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[tab:Match report]

Alan Temple at Hampden

Motherwell reached the final of the Scottish Cup with a sensational display against St Johnstone at Hampden this afternoon.

It’s the Steelmen’s first final in this competition since they won the  trophy back in ’91, and the ‘Well fans will be hoping that is an omen, as the claret and amber hordes prepare to march upon Mount Florida once more on May 21st.

Fittingly, it was Motherwell legend and club captain Stephen Craigan who started the rout, heading past Peter Enckleman after a pinpoint Tom Hateley cross.

The Saints defence completely failed to deal with the superb Jamie Murphy throughout the game, and the Scotland under-21 star made it 2-0 with just 14 minutes on the clock, firing brilliantly past Enckleman.

The game was effectively ended as a contest in the most spectacular manner, as John Sutton lashed home a brilliant 30-yard drive.

Keith Lasley, Jamie Murphy and John Sutton also came close in a match which could have provided an even more comprehensive score-line. Murray Davidson and Danny Invincible came closest for the Saints, who worked diligently until the final whistle, but were unable to penetrate the stubborn ‘Well rearguard.

Motherwell come into this mammoth encounter on the back of a superb run of form, having gone four matches unbeaten and clinched top-six football in the preceding few weeks.

So, unsurprisingly Stuart McCall was keen to continue the momentum and go for the jugular from the outset, selecting an adventurous 4-4-2, with Chris Humphrey and quarter-final ‘Player of the Round’ Jamie Murphy attacking the wide expanses of Hampden.

There was a more cautious approach from a St Johnstone side who had only scored once in their previous eight SPL matches – and that was an own-goal – with Collin Samuel leading the line up front on his own. Captain Jody Morris returned from injury, while Michael Duberry also started at the heart of the Saints’ defence.

Despite the Saints’ chronic lack of recent goals they came out of the blocks firmly on the offensive, and within two minutes Darren Randolph had to be at his brilliant best. Danny Invincible powerfully headed an in-swinging cross towards goal, and the big Irishman had to stretch to tip the effort safely over the bar.

It was a warning which the Steelmen clearly heeded, because within a couple of minutes the men in claret and amber were in front. It came through the simplest route possible; a superb bending corner by Tom Hateley which left Peter Enckleman grasping at thin air, and ‘Well captain Stephen Craigan powered home a header at the back-post.

Ten minutes later Motherwell doubled their advantage, as Jamie Murphy weaved his magic at Hampden. The former Scotland under-21 international cut in from the left flank, evaded two challenges, and fired low past the helpless Enckleman.

Derek McInnes’ side pushed desperately to find a way back into the game, with Murray Davidson coming close with a ferocious 25 yard effort, although Randolph appeared to have to drive covered.

For all St. Johnstone’s endeavour and possession, Motherwell were still looking vibrant and dangerous going forward. This was illustrated as Francis Jeffers linked up beautifully with Keith Lasley, with the latter firing just wide from inside the area.

And the men in claret and amber made it 3-0 five minutes before the break as John Sutton lashed home a spectacular 30-yard volley past a flat-footed Peter Enckleman, all but assuring Motherwell’s place in the final by the end of the first half.

John Sutton then curled a good effort inches wide of the post as the Steelmen ended the half firmly in the ascendancy.

As expected, St Johnstone were sent out for the second period with a flea in their ear, and enjoyed much of the early possession, and they threatened in the early stages of the half through a Danny Grainger free-kick which was well held by Darren Randolph.

That was immediately followed by a Murray Davidson shot, which was well turned over the bar by the ‘Well keeper, performing to his usual exemplary standards.

A terrific defensive effort from Stuart McCall’s side managed to weather the Saints storm until the 80th minute, when Murray Davidson – the Perthshire side’s most impressive performer – managed to finally beat Randolph, only to see his header crash off the bar.

That would prove to be the final measure of resistance from St Johnstone as the game petered out to a 3-0 score-line; and Motherwell will be back for the final in May.

[tab:As it happened]

Graham Barnstaple at Hampden

Full time – 3-0, When the Well go up to lift the Scottish Cup we’ll be there!!!

90mins – Three minutes of stoppage time to go before the celebrations can really begin.

84mins – Crowd today is 11920, good turn out from ‘Well as it looks as though about 7000 is in Claret and Amber.

83mins – Just under 10 to go and we are almost there, Saints fans are leaving and Well fans are finding their voice.

81mins – Davidson hits the bar with a header from a corner, then Craig booked for a tackle from behind on Lasley .

78mins – Jones comes on for Humphrey.

75mins – Maurice Ross on for Jennings, he goes to right back and Hateley into midfield.

73mins – Big shout for a Saints pen as May goes down in a challenge from Hammell, Brines waves away the appeal. Think he got it just about right judging by the TV pictures we have.

66mins – Obligatory Yellow for Jennings – the new Nick Cusack? McHugh coming on for Jeffers, Steven May on for Saint.

56mins – Another fine save from Randolph this time from a long range shot from Davidson that he turns over the bar.

50mins – Robertson’s first involvement is to be shown yellow for a late, high challenge on Hutchinson.

46mins – Second half underway – no changes for Well, one for Saints Samuel off and Jordan Robertson on.

Half time 3-0 – Rapturous applause from Well fans, Saints fans booing!! Well deserved lead.

45mins – One minute being added on.

42mins – Well fans singing “Are you watching Craig Brown!!” I imagine he probably is!

39mins – That brought back memories of O’Neill in the 1991’s Semi Final!!

39mins – GOOOOOAALLLLLL – 3-0!! Sutton picks ball up 30 yards out turns and his volley can only be turned in by Enckelman!!!! 😉

35mins – Jeffers rolls ball to Murphy, surging 40 yards run ends with a 15 yard shot just wide.

33mins – Duberry yellow for a late challenge on Lasley.

31mins – Jeffers combines with Lasley in the box, Keith leaves a defender in his wake but shoots just wide from an acute angle.

25mins – Craigan’s goal is his first since April 2006, he scored against Dunfermline in the SPL then! FIVE years.

23mins – Murray Davidson shot just over from about 25 yards out. Randolph had it covered though.

14mins – Murphy’s 12th goal of the season.

14mins – GOOOOAAAAALLLLLL – 2-0, Murphy cuts in from left weaves to the edge of the box and smashes a low shot into bottom right corner.

4mins – Crags first goal of the season, what a time to get it!!

4mins – GOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL – Hateley corner swung into six yard box, Craigan heads in unmarked.

3mins – Game underway, Saints on front foot in the opening minute or two….with Randolph having to tip an Invincible header over.

1mins – Saints kick-off.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“It was a great result; I looked at the clock and there were 25-30 minutes gone and we were 2-0 up but had not really played.

“We got a goal from a set piece and then a bit of magic from Jamie Murphy. The third goal was fantastic.

“I’m delighted to be through, we can play better but at the times it counted, we were very good.

“I thought it was a competent display, good energy, willingness for each other and if you don’t put the hard work in, you don’t get anything so I’m delighted for every on of them.

“I’ll let them have a shandy tonight, I’ll let the staff have a couple of shandies.

“For eveyone, the supporters, the staff, the players, we’ve got to enjoy the moment and we’ve got a cup final to look forward to but, prior to that, we’ve got five great games in the SPL.”

 St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes:

“Today of all days to be so poor defensively as we were in the first 45 minutes, very rarely do you get away with defending in the manner we did.

“Motherwell will feel their forward players were inspirational at times, the third goal was an instinctive strike but we failed to deal with the first header.

“The second goal was a catalogue of errors and to lose a goal from a set-piece is very unlike us. All that combined made it a difficult afternoon.”

“You are always learning about your players and mentalities when it comes to the business end, can you make that stride to be successful?

“Some of them were exactly how we expected, some of them didn’t do as well as they can. I know the ones who I can hang my hat on and trust if I get back to his stage again as a manager and St Johnstone get back to this stage.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Top-scorer John Sutton hopes to lead by example in tomorrow’s Scottish Cup Semi Final at Hampden.

Much has been made of the youthful nature of Motherwell’s squad. In the likes of Tom Hateley, Shaun Hutchison and Jamie Murphy, the Steelmen have young players in pivotal roles, but in John Sutton they have also have an experienced campaigner – one with the taste for the big occasion.

Sutton has played in a cup final with St Mirren and has impressed against Odense for ‘Well – which was, until this Saturday, the club’s biggest game in many years – but now he wants to defeat St Johnstone and earn a place in what, he admits, would be the biggest game of his life.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play in a few big games over the course of my career so far,” recalled the 27-year old, who has been in super form in recent weeks. “The match against Odense which could have seen Motherwell qualify for the Europa League group phase was huge and playing in the [Challenge] Cup final with St Mirren was very special to me.

“But this match will be well up there; if not the biggest. I just hope this match leads on to an even bigger match and even more special occasion: a Scottish Cup final.

“It’s nice to be scoring goals, but the most important thing is that the team is playing well. It doesn’t matter whether I’m scoring, assisting or just working hard and helping the team out. The only thing that matters is results and thankfully the results have been good.

“As well as reaching this semi-final we have reached the top-six, which was our benchmark at the beginning of the season.

“This match, along with our league achievements, gives us a great opportunity to do something very special this campaign.

The anticipation and fervour of Scottish Cup semi-final week is a long way from the difficult run of form and tumultuous off-the-field matters which defined a difficult festive period for the club.

Many felt the Motherwell were a sinking ship, but they have bounced back and, despite only being in charge for a little over four months, Stuart McCall has managed to impose his own style and beliefs on the squad and guide them to top-six football and a Scottish Cup semi-final.

And Sutton never doubted that ‘Well would bounce back: “We have always done better when people have written us off.

“A few managers have come and gone and everyone seems to say ‘Oh, this is Motherwell on the way out,’ yet we always prove the doubters wrong.

“The manager came into a very difficult situation. At the start of the season we were fairly clear in third place in the SPL and then we dropped like a stone. I think we’ve done well to turn that round and stay in the top-six, but in many ways I think the season could be defined on Saturday.

“Hopefully we can keep proving people wrong and have a good ending to the season. If we can squeeze past St. Johnstone I think, after everything that has happened, we’ll look back on a very successful year.

“You see Kirky (Stevie Kirk) and other lads from that ’91 team around the club most days – maybe that can be us.”

Motherwell will close the season with a final day visit to Celtic as the post-split fixtures were announced today.

The Steelmen have two matches at home; versus Rangers on April 30th with 12pm kick-off live on ESPN and Kilmarnock on Wednesday 11th May, kick-off 7.45pm.

That means away trips to Hearts on 23rd April, Dundee United on 7th May then the season finale at Celtic Park on Sunday 15th May – kick-off 12.30pm.

>> Full Fixture List

Motherwell fans travelling on official buses from Fir Park should be aware of the following important information.

When you arrive at Fir Park the Davie Cooper Bar will be open from 9am. However, fans should note that entry will be on a first-come-first-served basis with places in the lounge limited.

You will notice that your bus number is printed on your ticket – this is the ticket you should present to the driver upon boarding (Buses will leave at 11am prompt).

Please ensure that you retain your bus ticket as you’ll need it to get back on the buses when leaving Hampden for Fir Park (Buses will leave at 3.15pm prompt). It is also important that you return on the same bus as you arrived in – again, the number will be clearly marked on the ticket.

Finally, please be aware that absolutely no alcohol will be permitted on any buses under any circumstances.

PICK UP POINTS

(CLICK MAP ABOVE FOR LARGE PLAN)-

Buses 1 – 4 to pick up point, Centenary Suite, Phil O’Donnell Stand, Fir Park Street

Buses 5 – 9 to pick up point, Edward Street (in front of Fir Park Club)

Buses 10, 11 and 12 to pick up point Fir Park Street (in front of Chapman Building)

Buses 13, 14, 15 and 16 to pick up point, Knowetop Avenue from Davie Cooper Stand back to Dalzell Drive

Buses 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 (5 double deckers) to pick up point, Knowetop Avenue (directly behind Fir Park Club)

EVERY BUS WILL BE CLEARLY NUMBERED

THE DAVIE COOPER BAR

For safety reasons, all drinks purchased from the Davie Cooper Bar will be served in plastic tumblers. Due to the high volume of fans expected on Saturday morning, we’d ask that you be patient, we’re working on a first come / first served basis but you WILL get served!

The Davie Cooper Suite will be open on our return from Hampden with entertainment in the form of Karaoke and a DJ.

DAVIE COOPER STAND CONCOURSE

Due to the volume of fans expected on Saturday morning, the Davie Cooper Concourse will be OPEN for shelter and the additional toilet facilities. Stewards will be on duty to ensure your safety and assist with any questions you may have.

This area will host an ‘Information Point’ where details of your bus pick-up points will be posted.

REMEMBER IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET TO YOUR BUS IN TIME!

A claxon will sound at 10:45am and again at 11am to signal that buses are preparing to depart.

Kiosks

The Davie Cooper Kiosk will be open from 9am on Saturday morning.

As well as Hotdogs, a selection of crisps, sweets, juice and hot drinks will be available.

Motherwell are in the best possible shape going into Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final, according to midfield stalwart Keith Lasley.

The 31-year old has endured a difficult season in terms of injuries, regularly turning out in the claret and amber despite chronic rib pain – making his consistent of excellence all the more remarkable.

This mirrors many members of a squad which is one of the smallest in the SPL yet has played a gargantuan 46 games this campaign.

But, as ‘Well approach their biggest game of the season so far, the knocks are subsiding, there’s a full squad to pick from and most players are in precocious form.

“The pain doesn’t seem so bad when you are getting ready for a cup final,” The former Plymouth and Blackpool playmaker confided. “Adrenaline gets you through a game at Hampden when you are aiming to get into a major cup final. I think, by the time the game rolls round, we’ll be ready to go.

“I think everybody will be available and the gaffer changed the team a little bit for the last match [against Hearts] and everybody performed well, so we have a good pool to choose from.

“There’s been knocks and strains for the past few weeks, which is to be expected after a tough schedule of matches on a heavy pitch, but the manager took the chance to freshen up the team and the guys that came in did very well and got a good result in Edinburgh.

“The gaffer has already said that he will have a tough decision to make this weekend.”

Motherwell’s midfield orchestrator has spent almost ten years of his career in North Lanarkshire and has racked up well over 200 games for the Steelmen – you don’t have to tell him just how important this weekend’s tie is for the players, staff and fans alike.

Indeed, there’s a notable smile as he talks about the various curiosities and coincidences which the ‘Well faithful have chosen to adopt as omens, including the fact that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the 1991 cup win, and the last time Motherwell knocked out the cup holders they went on to win the trophy.

‘Time for new heroes,’ roared a banner in the East Stand during the quarter-final replay against Dundee United. The ‘Well hordes will certainly head to Hampden full of belief.

“The cup win in ’91 gets talked about every year with Motherwell.” Lasley mused. “That is going to continue to be the case until we can win it again. Maybe the fact that this is the anniversary will add a little bit more for the fans.

“We get reminded of that and it is our aim to emulate that and this year we are down to the last four and hopefully we can go all the way.

“Everybody certainly keeps trying to come up with omens; certain stats or events, so you always hear that as a player. The fans are clearly excited about this and I just hope we can put on a good show for them on Saturday.”

While Keith is happy to encourage such fervour and excitement among those who will make the short jaunt down the M73 toward Mount Florida, he is also wary of the dangers of looking beyond a very tricky tie with St. Johnstone.

Derek McInnes’ side came admirably close to a top-six spot this season and over the last few years have consistently impressed in cup competitions, so Lasley knows that anything other than maximum focus against the Saints will result on the men from Perth being the one’s returning to Glasgow on May 21st.

He praised: “The St. Johnstone team are a really solid unit and we are aware they have had a good season and they are always terrific in cup competitions.” Lasley praised. They beat us the last time we played them so we know how difficult the game is going to be for us.

“They will be thinking along the same lines as us: it is a great chance to get to a Scottish Cup final. There’s very little between the two sides and it will probably be a really close game. Its two sides who have good qualities facing off against each other.

“It’ll come down to the better team on that particular day winning the tie – hopefully that is us.”

The Motherwell squad took time out from their Semi Final preparations to have a go at the Soccer AM Crossbar Challenge.

The popular Sky Sports show visited Dalziel Park on Tuesday afternoon to give the Steelmen a go at hitting the bar from the halfway line.

Some shots were good – some (cough, Gavin Gunning, cough) were not so good. Check it out on Saturday morning to see how the boys got on.

In the meantime, our friends at SNSPix were there to capture all the action and the laughs.

[svgallery name=”crossbarchallenge”] 

Motherwell fans should note that no telephone orders can now be taken for this weekend’s Semi Final clash with St Johnstone.

Tickets can now only be purchased, in person, from the Fir Park Ticket Office (Opening Times below).

• Wednesday 13th April – 9.15am – 4.30pm
• Thursday 14th April – 9.15am – 7pm (Late night)
• Friday 15th April – 9.15am – 3.30pm
• Saturday 16th April – 9.30am – Kick-Off (at Hampden Park)

The drivers of all supporters’ coaches, irrespective of size and including minibuses, must adhere to the following police instructions.

There are a limited number of spaces available for those in possession of authorized SFL parking passes for Motherwell supporters coaches within the Blue car park , Hampden Park.

PRE MATCH ROUTES APPROACHING THE WEST OF THE STADIUM

M8 Westbound: Exit the M8 at Junction 22 and join the M77.  Leave the M77 at Junction 1, Dumbreck Road, turn left onto Dumbreck Road and continue until the junction with Titwood Road (high vehicles such as double deck buses – turn right, Haggs Road, turn left Shawmoss Road, turn right Titwood Road) continue Titwood Road.

Turn right onto Minard Road continue onto Langside Avenue to the roundabout (Monument). Continue straight through the roundabout onto Battlefield Road, continue on Battlefield Road to the first traffic light junction and bear right remaining on Battlefield Road to the ‘T’ junction with Cathcart Road. 

Turn left onto Cathcart Road towards Queens Drive, where your coach will be directed to park.

A80 Southbound: Continue from the A80 onto the M80 thereafter onto the M8 Westbound and continue as above.

M74 Northbound: Continue from the M74 onto the M73 and thereafter onto the M8 Westbound and continue as above.

M8 Eastbound: Exit at Junction 24, Helen Street, turn left onto Helen Street, continue to the roundabout and turn right onto Edmiston Drive at the next roundabout turn right onto Broomloan Road, continue through the junction onto Dumbreck Road and continue as above.

A77/M77 Northbound: Exit at Junction 1, Dumbreck Road, turn right and continue as above.

PRIVATE TRANSPORT

Motherwell supporters using private vehicles will have limited facilities to park within the Queens Park Recreation Ground, Queens Drive, Glasgow (on payment of a small fee).

Follow the above coach routes as far as Titwood Road: Thereafter turn right onto Minard Road and onto Langside Avenue to the roundabout (monument), continue left onto Langside Road, turn right onto Queens Drive where you will be directed to park in Queens Park Recreation Ground.

POST MATCH ROUTES EXITING THE STADIUM

Langside Road: Continue to Langside Monument and follow the above route. Continue on Langside Avenue through the junction with Pollokshaws Road onto Minard Road, continue on Minard Road onto Titwood Road and follow reverse of inward route.

Queens Drive: Turn right onto Victoria Road, turn left onto Calder Street, continue Nithsdale Drive. At the roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Nithsdale Road.  Continue to the ‘T’ junction at Dumbreck Road; thereafter follow the respective road signs for the M77 or M8.

MAP

[mappress]

Jamie Murphy insists ‘Well are equipped to handle the Hampden pressure on Saturday, after proving that they can cope with the big occasions in recent weeks.

The Steelmen have secured top-six football and reached the Scottish Cup semi-final in a blistering spell which has seen them match the very best Scotland has to offer, including a spectacular 2-0 win over Celtic at Fir Park.

Stuart McCall has stated numerous times that he believes his Motherwell players are a match for anyone, and they have certainly proved they have a penchant for the biggest encounters – and they don’t come much bigger than this Saturday.

“The manager has instilled a belief in us that we can win the big games,” Murphy praised.  “And we played really well in our last semi-final, albeit without getting through.

“We’ve also won against Aberdeen away, Dundee United, Celtic and got a draw against Hearts which earned us a place in the top-six. This is evidence that we can handle the big games.”

If ‘Well can continue their knack of producing the goods on the biggest stage then they will be just one match away from lifting the Scottish Cup, on the 20th anniversary of Motherwell’s 4-3 win over Dundee United.

Murphy is honest enough to admit that a place in the final is nothing more than ‘a dream’ until ‘Well overcome the substantial obstacle of a good Saints side, but he admits that the trip to Hampden – and the prospect of returning on the 21st May – is mouth-watering.

The Scotland under-21 star continued: “The aim this season has been to finish strongly and we secured top-six last weekend. We now want to push on in the league and hopefully reach a cup final.

“For the moment we need to remember that it is just a dream. We know St. Johnstone are a really good side and have been playing extremely well; they have an excellent defence and are underrated going forward, so we will need to be ready for that. It would be disrespectful to look beyond St. Johnstone and that is where all our focus is.

“But hopefully after the match the dream could be a little bit closer.”

Derek McInnes’ side must be commended for a stunning defensive record through this campaign, and you can be fairly sure that his watertight back-line will be tasked to keep the rampant Murphy quiet.

That may be easier said than done. Murphy was sensational in the quarter-final replay with Dundee United and claimed the SFA’s Player of the Round award and, along with the rest of the ‘Well squad, has been in superb form after a sticky patch during the festive period.

“I feel that my own form has been good but, more importantly, the team has played really well in the past few weeks.” Murphy said modestly.

“We had a tough spell around Christmas, but the games we lost made us stronger. It was in our minds that we didn’t want to go through a spell of defeats like that ever again. Those results have spurred us on to where we are now.

“The players in the dressing room and the manager never doubted that we would turn things around and that – along with the support of the fans – is all that matters.”

Stuart McCall has insisted that it would be ‘a dream’ for Motherwell to reach the Scottish Cup final, ahead of this weekend’s semi-final against St Johnstone.

And the ‘Well gaffer has urged his side to summon up the spirit of 1991 – and give the fans a whole new set of legends to worship!

“It would be absolutely massive to our club, especially for the supporters, who want to roll back the years to the time Motherwell won it in ’91,” McCall enthused. “It would be a real dream for us.

“Derek (McInnes) and myself will be the same: we are both desperate to be involved in a Scottish Cup final.

“I don’t think we are favourites because St Johnstone are a good side, but I just want the lads to perform to their best ability and if they do that then – I’ve said before – I believe they are a match for anyone.”

There is certainly a palpable optimism in the Motherwell camp, as they approaching the club’s biggest game of the season.

The Steelmen have been on a superb run of late, currently four matches unbeaten, and secured a top-six spot for after the split with a superb 0-0 draw at Tynecastle last weekend.

Ally that form with a squad which is rapidly approaching full strength and Stuart McCall has some big, and difficult, decisions to make ahead of the weekend.

“We’re hoping to have a fully fit squad to choose from, which is brilliant,” the FA Cup and Scottish Cup finalist said contentedly. “And we are also going in to this match on the back of some great form. There are a lot of players playing at the very top of their game and we’ll look to take that into Saturday.

“Training will be fierce this week, with everyone desperate to be involved. I’ll probably have to calm it down a bit.

“We’ll wait until the back end of the week before looking to shape up a side, but I have some big decisions to make – not just for the starting eleven, but for the sixteen in the squad. You wouldn’t have thought that would be the case a couple of weeks ago.

“At the moment, for example, I have seven fit defenders who have performed well in the last month, so a couple of players will be left disappointed. You can look higher up the park for selection dilemma too, but it’s a great problem to have.”

Aside from the obvious, and burning, desire to reach a national cup final, Motherwell may also feel like they have some unfinished business at Hampden Park this season.

‘Well were narrowly defeated earlier in the campaign, as Rangers marched to the Co-operative Cup final with an arguably ill-deserved 2-1 victory – now McCall brings his troops back to the scene of that tortuously close defeat.

The manager clearly feels the painful experience was beneficial, and is now ready to take his squad back to Mount Florida to make amends.

He praised: “I was really pleased with the performance that day. We went in as underdogs but I thought the performance was very good and we certainly would have deserved to take Rangers to extra-time.

“But our squad, particularly the younger lads, will benefit from having already been there this season. They have also played European ties in front of great crowds so all-in-all everyone is in a really positive frame of mind.

“Our squad has generally produced in the bigger games. You can talk about overall consistency, but in the big games our team has been very consistent.”