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[tab:Match report]

Two goals from Jonathan Page helped Motherwell through to the next round of the Co-operative Insure Cup at the expense of Brechin City.

The young defender opened the scoring in the 16th minute when he rose highest to head home a Ross Forbes corner.

And he netted again in similar fashion after the break as the Steelmen advanced to the quarter-finals of the competititon.

It wasn’t all plain sailing though. Brechin struck the woodwork in the second half and forced Darren Randolph into several good saves on a nervy night at Glebe Park.

In a slow opening period, Motherwell struggled to create anything of note. Playing against a solid 4-1-4-1 formation employed by the hosts, the Steelmen were limited to half chances.

The most threatening of which came when Chris Humphrey was released down the right by Stephen Craigan but his cross was taken off the toe of Alan Gow by veteran former Hearts keeper Craig Nelson.

‘Well’s own 4-2-3-1 formation – with Lasley and Hateley in holding midfield, Forbes attacking and Blackman and Humphrey out wide – wasn’t easing the scrappy nature of the match, with the game regularly becoming entrenched within an congested midfield.

However, one area Motherwell were getting some joy from was set-pieces. A chance after 13 minutes saw Page get his head on the end of a inviting Forbes corner, only to head over from six yards.

And it was a sign of things to come as minutes later the youngster made amends for his miss. Once again the delivery came from the boot of Forbes, swinging a beautiful cross right onto Page’s forehead. The 20-year old made no mistake this time and bulleted his header into the back of the net.

The Steelmen displayed a real comfort in the immediate aftermath of the goal but were given a sharp reminder of the threat of their hosts as the game approached the half-hour.

A bit of head tennis between Craigan and Molloy culminated in McAllister being set through on goal. The former Inverness Caley man was faced with a tight angle and couldn’t squeeze it past Randolph who made a superb save.

Moments later, Brechin had another decent chance as Calum Booth laid the ball back to Neil Janczyk who drilled a shot narrowly wide from 25 yards.

Ths hosts made a half-time change as they attempted to carve a way back into the game, with David McKenna coming in for wide-man Kevin Byers.

The substitution, and whatever was said at half-time, seemed to make a massive difference – as Brechin went within inches of scoring twice in the first five minutes of the second-half.

Both came via the industry and pace of Jamie Redman out on the right. The Hedgemen’s midfield man found a yard to whip in a pacey cross which evaded everyone to find Booth at the back post. The striker steadied and fired towards goal, only to be foiled by Randolph.

Then, less than a minute later, a brilliant Redman cross wasn’t properly dealt with as it skimmed off the head of Mark Reynolds towards the back post. Rory McAllister slid in at the back stick for a tap-in, but just couldn’t grow enough to get a good connection, and prodded it wide.

A drive on the hour mark from Nick Blackman was completely against the run of play for Motherwell but did force a wonderful sprawling save from Nelson.

And from the resulting corner Motherwell made it 2-0. Once again it was Page on the end of the delivery but the service this time came from Hateley, who picked out the young defender to bullet home his brace.

It was enough to take the sting out of Brechin’s revival. A half chance from Molloy, which was well saved at the near post by Randolph was the best chance they had in the following minutes.

With time ticking down the Second Division side threw everything at ‘Well, including brining on striker Charlie King, and they had a fantastic chance to pull one back with five minutes to go.

McAllister hit the by-line and cut the ball back to McKenna but somehow, from six yards, the sub hit the post when a goal looked likely.

It was a let off for Motherwell but they saw out the remaining few minutes comfortably to seal a hard-fought victory.

[tab:As it happened]

90+2′ FULL-TIME The final whistle is blown by the referee.

89′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on John Sutton by Rory McAllister. Darren Randolph takes the direct free kick.

87′ Charlie King crosses the ball, Rory McAllister produces a header from inside the area that goes over the bar.

87′ BOOKING Stephen Craigan receives a caution for unsporting behaviour.

84′ SUB Steve Jennings replaces Keith Lasley.

83′ Rory McAllister produces a cross, David McKenna takes a shot. Darren Randolph makes a save.

82′ SUB Robert McHugh comes on for Chris Humphrey.

80′ Keith Lasley has an effort at goal from outside the penalty box missing to the wide left of the goal.

77′ Substitution David White leaves the field to be replaced by Gary Fusco.

77′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Gerard McLauchlan on Nick Blackman.

76′ Unfair challenge on Craig Molloy by John Sutton results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by James Redman.

75′ SUB John Sutton is brought on as a substitute for Alan Gow.

73′ SUB Charlie King comes on in place of Neil Janczyk for Brechin.

73′ Floated corner taken from the left by-line by Callum Booth.

71′ Inswinging corner taken by Callum Booth from the right by-line, Gerard McLauchlan has a headed effort from close range and clears the bar.

69′ Alan Gow takes a shot. Craig Nelson makes a save. Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Ross Forbes played to the near post, Craig Molloy manages to make a clearance.

68′ Callum Booth takes the inswinging corner, Jonathan Page makes a clearance.

59′ GOAL Jonathan Page scores a headed goal from close range. Assist by Tom Hateley.

58′ Nick Blackman takes a shot. Save by Craig Nelson. Corner taken by Ross Forbes from the right by-line, David White manages to make a clearance. Tom Hateley takes a inswinging corner to the near post.

52′ Tom Hateley fouled by Neil Janczyk, the ref awards a free kick. Tom Hateley produces a shot on goal direct from the free kick.

49′ James Redman delivers the ball, David McKenna produces a right-footed shot from close range which goes wide of the left-hand post.

48′ Neil Janczyk takes a outswinging corner from the left by-line played to the near post, clearance made by Jonathan Page.

46′ The ball is crossed by Steven Saunders.

46′ Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Tom Hateley from the left by-line to the near post, clearance by Ewan Moyes.

46′ SUB David McKenna joins the action for Brechin, replacing Kevin Byers.

46′ KICK-OFF The second-half begins.

45′ HALF-TIME The first-half comes to an end.

45′ Ross Forbes takes the outswinging corner, clearance by David White.

43′ Craig Molloy is caught offside. Indirect free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

42′ Tom Hateley gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on James Redman. Free kick crossed by Neil Janczyk, Stephen Craigan makes a clearance.

42′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Alan Gow on Gerard McLauchlan. Craig Nelson restarts play with the free kick.

41′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Craig Molloy by Jonathan Page. Neil Janczyk takes the free kick.

36′ Unfair challenge on Stephen Craigan by Craig Molloy results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Stephen Craigan.

34′ Mark Reynolds gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Rory McAllister. The ball is swung over by Neil Janczyk, Header by Ewan Moyes from deep inside the penalty area misses to the left of the goal.

30′ Neil Janczyk takes a shot from long range which goes wide left of the goal.

28′ Alan Gow gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Neil Janczyk. Direct free kick taken by David White.

26′ Rory McAllister takes a shot. Save by Darren Randolph.

16′ GOAL Jonathan Page finds the back of the net with a headed goal from inside the six-yard box. Assist by Ross Forbes.

15′ Corner taken left-footed by Ross Forbes to the near post.

15′ Outswinging corner taken by Chris Humphrey from the right by-line, clearance by David White.

13′ Corner taken by Ross Forbes from the left by-line to the near post, Jonathan Page has a headed effort from close range and clears the bar.

11′ Keith Lasley takes a shot. Save by Craig Nelson.

8′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Nick Blackman on Kevin Byers. Craig Nelson takes the free kick.

7′ The ball is delivered by Chris Humphrey, save made by Craig Nelson.

1′ KICK-OFF The match gets underway.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell boss Craig Brown:

“It was a very tricky fixture as Dundee found in the last round and we’re happy to get through.

“The goalkeeper (Darren Randolph) was very good and the finishing from Jonathan Page was very good.

“It’s not a fluke that he’s very good at set-pieces and he could have scored with a header before his first goal.

“In fact that was maybe an easier one, he was just getting his range. He had stitches in his head when he scored his second goal. No praise is high enough for Page, he has a terrific attitude.

“We’ve got some young boys who work so hard at their game and he is the perfect example.”

Motherwell defender Jonathan Page:

“Tonight’s really, really pleasing for me. It’s great to score the goals.

“I think I got a few stitches from trying to defend one of their corners but that’s what you expect as a defender I guess.

“The most important thing is to win the game and get through to the next round. Maybe the game didn’t go quite as well as we were hoping for but the important thing is that we’re through.

“I know the boys are really disappointed not to have got through to the next round in Europe so certainly they’ll be concentrating on the next cup that comes forward and there’s no reason why we can’t do well.”

Brechin City manager Jim Weir:

“It was an excellent second-half performance. If we had taken one of those chances, it could have set up a grandstand finish.

“We have been creating a lot of chances but we need to start converting them.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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John Sutton admitted Motherwell got what they deserved from their below-par performance against Aberdeen.

The Steelmen were far from their best at Fir Park and had to settle for a share of the spoils in 1-1 draw.

Aberdeen were unashamedly cautious but Sutton was keen to blame himself and the rest of the team rather than the stifling tactics of the visitors.

The 26-year old said: “If you look at the performance we can’t really feel too hard done by in only getting the one point from the match. We scored an excellent goal but barely tested Jamie Langfield apart from that.

“We had plenty of possession over the course of the game but we didn’t manage to convert that into chances or have enough creative play going forward.

“If we had played better then we would have broken them down, created more chances and ultimately, hopefully, have got all three points from the match.

“As it was we didn’t play well enough – they had lots of bodies back when we went forward and it was a tough afternoon for us.”

On his return to Fir Park, Aberdeen boss Mark McGhee named a very defensive line-up, with a back five of McArdle, Ifil, Diamond, Vujadinovic and Considine.

Sutton and Nick Blackman cut dejected figures up front as they were starved of any chances and pickings were no richer for Chris Humphrey or Jamie Murphy either. 

“Aberdeen clearly came here to set up defensively and be hard to beat but it’s up to us to break them down,” said the striker.

“When a team play with a lot of defenders like Aberdeen did on Saturday then it is obviously a lot tighter for myself and the other forwards to create chances. But we should have done a better job of that.”

When playing against a team looking to ‘Park the bus’, half the battle is getting the first goal, and despite a disappointing first half ‘Well managed to do that through Jamie Murphy’s strike ten minutes before the break.

Yet the Steelmen let the impetus slip away in the second-half as Aberdeen equalised with a rare foray forward.

“The statistics for when you go ahead in the SPL show that when you get ahead you normally have a pretty good chance of staying there, so it is disappointing not to hold on for the win.

“Even with a defensive formation we knew that a Mark McGhee side will always attack you for a period during the game and always be a threat going forward. So we are disappointed not to have coped with that threat.

“From Aberdeen’s point of view, they scored a good goal. From our point of view, we conceded a very soft goal – but my perspective is from further up the pitch and I’m more concerned by the fact we didn’t create enough.”

Motherwell bos Craig Brown was left cursing missed opportunities and a lack of guile after his side were held at home by Aberdeen.

Jamie Murphy’s 35th minute opener for the Steelmen was cancelled out by Scott Vernon’s leveller in the second-half.

And thats how it finished on a frustrating afternoon at Fir Park.

“Steve Jennings has had an excellent chance late on in the game and Jamie Murphy has gone along the bye-line and elected to shoot when there were better opportunities available,” said Brown, “So we feel frustrated that we didn’t manage to get all three points.

“Our keeper hasn’t had a save to make in the entire game. Now usually that would be a great sign and show you are defending well but we didn’t do enough in front of goal to get the points.

“There was a lack of creativity and we blame ourselves for that.”

Brown was particularly upset by the way his side allowed Aberdeen back in to the game in the 56th minute.

Chris Maguire caught the ‘Well defence napping from a throw-in before flashing an inviting ball across the face of goal for Vernon to tap home.

Brown sighed: “It was poorly defended. I said in the dugout ‘Our defender is on the wrong side.’ I said it to Archie, and sure enough the ball goes across the face of the goal and gets tapped in and it is all level.

“That was one of the only chances they had, so that is a very disappointing aspect of the game.”

Dons boss Mark McGhee went with a back five at Fir Park, leaving little space for the likes of Murphy, Humphrey and Blackman to play in the final third.

But instead of criticising his counterpart’s tactics, Brown decided to take their approach as a compliment.

“It’s a compliment to us,” the experienced ‘Well manager insisted, “That teams want to come here and shut up shop, particularly bigger teams with better resources than us and a lot of new players.

“I credit Aberdeen for the way they played, as Mark has made a game-plan to suit the players he has.

“I don’t fault Aberdeen at all for their approach. I fault ourselves for not making the most of a really good opportunity to get all three points, and overall we did not play as well as we have been doing lately.”

Pictures from the 1-1 draw with 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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[tab:Match report]

Motherwell were held to a frustrating draw by Aberdeen after the Dons came from behind to grab a point at Fir Park.

The Steelmen were on course for another victory when Jamie Murphy opened the scoring in the 35th minute.

But Scott Vernon equalised after the break to earn Mark McGhee’s side a share of the spoils.

It was a disappointing day for Motherwell, who created few chances against a very defensive Aberdeen line-up.

A scrappy opening ten minutes was peppered with off-sides and blighted by poor passing as both sides struggled to string together any passes.

The only dangerous moment came, rather predictably, from the boot of Paul Hartley as the Dons captain whipped in an in-swinging free-kick which was well fielded by Darren Randolph. 

Motherwell’s first chance came after 20 minutes. Steve Jennings surged forward from midfield and fed Chris Humphrey down the right flank. The winger cut inside and drove at the Dons defence before sliding Jennings back through on goal – but his near post effort was blocked by the retreating Derek Young.

It was perhaps indicative of a poor first half that one of the few moments which caused the crowd some excitement was a wayward back pass from Andrew Considine which looked, for a moment, like it might beat Langfield, but the keeper punted it clear.

With 10 minutes to go until half-time, Nick Blackman opened up to game with a moment of class not in keeping with the rest of a turgid affair to create the opener.

The loanee picked the ball up inside the Dons half and slipped through a sumptuous pass for the Murphy to hare on to. The Scotland under-21 star left the chasing Ifil on his backside inside the box and slid the ball through Langfield’s legs at the near post to make it 1-0.

But having taken the lead, Motherwell were nearly undone in the simplest manner seven minutes later. An aimless punt up the field by Langfield was misjudged by Reynolds, allowing Scott Vernon a clear run on goal. However, the striker seemed to suffer from a rush of blood to the head and clipped a poor effort wide of the target.

Murphy went up the other end and lashed a terrific dipping effort inches over the Aberdeen goal – as a previously dire encounter livened up towards the break.

The visitors emerged with more urgency after the break and didn’t take long to threaten as Nikola Vujadinovic burst in to the ‘Well half before feeding Chris Maguire who shot wide.

That proved to be a warning shot as the Dons equalised with their next attack. Maguire did well down the right-hand side, flashing a dangerous ball across the face of goal for Vernon to tap home from close range.

With the wind in their sails and showing much more ambition, McGhee’s men continued to threaten. Maguire made another neat run in front of the ‘Well defence and laid the ball across to Considine at the angle of the penalty box. His low, drilled shot was saved and held by Randolph, with Vernon following in.

The visitors could have even been ahead with less than 20 minutes left on the clock. The lively Maguire left Jennings for dead and hit the by-line on the right before putting his cross right on Vernon’s head at the near post. However, the former Colchester man could only nod his effort into the side netting.

Brown obviously decided enough was enough after a poor second half display and brought on Alan Gow for then Bob McHugh for Humphrey in quick succession.

The changes certainly helped freshen things up and ‘Well almost restored their lead when a long diagonal found the head of Sutton who diverted the ball teasingly across the face of goal. With Lasley rushing to prod the ball home, Zander Diamond made a terrific last-ditch clearance.

And with five minutes left, Murphy nearly stole the points. He skinned McArdle on the flank and cut in towards Langfield’s goal but his finish was wasteful and a ball across the face of goal may have been the better option.

The best chance to win it was still to come though. Substitute Gow received the ball on the edge of the box and curled a stunning ball to the back post for Stve Jennings who was steaming in. With the goal gaping, the midfielder flung himself at the ball but could only head it wide.

[tab:As it happened]

90+3′ FULL-TIME The final whistle is blown by the referee.

90+3′ BOOKING Steve Jennings is given a yellow card.

90+1′ Derek Young fouled by Steve Jennings, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Nikola Vujadinovic.

89′ The ball is sent over by Alan Gow, Steve Jennings has a headed effort at goal from close range which goes wide left of the target.

88′ The assistant referee flags for offside against Alan Gow. Free kick taken by Jamie Langfield.

85′ Jamie Murphy produces a right-footed shot from deep inside the penalty area which goes wide of the right-hand post.

83′ Effort from outside the box by Steven Saunders goes wide right of the target.

82′ SUB Ross Forbes comes on for John Sutton.

81′ Unfair challenge on Paul Hartley by Steve Jennings results in a free kick. Jamie Langfield takes the direct free kick.

76′ SUB Robert McHugh comes on in place of Chris Humphrey.

73′ SUB Mitchel Megginson replaces Chris Maguire for Aberdeen.

73′ SUB Alan Gow comes on in place of Nick Blackman.

72′ Nick Blackman challenges Andrew Considine unfairly and gives away a free kick. Jamie Langfield restarts play with the free kick.

72′ A cross is delivered by Chris Maguire, Headed effort on goal by Scott Vernon from inside the penalty box misses to the right of the target.

70′ Nick Blackman takes a shot. Save by Jamie Langfield.

70′ Rory McArdle challenges Jamie Murphy unfairly and gives away a free kick. Steve Jennings restarts play with the free kick.

65′ Unfair challenge on Keith Lasley by Andrew Considine results in a free kick. Strike comes in from Nick Blackman from the free kick. Corner taken short by Chris Humphrey.

64′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Jamie Langfield by Chris Humphrey. Free kick taken by Jamie Langfield.

61′ Effort from 20 yards by Zander Diamond. Save by Darren Randolph.

58′ Foul by Derek Young on Keith Lasley, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Stephen Craigan.

56′ GOAL Scott Vernon scores a goal from inside the six-yard box to the bottom left corner of the goal. Assist by Chris Maguire.

54′ Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Paul Hartley from the right by-line to the near post, Mark Reynolds manages to make a clearance.

54′ Nick Blackman takes a shot. Save by Jamie Langfield. Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Paul Hartley by Steve Jennings. Direct free kick taken by Paul Hartley.

52′ Long range shot from Chris Maguire misses to the left of the net.

51′ Tom Hateley takes a inswinging corner from the left by-line played to the near post, Jamie Langfield makes a save.

48′ The offside flag is raised against Nick Blackman. Jamie Langfield takes the indirect free kick.

46′ KICK-OFF The second-half has started.

45+1′ HALF-TIME The referee brings an end to the first-half.

45+1′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Steve Jennings on Paul Hartley. Jamie Langfield restarts play with the free kick.

45+1′ Steven Saunders takes a shot from a long way out which goes wide of the right-hand post.

45′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Scott Vernon on Mark Reynolds. Darren Randolph restarts play with the free kick.

43′ Shot by Jamie Murphy from outside the area goes high over the crossbar.

42′ Scott Vernon produces a right-footed shot from the edge of the area and misses to the left of the target.

41′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Keith Lasley on Rory McArdle. Jamie Langfield takes the direct free kick.

40′ Foul by Andrew Considine on Nick Blackman, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Keith Lasley.

39′ John Sutton challenges Nikola Vujadinovic unfairly and gives away a free kick. Paul Hartley restarts play with the free kick.

35′ GOAL Jamie Murphy scores from inside the penalty area low into the middle of the goal. Assist by Nick Blackman.

33′ John Sutton concedes a free kick for a foul on Jerel Ifil. Jamie Langfield takes the direct free kick.

33′ Derek Young gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Keith Lasley. Direct free kick taken by Stephen Craigan.

31′ Unfair challenge on Nick Blackman by Andrew Considine results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Tom Hateley.

30′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Steve Jennings by Scott Vernon. Tom Hateley takes the free kick.

25′ The referee blows for offside against Scott Vernon. Direct free kick taken by Stephen Craigan.

22′ Corner taken by Paul Hartley.

20′ Unfair challenge on Zander Diamond by Keith Lasley results in a free kick. Paul Hartley restarts play with the free kick.

17′ The assistant referee flags for offside against Scott Vernon. Free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

16′ Scott Vernon fouled by Mark Reynolds, the ref awards a free kick. Scott Vernon takes the direct free kick.

13′ Jerel Ifil challenges Jamie Murphy unfairly and gives away a free kick. Tom Hateley restarts play with the free kick.

11′ Keith Lasley challenges Chris Maguire unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Paul Hartley.

11′ Zander Diamond fouled by Steven Saunders, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Paul Hartley.

8′ John Sutton is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Jamie Langfield takes the free kick.

4′ The assistant referee signals for offside against Chris Maguire. Darren Randolph restarts play with the free kick.

2′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Steve Jennings on Chris Maguire. Free kick crossed right-footed by Paul Hartley, save by Darren Randolph.

2′ The referee blows for offside. Jamie Langfield takes the free kick.

1′ KICK-OFF The match gets underway.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell boss Craig Brown:

“I’m disappointed that we couldn’t be more creative in front of goal and get the goals our possession deserved.

“Our goalkeeper hasn’t had a save in the game. When he was called upon to make one, it was impossible because it was a very good goal across the face of the goal.

“I suspect they came to get a point here, which is a compliment to us and they played it very tight at the back.

“It feels like a defeat because we felt that we had enough of the ball and enough chances to make it a victory.

“We feel that the opportunity was here to show that we really mean business this season and we quite honestly failed to take that opportunity.

“But, credit to Aberdeen, they stuck to their game-plan and they got what they came for I’m sure.”

Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee:

“We had lost two games in a row and it was important that we didn’t lose a third. Eventually, we ground out a result.

“The goal we lost was the sort you don’t expect to lose with five at the back, but generally I thought we were fairly comfortable defensively.

“We looked hard to beat but we have to be able to create more chances, particularly early in the game.

“Although it’s the first time we have played that way, I’d expect us to have a bit more careful possession. We gave the ball away unnecessarily. Perhaps it was the new system.”

 [tab:Man-of-the-match]

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It will be a case of déjà vu for two good football men in Mark McGhee and Scott Leitch as they return to Fir Park after doing such a fine job here a couple of seasons ago.

I know, having spoken to them, that deep down, both are ‘Well fans and loved their time here at Motherwell but, of course they have the new Aberdeen allegiance now! I suspect Scott’s family will have divided loyalties as his sons Jack and Robbie turn out for the Motherwell youth team.

So, we welcome the lads with a rejuvenated Aberdeen side which is determined to make an impact this season. The Dons certainly took the SPL by storm, having handsome wins in their opening two matches and, although they have suffered a little in terms of results, I know that their performances in the last two games have been sound.

It takes time for new players to settle into a team pattern and that’s perhaps the reason why the Aberdeen results have been a little inconsistent.

For our part, we too have been inconsistent. Arguably our two worst performances have been the matches from which we gained maximum points in Kilmarnock and Perth. Having lost both home games so far by the odd goal, very unluckily I feel, it is time to please our loyal support and I know the lads are determined to put things right today.

The consistent team selection since the start of the season was disturbed last week when Steven Saunders was suspended after his ordering off against Celtic. Whilst not disputing the legitimacy of the soft penalty award, I did contest the fact it was a red card because I’m sure that Mark Reynolds was in good covering position behind Steven when the challenge was made on Shaun Maloney. However, we have to accept, as we always do, the decision of the officials. It was pleasing, perhaps poetic justice, that we managed to get full points in Steven’s absence but we are pleased that he is available for selection again.

With no reserve league in the SPL, we have been keeping our fringe players fit with friendlies against Clyde and Celtic. This has enabled our new signing, Alan Gow, to get some much needed match practice, along with guys like Lee Hollis, Jon Page, Ross Forbes, Esteban Casagolda, Angelis Charalambous. Jamie Pollok and Bob McHugh.

In addition it gives an opportunity for us to have a look at our five players who are out on loan, Steven Meechan, Steven Lawless and Peter Innes at Albion Rovers, Jordan Halsman at Annan Athletic and Gary Smith at Dumbarton.

Unfortunately in one of these matches, Shaun Hutchison and Marc Fitzpatrick sustained injuries which are keeping them out of today’s match, but both should be back in contention very soon.

Two of our young players had their 21st birthday celebrations in recent weeks. We congratulate Jamie Murphy and Tom Hateley, both of whom are showing a maturity in their play beyond their years. I also congratulate our quiz team at the recent Princess Royal Trust for Carers event in Glasgow. They were beaten in a tie break by Hamilton Accies but Keith Lasley, John Sutton and Jamie Murphy, supported by sports therapist Antony Stuart, gave an outstanding account of themselves in the football quiz, failing only with the last question to get the exact capacity of the national stadium at Hampden.

I’ve given the lads a reminder that with the European adventure over it is a priority that we focus exclusively on each SPL fixture and that includes forgetting about next Tuesday’s visit to Brechin.

I can’t overestimate the importance of this home match and encourage everyone to get behind the players who have, so far this season, acquitted themselves extremely well without a great deal of good fortune.

Thanks for coming and enjoy the match!

Craig Brown

The youth team suffered their first defeat of the new season after a lacklustre performance against St Mirren.

Gordon Young’s side were far from their best at Creamery Park and a 60th minute goal from Kenny McLean won it for the visitors.

Motherwell had an early chance through Steve Howarth when the four-goal hitman latched onto a Keiran McGachie flick but his shot dipped just over the bar with Saints keeper Michael McKniven beaten.

Saints first shot came from McLean although his long-range effort flew way over the crossbar. He had another, better, opportunity moments later but again fired over when a goal seemed likely.

Sandwiched in between, Ross McKinnon had a break from defence but his effort from about thirty yards fizzed past McKniven’s left hand post.

Motherwell continued to attack but were restricted to efforts from distance. McKinnon burst down the left and squared inside for McGachie. The former Stenny man continued the move by teeing up Josh Watt but the winger’s left footed effort from the edge of the area rolled harmlessly into the hands of the Saints keeper.

McGachie himself had a couple of efforts as the half wore on. The first, a bouncing shot from distance, dropped harmlessly wide. The second, shortly after, was more creative as the striker danced round two challenges on the edge of the box but he pulled his shot wide of the near post with McKniven watching it comfortably wide.

As much as ‘Well were creating half chances, St Mirren looked dangerous too. Indeed, 12 minutes before the interval, they should have taken the lead when McLean’s corner was met by Ryan Frances, but the big defender could only head over.

Keiran MacDonald then had a run and shot that went wide and Watt fired a free-kick from the edge of the box way over the bar as the first half ended all square.

Saints started the second-half on the front-foot and actually had the ball in the net after seven minutes, although it was correctly ruled out for offside.

Two minutes later, Bradley had to look smart to prevent Bradley Coyne from scoring after the forward turned well inside the box before getting a shot away, forcing Motherwell’s keeper into a good save low to his right hand side.

The young Steelmen replied when Watt got in behind the Saints backline after a great Carswell ball but, instead of going for goal, the winger opted to cross and overcooked his effort so the chance was gone.

It was a chance that ‘Well would later rue as St Mirren took the lead on the hour mark.

Great interplay in the middle of the park was followed by a terrific wide ball to Sean Burns. He turned inside Bradley Halsman, who went over on his ankle and was later stretchered off, before cutting it across goal for McLean who swept the ball low into the far corner with a near first time effort.

Motherwell battled away in an attempt to draw level but found a stubborn and organised Saints side, who were in no mood to concede.

A low Josh Watt shot from the edge of the box, that gave McKniven no problems, was the best the home side could muster in the remaining half-hour.

Motherwell: Bradley, Brown (Halsman 45 (Murray 61)), Sloan, Lynch, McKinnon, Carswell, Watt, Pollock, MacDonald, Howarth, McGachie (Connor 70). Subs not used: Muir, Griffin, Scanlan.

The first of a number of family orientated initiatives kicks off this weekend when Aberdeen visit Fir Park.

The SPL, along with member clubs, are trying to encourage more people into football grounds with families targeted as the future lifeblood of the game.

The first initiative was the SPL Family Champions, designed to give clubs feedback in a mystery shopper style set-up.

However, Saturday’s match with the Dons is the first specifically designed to attract families, particularly young ones.

To that end, the club is pleased to confirm that a special family ticket, consisting of one adult and three juveniles, is available for just £22. This effectively means three children can go free with any paying adult.

Fir Park will be set-up with a number of attractions to keep everyone amused, both young and old. Our mascots, Claret and Amber, will be on hand along with their counterpart from Aberdeen, Angus the Bull, to offer fantastic pre-match entertainment. All three will be handing out goodies to the crowd so make sure you’re on the ball!

We’ll also have a special half-time competition where local youngsters from our Community Courses will take to the field for a match and possibly even a penalty shoot-out.

Commenting, Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said, “We are delighted to support this SPL inititative but, moreover, we’re determined to reaffirm our place at the heart of the community here in Lanarkshire.

“We have been making great strides towards our aim of establishing Motherwell as Scotland’s Community Club and this sits at the heart of that.

“We want to welcome families of all ages to Fir Park this Saturday for a vital game of football. It’s third versus fourth, both teams have made decent enough starts to the current campaign so come along and enjoy the match, no-matter what team you follow.”

Motherwell are delighted to confirm Thomas Cook as the clubs’ official travel partner and the establishment of the “Motherwell Holiday Club”.

As a valued fan, we can offer you a guaranteed 5% saving on a wide range of holidays when you book with Thomas Cook.

Whether it’s a short break in the UK or a long haul voyage of a lifetime, the Motherwell Holiday Club is as easy as popping into your local Thomas Cook store and saying, “I am a Motherwell supporter – can I have a discount?”

No catches, it couldn’t be easier!

And the beauty of the offer is that every time you make a booking, the club will benefit from a contribution generated by Thomas Cook at no additional cost to you, the supporter.

Visit any Thomas Cook or Going Places in Motherwell or Wishaw and ask for your Motherwell Holiday Club discount.

Terms and Conditions apply, see www.thomascooksport.com for more details.

Nick Blackman admitted his stunning goal against St Johnstone was “just a swing” at the ball but was delighted it helped Motherwell to victory.

The on-loan striker opened the scoring at McDiarmid Park with just three minutes on the clock when he found the top corner of the net from 25 yards.

“I looked up as I received the ball from Keith Lasley and I thought there was nowhere to go and no one for me to pass to,” said Blackman.

” I thought I’d just have a swing with my right foot and luckily it all worked out.

“It was with my weaker foot and I didn’t have the time on the ball to shift it on to my left foot, so I decided to hit it with my right.

“It was a great strike and obviously I’m pleased with it but the main thing is that goal helped the team get three points. That’s all that matters.”

Blackman’s impressive strike came just a matter of seconds after St Johnstone threatened through Sam Parkin and Murray Davidson at the other end.

“It was vital to get the first goal and to get it so early straight after they had a chance,” said the striker.

“It put them on the back foot and it got the home fans on the opposition’s back. That is what we want when we go away from home.”

His goal took his tally to two in three starts for the striker as he aims to fight off increased competition from the likes of Esteban Casagolda and new signing Alan Gow.

Gow replaced Blackman in stoppage time on Saturday afternoon but the 20-year-old hopes that his performance and goal will ensure that nobody replaces him in the starting lineup for next week’s match against Aberdeen.

“As a striker I’ll always be judged on goals, so all I can do is work hard and do my best for Motherwell and try and get on the score sheet. If I do that hopefully I will get plenty of games.”

Hard work is certainly not something which fazes the English youngster. His shift in Perth was almost as notable for his tracking back and selfless hold-up play as it was for his incisive attacking.

Diligence and effort is something Craig Brown has always demanded from his teams and Blackman is delighted to oblige. 

He added: “The gaffer here demands that everyone works hard, all the players – including the strikers – have to work back the way as well as working hard up front. This suits me as I always work hard on the pitch and I have a good defensive mentality.”