Motherwell Archives - SNN Sports

Sun, Shankland and suspicious Steelmen as Hearts take three points

Hearts 3 – 0 Motherwell A second Lawrence Shankland brace topped off with James Forrest finisher saw an improving Hearts dispatch a frustrated Motherwell side in the ‘best of the rest’ clash. Attempting to combat the heat, the referee called a stop to play to allow players to take a water break. However there would be no denying Shankland in front of goal, the striker profiting from a defensive howler from Stephen O’Donnell to give Hearts the lead. Having tasted the back of the net Shankland would come back for seconds after the break, meeting James Penrice’s delicate cross to almost put the game out of reach and in doing so scoring as many post-split as he had prior. Just two minutes later it was good night Vienna for Wimmer, as Forrest tapped home Aston Oxborough’s save after some excellent work from substitute Yan Dhanda to force the parry. Motherwell for their part did threaten prior to the collapse, Callum Slattery’s sizzling long range effort going just over the bar as the visitors probed for a hole in debutant Ryan Fulton’s goal. Slattery wheeled away in celebration after thundering home an equaliser, only to be denied after a lengthy VAR check ruled for offside as Dan Casey was judged to have obscructed in play. Fulton suffered his first real test, spilling Tom Sparrow’s low driven shot, fortunate not the have it collected by a Motherwell player. Three points for Hearts see them leapfrog Motherwell to go seventh and confirm survival for next season. Missing diamond but Shankland shines bright Quick to deny any criticism of his predecessor Critchley, interim boss Liam Fox did not need to say what he thought of the decision to drop Shankland deeper at the top of a midfield diamond. Instead he showed it by making the striker the sole man up top and it has paid dividends. Four goals in two games has gone some way in reminding the Tynecastle faithful just how good he is, but also what a player they will be losing should Shankland not re-sign. With Craig Gordon also more out than in as it stands, Fox, or whomever the board select as their next manager have a wealth of experience to replace. Either way, with Shankland in red hot form for the first time this season, fans may finally have something to smile about following a torrid year. Auditions but no x-factor In the build-up to this week, Wimmer called the three remaining games “an audition” for some members a bloated Motherwell squad. If that was the case, no prizes for guessing how many of the players earned the golden buzzer. Very much in the game even a goal down, the quickfire double sucked the life out any attempts to salvage something from the game. The manager denied he would make any decisions off the back of a single game. However, with a healthy expected for the signing of Lennon Miller and a cull of the fringes, fans can expect a stronger squad than the one that has flattered to deceive this year. What the managers said: Hearts interim boss Liam Fox: “I think I repeat what I said last week. If you put Lawrence Shankland in these types of positions and you do work on how you’re going to get the ball to him, Lawrence Shankland will score goals.” “This is not in any way, shape or form a criticism of the previous regime, I just felt it needed to get Shankland closer to the goal.” “At this moment in time, we’ve got a day off tomorrow and we’re back in on Monday and that until somebody tells me any different, that is where it’s at.” Motherwell boss Michael Wimmer: “It was a disappointed result. But this happens in football, I think, if you see the stats, it was four shots for Hearts or five shots and they scored three goals, and we had all of our shots and we didn’t score.” “It was not good enough, especially in both boxes, but to make decisions on players depending on one game. I don’t think it’s fair.” “My only thing is what I always say, but also in Germany, if the VAR says something and if the VAR says ‘come on, I have something to say’ then in my opinion it should be a clear mistake.” Line-ups: Hearts: Fulton, Penrice, Halkett, Kent, Forrester, Grant (Kartum 72), Baningime (Nieuwenhof 81), Devlin, Forrest (Kabangu 81), Shankland (c) (Wilson 72), Vargas (Dhanda 53) Unused subs: Clark, Kartum, Kingsley, McKay, Steinwender Goals: Shankland (30, 60), Forrest (62) Booked: Devlin, Halkett Motherwell: Oxborough, Seddon, Casey, O’Donnell (c), Sparrow, Miller, Halliday (Andrews 84), Thompson (Wilson 68), Slattery (Zdravkovski 80), Maswanhise (Dickson 68), Watt (Armstrong 68) Unused subs: Armstrong, Balcombe, Ebiye, Paton, Wilson, Jair Tavares Booked: Halliday, Miller

May 10, 2025

Celtic One Result Away from Title as Post-Split Premiership Fixtures Confirmed

Celtic could secure the Scottish Premiership crown on 26 April when they visit Dundee United, needing just a draw to mathematically confirm their dominance. The reigning champions hold a commanding 15-point advantage over Rangers with only five games left, putting them on the verge of a 13th league title in 14 seasons. In a post-split schedule that raises some familiar concerns about fixture balance, the SPFL has now confirmed the remaining fixtures for both the top and bottom halves of the table. The final Old Firm clash of the campaign is set for Sunday 4 May at Ibrox – a potentially fiery occasion even if the title is already wrapped up. Aberdeen kick off their top-six run with a home tie against Hibernian, while Rangers will travel to face St Mirren in their opener. The top-six fixtures will all conclude on Saturday 17 May with simultaneous 12:30 BST kick-offs. However, the post-split format has once again led to some uneven home-and-away tallies. Hibernian must travel to St Mirren for a third time this season, granting the Buddies 20 home matches and only 18 away. Motherwell, meanwhile, will end their campaign having played 20 away fixtures. It’s the first season since 2017-18 where fixture balance couldn’t be maintained across the league. At the other end of the table, St Johnstone begin their survival bid away to Motherwell. They sit bottom, five points behind the rest with time running out. Just six points separate seventh-placed Hearts from 11th-placed Dundee, with only the side finishing 12th relegated automatically. The team in 11th will enter the play-offs. Bottom-half clubs will conclude their campaigns a day later than the top six, with all games on Sunday 18 May at 15:00 BST. 🔝 Top Six Fixtures Saturday 26 April Dundee United v Celtic (12:30) Aberdeen v Hibernian (15:00) St Mirren v Rangers (15:00) Saturday 3 May Hibernian v Dundee United (15:00) St Mirren v Aberdeen (15:00) Sunday 4 May Rangers v Celtic (12:00) Saturday 10 May Celtic v Hibernian (15:00) Dundee United v St Mirren (15:00) Sunday 11 May Rangers v Aberdeen (12:00) Wednesday 14 May Aberdeen v Celtic (19:45) Rangers v Dundee United (19:45) St Mirren v Hibernian (19:45) Saturday 17 May (All 12:30) Celtic v St Mirren Dundee United v Aberdeen Hibernian v Rangers 🔻 Bottom Six Fixtures Saturday 26 April Hearts v Dundee (15:00) Kilmarnock v Ross County (15:00) Motherwell v St Johnstone (15:00) Saturday 3 May Dundee v Motherwell (15:00) Ross County v Hearts (15:00) St Johnstone v Kilmarnock (15:00) Saturday 10 May Hearts v Motherwell (15:00) Kilmarnock v Dundee (15:00) St Johnstone v Ross County (15:00) Wednesday 14 May Dundee v Ross County (19:45) Hearts v St Johnstone (19:45) Motherwell v Kilmarnock (19:45) Sunday 18 May (All 15:00) Kilmarnock v Hearts Ross County v Motherwell St Johnstone v Dundee

April 15, 2025

Hibernian 3-1 Motherwell: Player ratings from Easter Road

Nectar Triantis ran the show as Stephen O’Donnell struggled wearing the armband. Hibernian (3-4-1-2) Jordan Smith Little do before being beaten by the free kick. 6 Jack Iredale Looked untroubled until his needless foul outside the box allowed Motherwell back into the game. 6 Rocky Bushiri Confident on the ball and strong in the tackle. Enjoyed a relatively quiet night. On his way to cult hero status in Leith. 7 Warren O’Hara Like his partners at the back was solid at the back and kept a close eye on Maswanhise, keeping the forward who was brought on to shake things up quiet. 7 Nicky Cadden The talisman took an early knock to the face leaving a bit of blood. Brought off before he could really make an impact. n/a Dylan Levitt Solid on return to the team. Looks to be doing the things asked of him by the manager. Clearly blowing by the time he was brought off on the hour mark. 7 Nectar Triantis Couple of wayward passes but ran the game from the middle of the park. Strong interception followed by a lovely finish capped off a fine evening. 8 Chris Cadden Found space down the right early but nobody to meet the crosses. Won his duels with Sparrow. 7 Josh Campbell Pulled up his shorts in anger after wasting a good attacking opportunity. Like the other two, kept things simple which was what the game required. 7 Dwight Gayle Looks every bit the experienced player his CV suggests but frustrated by like of chances created for him. No doubt he will know the three points come first. 6 Martin Boyle (capt) Good position for opener with a cool, calm and collected penalty for the second. A player reborn in recent weeks now with four goals from his last two games. 8 SUBSTITUTES: Jordan Obita (for N. Cadden 19′) Difficult job in replacing Cadden but did very well. Assist for the first and defended resolutely in unfamiliar role 8; Lewis Miller (for C. Cadden 62′) Strong in the air and combined well with Hoilett 7; Junior Hoilett (for Gayle 62′) Kept Motherwell defenders on back foot to see out game 7; Hyeokku Kwon (for Levitt 62′) Brought the energy required maintain control of the game without having too much work to do 7; Nathan Moriah-Welsh (for J. Campbell 77′) Had little time to make an impact but no errors is all you can ask for at that stage 6; Motherwell (3-5-1-1) Archie Mair Not an ideal debut but as was not at fault for any of the goals. Will hope for a more positive outing after the first 24 hours of his time at the club. 6 Shane Blaney The yellow card he earned showed just how on the ropes Motherwell were before the break. 5 Kofi Balmer Hardly a frenetic game but struggled when it counted. 5 Paul McGinn Composed presence until head injury forced him off early on. 6 Ewan Wilson Sloppy in possession and at fault for the second goal. Hooked at the break. 4 Kai Andrews Added a bit of dynamism on the ball but like teammates, lacked bravery going forward. 5 Andy Halliday Game passed him by. Taken off with Wilson at half-time. 4 Tom Sparrow A few runs down the left but was easily contained. Looked more dangerous when cutting in but did not try it enough. 5 Stephen O’Donnell Captain in the absence of Lennon Miller. Did not step up to the plate. Gave away penalty that killed the game and had little to no impact going forward. 4 Tony Watt Not the most potent goalscorer but tries to use physicality to occupy defenders. Should have done better with the two headers he put over the bar. 5 Jack Vale Not much you can do when starved of the ball but ended the game with a straight red as the game had seconds to go. Punishing an already threadbare squad even further. 4 SUBSTITUTES: Dan Casey (for McGinn 33′) Struggled to command the backline in place of captain 5; Tawanda Maswanhise (for Halliday 46′) Showed flashes of what has made him one of the side’s best but couldn’t get into gear 5; Marvin Kaleta (for E. Wilson 46′) Had a half to make an impact but hardly saw the ball 5; Callum Slattery (for Sparrow 70′) Fantastic free-kick and had some impetus going forward at least 7; Moses Ebiye (for Watt 70′) No league goal since September and didn’t look like to end the drought tonight 5.

January 12, 2025

Quickfire double sees Hibs join defeated Motherwell in top half

A Martin Boyle double saw Hibs come away with the all important three points, sending David Gray’s side into the top six as Motherwell left the capital with just one win in seven. Boyle continued his fine form to open the scoring, finishing a pass into the box by substitute Jordan Obita, who entered the fray early on after Nicky Cadden’s knock to the head. Just minutes later Ewen Wilson was caught in possession by Nectar Triantis, the Australian bursting clear and firing a low shot past Archie Mair, whose signing was announced less than an hour before kick off. Time crept on as the home side looked to see out the win but Jack Iredale’s silly foul just outside the box allowed Motherwell back into the game, substitute Callum Slattery firing in an excellent free kick. Motherwell made sure this was little more than consolation as Stephen O’Donnell gave away a cheap penalty whcih Boyle duly converted for his fourth goal in two games. Hibernian did well to see out the game but in truth Motherwell offered little threat going forward. Tony Watt had a couple of headed chances on either side of half of the break but could do little more than send the chances over the bar. Nectar Triantis came close to getting his second as the ball met him at the far post but Mair put enough pressure on the midfielder to force a shot into the stands. Motherwell’s frustrations continued to bubble and eventually Jack Vale earned himself a straight red for a foul on Boyle with seconds to go. Hibs march on with one eye on Europe Just over a month ago, the chat around Easter Road was about how the side would cope with relegation. Now, Europe is talk of the town as Hibs powered into the top half. And why not? The side have always looked to two good for the bottom places, let down by what was perceived as mental fragility that looks distant memory. Martin Boyle has four in two games but more than numbers, the striker has become a leadership figure and his tireless running an embodiment of Gray’s desire to not let his side take their foot off the gas. Speaking in the post match conference, the manager was unequivocal, they will focus on chasing the next team down rather than look to far ahead. That will not however, stop the fans from dreaming of booking a trip to continent come next season. Lack of spark kills Motherwell’s chances Despite the single victory in seven, Motherwell remain four points clear of the bottom half. Helped in the past by their ability to eek out victories by single goal margins and more recently by their opponents fumbling the bag in their own attempts to push up the table, Motherwell might need to find a solution fast if they are to prevent a slow drift in the rankings. Without the titanic Aston Oxborough in goal and missing the creativity of Lennon Miller, the side lack to guaranteed points the two bring. Their lack of bravery going forward was exposed in the continued absence of their captain, Tony Watt and Jack Vale waited in vain for the ball to progress its way up the park towards them. Stuart Kettlewell spoke of the fatigue, both mental and physical setting into the side as the congested fixture list wore heavy on the side featuring six changes from their draw in Kilmarnock. With a Cup game coming next week, Kettlewell will need to dig deep to find the solutions for what he called the most difficult period of managerial career thus far. What the managers said: Hibs boss David Gray: “The return, one defeat in the last ten games, is fantastic. A hell of lot of work’s gone into it. “Probably didn’t create as many chances as I would have liked but controlled the game. “We’ve given ourselves a real opportunity to push on, tasked before the game to try and get into that top six. We’ve still got ten games to go before that’s settled we need to make sure we keep picking up points quickly and make sure we’re in it.” Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell: “I think it’s a case of three individual errors cost us. “That’s my biggest frustration, the mental fatigue as well as physical that started to set in. “To give that penalty away at that stage quite clearly gives Hibs a lift that they needed and it gives them a platform they needed just to see the game out.” Attendance: 15,829 Line up: Hibernian (3-4-1-2): J. Smith, J. Iredale, R. Bushiri, W. O’Hora, N. Cadden (J. Obita 19’), D. Levitt (Kwon Hyeok-Kyu 62’), N. Triantis, C. Cadden (L. Miller 62’), J. Campbell, D. Gayle (J. Hoilett 62’), M. Boyle (c) Subsitutes: R. Molotnikov, L. Amos, J. Bursik, J. Hoilett, Kwon Hyeok-Kyu, H. McKirdy, L. Miller, N. Moriah-Welsh, J. Obita Motherwell (3-5-1-1): A. Mair, S. Blaney, P. McGinn (c) (D. Casey 33’), K. Balmer, E. Wilson (M. Kaleta 46’), T. Sparrow (C. Slattery 70’), A. Halliday (T. Maswanhise 46’), K. Andrews, S. O’Donnell, T. Watt (M. Ebiye 70’), J. Vale Substitutes: D. Casey, M. Connelly, M. Ebiye, M. Kaleta, J. Koutrombis, T. Maswanhise, S. Nicholson, C. Slattery, D. Zdravkovski Referee: Colin Steven

January 11, 2025

Imperious Oxborough keeps Killie to stalemate

Venue: Rugby Park Date: 08/01/25 Time: 19:45pm Aston Oxborough proved the difference as Kilmarnock struggled in front of goal, a result that left the home side two points off both the top six and relegation play off place. With a shot that would set the tone for the evening, Marley Watkins sent what should have been a simple finish from Fraser Murray’s low cross well wide. Motherwell were often forced into last ditch defending, captain Liam Gordon preventing Watkins getting on the end of Corrie Ndbaba’s ball into the box. Aston Oxborough did his part, denying Fraser Wright’s header from Murray’s corner with a brilliant save. His opposite number Robby McCrorie was called into action soon after, diving low to keep out Tony Watt. There was jubilation on the home bench when Brad Lyons put his side in front but joy soon faded as VAR judged the captain to have strayed offside. Lyons continued to push for a goal but his curling effort dipped a fraction too late, landing on the roof of the net. Kilmarnock continued to hammer on Oxborough’s door, Murray’s corner again came close to providing the opener but for a double clearance from Gordon and the keeper himself. Next it was the crossbar’s turn to deny Derek McInnes the three points, Lyons rattling the woodwork from another excellent Murray set piece. Watt fired another effort into McCrorie, whose evening was relatively straightforward compared to Oxborough who produced another fine save to deny Watkins. Killie front men struggle It’s fair to say this season has been a struggle for some of last year’s standout performers. Having bagged a combined 18 goals on their way to a European place last year, Marley Watkins and Darius Vassell have managed just 5 this season. It is difficult to pinpoint what exactly has seen the forwards look a shadow of their former selves, making the task of reaching the top half all the more complicated. Vassell remains injured but Watkins’ struggle to score a first league goal since October was epitomised by a wayward shot in the opening stages of game that would see only 3 of Killie’s 18 shots hit the target. Fortunately for McInnes, Bruce Anderson is enjoying a standing season, averaging over a goal every two games. Sitting just two points above the relegation play off place, the manager will need others to step up. Motherwell defy difficult results to maintain pace Part of what makes the Premiership so special is that it really the case that anyone can beat anyone (unless it’s Celtic). Nobody will know that better than Stuart Kettlewell, whose side have lost as many games as they have won (nine) but still remain just three points off Dundee United in third. With just one win in their last six and rivals constantly tripping up over themselves, Motherwell continue to look among the favourites to finish in the top half. Tonight, the crucial point was earned by Aston Oxborough who, after two seasons sitting patiently on the bench, has looked every bit of the 1.96m colossus he is between the posts. Unfortunately football remains a team sport and 0-0 draws will not get you into the European places. Especially when that position is threatened by a rampant Hibernian, now with four wins in six and five points behind. Come Saturday, both sides will meet in Edinburgh and Motherwell have an excellent opportunity to put some real distance between themselves and the rest. Attendance: 4,601 Line-Ups: Kilmarnock (3-4-2-1): R. McCrorie, R. Deas, J. Wright, L. Mayo, C. Ndaba (B. Anderson 78’), L. Polworth, K. Magennis (J. Burroughs 65’), B. Lyons (c), B. Wales, F. Murray (D. Armstrong 77’), M. Watkins Substitutes: B. Anderson, D. Armstrong, O. Bainbridge, J. Burroughs, L. Donnelly, G. Mackay-Steven, R. McKenzie, K. O’Hara, D. Watson Motherwell (3-4-2-1): A. Oxborough, D. Casey, L. Gordon (c) (P. McGinn 58’), K. Balmer, E. Wilson, A. Halliday (K. Andrews 76’), D. Zdravkovski, M. Kaleta (S. O’Donnell 76’), J. Vale (T. Sparrow 63’), T. Maswanhise (M. Ebiye 76’), T. Watt Substitutes: K. Andrews, S. Blaney, M. Ebiye, K. Hegyi, P. McGinn, S. Nicholson, S. O’Donnell, C. Slattery, T. Sparrow Referee: Don Robertson

January 9, 2025

Aberdeen go ten without a win as Motherwell triumph

Venue: Fir Park Date: 05/01/25 Time: 15:00pm Aberdeen’s recent woes continued as they fell to their 10th consecutive game without a victory, dropping into fourth and only four points ahead of Motherwell. Having been dominant throughout the first half, the home side were rewarded for their efforts when Ewan Wilson lashed home a ball the Dons had failed to clear. Desperately needing a result, Jimmy Thelin’s men did themselves no favours as Slobodan Rubezic reacted to Tony Watt’s provocations, making head contact to earn himself a straight red. Taking full advantage of the numerical advantage, Motherwell scored just two minutes later through Tawanda Maswanhise Motherwell could have opened the scoring sooner when Andy Halliday’s curling long ball found on the head of an oncoming Dan Casey who lifted his hands in disbelief after putting the effort wide. Similarly Aberdeen had chances of their own, Nicky Devlin leapt into the air to head in an corner but Aston Oxborough did ever so well to deny the Scotland international. Looking improved with ten men, the visitors continued to probe for an opener, Duk guilty of not setting himself correctly to put away a ball Topi Keskinen sent skimming across the turf. Leighton Clarkson came closest, his effort from distance beating Oxborough but rattling the crossbar and bouncing away. Late on Maswanhise saw his effort fly low past Kris Doohan’s left hand side but by then game looked over as Motherwell secured their first win in five. Attendance: 5,308 Line-Ups: Motherwell (3-4-2-1): A. Oxborough, D. Casey, L. Gordon (c), K. Balmer (P. McGinn 86’), E. Wilson, A. Halliday, D. Zdravkovski (T. Sparrow 78’), M. Kaleta, T. Watt (C. Slattery 86’), T. Maswanhise (S. Nicholson 78’), M. Ebiye (J. Vale 68’) Substitutes: S. Blaney, K. Hegyi, J. Koutroumbis, P. McGinn, S. Nicholson, S. O’Donnell, C. Slattery, T. Sparrow, J. Vale Aberdeen (4-3-3): R. Doohan, J. MacKenzie (J. McGarry 72’), A. MacDonald (L. Clarkson 46’), S. Rubezic, N. Devlin, G. Shinnie (c), S. Heltne Nilsen, A. Palaversa (P. Ambrose 80’), Duk, K. Nisbet (D. Polvara 46’), T. Keskinen (S. Morris 72’) Substitutes: P. Ambrose, F. Boyd, V. Enem, J. McGarry, J. McGrath, S. Morris, L. Clarkson, D. Polvara, T. Ritchie Referee: Nick Walsh

January 6, 2025

Celtic hand Motherwell a Boxing Day pummelling

Venue: Celtic Park Date: 26/12/24 Time: 15:00 Motherwell were powerless to prevent a Celtic rout as the Glasgow side ended the day with a twelve point lead at the top of the table. Aston Oxborough was the guilty party as he caught an oncoming Yang Hyun-Jun to gift Celtic a penalty minutes before the first half ended which Arne Engels duly converted to open the scoring. Celtic’s unrelenting pressure continued to pay dividends when Daizen Maeda doubled the home side’s advantage, reaching Liam Scales’ glancing header first with a headed ball of his own. Perhaps more fortunate with their third, Oxborough could do nothing when Nicolas Kuhn’s shot from outside the penalty area was deflected by Kofi Balmer. Reo Hatate added the cherry on top as he mazed past Motherwell’s defenders to fire in the fourth and final goal of the evening. An ever present Maeda came close to breaking the deadlock early on, when he found himself in the path of McGregor’s deflected shot but couldn’t get the beating of Oxborough. Calamity soon followed when the Japanese forward attempted to slot the ball past the keeper but was denied by an outstretched leg as bodies flew in to deal with the follow up, the visitors able to clear their lines. Maeda was once again involved to cut a low ball across to Idah but the striker’s attempt lacked the conviction to give his side the lead. Motherwell came close when Marvin Kaleta’s header from a cross was accidentally saved on the line by his teammate and former Celtic player Tony Watt. Engels was dangerous on set pieces throughout but his free kick in the second half could not dip in time to test the man between the posts. Line-ups: Celtic: K. Schmeichel, G. Taylor (Alex Valle 78′), L. Scales, C. Carter-Vickers, A. Ralston, Paulo Bernardo (R. Hatate 63′), C. McGregor (c), A. Engels (L. McCowan 72′), D. Maeda, A. Idah (K. Furuhashi 63′), Yang Hyun-Jun (N. Kuhn 63′) Substitutes: K. Furuhashi, R. Hatate, N. Kuhn, L. McCowan, L. Palma, V. Sinisalo, A. Trusty, Alex Valle, S. Welsh Motherwell: A. Oxborough, S. Blaney, K. Balmer, D. Casey, E. Wilson, L. Miller (c), H. Paton (S. Nicholson 72′), M. Kaleta (S. O’Donnell 79′), T. Maswanhise (Jair Tavares 79′), T. Sparrow (A. Halliday 63′), T. Watt (A. Stamatelopoulos 63′) Substitutes: M. Ebiye, L. Gordon, A. Halliday, K. Hegyi, S. Nicholson, S. O’Donnell, A. Stamatelopoulos, D. Zdravkovski, Jair Tavares Referee: Ross Hardie

December 26, 2024

Watt’s late winner in Paisley ends Motherwell slump

St Mirren 0 – 1 Motherwell Motherwell ended their three game winless run when Tony Watt’s added time winner punished St Mirren’s ill discipline. The striker used his experience to get away from his marker and catch a Lennon Miller free-kick to break hearts in Paisley after Alex Gogic was sent off. Ellery Balcombe’s fine save denied Jair Tavares early on, tipping the shot onto the crossbar. Not long after Aston Oxborough denied Conor McMenamin with an almost identical stop. The keeper denied the Northern Ireland international once again in the second half to ensure a clean sheet for his side. Both sides continued to push but Balcombe was on hand to deny Steve Seddon and Aspostolos Stamatelopoulos before the deadlock was finally broken. Discipline cost of the Saints when Gogic was given his marching orders after his dismissal with just minutes to go. The result means Motherwell open up a four point gap on the home side, sitting in fifth and seventh respectively. Attendance: 6,111 Line-ups: St Mirren: E. Balcombe, R. Taylor, A. Gogic, M. Fraser, S. Tanser, M. O’Hara, K. Phillips, E. Bwomono (J. Ayunga 84′), G. Kiltie (R. Idowu 67′), T. Olusanya (M. Mandron 68′), C. McMenamin Substitutes: J. Ayunga, C. Boyd-Munce, A. Iacovitti, R. Idowu, D. John, M. Mandron, E. Mooney, O. Smyth, P. Urminsky Motherwell: A. Oxborough, S. Blaney, L. Gordon, D. Casey, S. Seddon, E. Wilson (H. Paton), A. Halliday (S. Nicholson 83′), Jair Tavares (M. Kaleta 77′), L. Miller, A. Stamatelopoulos (M. Ebiye ’77), T. Watt Substitutes: K. Balmer, E. Ebiye, K. Hegyi, M. Kaleta, T. Maswanhise, S. Nicholson, S. O’Donnell, H. Paton, D. Zdravkoski

December 7, 2024

Motherwell collapse sees Dundee score three in seven minutes

A Lyall Cameron double helped Dundee secure an important three points to move into the top six as Motherwell fell to another defeat. The result means the visitors have now lost three in a row and sit only one point above seventh place St. Mirren. Dundee opened the scoring after Oluwaseun Adewumi curled a shot past Aston Oxborough after just fourteen minutes in. Motherwell levelled only five minutes later when Apostolos Stamatelopoulos bundled the ball in as the contest looked set to be a back on forth for the remaining time. Unfortunately that was as good as it got for Stuart Kettlewell’s men as Scott Tiffoney regained the lead just after the hour mark, finishing a rapid counter. Within seven minutes Motherwell had conceded two more as a deflection allowed Lyall Cameron to stretch his side’s advantage Cameron then grabbed his second, truly putting the game to bed, Motherwell left to rue a lack of intensity on the counter. The side had chances but were unable to get the better of Jon McCracken, who has looked much improved since a difficult start to the season. Dundee control ball as much as scoreboard One of the lesser heralded sides of the league this season, Tony Docherty may have felt his side had a point to prove. They served all three on this occasion, putting to bed a Motherwell side that sat above them until tonight. Looking comfortable on the ball and with the lion’s share of possession, the home side were able to stifle any momentum the visitors attempted to build. Adewumi, Cameron and Tiffoney were terrific on the night but they are supported by the engine that is Mo Sylla, whose ability to keep the ball under pressure has been key to their build up. A mere blip or time to worry? At the start of the season, being sat in top sixth entering December would have been a position worth shouting about given the calibre of the league. However after a third loss in a row, some cracks are beginning to show in this Motherwell side. Not simply the defeats but the way they have gone down all too easily, with nine goals conceding in their last three games, which including a hiding at home to Hibs at the weekend. Perhaps too much pr With five more games to come in December, with two of those against the old firm, Kettlewell will need to get his side firing sooner rather than later. Attendance: 5,381 Line-Ups: Dundee: J. McCracken, B. Koumetio (S. Kelly 85’), A. Portales, R. Astley, S. Tiffoney (F. Roberston 69’), M. Sylla, J. McGhee, J. Mulligan, O. Adewumi (J. Vetro 90’), L. Cameron, S. Murray (S. Palmer-Houlden 69’) Substitutes: S. Braybrooke, T. Carson, E. Ingram, S. Kelly, C. Main, S. Palmer-Houlden, F. Robertson, H. Sharp, J. Vetro Motherwell: A. Oxborough, D. Casey, L. Gordon, K. Balmer, S. Seddon, E. Wilson, L. Miller, H. Paton (A. Halliday 68’), Jair Tavares (M. Kaleta 68’), A. Stamatelopoulos (M. Ebiye 68’), T. Watt (T. Maswanhise 75’) Substitutes: S. Blaney, M. Ebiye, A . Halliday, K. Hegyi, J. Koutroumbis, T. Maswanhise, S. Nicholson, D. Zdravkovski

December 4, 2024

Resurgent Hibs secure three points in Motherwell

Motherwell 0 – 3 Hibernian Hibernian earned a vital win away to Motherwell, leapfrogging Hearts and easing, albeit temporarily, pressure on manager David Gray. The visitors took advantage of some slackness saw a launched ball from Nicky Cadden float over Aston Oxborough who misread the its trajectory, as the ball was laid the ball into the path of Junior Hoilett who duly converted. Looking to avoid history repeating itself, Hibs sought a second to create a much needed buffer and they duly delivered when Motherwell’s defenders failed to clear the danger from a corner. Mykola Kuharevich took full advantage and doubled their lead. Motherwell had their best chance of the game but Jordan Smith tipped a shot over the crossbar. Not looking to sit back, Gray’s men continued to push on and Smith continued to look a changed man from the error strewn display against Aberdeen. His long ball again poorly dealt with by the home side allowed Josh Campbell to put the game out of reach for Stuart Kettlewell’s side. Despite coming away with nothing, Motherwell remain fifth. Line-Ups: Motherwell: A. Oxborough, K. Balmer (M. Ebiya 71′), L. Gordon, D. Casey, E.Wilson (S. Seddon 82′), A. Halliday (Z. Robinson 46′), D. Zdravkovski (H. Paton, 72′), M. Kaleta, L. Miller, T. Maswanhise, A. Stamatelopoulos (T. Watt 46′) Hibernian: J. Smith, J. Iredale, R. Bushiri, W. O’Hora, N. Cadden, J. Newell (Kwon Hyeok-Kyu 82′), N. Triantis, C. Cadden (L. Miller 89′), J. Hoilett (J. Campbell 69′), E. Youan (M. Boyle 82′), M. Kuharevich (D. Gayle 69′) Referee: Grant Irvine Attendance: 5,212

December 1, 2024

Motherwell

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