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Motherwell boss Stuart McCall was absolutely delighted with all three points against Aberdeen this afternoon.

Goals from Chris Humphrey and Shaun Hutchinson gave ‘Well a vital three points in the race for the remaining top-six spot.

“This was a massive win for us,” the former Bradford boss declared. “It would have been gut-wrenching if we had drawn the game in the end.

“Before the game we emphasised we needed to make a bright start as I thought we might tire in the closing 15-20 minutes after the exertions in midweek. Aberdeen were fresh after not playing for a while.

“It can be double-edged if you hadn’t played for some time; you can be rusty but we knew they would get into their stride eventually.

“It wasn’t surprising we lost a goal from a set piece given the height they have in their side but there are many ways to win and this was down to grit and determination.

“Before the game we were talking about what Motherwell would turn up, we know they won’t always be brilliant but if the players give us everything they have, and that is all we ask, if they give us everything then we can’t complain, even if we do lose the game

“That was epitomised by Maurice Ross who was exceptional given it was his first game for since November but this was an all round team performance, with the lads showing a great determination not to lose.

“We weren’t as brilliant as we were the other night but we won the game.”

The win puts Motherwell four points ahead of nearest challenges Inverness CT for the remaining top-six spot.

However, Terry Butcher’s men still have a game in hand and other teams still have catch-up games to play which could make it tight in the last few games before the split.

“It is by no means over; that will hopefully knock out Aberdeen but teams like Inverness, St. Johnstone and Hibs will still believe if they win their games they have a chance.

“All we can do is win our games, and that win today was massive for us. I am absolutely delighted and I would have been spewing if we had lost an equaliser.

“The margins are so tight. Darren made a really crucial save for us at one nil, but I don’t think he was troubled in the first half. Second half it bobbled up before Jones and we missed an open goal but to get the second goal was crucial and then the official held up five minutes!

“That did put us through the wringer, but the bottom line is when they came off the park they had given all they had and I would have liked to have done it without so many injuries.”

Focus now turns to Wednesday night as Dundee United return to Fir Park seven days after the Scottish Cup Quarter Final replay.

Peter Houston’s men will be desperate for revenge and will go into the game full of confidence after their fantastic 3-2 win at Ibrox today.

McCall has mounting injury worries and admits he may have to mix things up midweek.

“I may have to try to freshen it up, there are a lot of tired bodies in there,” McCall admitted.

“But as I said to them today, you would have been a lot more tired if you had lost on Wednesday, when you are winning it helps your legs carry you on. Mentally, we could have been a lot more tired people if we had lost an equaliser at the end.

“Hopefully JP (John Porteous), the magic man, will get to work. We may have Jeffers back on Wednesday. Saunders was back at his first day of training yesterday after I expected him to be out for longer.

“It was a toss up between him and Maurice but Steven had only trained once. It is good to have Saunders back and Craigan back we are okay defensively, but in midfield we are short with Lasley having his rib injury, Hateley having ice on his calf and Steve Jennings suspended.”

Pictures from the 2-1 win over Aberdeen 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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Graham Barnstaple at Fir Park

Motherwell made it back-to-back wins with a solid victory over Craig Brown’s Aberdeen at Fir Park this afternoon.

The Steelmen were dominant in the first half and took the lead after fifteen minutes when Chris Humphrey raced clear of Steven Smith before lashing the ball high past Jamie Langfield.

The score stayed that way until the 88th minute when Shaun Hutchinson converted Tom Hateley’s corner for his first goal in fifteen months.

The Dons, who rarely threatened despite seeing a lot of the ball in the second half, pulled one back deep into injury time when Nikola Vujadinović headed home a corner of his own.

Both sides were forced to make changes for this game with Stuart McCall having to make two, handing Maurice Ross his debut after the former Scotland full-back signed yesterday and recalling Steve Jones with Francis Jeffers (hamstring) and Steven Jennings (suspended) missing.

The Dons were forced into making three changes with Zander Diamond, Paul Hartley and Ryan Jack out with Vujadinović, Derek Young and former ‘Well striker Nick Blackman coming in.

Motherwell continued their form from Wednesday’s Scottish Cup win over Dundee United in the opening stages. They opened Aberdeen up twice in quick succession with Keith Lasley and Steve Jones both watching efforts go narrowly wide.

Jamie Murphy came even closer minutes later when his shot on the turn from the edge of the box left Jamie Langfield scrambling but the keeper was relieved to see the ball roll just wide of his post.

The opener ‘Well deserved came in the 15th minute when Keith Lasley cleverly chipped the ball over the head of Steven Smith for the pace of Chris Humphrey to race on to. The winger didn’t let him down as he burst clear to smash the ball past a stranded Langfield.

‘Well seemed to take their foot off the gas after taking the lead which allowed Aberdeen into the game but they rarely threatened the home goal. All they could muster were a couple of half-hearted efforts from Blackman and Sone Aluko.

The Dons did start the second half brightly and were unlucky when a snap shot from Chris Maguire from the edge of the box slipped narrowly wide of the right hand post.

At the other end, Motherwell really should’ve scored a second when Jones missed a sitter. Humphrey once again sent in another excellent cross from the right, picking out the on-loan Walsall winger at the far post but the 34-year old somehow managed to balloon his shot over the bar from only three yards out. In defence of the former Northern Ireland International, the ball did bobble up just as he was about to pull the trigger.

McCall’s men were almost made to pay for that miss immediately, Vujadinović sent Maguire through and when it looked as though he would equalise, Republic of Ireland Intern Darren Randolph pulled off a stunning save low to his right.

Craig Brown used all his subs and made numerous positional change in an effort to get one over on his former charges but it was the side he left in December who came sealed the three points with three minutes left.

Humphrey left Andrew Considine for dead and whipped in a cross for sub Robert McHugh, the youngster’s shot was beaten away by Langfield for a corner. From Tom Hateley’s kick Shaun Hutchinson swept the ball home at the near post from only a few yards out.

As the game headed into five minutes of stoppage time, the visitors did manage to pull one back, Well failed to clear a corner and Maguire’s return cross into the box was headed in by Vujadinović.

Motherwell were then forced to hang on for the remainder of stoppage time and got a real fright when a header from Rory McArdle crashed off the junction of post and bar, but ref Steve McLean had already blown for a free kick. Second later he was blowing for full time allowing the ‘Well fans to finally breath easily.

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Graham Barnstaple at Fir Park

Full time – Motherwell 2 Aberdeen 1 – well deserved win but made heavy work of it in the end.
 
90+2mins – 2-1! Dons pull one back – header by Vujadinović from a Maguire cross. Surely we won’t through this away.

87mins – GOOOOOAAAALLLLLL – Hutchinson smashes in second at front post from from Hateley corner.
 
72mins – McHugh on for Jones.
 
70mins – The crowd this afternoon is 4458.
 
65mins – Maguire finally booked for his third bookable offence of the half!!!

60mins – Brilliant save from Randolph to his right to deny Maguire who was clean thru.

48mins – Maguire volleys wide for Dons from the edge of the box
 
45mins – Second half just about to get underway, no changes for either side.
 
Half time: 1-0 Well, we seemed to take our foot off the gas after the goal without being troubled by the Dons.
 
39mins – Hutchinson yellow for a nothing tackle on Blackman – seemed harsh, some debate in press box if it was a foul or not!!
 
35mins – not much happening, both side sides have forced a corner without really looking like scoring.
 
15mins GOAALLLLL! Lasley chips over Smith and Humphrey out paces the full back and smashes past Langfield – Broonie whats the score!

10mins – Not surprisingly Blackman is getting a bit of stick!! But all his touches have been on the halfway line so far.

8mins – We go close again this time Murphy bending a shot just wide of the far post.
 
7mins – Great passing move involving Ross and Lasley ends with Jones beating two men but shooting over.
 
1mins – Early chance in first minute with Humphrey skinning Smith but Lasley shoots wide from 15 yards.

1mins – Well kick off, on a brisk sunny afternoon at Fir Park.

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Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“This was a massive win for us; It would have been gut-wrenching if we had drawn the game in the end.

“Before the game we emphasised we needed to make a bright start as I thought we might tire in the closing 15-20 minutes after the exertions in midweek. Aberdeen were fresh after not playing for a while.

“It can be double-edged if you hadn’t played for some time; you can be rusty but we knew they would get into their stride eventually.

“It wasn’t surprising we lost a goal from a set piece given the height they have in their side but there are many ways to win and this was down to grit and determination.”

Aberdeen manager Craig Brown:

“The better team won the game. I wish them all the best in the top six, which I am sure they will consolidate.

“We would have had a chance if we had a full-strength team but we had seven players missing.”

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Assistant boss Kenny Black hopes Motherwell can repeat the form of Wednesday night when Aberdeen visit Fir Park tomorrow.

The Steelmen were sensation during the week, roaring into the Semi Final of the Scottish Cup with a convincing 3-0 victory over high-flying Dundee Utd.

However, recent months have been littered with inconsistencies, and for every Dundee Utd, Celtic and Aberdeen performance, there has been a St Mirren, Inverness and Kilmarnock.

Black admits he and boss Stuart McCall are acutely aware of what is required and hopes the team can end the good, bad, good, bad cycle when Craig Brown’s Aberdeen roll into Lanarkshire.

“On Wednesday night we showed how good a team we can be if we’re at it and everyone is pulling in the same direction,” said Black. “It was a great 90 minutes but we move on now.”

“We have seen the downside of the team up at Inverness and Kilmarnock, the negative performance that we are keen to eradicate from our play. Wednesday night is gone now, it was great at the time, but we have to focus on tomorrow, which is vitally important to us. If we can finish in the top six it will be a decent end to the season for us.

“The performance against Celtic and on Wednesday didn’t surprise me because we do have good quality at the club. But they do let themselves down when they throw in the performances I’ve mentioned earlier but they know that, they don’t need me telling them. If they can believe in themselves they way Stuart and I do, and get all the players playing at the one time, we’re a match for more than most in this division.

“We’ve had a poor performance at Ibrox when we lost 6-0 but when the chips are down usually we come up with the goods, such as against Celtic and in the semi-final.

“But the bread and butter games I call them, St Mirren here when we lost 1-0, Kilmarnock here when we lost 1-0, St Johnstone up at McDiarmid, if we could even turn these games into draws rather than defeats we would be sitting here able to cement our place in the top six.

”Tomorrow is a vital game for both clubs. We have been excellent in some games and we are hopeful the positive, bright Motherwell show up tomorrow.”

Kenny also confirmed that there are still a number of concerns ahead of tomorrow’s match.

“Franny came off with a tight hamstring so we will monitor him today and see how he is. Steven Saunders will hopefully join in training today and we’ll see how that goes.

“Steven Hammell had a little problem with his hamstring prior to the game on Wednesday and we took him off as a precaution more than anything else – Chris Humphrey was also subbed as a precaution.

Add to that Steve Jennings suspension and we are still thin on the ground. But Maurice Ross comes into contention giving us some more options.”

Maurice Ross admitted that the buzz around the club was enough to convince him he had made the right move when he joined Motherwell.

Not only are the Steelmen looking towards a Semi Final spot in two weeks time, Stuart McCall’s men are also battling hard to secure a spot in the coveted top six.

And if that weren’t enough, with John Boyle gifting his shares back to the club and the community, big plans are about to be announced about what happens next at Fir Park.

Ross knew had had made the correct move after speaking with Motherwell’s Chief Executive Leeann Dempster. The only female at the top level of Scottish football has been at the very core of the recent off-field movements and her enthusiasm has clearly had an effect.

“I was speaking to the Chief Exec yesterday and she was talking about her plans for the club,” said Ross, capped 13 times by Scotland.

“It’s an exciting time, she was so enthusiastic about things, she was buzzing; you could see it in her face.

“It seems this is a place and a club very much on the up. I was at the game the other night and the boys terrorised Dundee United, and they are a right good side. It’s going to be hard for me to get in, particularly on the fitness side as some of these guys have played forty games already, but I’ll give it my best shot.”

Asked if the opportunity at Motherwell could provide a launch pad for a longer stay in North Lanarkshire, the former Wolves and Millwall man admitted, “Yes, but right now I just want to concentrate on playing between now and the end of the season.

“I have been looking to my future my whole career and I am fed up doing that. I just want to be here, play for Motherwell now, and take it from there. It’s great to be back at an SPL club, enjoying my training and being part of a squad again.

“When I was in China, it was difficult to be a part of the squad. You are an absolute foreigner, make no mistake about it. Already I have come in here, getting slaughtered for my gear, the banter is flying. It’s just great to be back amongst that again. I’m going to enjoy it, work hard, and hopefully show the management here and the Motherwell fans that it was justified to bring me in.”

30-year old Ross comes across as a well-spoken, well-travelled and honest individual when he speaks, something that very much shone through when he met the press at Fir Park this morning.

Quizzed on comments he made a few weeks ago, appearing to talk himself down, he was again candid about how he views himself.

“I don’t think I was talking myself down, I was just being honest.  It’s easy to play with Rangers, with great players, and think you’re a player because these guys are making you look better.

“It’s not until you get a bit older, get a bit more experience elsewhere, you realise where you are. Is this a new lease of life? Yes, I suppose it is. I’ve been training really hard. The St Mirren fitness coach was giving me a doing every day and I am really thankful to him for taking the time.

“I’ve been trying to get my fitness up to match level, but of course, it’s really hard. I am not going to be flying straight away, that is for sure but I think I am in good nick. The manager agrees and, come Saturday, we’ll see what happens.

“Motherwell had a great result during the week and the manager may go with the same team – if that is the case, I’ll just need to bide my time until I get my chance. If I don’t get picked, I am sure I’ll get additional training to get me ready for the next match.

“We’ll just continue that process until I am lucky enough to get in the team. Make no mistake about it; there are good players at this football club. This isn’t a club where you can just come in, mess about, and get picked to play. I am going to have to burst my backside to get a game and that’s what I intend to do.”

Motherwell have today completed the signing of former Rangers and Scotland full-back Maurice Ross on a short-term contract.

The much-travelled 30-year old, who can also count Sheffield Wednesday, Wolves, Millwall, Viking, Kocaelispor and Aberdeen amongst his former clubs, was most recently with Chinese outfit Beijing Guoan.

He returned to Scotland this month and has spent time training with St Mirren. However, the 13-times capped Scotland defender has opted to join the Steelmen, bolstering a thin squad which has had recent injury problems.

Speaking exclusively to motherwellfc.co.uk, Ross said, “I am delighted to have signed for Motherwell, it’s an excellent opportunity for me.”

“It all came about really quick. I had been in training with St Mirren, with Danny Lennon and Ian Jenkins, and I would like to thank them for the opportunity. But it was taking a wee bit of time and Motherwell moved so fast to get things done and here I am.

“My aim now is to get myself as fit as I can, get myself in the side and take it from there.”

Referee for tomorrow’s clash with Aberdeen at Fir Park is rookie Steven McLean.

29-year-old McLean will be handling his third ‘Well game of the season. He made his Motherwell “debut”, if you will, in the 2-1 win over Dundee Utd back in October; his first even ‘Well match.

A couple of own goals gave The Steelmen the points despite David Goodwillie slamming home a penalty after McLean had adjudged Stephen Craigan to have handled inside the area.

His other Motherwell game came, ironically, against today’s opponents when the teams last met in February. A scintillating display from Stuart McCall’s men gave the Steelmen all three points after coming from behind to win 2-1. It was a difficult game for McLean to handle but, despite howls of protest from the home stands, the young official had an excellent evening and showed composure in the face of difficult circumstances.

McLean began his refereeing career back in 1997, aged just 16, but had to wait six years before being promoted to the SFA Senior List. It took him a further four years (June 2007) to get promoted to a Category 1 where he has spent the last three years handling SFL and ALBA Challenge Cup games as well as gaining experience as a fourth official at SPL matches.

He eventually made his bow in Scotland’s top league when he took charge of Aberdeen’s 1-0 away win at McDiarmid Park back in August.  A late Darren Mackie goal was enough to give the Dons all three points and McLean had a good afternoon, booking five players in a competitive contest.

He quickly followed that with another SPL match, this time the six-pointer between Kilmarnock and St Mirren at Rugby Park. Slightly more eventful for the young referee with Paul McGowan been shown a straight red card for an off-the-ball incident. Killie eventually won the game 2-1; goals from Dayton and Eremenko cancelling out Steven Thomson’s leveller just after the interval.

A busy debut season; this will be Steven’s eleventh SPL outing and he is on course to become one of Scotland’s top officials.

McLean will be ably assisted by John Gilmour and Raymond White with Des Roache on fourth official duties.

Stuart McCall was full of praise for his players after watching ‘Well blow away the Cup holders Dundee United to reach the semi-final at Hampden.

Goals from Jamie Murphy, Chris Humphrey and Francis Jeffers secured a 3-0 win for the Steelmen, as the home side produced a display of energy, incisiveness and hunger which the Arabs simply could not match.

Motherwell will now go on to face St. Johnstone – with a place in the Scottish Cup final tantalisingly close now.

“I am delighted to be part of it,” McCall said of a great night for the club. “It’s an achievement for the lads; and they deserve all the plaudits tonight.

“We decided to go 4-4-2. I think at home when we play like that, with the two wide men on the top of their game as they were tonight, we are difficult to play against.

“I thought Sutton and Jeffers were excellent as well. But it was a great team performance.”

McCall has now called on the players to believe in themselves, as they stand on the cusp of a very special season.

A win against Aberdeen on Saturday would go a long way to securing top-six football after the split, and Derek McInnes’ Saints are all that stands between ‘Well and a famous cup final berth.

And it is about time the players realised just how good they are, according to the gaffer: “I said after I was in the job only a couple of weeks that what we’ve got in the dressing room is a match for anyone.

“Thankfully tonight we were at it. We have matched Celtic, we matched Rangers in the (Co-operative Insurance Cup) semi – and I probably have more belief in the players than they have in themselves.
 
“The three goals were outstanding, they deserve all the plaudits they get for their all round game, they are a credit and it was great to have the supporters behind us.”

The Motherwell boss was typically keen to get back to business straight away, and within minutes was already looking ahead to the Aberdeen game on Saturday, but the gaffer does admit the Hampden semi-final will be special.

“The lads are all talking about it,” the 46-year old admitted. “Our players got a little smell of it in the League Cup semi with Rangers, and I think they showed tonight how much that meant to them to get back there. Throughout the side they were all heroes.

“This eclipsed beating Celtic here, but we are back in tomorrow for a huge game with Aberdeen on Saturday”

Pictures from the 3-0 win over Dundee Utd in the Scottish Cup Quarter Final replay at Fir Park.

These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

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