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    Kilmarnock Tickets & Travel

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    Scottish Cup replay rearranged

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    Defensive duo get U21 call-up

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    Officials appointed for Killie clash

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    Randolph gets first call

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    Semi Final draw

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    Craigan selected for Northern Ireland

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    McCall reflects on Cup classic

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    Dundee Utd draw in pictures

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    Dundee Utd 2 – 2 Motherwell

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    Kilmarnock Tickets & Travel

    Wednesday 16 March 2011

    Motherwell are back on the road this weekend when they make the short journey down the M77 to face Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

    The game, kicking off at 12 noon live on ESPN, is crucial for both sides in the race to secure a top-six finish.

    Motherwell battled hard for a 2-2 draw against Dundee United last weekend and, on the same day, Kilmarnock were unlucky to leave Ibrox with at least a point after losing a late goal in a 2-1 defeat.

    The Steelmen ran out 1-0 winners the last time the teams met in Ayrshire although Mixu Paatelainen’s men will line-up infinitely different from the one that ‘Well faced back in August.

    Tickets will be available on the gate at Rugby Park with admission prices as follows:

    ADULTS:    £20
    CONCESSIONS:                                                            £14
    JUVENILE:    £5
    • Concessions are listed as Over 65s, Under 18s and Full Time Students.
    • Juveniles are listed as aged 12 and under.
    • Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Elaine MacDonald at the club on 01698 338068 or email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk.

    SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION COACHES

    CENTRAL BRANCH

    The bus for Kilmarnock will leave the Bentley Hotel at 10.30am. Phone Jim on (01698) 299650 or e-mail Christopher on christopher_hutton@btinternet.com.

    WISHAW BRANCH

    The Wishaw bus to Rugby Park will leave at 10.15am. To book seats please call Anne on 01698470601 or email andrew.sim48@btinternet.com.

    BELLSHILL & DISTRICT BRANCH

    The Kilmarnock bus will pick up at the Carousel Bar, Bellshill at 9.50am, Holytown War Monument at 10am and finally the Fir Park Club, Motherwell at 10.15am. To book seats, contact Brian Worton on 07763 061821 or after 6pm on (01698) 747644.

    FAN INFORMATION

    Motherwell fans should note that no flags will be admitted to Rugby Park tomorrow.

    TRAVEL

    BY CAR

    The stadium is located close to the town centre is well signposted for travelling fans.

    Follow the A71 towards Kilmarnock and then take the A759 (Dundonald Road) into the town. You will eventually come to the stadium on the left.

    If travelling from the North, follow the M77, which becomes the A77 on approach to Kilmarnock. Exit on to the B7802 (Grassyards Road) and head towards the town centre.

    Continue forward on to High Street, turning right at the traffic lights on to Fowlds Street. Then turn left at St Marnock Street on to the A759 (Dundonald Road). The stadium will be clearly visible ahead.

    Street parking is available on numerous streets around the ground.

    BY BUS

    Several operators run buses which will take you within a five to 10 minute walk of the ground, including First service X76.

    Further information and timetables are available online at www.firstgroup.com/glasgow.

    BY TRAIN

    Kilmarnock station is served by trains from Glasgow and is within walking distance of the ground.

    Upon leaving the station, walk down John Finnie Street and turn right at the traffic lights on to Portland Road. Then take the second left on to South Hamilton Street and the stadium will be clearly visible ahead.

    Further information and timetables are available online at www.scotrail.co.uk.

    MAP

    [mappress]

  • Archive

    Scottish Cup replay rearranged

    Tuesday 15 March 2011

    Motherwell’s Scottish Cup Quarter Final replay with Dundee United has been moved back 24 hours to Wednesday 30th March.

    The change has been agreed as a solution to the position both clubs found themselves in as a consequence of international duty.

    The kick-off remains 7.45pm with ticket information to follow soon…

  • Archive

    Defensive duo get U21 call-up

    Tuesday 15 March 2011

    Youngsters Steven Saunders and Gavin Gunning have been called up to their respective U21 squads.

    Saunders has been included in Billy Stark’s 20-man Scotland U21 squad for the International Challenge Match against Belgium a week on Thursday.

    The game will be played at Burgemeester Van De Wielestadion, Deinze – kick-off 7.00pm

    On-loan Blackburn defender Gunning has also been named in the Republic of Ireland U21 pool for their friendly match against Portugal.

    Head Coach Noel King has included Gunning as a part of the squad that will fly to Portugal for the game at Stadium Municipal Águeda on Friday 25th March (kick-off 5.15pm).

  • Archive

    Officials appointed for Killie clash

    Tuesday 15 March 2011

    Referee for Saturday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Kilmarnock will be Mike Tumilty.

    39-year-old Tumilty will be taking charge of his fourth ‘Well game of the campaign, having previously been the man in the middle for the 1-0 win at Rugby Park back in August, the 2-0 away success at Tynecastle at the end of September and the 2-1 win at the Caledonian Stadium.

    Four games is way more than he managed the whole of last season however, where he took charge of just the one ‘Well game. That was at Fir Park; a single Lukas Jutkiewicz goal was enough to give the Steelmen a 1-0 win over local rivals Hamilton Accies in February.

    The season before last, he overseen the home win against Accies (again) as well the 2-0 defeat at the hands of Kilmarnock in a miserable Monday night at Fir Park – live on the now defunct Setanta Sports.

    It’s been a busy season for Mike who has handled twelve SPL games already this campaign, most recently Aberdeen 0 – 0 draw with Hearts at Pittodrie four week ago.

    His overall record in charge of Motherwell is pretty good. Of the ten Motherwell games he has officiated, the Steelmen have won eight, drawn nil and lost two. Eighteen goals have hit the back of the opponents net, whilst only eight have been conceded.

    30 yellow cards have been flashed in those games, 18 to a player wearing Claret and Amber. Thankfully, not one single player has seen red.

    He will be ably assisted by Brian Templeton and Stephen Allan with Steve Conroy appointed as fourth official.

  • Archive

    Randolph gets first call

    Monday 14 March 2011

    Talented Motherwell goalkeeper Darren Randolph has been included in the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time.

    Randolph, 23, has been in sensational form for the Steelmen this season and has already broken the club record for clean sheets in one campaign (sixteen so far in 2010/2011).

    Giovanni Trapattoni’s 29-man squad will take on Macedonia on March 26 and Uruguay on March 29.

    Randolph is the only SPL based player to be included in the side although Celtic’s on-loan defender Darren O’Dea makes the squad. His inclusion fulfils a personal ambition for the player who has played at every other International level for his country, including a ‘B’ cap against Scotland a few years ago.

    “It has been a while since my last involvement in International football so the call today has been very pleasing indeed,” said Randolph, speaking exclusively to motherwellfc.co.uk.

    “Some people questioned my move to Scotland but so far things have exceeded my expectations. Motherwell is a superb club to play for with a proven track record of developing players. When I choose to leave Charlton, I have to be honest and say that getting a call-up to the full Ireland squad wasn’t in my immediate thoughts.

    “I wanted to get out and play regularly as a number one; a fresh challenge really. I felt that coming to Motherwell was the right move for me and, so far at least, it’s been a dream.

    “I prefer to be a guy who looks forward rather than sitting back and admiring what has gone on. Things have been great so far but we can still push on and end the season with even greater highs. For me personally, and the team, we still have goals to achieve and that is my aim.

    “But, it is a great feeling to see your name included in the full international squad. I’ve played at every level from schoolboy up to ‘B’ International and this was something that I’ve always dreamed about.”

    Motherwell Football Club would like to congratulate Darren on his first senior call-up and wish him every success when he meets up with the group at the end of the month.

  • Archive

    Semi Final draw

    Monday 14 March 2011

    St Johnstone or Brechin lie in wait for the winner of Motherwell’s Scottish Cup Quarter Final replay with Dundee United.

    The semi final draw took place today at Largs today with Alan Irvine and Alan Stubbs joining SFA president George Peat.

    Motherwell or Dundee United came out the hat first, quickly followed by Saints or Brechin.

    The ties are scheduled to be played on the weekend on 16/17 April at Hampden Park.

    Full draw:

    Motherwell or Dundee Utd vs St Johnstone or Brechin
    Aberdeen or St Mirren vs Inverness CT or Celtic

  • Archive

    Craigan selected for Northern Ireland

    Monday 14 March 2011

    Stephen Craigan has been included in Northern Ireland’s 23-man squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Serbia and Slovenia later this month.

    The 53-times capped Motherwell skipper will be in the squad along with fellow SPL stars Jonny Tuffy (Inverness CT), Steve Davis, Kyle Lafferty and David Healy (all Rangers) as well as Niall McGinn and Paddy McCourt (both Celtic).

    Northern Ireland will play Serbia in Belgrade on Friday 25 March (kick-off: 8.30pm local time); before taking on Slovenia in Belfast on Tuesday 29 March (kick-off: 7.45pm).

    Nigel Worthington’s men currently sit five points behind leaders Italy although they have played at least one game less than any other side. Maximum points could leave Craigan and Co. at the top of their group at the midway point of the qualifying section.

    Northern Ireland squad:

    Goalkeepers: Taylor (Birmingham), Tuffey (Inverness Caledonian Thistle), Camp (Nottingham Forest)

    Defenders: J Evans (Manchester United), Craigan (Motherwell), Cathcart (Blackpool), McAuley (Ipswich Town), Hughes (Fulham), Hodson (Watford), Thompson (Watford)

    Midfielders: Baird (Fulham), McCann (Peterborough United), Brunt (West Brom), Gorman (Wolves), C Evans (Manchester United), Davis (Rangers), McGinn (Celtic), Clingan (Coventry City), McCourt (Celtic)

    Forwards: Healy (Rangers), Feeney (Oldham Athletic), Lafferty (Rangers), Boyce (Werder Bremen)

    Photo: Press Eye

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    McCall reflects on Cup classic

    Sunday 13 March 2011

    Stuart McCall admitted a draw was the fairest outcome after a thrilling Scottish Cup quarter-final at Tannadice.

    The Steelmen arrived in Tayside with admirably attacking intents, taking the lead twice through a brace from the in-form John Sutton.

    But goals from David Goodwillie and another strike from the bench by super-sub Jon Daly ensured the match finished with a share of the spoils.

    The sides will do it all over again in the replay on March 29th at Fir Park – and if it is half as good as this tie then both sets of fans are in for another treat.

    “I thought a draw was a fair result and it was a really good cup tie,” the ‘Well gaffer praised. “I enjoyed the game. It would have been easy for us to sit in but we had a go at them.

    “I think people thought we would come and play 4-5-1 or 4-3-3, but I just felt we needed to come and have a go and I thought we did that.

     “Obviously I am disappointed with being ahead twice and twice being pegged back, but the first goal for them was fantastic – great ability from the lad who is an excellent player. Sometimes you have to hold your hand up and say well played. I thought our second was a lovely footballing goal and I thought we proved today at patches what we are capable of.”

    The three-time winner of the Scottish Cup from his playing days admitted slight frustration regarding the nature of United’s second equaliser.

    Jon Daly slotted home just 64 seconds after John Sutton had given the Steelmen the lead for the second time, but McCall knows that a place at Hampden was far from guaranteed – even if his side hadn’t conceded so quickly after scoring.

    “Frustrating and disappointing,” the 46-year old said of the concession. “I am not going to say if we hadn’t lost that goal we would have won it. The players they have in their side – Daly, Swanson and the midfield boys; middle-to-front they are an exciting side.

    “On the back of three victories they were full of confidence.”

    The Motherwell gaffer was also quick to shy away from the ‘favourites’ tag ahead of the replay back in North Lanarkshire.

    ‘Well will have home advantage and a vociferous home support cheering them to Hampden, but McCall is wary of the Arabs’ threat.

    He continued: “No way does it make us favourites. It will be two teams desperate to get to a semi-final, but coming to Tannadice was one of the toughest ties we could have got and it will be another exciting game when they come back to us.”

  • Archive

    Dundee Utd draw in pictures

    Sunday 13 March 2011

    Pictures from the 2-2 draw with Dundee Utd in the Scottish Cup Quarter Final at Tannadice.

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

    [svgallery name=”dundeeutd130311″]

  • Archive

    Dundee Utd 2 – 2 Motherwell

    Sunday 13 March 2011

    [tab:Match report]

    Motherwell and Dundee United will meet again for a Scottish Cup quarter-final replay after playing out a hugely entertaining 2-2 draw at Tannadice.

    The Steelmen took the lead after just 54 seconds when John Sutton towered highest at the back post to head home a Stevie Hammell corner – the twelfth strike of a fruitful season for the former Spurs youth.

    Motherwell were pegged back just before the break as David Goodwillie sent a stunning overhead kick past Darren Randolph from six yards.

    The Steelmen regrouped and turned in a lively performance in the second period, taking the lead again through Sutton again. This time he converted following a super interchange between Stevie Hammell and Keith Lasley, and a perfect subsequent cross.

    But there was to be a twist in the tale as the Arabs went straight up the other end – 64 seconds later in fact – and equalised through substituted Jon Daly.

    Stuart McCall made two changes to the side which turned in such a disappointing display in the Highlands eight days previously. Stephen Craigan came into the side for Ross Forbes while Stevie Saunders replaced the suspended Steve Jennings.

    The Scottish Cup holders United, playing their third game in six days, freshened up their side from the 2-1 victory over Hamilton with four changes. With Dixon, Buaben and Danny Swanson coming in for Shala, David Robertson, van der Muelen and Russell.

    The Steelmen certainly started the game like a side with a point to prove following the Inverness Caledonian defeat and, remarkably, they were ahead with less than a minute on the clock. Stevie Hammell showed his dead-ball expertise by floating a perfect deep corner for John Sutton, and the in-form striker made no mistake in powering the ball home.

    As you would naturally expect from a side on a run of three consecutive wins, Peter Houston’s men responded and could have been level twenty minutes into the game. David Goodwillie pounced on a short Steven Saunders header inside the ‘Well box, and his low shot from 16 yards was wonderfully saved by Darren Randolph.

    Randolph was called into action again five minutes later as Prince Buaben was fed through on goal by Danny Swanson, but the Ghanaian’s curling effort was tame and easily saved by Motherwell’s Irish stopper.

    At the other end Dusan Pernis was proving his worth too. As an end-to-end match swung towards the United goalmouth, Pernis was forced to act smartly to tip a Keith Lasley half-volley over the bar.

    Approaching half-time both sides exchanged excellent low drives from range, with Prince Buaben firing narrowly wide for the Terrors and former Arsenal striker Franny Jeffers doing the same for the Steelmen.

    Just as it seemed as though Stuart McCall’s men might take a one-goal lead into the break, after a scintillating opening period, David Goodwillie struck in spectacular fashion. Keith Watson lofted a high, hopeful ball into the area and the Scotland international pulled off an overhead kick to fire past Randolph.

    It was an extraordinary bit of skill, but Motherwell defenders were left incandescent with rage over a perceived foul on Gavin Gunning before the cross was put in.

    Into the second half Motherwell continued to play some excellent football, Indeed, on the hour mark the lively Lasley fired a powerful effort just over the bar from the edge of the area.

    That was followed by a chance for the home side, with substitute Jon Daly heading over the bar with almost his first touch after coming off the bench to replace the unusually quiet Craig Conway.

    In a see-saw encounter ‘Well were next to strike, and it was a splendidly worked goal. Stevie Hammell surged towards the penalty box, playing a neat one-two with Keith Lasley to burst into the area. Hammell, playing in an unaccustomed role of left-wing, had the presence of mind to pick out Sutton in the box, and he had the easiest task to slide home from six yards.

    That goal should have given the visitors something to hold onto – but they only succeeding in holding onto it for a little over a minute. Danny Swanson found Jon Daly at the back post with a good cross and the bustling Irish striker made no mistake in dispatching past his compatriot Randolph.

    There were half-chances in the closing stages for the busy David Goodwillie and substitute Chris Humphrey, but it finished 2-2, with a draw perhaps the fairest result from a match neither side deserved to lose. 

    [tab:As it happened]

    Graham Barnstaple at Tannadice

    Full Time: 2-2, good effort from the lads gave as good as they got, I am sure we are happier with a replay than they are.

    90mins – Four minutes being added on

    84mins – Forbes for Lasley, Well players upset at Goodwillie putting ball out for throw after we had kicked the ball out for Gunning injury

    76mins – Saunders long ranger has Pernis panicing, but it slides inches wide of the post

    74mins – Looks as though we got caught switching off after taking the lead, it’s a much livelier game now. Gomis booked for United.

    73mins – GOOOOOAAAAALLLL – 2-2 Well – Sutton scores at front post from Hammell cross, BUT United go up other end and score through Daly

    69mins – Hammell sends Gunning down left and his cross to front post is almost turned in by Dillon, another wasted corner

    62mins – Daly on for United, his first touch is to head over a Douglas corner. Humphrey on now for Murphy for Well

    58mins – Just as I say tha, Pernis pulls off a fine save from a Lasley shot from the edge of the box, from a Jeffers lay off.

    56mins – Ten minutes in, nothing much to report, United probably on top but chances at a premium at either end

    46mins – No changes in either line up at half time, as United get the second half underway

    HT: We survived a tough last fifteen minutes there and need to re-group for the second half if we want to get through this one

    Half time – 1-1, scoreline is about right, although some ‘Well players are complaining to ref and linesman about foul on Gunning

    45mins – One minute being added on

    41mins – Bit of controversy around the goal, as it looked as though Gunning was tripped before the ball was crossed in

    40mins – 1-1 Goal for United, cross from right and Goodwille scores an overhead kick leaving Randolph helpless – Rooneyesque!

    37mins – Hateley yellow for wild tackle just outside the box, United shout for pen as Goodwillie goes over nothing given.

    31mins – United dominating possession but only shooting from long range, we look dangerous on the counter, Jeffers 20 yards out slips wide

    27mins – Swanson booked for an outrageous drive after losing the ball

    25mins – Stunning save from Pernis who somehow turns a Lasley volley over the bar as it looked to be heading into the top corner

    18mins – Great save from Randolph, Goodwillie slipped past three defenders and looked to have score but big man saved one handed

    13mins – Two half chances for Well, Murphy left foot shot saved easily and a Jeffers shot flashing wide of the post.

    7mins – United’s first effort at goal comes from a Swanson free kick that is easily saved by Randolph

    1min – Sutton’s downward header is his 12th goal of the season in all competitions

    1min – GOOOAALLLLLL – Well 1 United 0, corner in 24 seconds, and Sutton heads in from Hammell’s kick, perfect start

    1min – Game is underway with ‘Well kicking off

    [tab:Reaction]

    Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

    “We go back now to Fir Park, I don’t think for any minute that makes us favourites. It will be both teams going for it again with a semi-final place at stake.

    “But I thought a draw was a merited result. I thoroughly enjoyed the game. There was a lot of good football.

    “I thought our second was an excellently worked goal, as soon as Daly came on, he did it against Hamilton the other night, he pulls it out in the big games.

    “It is disappointing and frustrating to lose a goal so early, but with the players they’ve got in the side, Swanson, Conway, Goodwillie and Daly, four front men who, on their game, are very good.

    “But we have good players in our side and we showed that.”

    Dundee Utd manager Peter Houston:

    “It’s typical Dundee United side at the moment, they are a great bunch of lads and we did come back and what a fantastic goal from David Goodwillie. It has got to be up there for one of the goals of the season

    “Then we fall behind and we don’t let it unsettle us and, within seconds, we are back in it. That’s a good thing.

    “But I can’t credit the players any more. When you look it, it is our third game in six days. I wouldn’t have made it an excuse for us losing the game, but for us still to be going hard at it after 94 minutes was fantastic. So I am very pleased and proud of the players.

    “It is a hard ask when we have a game on Wednesday as well and then we have a replay too. But I would rather be in the Cup.”

    [tab:Man-of-the-match]

    [poll id=”45″]

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