Motherwell Archives - Page 2 of 5

Hibernian 1-1 Motherwell: Close range Bowie strike earns point for Hibees

Hibernian 1-1 Motherwell Bowie (69′) Maswanhise (52′) Motherwell remained two points clear of Hibernian in 4th place, after an entertaining 1-1 draw at Easter Road. The hosts started on the front foot, eager to add a fourth straight league victory and leapfrog Motherwell into fourth place. Kieron Bowie had the game’s first chance. He stretched to meet Jordan Obita’s cross after neat interplay with Jamie McGrath, but could not steer his header goal from the back post. Obita delivered another teasing delivery on the 15-minute mark, but alertness from Emmanuel Longelo nullified the threat of the big striker. The visitors have impressed with their free-flowing football across the opening 21 games, but chances were few and far between in the opening 20 minutes. Jens Berthel Askou would have been further displeased to see Stephen O’Donnell hobble off during their quiet spell. Obita lashed over the bar after a penalty box stramash as they continued to press towards the opening goal. David Gray’s side had established a grip on proceedings at Easter Road. Josh Mulligan then rolled Elie Youan through on Ward’s goal in the 25th minute. The striker managed two goals at Rugby Park last Saturday, but got the ball stuck under his feet, and the danger was cleared. Motherwell looked like a threat in the final 15 minutes of the first half. Tom Sparrow jinxed past several green bodies in the box, but Raphael Sallinger was alert to tip his curling left-footed strike away from goal. The Austrian gathered a 20-yard Elijah Just freekick minutes later, as the visitors began to build openings. Askou will be pleased to reclaim the services of Tawanda Maswanhise from AFCON. The striker has nine league goals this campaign, and showed electric pace to work a dangerous opening in the 38th minute. After leaving a Hibs defender on the floor, his strike from the right-hand side of the box was tipped away by Sallinger. The visitors opened the scoring seven minutes into the second half. Elijah Just broke towards the Hibs defence, picking out the onrushing Maswanshise on the right-hand side. The Zimbabwean striker was afforded too much time by the hosts, and lashed a low right-footed strike across Sallinger’s goal and into the bottom corner, to send the sell-out away end into frenzy. Gray and Hibs would have been especially frustrated to lose the goal after Bowie had missed a headed chance seconds before. But HIbs and Bowie roared back with 20 minutes to play. Obita latched onto a stray Tom Sparrow diagonal ball. He picked out the Hibs number 9 in the box, who powered home from close range to equalise, and set up a thrilling finale Motherwell had established better control in the second period, and despite the setback, continued to look the most likely to find a winner. Ibrahim Said almost reclaimed the visitors’ lead after heading Calum Slattery’s cross wide at the near post, before Maswanhise’s strike was deflected over with ten minutes to play. Sallinger produced a brilliant save in additional time to deny Longelo. After Maswanhise’s mishit, the ball broke to Longelo on the left-hand side of the box, but the Austrian goalkeeper got down low to smother the right-footed strike and maintain the level scores. Hibernian: Sallinger 8 O’Hora 7 Hanley 7 Iredale 7 Megwa 6 Mulligan 6 Barlaser 8 McGrath 7 Obita 6 Youan 7 Bowie 7 Substitutes: Hoilett 6 Cadden 5 Klidje 5 Levitt 3 Newell 3 Motherwell: Ward 7 O’Donnell 6 Welsh 7 McGinn 7 Longelo 7 Priestman 7 Fadinger 7 Sparrow 6 Just 8 Said 7 Maswanhise 8 Substitutes: Koutroumbis 5 Slattery 5 McGhee 3 Gordon 3

January 10, 2026

‘I’m extremely happy to be here’ – Jens Berthel Askou

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou insists his side is embracing the ‘good attention’ from the media, following recent speculation linking the Dane with a move away from the club. Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s clash against Hibernian, Askou understands the speculation following his side’s impressive league start. “I think for everyone who is involved in football, and in a football club that is performing really well, and also better than people would have expected, it is natural that the players and staff get linked with other jobs.” Motherwell sit fourth in the Scottish Premiership, and recently achieved a statement home victory over Celtic. The 2-0 win was the latest example of the manager’s tactical astuteness, after his side dominated the Scottish champions. ‘It is not the first time, and it’s not going to be the last time, sometimes you get linked with getting sacked if you are not winning enough games, then that’s the story in the media.’ ‘It is hard for us to control what somebody puts in a tweet, and then suddenly it’s a story, and suddenly it’s the truth.’ ‘We take all the good attention that comes from us doing well, and then we try to use that as positive energy; it puts a smile on our face when we wake up in the morning.’ Askou’s only focus is to improve his talented Motherwell side, who can move five points clear in fourth place with a victory at Easter Road on Saturday afternoon. ‘The main thing that is important for us is that we can see and feel that we are getting better, and that we are getting closer to the goal that we have within this building’ ‘I’m like everyone else here, really enjoying what we’re doing and want to see how far we can take it’ Hibernian v Motherwell Easter Road Jan 10 3pm

January 8, 2026

Watt’s Rise, Derby Days, and Chasing the Jambos: SPFL Matchday 20 Breakdown

Scottish Premiership football returns for 2026 with an action-packed card on Saturday afternoon. Here are the key talking points to watch out for this weekend. Player to Watch: Elliot Watt Elliot Watt has evolved into a crucial cog in Jens Berthel Askou’s Fir Park machine. Having featured 25 times this term with four goal involvements, the midfielder has emerged as a standout in the Scottish Premiership. Following a loan spell at relegated St Johnstone last season, the former Burton Albion man has flourished for Motherwell, playing with a high level of consistency and maturity. With 2026 now underway, this could be a career-defining year for Watt. While Steve Clarke’s Scotland midfield seems settled, Watt’s current form suggests he could force his way into international contention. As Motherwell host St Mirren on Saturday, Watt will be important for the Steelmen, as they look to reclaim third place. Game of the Round: Celtic vs. Rangers The first domestic fixture of the year sees Scotland’s two powerhouses collide at Celtic Park, yet this episode carries a unique level of wonder, with both clubs in states of transition. Pressure is mounting on Wilfried Nancy. The Celtic boss has endured a chaotic start to his tenure, losing five of his opening seven matches. Despite claiming to see “good stuff” in their recent defeat to Motherwell, Nancy’s side missed the opportunity to move level with leaders Hearts. Conversely, Danny Rohl has steadied the ship at Ibrox. Since his arrival, he has reduced the gap to the summit from 13 points to six. He may have tasted defeat in his first derby during the League Cup semi-final, but a run of just one loss in eleven league matches has reignited a title charge that seemed impossible just months ago. Victory for either manager will be crucial for the remaining months of the season. Team in the Spotlight: Hearts The league leaders return to Tynecastle to host Livingston, desperate to banish the memory of their derby defeat at Easter Road last weekend. Having reached the midway point of the season at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, Derek McInnes will be keen for his side to maintain their challenge in 2026. They face a struggling Livingston side, but will be focused on extending their unbeaten home record. Victory could build further breathing space from the chasing pack, depending on the result at Celtic Park. The home side may be aided by their latest recruit, Spanish right-back Jordi Altena, who officially joined from the Dutch second division on January 1st.

January 2, 2026

Dundee United 0-0 Motherwell – A goalless draw at Tannadice as both sides struggled in the final third

Out-of-form Dundee United host in-form Motherwell with the hosts in eager need of victory as pressure begins to mount on Jim Goodwin. Motherwell had the first chance, Stephen O’Donnell with a ball where Callum Hendry heads it straight at David Richards. A simple stop for Richards. Stephen Welsh was forced off after 17 minutes through concussion following a coming together with Elliot Watt. Liam Gordon coming on to replace the on-loan Celtic man. Elliot Watt had a chance after 30 minutes from distance but a simple catch by Richards. A poor opening 30 by both sides as both really struggled to find any real chance with next to no clear cut chances. The hosts had a free-kick just outside the box where Ferry took a shot on but firing right at the Motherwell wall keeping the game goalless. Dundee United had penalty claims where Max Watters went around the keeper in which was taken down by Ward but the referee was having none of it. Watt had a late strike from distance but his effort fires well into the stands which sums up the match so far. Sapsford had the best chance, on the right hand side, cutting in and unleashing a weak strike which was stopped by Callum Ward in the Motherwell goals. Maswanhise had a chance of his own, a strike from the edge of the box which was a simple stop for David Richards. HT Dundee United 0-0 Motherwell – A very poor half of football with no clear-cut chances. There was the odd chance but no keeper being forced into any difficulty as the game was without a goal going into the break. Fatah had an early chance in the second half, a strike inside the box which was deflected with Ward catching the ball safely to keep the game on level terms. Fatah again but this time a darting run towards the box with an low-driven attempt unleashed from the edge of the box fired marginally wide of goal. Fateh had yet another chance, Ferry with a ball onto the edge of the box where Fateh’s strike went over and wide which looked to have been deflected but no corner was awarded. Elijah Just had a great strike from just outside the box but a solid block the Iovu resulted in a corner kick. Signs were showing of a goal coming soon. Slattery this time was very close. A brilliant turn on the ball by the midfielder with his strike firing just wide of goal. A lot better by both sides. Sibbald had a wonderful and ambitious attempt. A strike from the half way line as Ward appeared miles out but his attempt going just wide of target. After 75 minutes, Stamatelopoulos was through on goal where he took on a strike which flew wide of goal. Slattery had a huge chance to put his side, just yards out but fired over the top as it looks to edge towards a goalless draw at Tannadice. Said should’ve had the visitors, an attempt inside the box just firing wide of target as both teams look to try and break the deadlock. FT Dundee United 0-0 Dundee United: Richards 6, Strain 6, Esselink 6 , Iouvu 6, Graham 7, Sapsford 6, Ferry 7, Sibbald 6, Fatah8 , Stephenson7 , Watters 6. Subsitutes: Moller 6, Dolcek 6 , Sevelj 6. Motherwell: Ward 7, O’Donnell 6, Slattery 7, Fadinger 6, McGinn 6, Maswanhise 6, Watt 7, Just6 , Koutroumbis 6, Welsh 5, Hendry 5. Subsitutes: Gordon 6, Said 6, Stamatelopoulos 6, Longelo 6, Charles-Cook 6.

December 13, 2025

Dundee United v Motherwell – Match Preview

Dundee United welcome in-form Motherwell to the City Of Discovery as Jim Goodwin aims to get back to winning ways. The last time the two sides clashed was at Fir Park as the Steelmen ran away 2-0 winners in October with goals from Maswanhise and Elliot Watt for Motherwell. The Steelmen have won in four of their last five outings in this meeting with Jim Goodwin’s side last win in this tie coming back in February in a 1-0 victory where Sam Dalby netted the only goal of the game. Since their fourth place finish last season, it hasn’t been all the same for the Tangerines. Dundee United sit 8th after a poor start to their Scottish Premiership campaign. The hosts for Saturday haven’t been able to pick up any win in their last six fixtures with their last win being in a 3-1 win over St Mirren back in October. Jim Goodwin’s side have won once in the last 10 as well as 5 draws and 4 defeats. Motherwell have had the exact opposite as the Steelmen are on fine form this season. Motherwell sit third, just six points off of Celtic in second place. The hosts of course haven’t won in six whereas Motherwell, they haven’t been defeated in six with their last loss being their 4-1defeat at Hampden Park to St Mirren in the Scottish League Cup Semi-finals. Since then, the Fir Park outfit have certainly kicked on and become strong prospects of giving the top four a tough battle. Despite the poor form, Jim Goodwin’s men haven’t been shy of a goal, scoring four goals in five for the Tannadice side. Their defensive side have shown to be fragile with no clean sheets in their last 10 outings. Motherwell have been on good form in front of goal, scoring eight times in their last five matches. The Steelmen have been awarded the most league penalties this campaign, being given a spot-kick on six occasions. Motherwell star-man, Maswanhise, has been a standout this season, netting eight times so far this season where the attacker is currently the league’s top goal scorer. Pairing Max Watters and Julius Esekesen both return to the side while Keresztes will be out through suspension. Dario Naamo and Pan Camara sit out with a hamstring injury as well as Pappoe and Kucherenko also remain out. For Motherwell, Andy Halliday isn’t quite ready for action yet with Stuparevic, Oxborough, Nicholson, Robinson, McGhee and Sule all remaining absent. While speaking about the game, Goodwin described Motherwell as “the most in-form team in the league”. “It’s only natural when you’re on the type of run that we’re on that your confidence is going to take a bit of a hit,” Jim Goodwin said. “But we believe in what we’re doing. We are going through, probably, the toughest period that I’ve experienced during my time as United manager. “Football is not a bed of roses all the time, you’ve got to find a way to get through these difficult periods.” “It’s quite a remarkable transformation and he deserves a huge amount of credit,” the Tannadice boss quoted. “Given results, and where Motherwell are sitting in the table, I imagine there’s people all over Europe taking notice. “Motherwell are the most in-form team in the league. The new manager has been incredible in terms of their playing style and they’re as difficult an opponent as you can face at this moment in time. “But we have to believe we’re capable of winning the game. We didn’t do ourselves justice at Fir Park, the second half was a lot better from us, so we have to make sure we start this game the way we did in the second 45 over there.” Jens Berthel Askou believes it’s “extremely satisfying” seeing how his side plays in his style. “In general it’s been pleasing that players that some would have maybe written off and said, ‘no, that type of football is not for him’, that they have managed to actually be really, really good and strong players in what we’re doing,” Askou said. “That has been extremely fulfilling and satisfying for them as individuals, but especially for us as a club and as a group, that a lot of the players who were already here have been thriving in this, which means we don’t have five, six, seven players that have been left behind by the development. “There’s always one or two that might be caught on the wrong side of the competition, who need to move on when the next window of opportunity comes, and then we’ll see. “But it’s very, very few, and it’s not like we have players who have not done well. When they have played or when they are in training, they all look comfortable and really good, and I think that has been extremely satisfying.” Motherwell are now unbeaten in eight Premiership games and sit third before Saturday’s trip to face Dundee United. The Steelmen boss said: “The key thing is not to dwell on that and think we’re fantastic because we’ve had a good run. “It’s going to be harder and harder to win games the more you win, and we also know that the team we are playing on Saturday is a very good team who have not had the results that I think they’re worth as a group.”

December 12, 2025

Livingston 1-2 Motherwell: Visitors Move Into Top Six after Late Win

Livingston 1-2 Motherwell Bokila (26′ pen) Stamatelopoulos (59′ pen) Just (90+3′) Motherwell leave it late to sting Livi and send the away end into an eruption. Livingston should’ve been ahead after 8 minutes. Bokila took way too long on the ball, taking numerous touches, and when it was unleashed, it was a simple stop by Ward, which landed at Stevie May, but the striker failed to get the hosts ahead. After 12 minutes, a short ball from Said onto the foot of Maswanhise, but a heavy touch by the winger made it a simple catch by the Frenchman in the goals. After 19 minutes, Mo Sylla had a good run into the visitors’ half where he slid the ball onto Stevie May with whose effort struck wide of the goal. Livingston, after 25 minutes, were awarded a spot kick as Bokila smashed home to give Livingston the lead. Livi should’ve been two ahead after 30. Sylla won the ball and put it through to Muirhead. A darting run from the striker into May, whose shot was saved well by Ward, with Muirhead’s rebounded effort going over. Livi go into the break one goal to the good. Motherwell didn’t really test Prior in the Livi goals and probably deserved a lead by the hosts, but an even enough opening 45. On the hour mark, Motherwell were awarded a spot kick of their own with Stamatelopoulos making no mistake and giving the visitors a crucial equaliser. Motherwell quickly went on to score a second to go ahead, a run by Watt which found Stamatelopoulos, but after a VAR check, the decision was offside, which kept the game all square. Livingston had a big chance in 70 minutes, Sylla with a ball into the edge of the box, which found Pittman, who slotted it into the box, but the ball fired past substitute Yengi, which ensured the game remained level. Livi then had a fantastic chance to go back ahead. A ball into the box with Sylla, who headed the ball into Yengi, who was just yards out, but failing to control the ball as Ward is down to collect the ball. Motherwell on 77 minutes should’ve been ahead this time. It was Stamatelopoulos from close range, but he smashed the ball over the bar, which should’ve at least found the target. An event last stage of the game in Livingston. Charles-Cook was close to firing the well ahead, a cross in by Fadinger and the substitute with an overhead kick but missing the target. The steelmen thought they had won it right at the death, a tap-in by Just, but VAR ruled it out for offside. Just came up with another, a strike from distance which fired into the top left-hand corner as the whistle goes and Motherwell leave with a win Livingston: Prior 6 Pittman 6 Muirhead 6 May 7 Bokila 8 Finlayson 6 Sylla 8 Tait 6 Montano 6 Wilson 6 Brenet 6. Substitutes: Susoho 6 Smith 6 Yengi 5 Motherwell: Ward 6 O’Donnell 7 Gordon 6 Welsh 7 Longelo 7 Watt 7 Fadinger 7 Said 7 Just 8 Maswanhise 6 Stamatelopoulos 8 Substitutes: McGinn 7 Koutroumbis 6 Slattery 8 Charles-Cook 6 Hendry 6.

October 25, 2025

Askou and Motherwell “Focusing on the next job” as League Cup Semi Final Looms

An exciting few weeks await Motherwell, but for manager Jens Berthel Askou, “It’s about Falkirk, first and foremost”. The Steelmen suffered a heartbreaking defeat to champions Celtic before the international break. But despite recording their first league defeat of the campaign, Askou saw the positives from their spirited performance. “Gutted that we went home from Parkhead with no points, but I think the performance and our approach to the game gives us some really good confidence as to how to beat them when we play them next time” “But also it shows that we are capable of being for most of the part successful with our approach against the best team in the league, and then it’s small decisive moments that tips it to their favour and we know exactly it’s easy to see where we need to just improve a little bit, not hugely, but a little bit.” Apostolos Stamatelopoulos’ brace put the visitors ahead after Kelechi Iheanacho’s first-half penalty, but goals from Benjamin Nygren, and a last-minute Daizen Maeda header ensured Motherwell would leave with nothing. Askou referenced the impact of Stamatelopoulos, who now has three goals in two league matches, “It was a great first goal he scored, for me it’s important that if you have a confident line and you want him to score many goals, he needs to be a good penalty taker as well, he scored two out of two, it grows confidence …… and hopefully he will score more goals in time”. Motherwell face St Mirren at Hampden in 16 days for a place in the League Cup Final. The Fir Park side finished top of Group G, before away victories against St Johnstone and Aberdeen, to secure the tie. For Askou, the semi-final is ”not the focus right now”, “We have almost sold 7,000 tickets, which is fantastic, and we will probably sell quite a few more, which is amazing, so a lot of people are looking forward to that.” “We are focusing on the next job that’s on Saturday, obviously, we know it is in the calendar, we are not spending much energy on that now.” Motherwell host Falkirk at Fir Park on Saturday, October 18th, before matches against Livingston and Dundee United, respectively.

October 16, 2025

Unrest In Glasgow Opens The Door For The Chasing Pack

Last weekend saw unrest amongst fans from both sides of Glasgow as Celtic and Rangers as protests were seen against Celtic’s hierarchy and Russell Martin and Patrick Stewart’s future at Ibrox. SNN Sports looks at which teams could capitalise on the Glasgow sides woes off the park. With Rangers making the worst start to a season since 1989 with 0 wins, 4 draws and a singular defeat there is discontent amongst the Rangers faithful. Coupled with a 6-0 hammering over in Belgium at the hands of Club Brugge time seems to be running out for the man in the Ibrox hot seat. Patrick Stewart who presided over the appointment of Martin has also come under heavy fire from the Rangers fans calling for him to follow Martin out the door should he be sacked. The Rangers fans protested outside Ibrox ahead of their 2-0 victory over Hibernian in the Premier Sports Cup calling for Russell Martin and Patrick Stewart to leave. The game was also halted in the 11th minute as the Union Bears proceeded to throw tennis balls onto the pitch in protest at the clubs fortunes. On the other side of Glasgow a week on from a protest in which Celtic fans entered Rugby Park in the 12th minute the fans made their voices heard yet again as they called for the board to resign. Despite continued success on the park for nearly 20 years a summer transfer window which left a lot to be desired has been the final straw for a lot of the Celtic support Alongside an embarrassing Champions League exit at the hands of Kairat Almaty. The Celtic fans held aloft banners of members of the Celtic hierarchy including Peter Lowell and Michael Nicholson with their faces covered with a red cross indicating they should be removed from the Celtic boardroom as serious unrest grows within the Celtic support about the penny pinching tactics seen in the transfer market which has arguably left them weaker than when they went into the window. With both sides of Glasgow having issues of the park as well as on the park with Rangers struggling to capture any sort of form and Celtic performances looking slow and laboured SNN takes a look at which teams could benefit from the struggles of their Premiership counterparts Hearts- Fresh from the investment of Tony Bloom and the appointment of seasoned manager Derek McInnes the Tynecastle side look to be in the driving seat to upset the Glasgow two. Hearts have started the league campaign superbly as they sit unbeaten after 5 games and a singular goal separates themselves and Celtic. Fresh of the back of a 2-0 victory at Ibrox confidence is flowing within the Hearts team with new additions Claudio Braga, Stuart Findlay and Alexandros Kiziridis looking the part and the return to form of talisman Lawrence Shankland. With no European football on the agenda this season they will be fresh legged and suitably prepared to challenge the dominance that Glasgow has had over Scottish football for so long. Whilst still early on in the season Hearts look great going forward and defensively they are improving this could be the year they upset the applecart. St Mirren/Motherwell- A double barrel selection here in St Mirren and Motherwell this is more looking at the first trophy on offer in the Premier Sports Cup. St Mirren and Motherwell will battle it out for a place in the final alongside Celtic or Rangers. With the issues at both clubs clearly impacting matters on the park there has never been a better opportunity for a club outside the top two to win a domestic trophy. Motherwell have already shown they are more than a match for Rangers on the opening day whilst the Buddies have put in two very good displays against both sides this season with deflected efforts being their undoing. Both sides have made good starts to the season with good football on display and both sides carrying an attacking threat whilst also looking relatively comfortable defensively. Whichever of these teams progresses has a massive opportunity to lift silverware and take away the chance of a treble early on in the season Hibernian- It would be unwise to count out last seasons 3rd place side in David Gray’s Hibernian. Whilst they have made a slow start to the season perhaps impacted by European exploits there is no denying the quality the Leith side have. Kieron Bowie looks to have come into his own on his return from injury alongside new additions Josh Mulligan and Jamie McGrath.Whilst Hibs stalwart Martin Boyle continues to impress and light up the Easter Road pitch. The only worry for Hibs is they look very shaky defensively and have shipped a lot of goals so far this season. However they made a slow start last season and ended up going on a mazy unbeaten run to secure 3rd spot. It does look like it will be one of the Edinburgh sides challenging the Glasgow dominance. It remains to be seen whether the off-field issues are sorted but with the unrest and division amongst the supporters and the clubs this season is the perfect season for a club to come in and stop the dominance which has plauged Scottish football for so long. With so long left in the season there will be plenty of twists and turns but could the Glasgow sides grip on the game be untightened?

September 24, 2025

Second Half Screamer Secures League Cup Semi for Motherwell

Aberdeen 0-1 Motherwell Charles-Cook (63′) Motherwell joined St Mirren in the League Cup semi-final, beating Aberdeen at Pittodrie, and piling more pressure on Jimmy Thelin. Regan Charles-Cook’s first goal for Jens Berthel Askou’s side proved to be the difference-maker, his arrowing strike found the top corner to secure the win in the second half. Tawanda Maswinhise was involved in the build-up and went close to scoring earlier in the game when he hit the post. Despite some promising attacks, Aberdeen’s goal drought continued. The Dons’ best chances came from Nicky Devlin and Mats Knoester, both of whom struck efforts off the woodwork in a frustrating afternoon for the home side. The crucial victory was a relief for Motherwell after a string of five straight league draws, validating Askou’s entertaining philosophy at Fir Park. Aberdeen: Mitov, Jensen, Knoester, Dorrington, Gyamfi, Shinnie, Armstrong, Karlsson, Aouchiche, Keskinen, Nisbet. Motherwell: Ward, O’Donnell, Gordon, Welsh, Longelo, Watt, Fadinger, Said, Charles-Cook, Maswanhise, Stamatelopoulos

September 20, 2025

Hunt For First League Win Continues For Both Dundee and Motherwell

Dundee and Motherwell shared the points on a rainy afternoon in the ‘City of Discovery’, with goals from Tawanda Maswanhise and Luke Graham either side of half time ensuring a share of the spoils for both sides in a 1-1 draw at Dens’ Park. The result means that Dundee have drawn three and lost two in the league so far under new head coach Steven Pressley, whilst Motherwell remain undefeated after drawing all of their Premiership fixtures so far. It was a very principled performance from the Steelmen in the first half, playing a fast tempo style of play that has become synonymous with new gaffer Jens Berthel Askou, patiently playing out from the back and when an opening presented itself, they attacked with speed and exploited the gaps. As for Dundee, they probably soaked in more pressure than they would have liked to in the first period, opting to play a more direct style, with long balls unsuccessfully going over the top to frustrated lone striker Simon Murray. Ultimately, this played into the hands of Motherwell, who dominated the first half and looked to be the only side trying to score, yet regretfully they found themselves only ahead by one. Winger Tawanda Maswanhise collected the ball from a narrow position halfway inside the Dundee half, and drove to the right to get a shot on his favoured right foot, firing it passed Jon McCracken in the Dark Blues net, putting the visitors a goal to the good with just over half an hour played. The Zimbabwean’s tally now stands at 7 in all competitions. Motherwell continued with their constant threatening on the break, with Dundee outnumbered numerous times and seemingly spared by Calum Scott’s halftime whistle which killed the backlog of momentum generated by the ‘Well. The home fans made their feelings known to Pressley and his side as boos rang around Dens’ as the players headed up the tunnel. Whatever Steven Pressley said at halftime, it certainly done wonders for the hosts. Cameron Congreve, who had just come on at the break, drove down the right hand side and crossed the ball in for centre back Luke Graham to produce a powerful header beyond Calum Ward and level the scoring, not even two minutes after the restart. And they were so nearly ahead come the 50th minute. A looping ball was played into the Motherwell area, met by a diving Simon Murray, but only went as far as the side netting, with many in Dundee’s main stand believing the captain had scored. An even bigger chance for Murray went begging just five minutes later. Congreve was denied a second assist after he put the ball on a plate for his captain who was just 10 yards from goal, but he dragged his effort wide of the post as his hunt for his first goal of the league season goes on after 15 last campaign. Motherwell showed signs of their first half performance again in the closing half hour, with their biggest chance coming 13 minutes from time. Goalscorer Maswanhise could have made it a double when he was played in, but his first time effort was beaten away by McCracken. Dundee would be reduced to ten men just five minutes from time. Loanee Yan Dhanda, who signed for the season from Hearts, was given his marching orders following a high challenge on Motherwell’s Lukas Fadinger. The visitors from North Lanarkshire face a double header against Aberdeen next, travelling to Pittodrie in the cup before hosting them the week after in the league, As for Steven Pressley’s men, they will be in league action next weekend looking to pick up some points against Livingston at home. DUNDEE: McCracken 7 , C. Robertson 5, Astley 6, Wright 5, F. Robertson 6 (Jones 1), Murray 4 (Samuels 1), Yogane 6 (Hay 3), Westley 4 (Congreve 7), Dhanda 3, Graham 6, Hamilton 5 MOTHERWELL: Ward 5, Gordon 5, Stamatelopoulos 5 (Osong 4), Fadinger 6, Maswanhise 8, Watt 6, Koutroumbis 5 (O’Donnell 4), Longelo 6, Welsh 6 (Balmer 5), Charles-Cook 5 (Just 4), Said 6(Priestman 3)

September 13, 2025

Motherwell