the points total we have now could get us into the top six – or we may need to win both games.

“After Saturday, Inverness will still have two games to play, so nothing is sure unless we go out and win our last two games. But tomorrow’s match is massive for us and it’s good to be in there fighting for that last spot.

“We have had three consecutive home wins – big wins too; Dundee United, Celtic and Aberdeen – so we want to make it a fourth, but we know exactly how difficult that will be.”

The ‘Well gaffer is under no illusions over what a tough task is in store for his side as the Arabs – on the back of a sensational 3-2 win at Ibrox – come to North Lanarkshire for the second time in a week.

Motherwell knocked United out of the Scottish Cup on that occasion with a simply blistering display in front of a raucous Fir Park faithful – but McCall expects the men in Tangerine to be hunting for revenge on Wednesday.

“I watched Dundee United at Ibrox at the weekend and they were superb,” the 46-year old praised. “To go there after the Cup disappointment and score three goals and get a win shows the spirit in their side and the quality which we know that they have.

“It was interesting after last week; the players and manager all acknowledged that they didn’t really turn up – so they will definitely turn up this time. I think they are a terrific side, who have some terrific individual players. The other night I thought we were really at it and didn’t let their good players perform, but we know they will have gained plenty of confidence from their weekend win.”

The former Everton midfielder was brutally honest about his side’s injury situation ahead of the crucial clash with Peter Houston’s Arabs.

‘Well have coped admirably with a series of injury blows during McCall’s tenure – especially given the squad’s modest numbers – and it seems the club’s numbers will be stretched to their limits again.

McCall, in typically honest form, said: “We’re struggling for personnel. Jeffers will definitely be out; as will Gavin Gunning. There are a couple of others who are touch and go too. I haven’t named the side yet because I don’t know who will be available for the game. We are down to the bare bones but I have faith in the players who would potentially come in.

“Three games in a week is tough for the lads and we really don’t want to risk having players out for three or four weeks – so we’ll be careful.”

Referee for Wednesday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Dundee Utd is the familiar face of Stevie O’Reilly.

Incredibly, O’Reilly will be handling his fifth Motherwell game of the current campaign after previously overseeing the 1-1 draw with Aberdeen at Fir Park back in September, the 1-2 home defeat by Hearts in December, the New Years Day draw with Hamilton at New Douglas Park and the 1-0 home defeat by Kilmarnock in early February.

It’s been a busy old season for the 44-year-old, who was promoted to the Category 1 list some five years ago. Tonight will be his fourteenth Scottish Premier League game of the current campaign. He was also the man in the middle for Aberdeen’s 2-1 Co-operative Insurance Cup Quarter Final win over Falkirk at Pittodrie and, more recently, Celtic’s 2-0 home win against Lanarkshire neighbours Hamilton Accies.

As a relative newcomer to top-flight officiating, O’Reilly has never handled a Motherwell versus Dundee Utd encounter. Despite taking charge of the Steelmen so often this term, surprisingly, this will be his first in charge of a Dundee Utd game so far in 2010/11.

O’Reilly’s overall record in charge of ‘Well games is a bit of a mixed bag. Of the six games has taken charge, Motherwell have won only won, drawn one and lost four. Eight goals have been scored whilst, nine have been conceded. Fourteen players have been cautioned in those six games; four were wearing Claret and Amber with just one sending off, Steve Jennings in the game against Hearts back in December.

Stevie will be ably assisted by Tommy Johnston and Alan Mulvanny with Bobby Madden on fourth official duties.

Motherwell FC is delighted to offer a fantastic package for fans wishing to travel to Hampden with the club for the Scottish Cup Semi Final.

Excitement is already building and with ticket information already released, the club is thrilled to detail the following two packages for supporters wishing to travel in style to the big game.

The Centenary Package

• Start the day with a buffet breakfast served in the Centenary Suite as well as a pay bar facility (licensed from 9am).
• Coach transport from the Davie Cooper Stand to Hampden Park.
• Your match ticket in Section O of the South Stand.
• Coach return back to Fir Park after the match.

Price: £60

Fans should also note that the Davie Cooper bar will be open (licenced from 9am) with an official bus service leaving approx 11.15am. Fans wishing to purchase a seat on the bus can do so for just £5.

If you want further information on either package or would like to book your seat (space is limited), then contact Commercial Manager Diane Harvey on 01698 338062 or email commercial@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Vote for your Scottish Cup quarter-final Player of the Round and be in with the chance of winning a pair of tickets to the semi-final match.

The poll will closes on Wednesday, 6 April at midday.

To vote, visit: http://www.facebook.com/scottishcup and click Player of the Round on the left menu.

Good luck!