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Pictures from the 1-0 defeat by Inverness Caledonian Thistle 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]

Kris Jack at Fir Park

Motherwell slipped out of the top three for the first time this season as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Inverness.

Terry Butcher’s men recorded their first win at Fir Park since 2006 in a game where Motherwell could not turn their possession and play in to goals. A terrific strike from Grégory Tadé was enough to send Caley back up the A9 with a win and their first clean sheet of the season.

Michael Higdon, Keith Lasley and Shaun Hutchinson returned to the starting line up having missed the Scottish Cup win over Queen’s Park a week ago, with Steve Jennings making the bench after his league suspension and subsequent hamstring niggle. Nick Ross and Greg Tansey were back in the fold for Inverness, with new loan signing Steve Williams having to make do with a place on the bench.

A minute’s silence was held before kick off in tribute to former Chairman, Bill Dickie, who passed away earlier in the week. The silence was impeccably kept before Motherwell kicked off towards the Davie Cooper Stand, an unfamiliar start to what the fans are accustomed to.

Both teams started the game brightly, with Motherwell looking to have a better out ball than the visitors in the opening stages. As has been the norm this season, pretty passing play and wide wing running were the home side’s formula, but they could not break down the Invernesss defence. Despite it looking fairly fragile, the Thistle backline managed to hoof balls away all game, albeit in the most difficult ways they could find.

Motherwell created the best chances of the opening period, with Shaun Hutchinson only just failing to connect with a Michael Higdon knockdown from a corner, before a great flowing move started by Murphy on the halfway line played in Nicky Law. Law’s cute ball released Tim Clancy, who was bombing down the right to cross for Higdon, who couldn’t stretch enough to poke home form the penalty spot.

Tadé gave a glimpse of what he could offer in this game when he sprinted past Stevie Hammell to get in to the box with Inverness’s first real attack, but Hutchinson and Lasley got back to crowd him out just in time. At the other end, there was big shout for a penalty from the ‘Well fans when Higdon seemed to be pushed in the box but referee Madden was having none of it, infuriating the home support. Indeed, he would turn down another three penalty claims for the Steelmen throughout the game.

The game was running end to end now and a fine lay off by Omar Daley sent Jamie Murphy bearing down on Ryan Esson’s goal. However, the young forward took a touch too much as he strode in to the box and his effort was saved by Esson. From the corner, the Caley keeper made a hash of his clearance before the ball was hooked to safety.

The second penalty claim came when a ball in from the right bounced in front of Roman Golobar as he slipped in the box and the ball looked to roll up his arm. Once more, no spot kick was awarded, as the home side followers groaned from the stands. Greg Tansey and Billy McKay both had tame efforts on Randolph’s goal before Omar Daley blew the best chance of the game for Motherwell.

A lovely flick form Higdon picked out Murphy on the edge of the box, who played a perfectly weighted ball in to the path of the Jamaican. His quick feet created space to shot but instead of finding the net, he found the back of the Cooper from around the penalty spot. It was a gilt edged opportunity to take the lead, but the finish couldn’t match the build up.

Inverness were quicker out of the traps at the start of the second half with Hayes and Lee Cox winning the midfield battle. Both med watched efforts float over the bar as the visitors grabbed a foothold on the game.

The Motherwell fans were on their feet in frustration twice in the space of a few minutes when Kenny Gillet was let off with not one, but two handball claims in the box. Keith Lasley then latched on to a cleared corner, but his effort was too straight at Esson, who spilled the shot before gathering with Daley bearing down on him.

Tadé was the next to have a crack at goal and brought out a fine save from Darren Randolph when he was presented with a one on one with the Irish goalie. However, the Frenchman was to beat Randolph with an exquisite turn and shot form 20 yards to give Inverness the lead. A break down the left from Graeme Shinnie allowed the former Raith Rovers striker to make space at the edge of the box. As he received the pass, he turned off his marker and crashed a stunning drive in to the top right hand corner, with Randolph at full stretch.

Stuart McCall switched things up, replacing Daley and Law with Chris Humphrey and Henrik Ojamaa, with 20 minutes to go, but despite their fresh legs, they could not break down a stubborn Inverness defence. Terry Butcher countered by sending on two defenders for forwards as they looked to close the game out. Ojamaa looked the most likely to create a leveller for Motherwell, his trickery on the left allowing him space to turn and cross for Higdon. However Gillet’s miss-kick wrongfooted the Scouse frontman just as he was about to pull the trigger, and the chance was gone.

Inverness saw the game out and recorded their first win at Fir Park for some time, and recorded their first clean sheet of the season. It was another frustrating afternoon for Motherwell as their home hoodoo continued, compounded by the 5-2 victory for Hearts over St Mirren, which drops ‘Well to fourth in the SPL.

[tab:As it happened]

The Press Association at Fir Park

Full Time – The final whistle goes and the game is over.

89mins – Tim Clancy concedes a free kick for a foul on Gregory Tade. Johnny Hayes restarts play with the free kick.

87mins – Tom Hateley sends in a cross, Kenny Gillet manages to make a clearance.

87mins – Substitution David Proctor is brought on as a substitute for Billy McKay.

87mins – Graeme Shinnie concedes a free kick for a foul on Chris Humphrey.

85mins – Substitution Stephen Craigan leaves the field to be replaced by Steve Jennings.

85mins – Greg Tansey fouled by Chris Humphrey, the ref awards a free kick. Ryan Esson restarts play with the free kick.

82mins – Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Michael Higdon by Greg Tansey. Free kick taken by Tom Hateley.

79mins – Foul by Graeme Shinnie on Chris Humphrey, free kick awarded. Darren Randolph takes the direct free kick.

75mins – Clearance made by Roman Golobart.

75mins – Substitution Steve Williams replaces Nick Ross.

75mins – Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Henrik Ojamaa by Thomas Piermayr. Tom Hateley produces a shot on goal direct from the free kick, Thomas Piermayr gets a block in. Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Tom Hateley,

70mins – Substitution Chris Humphrey on for Nicky Law.

70mins – Substitution Henrik Ojamaa comes on in place of Omar Daley.

68mins – Stevie Hammell concedes a free kick for a foul on Roman Golobart. Direct free kick taken by Ryan Esson.

66mins – The assist for the goal came from Nick Ross.

66mins – GOAL – Gregory Tade- Motherwell 0 – 1 Inverness CT – Gregory Tade gets on the score sheet with a goal from just outside the area to the top left corner of the goal. Motherwell 0-1 Inverness CT.

63mins – Gregory Tade takes a shot. Save made by Darren Randolph. Greg Tansey takes a corner.

62mins – Omar Daley fouled by Roman Golobart, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Stevie Hammell.

58mins – The official flags Billy McKay offside. Keith Lasley takes the free kick.

56mins – Corner taken right-footed by Tom Hateley to the near post, Ryan Esson makes a save. Tom Hateley takes the inswinging corner, Gregory Tade manages to make a clearance.

54mins – Johnny Hayes takes a shot. Keith Lasley gets a block in. Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Greg Tansey from the right by-line, Darren Randolph makes a save.

52mins – Foul by Billy McKay on Stevie Hammell, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Stevie Hammell.

47mins – Shot from just outside the area by Johnny Hayes misses to the left of the target.

47mins – Keith Lasley takes a shot from 20 yards. Ryan Esson makes a brilliant save.

45mins – Johnny Hayes takes a shot. Stephen Craigan gets a block in. Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Greg Tansey from the left by-line to the near post. Corner taken by Johnny Hayes from the right by-line played to the near post, clearance made by Michael Higdon.

45mins – The game restarts for the second half.

Half Time – The ref blows to signal half-time.

44mins – Shot by Greg Tansey. Save by Darren Randolph.

43mins – Gregory Tade produces a drilled right-footed shot from 12 yards. Save made by Darren Randolph.

42mins – Foul by Greg Tansey on Omar Daley, free kick awarded. Tom Hateley crosses the ball in from the free kick, Roman Golobart manages to make a clearance.

41mins – Johnny Hayes takes a shot from just inside the penalty box which clears the crossbar.

37mins – Cross/shot by Omar Daley,

33mins – Gregory Tade has shot on goal from just outside the box which goes wide of the right-hand upright.

32mins – Unfair challenge on Tim Clancy by Gregory Tade results in a free kick. Darren Randolph takes the direct free kick.

27mins – Tom Hateley takes the outswinging corner, Greg Tansey manages to make a clearance.

25mins – Lee Cox has an effort at goal from 12 yards. Corner taken by Johnny Hayes from the right by-line to the near post, clearance by Tom Hateley.

22mins – Unfair challenge on Tom Hateley by Nick Ross results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Tom Hateley.

19mins – Effort on goal by Michael Higdon from deep inside the penalty area misses to the right of the target. Corner taken by Tom Hateley played to the near post, Headed effort from inside the area by Tim Clancy misses to the left of the goal.

19mins – Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Tom Hateley from the right by-line to the near post, Effort on goal by Omar Daley from deep inside the area goes harmlessly over the bar. Clearance by Greg Tansey.

19mins – Omar Daley takes a shot. Ryan Esson gets a block in.

17mins – Michael Higdon produces a volleyed right-footed shot from deep inside the area which goes wide of the left-hand post.

16mins – Corner taken by Greg Tansey from the left by-line to the near post, clearance made by Michael Higdon.

16mins – Corner taken by Tom Hateley played to the near post.

14mins – Foul by Greg Tansey on Nicky Law, free kick awarded. Nicky Law restarts play with the free kick.

13mins – Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Roman Golobart by Michael Higdon. Billy McKay takes the free kick.

12mins – The official flags Billy McKay offside. Darren Randolph restarts play with the free kick.

8mins – Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Nicky Law by Greg Tansey. Shaun Hutchinson takes the free kick.

6mins -Tom Hateley challenges Gregory Tade unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Lee Cox.

5mins – Corner taken right-footed by Tom Hateley from the left by-line, Michael Higdon has a headed effort at goal from close in which goes wide right of the goal.

3mins – Keith Lasley challenges Thomas Piermayr unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Ryan Esson.

1min – The game gets underway.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“I don’t think we deserved to lose. We didn’t have the composure in the first half to take the opportunities we created. I always felt it would be a tight game. At half-time I thought it would be one goal that won it and it was a hell of a strike by Tade.

“I don’t think we created enough in the second half to win the game.

“I thought there were a lot of decisions for both sides that I think everyone saw apart from the referee unfortunately, but I’m not blaming the referee for the result.”

Inverness Caley manager Terry Butcher:

“To get a clean sheet, to win, that’s four matches unbeaten, is like some sort of dream. Me and Maurice (Malpas) sat there in the dressing room and said ‘what do we say to the players now?’.”

“It was almost the perfect day for us. The saddest thing is not seeing Bill Dickie in the tunnel. Normally you come off and shake his hand – win, lose or draw. I kept thinking he was there. It’s so natural and common for him to be there but he wasn’t.

“Motherwell Football Club have had to put up with a lot of losses and my heart goes out to the club. It was mixed emotions coming down here anyway irrespective of the result.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Flying winger Omar Daley was in a confident mood ahead of Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s visit to Fir Park tomorrow afternoon.

The laidback Jamaican International, who has scored three goals in six starts, believes that should the Steelmen score first, they can go on to show the type of performance that has seen them score six goals in the sides previous two meetings.

Speaking exclusively to MFC TV, he said: “Getting a win over Queen’s Park last week was good for our confidence.

“For me personally, getting on the scoresheet, with Nicky (Law) setting me up, is always good.

“Come the opening fifteen to twenty minutes, if we get that first goal then hopefully we can kick on and pick up all three points.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH OMAR EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-

Stuart McCall is eager to recapture some of the excellent early league form his side have shown when they face an improved Inverness side tomorrow.

The visitors will, no doubt, be smarting from ‘Well’s October smash and grab victory in the Highlands; Tom Hateley curling in a superb last minute winner to sink the hearts of the Caley faithful.

Returning to SPL duty after last week’s William Hill Scottish Cup win over Queen’s Park, McCall has been left frustrated by his sides recent dip in league form.

[pullquote]We know on their day Inverness can be a threat but it’s what we do.[/pullquote]

“We need to bounce back,” said McCall. “We’ve had two disappointing, not just results, but performances.”

“Even though they are two tough places to go (Tynecastle and Ibrox), we expect us to do better than we did at Hearts and Rangers. It wasn’t good enough and the lads are desperate after a good weeks training to get out there and put in a good performance.

“We know on their day Inverness can be a threat but it’s what we do.

“We’ve got to get at teams, score goals, create chances and play attacking football. With the players that we’ve got and the players that will be out there tomorrow, they’re under no illusion of what is expected of them and as I’ve said they’ve trained well this week and they’re all fired up.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-

Patrons who normally use the Fir Park School car park on matchdays should note that it will be out of use for Saturday’s match against Inverness.

All parties who are usually in this car park will be re-allocated to the Knowetop Car Park behind the East Stand.

Anyone with any queries should contact the Ticket Office as soon as is possible

Motherwell FC are today mourning the death of vice-chairman Bill Dickie, who sadly passed away last night.

Dickie, a former President of the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and Chairman of Motherwell Football Club between 2003 and 2008, was one the longest serving directors in Scottish football with over 30 years of service.

He was also a renowned architect and operated from his business on Hamilton Road, just minutes from Fir Park.

Commenting, Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said, “Everyone is absolutely devastated by Bill’s sudden passing.

“He was one of those characters that was so bright and bubbly; it has come as a great shock to everyone at Fir Park.

“Indeed, just last Saturday he was in and around the club for the Scottish Cup clash with Queen’s Park being his usual self. He was being very positive about the team and the future of the club in his own unique style.

“It goes without saying that we would like to pass on our deepest condolences to Bill’s family and close friends at this very sad time.”

Motherwell Football Club will host a tribute to Bill at Saturday’s SPL clash with Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Fir Park.

Referee for Saturday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Inverness CT at Fir Park will be Bobby Madden.

It will be Bobby’s first ever time in charge of the Steelmen, despite being on the FIFA list for two years and regularly handling SPL matches for 18 months now.

The 33-year old has been fourth official on a number of occasions, most recently against Dundee Utd in the SPL back in April and the Semi Final with St Johnstone at Hampden some two weeks later.

The whistler has taken charge of games in all four domestic divisions this campaign and both Cup competitions, the most notable being Celtic’s 2-1 win over Dunfermline and Rangers’ victory over Inverness by the same scoreline.

His most recent appointment came last weekend when he was the man in the middle for Hibs’ narrow 3-2 win over Cowdenbeath at Central Park in the William Hill Scottish Cup.

Madden was at the centre of controversy last month when he was forced to cancel a game between Dunfermline and Kilmarnock at East End Park due to thick fog. Unfortunately, at kick-off, the worst had cleared and he was on the end of some severe, and, it has to be said, over-the-top criticism from some quarters when it was an extremely difficult and unpredictable call.

He was also in charge for the entertaining UEFA U21 Qualifying clash between Albania and Moldova in Korçë back in September. The home side won 4-2 with the Moldovans reduced to ten men courtesy of a late red card to midfielder Mihail Platica.

He has also refereed a fixture in the UEFA Champions League when he was appointed to the First Round Qualifier between Birkirkara FC and FC Santa Colomo in July of 2010.

His domestic card count record is encouraging too. Of the 14 matches he has handled this term; only 35 cautions have been dished out (2.5 per match) with no one ordered off.

Bobby will be ably assisted by George Drummond and Gary Cheyne with Stephen Finnie on fourth official duties.

‘Well boss Stuart McCall was pleased to land another home draw as Motherwell were paired with First Division side Morton in the Scottish Cup 5th Round.

At a packed Hampden, the Steelmen were the third tie drawn out and will face Alan Moore’s men with the tie are scheduled to be played on 4th and 5th of February.

And the gaffer admits that although Morton will prove stern opposition, he is delighted with a home tie.

“We are pleased; we always want to be at home in the Cup draw,” the former Scotland midfielder told MFC TV.

“I spoke to Andre (Villas-Boas) before the draw and asked him to make sure we were at home so well done to him for that.

“We played Morton in pre-season and it was a good game so we are looking forward to another exciting Cup tie.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-

Motherwell have been drawn at home to face Greenock Morton in the 5th Round of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

The draw was conducted at Hampden today by Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas, World Cup and Champions League-winning manager Marcello Lippi, and Jim Mullen, Chief Operating Officer of William Hill Online.

‘Well faced Morton in pre-season, running out 3-2 winners at Cappielow. The teams also met 21 years ago when the Steelmen last won the Cup – going through after a thrilling penalty shoot-out.

Fifth round draw:

• Hibernian v Dundee or Kilmarnock
• Motherwell v Greenock Morton
• St Mirren or Hamilton Academical v Ross County
• Inverness Caledonian Thistle or Dunfermline v Celtic
• Ayr United v Falkirk
• Rangers v Dundee United
• Heart of Midlothian v St Johnstone
• Aberdeen v Queen of the South

Ties are due to be played over the weekend of 4th/5th February.

All the goals from Fir Park as ‘Well put four past Queen’s Park to progress to the 5th Round of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

-WATCH ALL FOUR GOALS ON MFC TV-