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‘Well manager Stuart McCall is keen for his side to build on their confidence boosting draw against Dundee United at the weekend.

The Steelmen showed encouraging signs throughout the second half against the Arabs and McCall is looking for his men to continue that type of performance into Tuesday’s clash with Dunfermline at Fir Park.

“It’s desperate that we get a home victory,” he said. “The longer it goes the more people keep talking about it and rightly so. We’ve not scored as many goals as we’d like at home and we’ve not won as many matches as we’d like.”

“We’re confident if we can just get that victory and get back to creating chances then that’s what we need. We’ve got players in the side that are very creative and we need them to be on the top of their game.”

Although speaking postively, McCall acknowledged the threat of a resurgent Pars side.

He said: “They must have been really low having been beat the week before by Hibs in the bottom of the table clash so for them to rise and put in a performance like that shows a lot of fighting spirit; (there is) a lot of character still in that club and they’ll be coming here in a confident manner but as I said before, we’ve got that same confidence because of our performance on Saturday.”

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English defender Shaun Hutchinson reckons Motherwell were back to something like their best in the second half of Saturday’s match with Dundee United.

The Geordie was a part of an organised and stubborn Steelmen backline, spearheaded by the superb Darren Randolph, which kept United’s talented forwardline at bay.

Now the former Wallsend Boys Club starlet is keen to build on that positive point in the City of Discovery when Jim McIntyre’s Dunfermline visit Fir Park tomorrow night.

“Although recent performances haven’t been the best, I think we can take heart from Saturday’s second half showing,” he said.

“We are a better team when we do pass the ball and that was proven on Saturday. At the same time, big Higgy does a great job taking the ball in early which you need sometimes.

“They (Dunfermline) are fighting for their lives and battling hard and had a great result on Saturday. It should be a good game and hopefully we can take the confidence from Saturday’s performance at Tannadice and get the result.”

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Referee for Tuesday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Dunfermline at Fir Park will be Alan Muir.

It will be Muir’s fourth Motherwell match of the campaign after previously taking charge of Celtic’s 4-0 win in early September, the 1-0 win over Aberdeen, Bob McHugh scoring the winning goal, some fourteen days later and, most recently, the 3-0 victory of St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.

He also managed four matches last season too, having overseen the 1-1 draw with St Mirren in Paisley last November, January’s 2-0 home win over Hibs, February’s 6-0 capitulation at Ibrox and at Celtic Park as an unfamiliar side crashed to a 4-0 defeat with Stuart McCall resting players ahead of the Scottish Cup Final.

He’ll be a familiar face to Motherwell fans having handled three games the season before last as well.

A 4-0 defeat by Celtic in Glasgow was instantly forgettable. He also took charge of the 3-2 extra-time with over Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Co-operative Insurance Cup Fourth Round and the lively 2-2 draw against Dundee United back in late November 2009.

In all those games he has produced 39 yellow cards, 19 of which were shown to a player in claret and amber, and two red cards, the first given to former defender Paul Quinn for a professional foul on David Fernandez in a 1-0 defeat to Killie and the most recent to Michael Higdon, then an opposition player, in that game with St Mirren last November.

The 36-year-old has taken charge of ten SPL games in this campaign, including Kilmarnock’s 1-1 draw with Dundee Utd, Rangers’ 2-0 win at McDiarmid Park, Kilmarnock’s 1-0 win over both Hearts at Tynecastle and Rangers at Rugby Park and, most recently, Inverness CT’s 2-1 victory of Aberdeen last Saturday.

Alan will be ably assisted on the day by James Bee and Ross Haswell, with Greg Aitken on fourth official duties. Referee observer is Ray Morrison and the SPL delegate is Ally Dawson.

Motherwell come from behind to earn a draw after Michael Higdon cancelled out a Stephen Craigan OG for a share of the spoils.

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Estonian Henrik Ojamaa was pleased to contribute after creating Motherwell’s equaliser for Michael Higdon this afternoon.

The former Derby County and RoPS forward was the game changer, coming on in place of Omar Daley to change the whole tempo of the match.

And Ojamaa is adamant that more is to come when he gets fitter and sharper as the weeks go on.

“I thought the whole team did well to come back from behind, it showed a lot of character,” he said.

“There was only one team who were going to get the three points at the end and that was Motherwell. We maybe lacked a bit of composure in the final third but I was really pleased I could help the team put an end to the losing streak

“I am really enjoying my football. The tempo of the game is really good – all the teams are physical and it is physical. That’s the way I like to play and when I get into the swing of things and get sharper, I hope to make a bigger impact.”

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‘Well boss Stuart McCall was pleased with his side after they fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 at Tannadice.

The home side had much the better of the first half and went ahead through a Stephen Craigan OG.

However, they were unable to extend their lead thanks to the brilliance of Darren Randolph and the Steelmen fought their way back into the match, dominating most of the second half.

“I thought we moved the ball well but Dundee United were certainly the stronger team in the first half,” admitted McCall.

“Big Darren (Randolph) has had a few good saves. Daly and Mackay-Steven are a big threat going forward, but we still felt we could create opportunities, and it gave us great promise for the second half.

“I thought it was a great test of character for the guys. I’m happy with a point and we fully merited it, the second half was more like the performances we’ve been producing on our travels this season, so after two disappointing away games, where we’ve not played well, the second half was excellent.”

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Pictures from the 1-1 draw with Dundee Utd in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Tannadice.

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

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[tab:Match report]

Kris Jack at Tannadice

A Michael Higdon goal four minutes from time earned Motherwell a 1-1 draw in a lively game at Tannadice.

‘Well had trailed for most of the match after a Stephen Craigan own goal had put Dundee United ahead in the 27th minute.

However, a super substitute performance from Henrik Ojamaa, helped Motherwell to their first SPL point of 2012.

The welcome return of Steve Jennings after injury and suspension was a boost to Stuart McCall’s side as they looked to bounce back from three league defeats in a row. Those games also saw Motherwell draw a blank in each of them, but the familiar sight of Michael Higdon, Jamie Murphy and Omar Daley in attack was installed in the hope of providing some much needed goals.

Peter Houston’s side had one change from the starting XI that lost to Celtic last time out, with Stuart Armstrong coming in for Willo Flood. The ever dangerous Jon Daly led the Dundee United front line, supported by Gary Mackay-Steven and Johnny Russell.

The blustery conditions in the City of Discovery threatened to spoil the game, much like it had when the sides drew 0-0 at Fir Park in December. The swirling wind made controlling the ball in the middle of the park difficult in the early battles, but didn’t deter either side from playing attacking football.

The first effort on goal came from a Tom Hateley free kick, when Keith Lasley was fouled on the edge of the box. The right back’s dipping drive bounced in front of Pernis, but the United keeper palmed the ball away from danger.

In reply, former Airdrie man Gary Mackay-Steven burst through the ‘Well midfield to bear down on Darren Randolph’s goal but his effort was blasted well over when he should have hit the target.

Play quickly swung back down the other end as the Steelmen had two great opportunities to test Pernis. Omar Daley worked some space on the edge of the box, cut in and fired in a shot which had the sting taken off it by a deflection. Steven Hammell then floated a free kick to the back post, but it was just too deep for Higdon to connect with.

Chances were being created for both sides and Jon Daly almost scored his obligatory goal against Motherwell when he headed over from Paul Dixon’s bouncing cross.
Another Hammell delivery was taken off of Higdon’s head by the outstretched hand of Pernis before John Rankin brought a fantastic save from Darren Randolph after good play by Jon Daly.

It was a brilliant save that prevented a certain goal, but the Irishman’s cleansheet was to be broken a few minutes later.

Dixon burst down the left wing before sending a low cross into the box which was poked into the net off the boot of Stephen Craigan.  It was a blow to Motherwell, who didn’t deserve to be behind, but hadn’t done enough in front of goal to merit a lead of their own.

It was almost two but for the reflexes of Darren Randolph who made another vital save as Johnny Russell sprinted through on goal. The big keeper spread himself well to save with his feet to keep the score at 1-0.

As the half came to an end, Nicky Law had a rare shot at goal and Mackay-Steven rippled the side netting  with a drive form the edge of the box but neither side could force another goal to add to Craigan’s unfortunate opener.

The second half began with the weather still making the flight for the ball somewhat unpredictable. ‘Well were the first to threaten, when Law played in Higdon, whose lay off to Murphy was deflected for a corner from the young strikers shot.

The game was being played in midfield with few chances being created, when Henrik Ojamaa was brought on for Daley. Within minutes of his introduction, Motherwell’s shape changed, as did their fortune.

Jamie Murphy was able to manoeuvre in the box from Ojamaa’s flick on, only to see his effort saved by Pernis at his front post. Steven Hammell then curled a free kick wide after the Estonian was brought down outside the box. Pernis then was the grateful recipient of a shot from Murphy, after a good 1-2 with Lasley.

It was all Motherwell at this point and Lasley was unlucky to see his cross headed wide by Dillon, when it could easily have been turned in to his own net. Murphy and Higdon then spurned chances for an equaliser, when the young forward had a shot deflected wide, before the former St Mirren man headed wide when he should have at least tested the keeper.

John Rankin was then thwarted once more by Darren Randolph, when his first time shot was batted out by the goalie. This save spurred Motherwell on and on 86 minutes, they levelled. Ojamaa, latched on to a ball down the left hand side and held off Dillon, before firing in a low cross along the six-yard line. Michael Higdon peeled off Gavin Gunning and with his left foot, blasted a first time shot past Pernis to score his tenth of the season.

Indeed, Motherwell could have had a great opportunity to snatch a late winner, when the lively Ojamaa darted between two Dundee United defenders and looked to be fouled as he went for the ball. However, referee Stevie O’Reilly knocked back his appeal.

Motherwell left Tannadice content with the point, and happy to be back amongst the goals. Attention will now turn to Tuesday night’s game against Dunfermline at Fir Park, as they look to regain third place in the SPL.

[tab:As it happened]

Alan Burrows at Tannadice

Full Time: Dundee Utd 1 – 1 Motherwell

90mins – United have one last effort – a speculative effort from Robertson that goes miles wide.

88mins – Penalty shout there. Ojamaa skips in between two United defenders and hits the deck. No penalty from O’Reilly!

86mins – Made by Ojamaa – Runs the channel – his cut back finds the big man and he buries for his 10th of the season,

GOOOOOOALLLLLLLL Higdon!!!!! GET IN THERE!

84mins – Great chance for Higdon again. Terrific reverse pass plays the big man in but he snatches at it and it goes way over.83mins – Great save again from Randolph – Shot from Rankin just on the edge of the area.

80mins – Swanson comes on for McKay-Steven!

77mins – Great chance for Higdon… Ball across by Hateley finds the big striker. Heads wide from about five yards out.

75mins – United sub – Richie Ryan is on for Stuart Armstrong.

74mins – Great play by Ojamaa to keep the ball in. Cross into the box is laid off by Higdon for Murphy. Shot deflected wide for a corner.

71mins – Crowd announced as 5969

68mins – Great ball from Nicky Law almost leads to an equaliser. Utd somehow get it clear for a corner which is cleared

66mins – Former ‘Well man Gunning comes in on place of Nielsen who was on a yellow card.

65mins – Good bursting run from Ojamaa is halted by Nielsen – free-kick at the edge of the area. Hammell takes but it goes wide.

62mins – Half decent low shot from Murphy is gobbled up by Pernis at the second attempt.

61mins – Craigan booked for dissent

61mins – Omar Daley goes off and is replaced by Estonian U21 International Henrik Ojamaa.

51mins – Ball into the box by Law. Teed up by Higdon for Murphy but shot is blocked wide by Robertson. Corner from Hateley is cleared

50mins – Poor start from both teams. Weather isn’t helping though – wind is at its strongest just now.

45mins – The second half gets underway – Motherwell get it going and just in time, the wind and rain gets up again.

43mins – Robbie Nielsen booked for a crude foul on Omar Daley over on the left touchline. Free kick for ‘Well!

41mins – Tame effort from Jon Daly from distance thankfully drops well wide of Randolph’s post.

40mins – Gary MacKay-Steven flashes a shot inches wide of the post. Again it comes from a Well mistake. Shooting ourself in the foot.

36mins – Daly flashes a header wide with Daley careless in midfield. Craigan and Hutchinson do well to stop the striker getting to the ball.

34mins – Half decent effort from ‘Well – Ball towards Higgy – header tee up for Nicky Law who smashes a low shot at goal but saved Pernis.

33mins – Another great save by Randolph – this time with his foot. Shot from the edge of the box by Armstrong (I think)

31mins – Great build-up play between Jennings and Murphy. Ball falls to Higdon but he doesn’t get a hold of it and Pernis saves.

30mins – Keith Lasley shot from distance is comfortably held by Pernis in the United goal. Good reaction from ‘Well!

28mins – Run down the left by Dixon with Jenno on the chase. Ball across the face and Russell / Craigan go in. Ball squirms in at near post

GOAL – Dundee United – Either Russell or Stephen Craigan OG!

24mins – Incredible save from Randolph. Low shot from Rankin from just inside the area – Great hand by the big GK then up to collect.

23mins – Great ball from Hammell almost finds Higgy at the back post but it is taken off his head by a super Pernis punch.

19mins – I hope it is warm wherever you are folks as it is absolutely freezing in Dundee.

18mins – Long throw by Nielsen is cleared by the Steelmen defence who are holding firm against the United attacks so far (just at times)

16mins – Good ball across goal from Stuart Armstrong. Daly gets up above Hammell but header goes over the bar,,,, thankfully!

12mins – Decent Well move. Law and Higdon combine on the edge. Tee up Omar Daley but his low shot is weak and easy for Pernis to catch.

9mins – Good block by Stephen Craigan in front of his own goal. Bursting run and low ball across the face by Rankin – The skipper clears!

6mins – Bursting run on the counter by M-Stevens. Shot from distance sails into the Eddie Thompson Stand behind the goal.

4mins – Good strike by @TomHateley6 – low save down to his right and the ball is eventually cleared. Good start for ;Well!

4mins – Free-kick for ‘Well just outside the box… Hateley to take but the ball is blowing about!

3mins – Couple of shots from @Jamiemurphy89 and Michael Higdon are blocked by the United defence…

1min – Corner for United inside the opening 30 seconds. Motherwell get it clear!

Kick-Off – Dundee United to kick-off! C’mon the Well!!!!!!!!!!

[tab:Reaction]

Dundee Utd manager Peter Houston:

Coming Soon

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“It was a test of character for the lads after going behind, but they had a go and we deserved the point.

“I was pleased how we started the game. We had a few chances and moved the ball well.

“But United were stronger in the first half and Darren Randolph had to pull off a few good saves.

“United are a strong side going forward and they really showed that in the first half.

“However, I always felt we could get back in. Henrik Ojamaa made a difference when he came on and the second half performance was excellent.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Youngsters Jordan Halsman and Gary Smith have both departed the club on short-term loan deals.

Halsman, who has played twice for the first-team – starting his first game against Clyde in the Scottish Communities League Cup earlier this campaign – has joined Second Division side Albion Rovers on a 28-day loan.

The 20-year old has previously had experience of going out on loan, spending time at both Annan Athletic and Dumbarton

Also departing is striker Gary Smith. The 20-year old, who was the U19s league top scorer back in 2009-10, has found first-team action hard to come by with Michael Higdon, Jamie Murphy, Bob McHugh, Omar Daley and, most recently, Henrik Ojamaa all vying for a starting berth.

[pullquote]These guys work hard during the week and it’s good to have a game on a Saturday to focus on.[/pullquote]

The former Queen’s Park youngster, who has made four first-team appearances from the substitute’s bench, including making his Europa League bow against Icelanders Breidablik, has also had experience out on loan – spending six months at Dumbarton last season. He will spend an initial month at Ochilview.

‘Well boss McCall said “With no reserve league it’s important our lads are getting competitive football.

“We’ve already had the likes of Steven Lawless at Albion Rovers, Ross McKinnon at Dumbarton and Steven Howarth at Alloa and it has worked well for them.

“These guys work hard during the week and it’s good to have a game on a Saturday to focus on.”

‘Well boss Stuart McCall is hoping for a repeat of the 3-1 victory Motherwell recorded the last time they were in Dundee.

The Steelmen face Peter Houston’s men on the back of three league defeats which has seen the Fir Parkers drop out the top three for the first time this season.

And the former Scotland midfielder is hoping to recapture some of the early season form, including an impressive win at Tannadice back in October.

He said: “Two of my best games in charge at Motherwell have came at Tannadice; the 2-2 draw in the Cup last year was a great performance and then to bring them back for the replay in what was probably the biggest game of the season and we won 3-0.

“Then, this season, to go there when they were in decent form and win 3-1 was excellent and something we will be looking to try and repeat tomorrow, hopefully.”

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