Motherwell Archives - Page 2 of 5

Aberdeen 2-0 Motherwell: Dons Progress to Quarters after 3 Red Cards

Aberdeen booked their place in the Scottish Cup quarter‑finals with a hard‑fought win over Motherwell in a chaotic Pittodrie encounter. The match, which featured three red cards, saw Peter Leven’s side keep their season alive with a goal in each half. Kevin Nisbet opened the scoring with a superb free kick from the left edge of the box. Moments earlier, Oscar Priestman’s costly slip brought down Lyall Cameron, prompting referee John Beaton to show the first red card inside just three minutes. Buoyed by the early breakthrough, Aberdeen grew in confidence, but they too were reduced to ten men when Dennis Geiger was dismissed for a high challenge on Lukas Fadinger. Motherwell’s night worsened when John Beaton again intervened, sending off Liam Gordon for tripping the onrushing Toyosi Olusanya. Initially shown a yellow card, the offence was upgraded to red following a VAR review, leaving the visitors with nine men. Aberdeen ultimately sealed the result shortly after the hour mark. Captain Graeme Shinnie calmed the Pittodrie nerves with a precise left‑footed strike from 25 yards, drilling the ball into the bottom corner. Leven’s side now turn their attention back to Premiership action against Dundee on Saturday, while Motherwell prepare for their trip to Paisley to face St Mirren. Aberdeen: Bratveit, Devlin, Milne, McIntyre, Frame, Shinnie, Geiger, Cameron (Nilsen 85′) Milanovic (Olusanya 46′) Keskinen (Palaversa 46′) Nisbet (Lazetic 80′) Motherwell: Connelly, Sparrow (Slattery 46′) McGinn, Gordon, O’Donnell, Priestman, Fadinger (Longelo 61′) Just (Said 68′)Charles-Cook (Nicholson 80′) Maswanhise, Bjorgolfsson (Watt 61′)

February 19, 2026

Maswanhise gives “watch out for us” message to the top three

Maswanhise is ready for a title challenge as the winger warns “watch out for us” to all Hearts, Celtic and Rangers. Following Motherwell’s 1-1 draw with Rangers last night, Maswanhise fully believes Motherwell can go in and challenge for the title this season and fancies their chances although the Lanarkshire side sit 13 points off of league leaders Heart Of Midlothian. Maswanhise netted on four occasions in five outings for the Steelmen in January and currently sits as the top goal scorer on 13 for the season with Benjamin Nygren slowly creeping up on the Motherwell starman. Many of clubs such as Anderlecht, Rangers and Celtic were all showing interest in January but the Fir Park outfit did all they could to keep hold of Maswanhise. Maswanhise told Sky Sports: “You’ve seen it yesterday with one man down, every man on that pitch for Motherwell, including myself, we fought really hard to get the point that we deserved. “We’ve been doing the same style of play the whole season [and] you’re starting to see more results now. You’re starting to see more success, we’re getting our plaudits. It has been good. “A lot of people, a lot of players want to say it’s a three-horse race right now, but we’re still behind it. “I genuinely think we can nick a few points and be in and around it. So, just watch out for us and we should crack on.” It’s been an excellent year for Maswanhise after being called up to represent Zimbabwe at AFCOM as well as grabbing a goal on International duty. Speaking on his speculation, he said: “Honestly, I knew there was going to be speculation from clubs in and around the country – but I had my head down. “You’ve just got to play football. Let the football do the talking, everyone’s heard that saying. I’ve done that really well in January, and I’ve just got to carry on.” Mawanhise and Motherwell have a big game coming on Sunday where they host a well rested Aberdeen side who haven’t played in over 2 weeks due to three back-to-back postponements. The Steelmen also have a chance of continuing their cup run as Aberdeen await on Wednesday night at Pittodrie which would round up a perfect season for Maswanhise.

February 12, 2026

Askou Cites “Cynical” Rangers Performance in Fir Park draw

Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou was disappointed at Rangers’ approach during Wednesday’s dramatic draw, believing the Gers’ “cynical” performance was a “shame for the game”. Speaking to Sky Sports at full-time, Askou reckons his side “dominated the game in so many ways”. “I thought our intensity and speed of play was outstanding and it caused a tonne of problems for Rangers out there. They had to [concede] one free-kick after another to stop us. “I was surprised that they didn’t get more yellow cards in the first half and I don’t think it’s good enough. “It’s an absolutely top game, probably the best game you can get in Scottish football right now, and you get to play that cynical? “I think it’s a shame for the game, that’s the reason why there weren’t more goals in the game. “We didn’t let frustration take over, we stuck in it and adjusted a few things at half-time and knew there would be chances in the second half.” While Askou agreed with Lukas Fadinger’s second half dismissal, the Dane didn’t see a huge difference between that challenge and some on his own team. “Lukas gets sent off and it’s our first red card.” Askou added. “The intensity of the tackle was not worse than many of the other tackles we received. “He’s just a little bit unlucky that he catches him five inches off the ground.” Celtic loanee Stephen Welsh scored a crucial late equaliser to haunt Rangers; the draw preserves Motherwell’s long-standing home record, dating back to mid-October. Pushing for the title may be a bridge too far, but Askou’s side will have a major say in which of the top three side’s take home the title.

February 12, 2026

Motherwell 1-1 Rangers: Celtic loanee haunts Gers with late equaliser

Motherwell 1-1 Rangers Raskin (6′) Welsh (89′) Stephen Welsh dented Rangers’ title charge with a deserved point at Fir Park, leaving Danny Rohl’s side five points behind leaders Hearts in the pulsating title race. Motherwell went close in the opening four minutes after Stephen O’Donnell’s cross found Emmanuel Longelo at the back post. The Englishman drilled past Jack Butland in August, but the goalkeeper parried his powerful strike from the left edge of the penalty box on this occasion. Rangers opened the scoring moments later. The hosts afforded Mohamed Diomande acres of space to drive towards Calum Ward’s goal. The midfielder’s cute pass split the Motherwell defence, allowing the onrushing Nico Raskin to sidefoot home from the penalty box. It was the dream start for Danny Rohl’s men, considering this was the first goal the hosts had conceded at Fir Park since mid-October. Jens Berthel Askou would have been disappointed with the cheapness of Rangers’ opener, but his side continued to settle. Despite enjoying large periods of possession in the opening 20 minutes, Elijah Just’s routine free kick was the only other test for Butland. Premiership top-goalscorer Tawanda Maswanhise has impressed throughout Motherwell’s standout season. He went close to equalising in the 27th minute, but after latching on to O’Donnell’s defence-splitting ball, his strike cannoned off the woodwork from a tight angle. Raskin produced a brilliant goal-line header to deny Stephen Welsh soon after, as the hosts continued to threaten. Rangers may have held the lead, but Askou’s side looked likely to find the equaliser. Youssef Chermiti had a golden chance to double Rangers’ advantage near the break. Welsh’s misjudged header found its way to the striker in the box, but he showed little composure with his slashed effort. January signing Ryan Naderi, sitting on the bench, may have fancied his chances. Chances were rare for both sides in the opening twenty minutes of the second period, as Rangers stemmed the home side’s dominance in the second half. Just stung the palms of Butland in the 66th minute as they looked to force a crucial equaliser. Motherwell’s task got harder after Stephen McLean gave Lukas Fadinger his marching orders. The midfielder’s lunge caught the calf of Mikey Moore, and after reviewing the VAR monitor, the referee rightly sent the Austrian off. Eythor Bjørgolfsson’s close-range header forced Butland into a save, but Motherwell forced an equaliser courtesy of their Celtic loanee moments later. Rangers’ lead evaporated in the 89th minute when Bjørgolfsson’s cushioned header found Welsh, who clinically fired home from inside the area. It was a hauntingly familiar scene for the visitors; having conceded a late leveller at Fir Park back in August, they were forced to endure the same late-game heartbreak all over again. Neither side could find a winner in the closing minutes, as Stephen McLean called a halt to proceedings on a remarkable night. The draw leaves Rangers five points behind Hearts before Sunday’s meeting with the league leaders at Ibrox. Motherwell remain fourth, and host Aberdeen this weekend. Motherwell: Ward 7 O’Donnell 7 McGinn 7 Welsh 8 Longelo 7 Fadinger 5 Watt 6 Slattery 6 Just 6 Said 6 Maswanhise 7 Substitutes: Priestman 6 Bjorgolfsson 5 Sparrow 5 Charles-Cook 3 Nicholson 3 Rangers: Butland 7 Tavernier 6 Souttar 7 Djiga 6 Meghoma 6 Chukwuani 6 Raskin 7 Diomande 6 Gassama 6 Moore 7 Chermiti 6 Substitutes: Naderi 6 Fernandez 4 Aasgaard 3 Miovski 3 Sterling 3

February 11, 2026

Askou praises “defensive platform” ahead of Rangers clash

Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou believes his side’s balance is a key component to their defensive stability this season in the Scottish Premiership. Speaking ahead of their home clash with Rangers on Wednesday evening, Askou was full of praise for his “disciplined” side. “First of all, as long as we have the ball, it’s difficult for the opposition to score unless we put it in the back of the net ourselves, which we haven’t done,” “The other thing is, if we have the ball a lot, they spend a lot of energy on chasing it and defending against us. If we then pose a threat at the same time, then they spend even more energy on trying to make sure we don’t create chances and score goals. “The lift in our attacking side of the game has made the opposition spend even more energy. And sometimes, they change things up from what they usually do, both in terms of approach but also formation, which makes it more difficult to perform at their best.” With high praise for his side’s attack and defence, the Dane pointed out goalkeeper Calum Ward, who continues to enhance his game behind the forward flair. “We’ve also got a goalie who’s just gotten better and better, showing a really high level with his passing under pressure from day one,” Askou said. “He’s also improved fantastically with his normal goalkeeping skills in terms of stopping the opposition from scoring, making saves, and getting out of the box.” “It’s about balance between having the ball, being good in attack and then being defensively solid, aggressive, intense, well-structured, disciplined at the same time. “That is something we have been working on every day since we started, and it’s given us a very stable defensive platform, especially here.” The statistics behind the Steelmen’s rise highlight Askou’s imprint on this galvanised squad, holding the most Premiership clean sheets in the league with 13, and conceding just 5 goals at Fir Park all season. Their home dominance is amplified considering Falkirk were the last visiting team to score a goal against them, on October 18th 2025. That match against the Bairns was also the only home defeat of the season. The likes of Celtic, Hibs, Dundee United, and Aberdeen have all failed to pick up points at Fir Park. December’s 2-0 over Nancy’s Celtic caught the attention of the entire country, as Askou’s men bullied and toyed with the dismal visiting side. It remains to be seen how far this reinvigorated team can go, but with top goalscorer Tawanda Maswanhise still in the ranks, and defensive stalwart Stephen Welsh returning on loan, the remaining five months of the season could yet turn out memorable at Motherwell. They remain in the Scottish Cup mix, and their red-hot domestic form may encourage fans to dream of lifting silverware for the first time since 1991.

February 9, 2026

Livingston 0-2 Motherwell: Maswanhise Magic Worries Bottom of Pile Livingston

Tawanda Maswanhise scored his 17th and 18th goals of the season as Motherwell strolled to a 2-0 win over bottom of the league Livingston at the Home of the Set Fare Arena. The attacker moves clear of next highest scorers in Premiership golden boot race, as rumours of his future rumble before Monday’s transfer deadline. It now means that Livingston have went twenty two games without a win in the Premiership, equalling a record low in this division this century. In a half that was one-way-traffic for the visiting side, the hosts had a glaring opportunity to score the opener inside two minutes. Stevie May combined with Scott Pittman to knock the ball over to an unmarked Connor McLennan, but he was denied excellently by Calum Ward as his extended arm put the ball out for a corner. The league’s top scorer Tawanda Maswanhise resumed his usual business less than five minutes in when he was was picked out perfectly by midfielder Elijah Just. The New Zealand international’s pinpoint cross was met with a looping nod from his Zimbabwean teammate to give the Steelmen an early advantage. Just could have been provider for Maswanhise again 24 minutes in had he chosen to be. A long ball from the Motherwell backline seemingly out of nowhere seen the pair through in a 2 vs 1, with Just opting to go for goal rather than pick out the goalscorer again. His effort however, curled off of the post. Maswanhise would grab his second though just four minutes later. Daniel Finlayson’s clearance failed to go beyond Callum Slattery just outside the Livingston box. The Motherwell number eight slipped in his frontman, who made it two for him and the ‘Well with a lovely opened-body curled finish into the bottom right corner. It is the thirteenth goal in the league this season for the 23-year-old, which puts him two clear of both Celtic’s Benjamin Nygren and injured Hearts’ captain Lawrence Shankland. The foot came off the gas for Motherwell in the second half, threatening with far less frequency than they did in the first with a wayward effort from Ibrahim Said and tame strike from hat-trick hunter Maswanhise. Livingston nearly found a way back into the game with just over twenty minutes to play. Connor McLennan’s cross from the left travelled the width of the Motherwell six-yard-box, but could not be met by Scott Pittman, despite a sliding attempt to. Calum Ward nearly gifted the home side a way back into the match on the 73rd minute. The goalkeeper’s lacklustre pass out was halted by the foot of Robbie Moorhead, yet the heaviness of the touch allowed Ward to recollect and spare his blushes, keeping a shutout on the cards. Tawanda Maswanhise left the field to a standing ovation from the away support, who will be hoping he is still playing in claret and amber for their visit to Dundee this Wednesday, amid intense speculation linking him with moves to Celtic, Rangers and Blackburn Rovers. Defeat for Livingston today coinciding with a Kilmarnock win at home to Aberdeen sees them fall further behind the Rugby Park side at the foot of the table, with the gap now standing at six points. Twenty-two Premiership matches since David Martindale’s side last tasted victory when they defeated Falkirk on the second day of the campaign. If they fail to beat John McGlynn’s side on Wednesday evening, they overtake Hamilton Academical’s unwanted record of most games without a win from 2010/11. Jens Berthel Askou’s men continue to pull up trees as they move further ahead of Hibernian in fourth place, with the Easter Road club not in action until a home fixture against Rangers tomorrow. They make a trip North to face Dundee on Wednesday, before turning their attention to an away Scottish Cup tie against manager-less Aberdeen. LIVINGSTON: Prior 5, Fati 4 (Lawal 77’ 1), McGowan 4 , Pittman 6, Muirhead 4 (Tamm 77’ 1), McLennan 5 (Smith 77’ 1 ), May 4 (Zimmerman 67’ 4), Finlayson 3, Danso 5 (Sylla 67’ 1), Tait 4, Brenet 5 MOTHERWELL: Ward 6, O’Donnell 6, Sparrow 6, Slattery 6, Fadinger 5, McGinn 6, Maswanhise 9 (Mbule 76’ 1), Just 8 (Nicholson 64’ 2), Koutroumbis 5 (Gordon 85’ 1), Priestman 5, Said 6 (Bjorgolfsson 64’ 2)

January 31, 2026

Celtic recall Welsh from Motherwell loan

Celtic have boosted their defensive options by recalling Stephen Welsh from his loan at Motherwell. The 25-year-old signed a season-long loan deal on Deadline Day and made 17 appearances for the Fir Park side. He impressed in Jens Berthel Askou’s defence, helping them to 4th place, and achieving 9 clean sheets. Motherwell confirmed the recall on their website earlier today, stating, ‘We want to thank Stephen for his hard work during his time at Motherwell and wish him the very best for the future.’ Welsh becomes Celtic’s second January move, after completing a loan deal for Bournemouth right back Julián Araujo. Martin O’Neill is still without the stalwart defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, so both could become key cogs for the Scottish champions. O’Neill’s latest interim reign got off to the perfect start, with a commanding 4-0 home victory over Dundee United. They return to league action against Falkirk on Wednesday.

January 12, 2026

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

Motherwell