Motherwell

Dundee pick up all three points in an entertaining Scottish Premiership encounter with Motherwell (UK only).

A selection of views from Motherwell supporters following the 2-1 Scottish Premiership defeat by Dundee...

John: I know we lost today, which on another day we could have won, but I am still proud of everything that we have done this season. Wherever we finish in the league it's a season I'll never forget.

Alan: The performances over the last 20 games has been very impressive. This defeat may result in a wake-up call to help galvanise this team to even greater heights than previously thought possible.

Colin: Unfortunately, not one of our best performances today. Had all of the first half but failure to score cost us. Didn't really look like scoring from open play as game wore on and defence didn't look as solid as previous games. Really hope this is not the beginning of a downward spiral to take shine of a great season.

Andy: It's not how you start but how you finish. Old Firm are nowhere near us and Hearts are stumbling towards the finish line. Going to be a bloodbath after the split and Falkirk will have a big say in where the title ends up. Lot of big games to come. In Jens we trust.

Fraser: The Well were in control for the entirety. Dundee were chasing spaces for the majority of the game. The fans are coming back and there is a real buzz and enthusiasm amongst fans and the team. A strong starting line-up and strength off the bench. This is a surreal season and one where we as Well fans can only keep dreaming. In JBA we trust.

Alistair: A below-par performance, combined with stout Dundee defending, blunted our flowing football. Several of our players were not up to their usual high standard (although Tom Sparrow showed up well when he came on at half-time) and it became a frustrating afternoon for 'Well fans. Dundee profited from our defensive errors and took their chances to score, while we huffed and puffed but failed to do likewise when opportunities came our way. Must do better at Parkhead!

Dundee leapfrog Aberdeen to move up to eighth in the Scottish Premiership after inflicting title-chasing Motherwell's first league defeat since December.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on the game via this link

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou: "Disappointed about the result, happy with the effort.

"We played against a team that has caused us trouble this season, it's no coincidence they are a well coached team who work hard, defend the box with their lives and have an attacking threat.

"I think we really tried to up the tempo, had some really good moments in the first half we didn't take.

"Eventually we got the goal and chased the win, it became a very open game, there were moments at both ends but Dundee were the better team at being able to take those moments. But the effort was there although the quality was not quite there.

"We switched off in a single moment which they took advantage of because we'd spent a lot of energy really chasing. That can happen at times, unfortunately it happened today and gave us a mountain to climb in the last 10 minutes. We tried but didn't quite reach the top.

"We need to make sure when we get the opportunities next week we need to take them.

"We're here to try and win football games and get as high in the table as possible. We have not, and never will be, no matter how good a season we have, be favourites to win the title so it's not something we address. We will try and climb as high as possible in the table.

"Even though we have been almost invincible over a large period of time, we knew that there would come a day where the opposition just outplayed us and we didn't get the result - that was today.

"I know the players and staff will do their best to make sure that never happens again and we get back to our best on Saturday and then time will tell where that's going to take us."

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Emmanuel Longelo's determination to aim for the top meant a title challenge was in his thoughts when he arrived at Motherwell last summer.

Few others would have considered that a possibility but Motherwell can go seven points off the top of the Scottish Premiership when they take on Dundee in their game in hand at Dens Park on Saturday.

Longelo's optimism is coupled with the awareness that he must focus on the task in hand rather than getting carried away with what might be possible come May.

"I thought I was coming into a good team, a good club with good morals, wonderful people," he said.

"Fighting for the league is something I had at the back of my mind. Obviously, you play to win. So I came up and set my targets.

"Expectations are just expectations. You've got to rise above it and reach for the ultimate goal."

Winning on Saturday would give Motherwell the chance to move second when they travel to Celtic Park seven days later.

"It's a massive opportunity," Longelo said. "We want to be amongst the top. So we'll definitely go in there with full fight.

"We've got to be 100% focused on the game and get the job done because we know that we can't afford to drop any points."

Celtic are interested in Motherwell winger Elijah Just and Hibernian midfielder Miguel Chaiwa as they prepare a squad overhaul in the summer. (The Herald, subscription required), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Scott Mullen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Jens Berthel Askou says his Motherwell team have been "moved" by the praise from supporters who have flocked to Fir Park to watch his team.

While Well's league position has surged, so to have home attendances with 7,300 home tickets sold for their win over Dundee United last Saturday.

Watching a winning team helps, but it's the particular brand of football instilled in the team by Askou that has captured the imagination of fans young and old.

"Of course it moves us that people come up to us and say that they have followed the club for 60 years and it's the best they've seen us play ever, or that they are really thankful that they get to experience this," said the Dane.

"We have kids coming up who are extremely excited, a new generation of fans who will be the foundation for the future.

"We make sure that in 10, 20, 30, 40 years from now we also have a new generation of fans, because obviously it gets easier and easier as time goes to get access to football on TV, but also to travel around the world and watch football.

"We really need to get hold of the next generation of fans and it seems as if the club are doing some really, really good things, not just us on the pitch but also around us to support that.

"The more the older fans are excited about that, the more that excitement can also rub off to the next generation."

Askou takes his team to Dundee on Saturday in the Premiership, knowing if they win their game in hand it takes them within a point of Celtic, two of Rangers and seven of Hearts as the split looms.

"I think a very cool thing for us as players and as a group and as a football club is that we know that we're going to compete in the top six here after the split," he said.

"We know that it's one game at a time, now we're playing Dundee here, so it's a very important game for us and an opportunity to get three more points.

"The main thing for us in that aspect [playing top-six teams] is that it's going to push us to our limits as a football club and as a team and keep developing us to the maximum of our potential this season, and that's what we want.

"Then time will tell whether you will say one week that we are in the title race and the next week we are out and then we are in again. We are not too fussed about that."

Scott Mullen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Manager Jens Berthel Askou has been speaking to the media to preview Motherwell's Premiership match at Dundee this weekend.

Here's the best of what he said:

• Askou does not know if Motherwell's form has peaked, but he is "striving for more".

• He and his team want to excite people, which has happened with crowds increasing at Fir Park. The Motherwell boss now wants to excite the broader community.

• Askou is not concerned about talk of the club being in a title race, but acknowledges the challenge of facing top-six teams after this weekend until the season's conclusion.

• The Dane says securing a top-six spot already has allowed for financial planning and will help make the club more attractive to players.

• He says Motherwell will face a Dundee team who have built and improved as the season has gone on.

• No new injury concerns with Johnny Koutroumbis, Callum Hendry and long-term absentee Zach Robinson the only players out.

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• Motherwell's Tawanda Maswanhise has 16 goals in the Scottish Premiership this season; since the competition rebranded in 2013-14, the only African to net more in a single campaign is Cyriel Dessers in 2024-25 (18) with Rangers.

• Dundee have only won one of their past seven league games (D3 L3), a 3-2 victory at Aberdeen in February.

• Motherwell have won their past three league outings; the Steelmen last won more in a row in February 2019 under Stephen Robinson (run of six wins).

• Dundee have only won two of their past 10 Scottish Premiership home games against Motherwell (D2 L6), although both were by a three-goal margin: 3-0 in November 2021 and 4-1 in December 2024.

• Motherwell have won three of their past four league games against Dundee (D1), after only winning one of their previous seven beforehand (D3 L3).

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Motherwell chairman Kyrk Macmillan says the club have three options as they explore whether to remain at "ageing" Fir Park.

In a club interview, Macmillan said: "In September of last year, we partnered with an architectural and civil engineering firm to assess Fir Park, the kind of longevity of it.

"Obviously, it's an ageing stadium, ageing facilities. That feasibility study came back to us last week and it's quite a significant bit of work.

"Effectively, what that looks at is three options for the future of the football club.

"One of those is redevelopment of the Phil O'Donnell Stand in terms of building a new stand here that has new conferencing events facilities that allows us to effectively make sure that this is a stand that's in use seven days a week and allows us to generate income from that, and from there carrying out other remediation works in and around the stadium.

"The second option is a wider redevelopment of Fir Park. So that is, how do we look at the other stands? The idea actually is to fill in the corners in the stadium, make sure we've got a bit more of an enclosed space, so it's a bigger development.

"And obviously upgrading facilities in the other stands in and around the stadium.

"And the last option is looking at a new facility custom-built for the football club and for moving things forward."

Macmillan stressed any such developments are for the longer term and "nothing is on the imminent agenda".

He added: "There's a lot of legacy here, there's a lot of memories in and around (Fir Park) for myself and thousands of other people as well, so we won't take that decision without consulting people."

Fourth-place Motherwell are in contention for the club's first title since 1932 and Macmillan praised manager Jens Berthel Askou and the team for an incredible campaign.

"Performances have probably been the best in my lifetime this season," he said.

"Probably the thing I'm personally happiest about that we've managed to achieve is bringing those crowds and that excitement back to the club.

"Hopefully for the football club in general, this is the start of something."

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

It's a strange situation where we are doing so well but there is an anxiety looming over us.

I have always said no one is truly irreplaceable at the club, but Jens Berthel Askou is making me think otherwise. With every week that passes I grow more concerned about who will be at the wheel next season.

The noise around the manager's future - specifically a move to Celtic - continues to get louder. However, I think it would be a dangerous gamble for him to jump ship too soon.

The pressure and expectation at Motherwell and Celtic are entirely different. A good season for us includes reaching the quarter-finals of both cups and finishing top six in the league, whereas at Celtic even a draw is seen as a disaster.

With European football looking likely, I hope that will keep help Askou in Lanarkshire, although the prospect of joining Celtic would be a head-turner for most managers.

The Askou effect at Motherwell is shown by the rise in attendances and we remain in the title conversation after beating Dundee United last weekend while the Old Firm dropped points in a derby draw.

While it is great to be in the title mix, realistically it is a push to finish third now for us.

Motherwell put out the call for fans to return home and with a crowd of over 7,000 it's safe to say we listened.

I can only think of a handful of games at Fir Park where that many home fans were in attendance and almost all of them have been this season.

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Motherwell midfielder Elliot Watt has every faith he can play at a "higher standard in terms of European and international football", while revealing the important role in his career played by a former Team GB nutritionist. (Scottish Sun), external

Watch former Motherwell coach Richard Foster analyse why the Fir Park side are so hard to score against.

Following their comfortable 2-0 victory at home to Dundee United, they have lost just once in their past 20 league matches.

They have kept 14 clean sheets in that run, all while playing the most expansive football in the country.

Motherwell have already set a new club milestone for clean sheets in a single season and are on track to smash their record for goals conceded in a 38-game top-flight campaign.

Read more: How one of Europe's best defences has Motherwell in title mix

A trio of Motherwell stars, duos from Hearts and Falkirk, and one each from Rangers, Celtic, Hibs and Dundee.

Jonathan Sutherland has picked his team of the week, so let's take a look and see who impressed...

Calum Ward - Motherwell

A key part of the Motherwell success story at the back. Yet another clean sheet.

Harry Milne - Hearts

Mr Versatile and Mr Reliable all rolled into one. Another team of the week appearance for Milne. Taking the liberty of forcing this auxiliary dynamo into right-back here.

Luke Graham - Dundee

A goal and an assist from the highly promising Dundee defender. His finish for the Dark Blues was like that of a striker.

Kieran Tierney - Celtic

Huge goal at a huge time in the Old Firm Derby. The Scotland international has quietly been a big player for Celtic over the past few weeks and will no doubt be a big leader for this side in the finale of this incredible season.

Nicky Cadden - Hibernian

There is almost laser precision to his deliveries from the left-hand side. His assist for Owen Elding's header was a perfect example, knowing exactly where to put the ball to elude the defence and allow the striker the best chance to finish.

Elliott Watt - Motherwell

The Motherwell orchestrator has been a key part of the Fir Park ensemble, which continues to hit all the right notes.

The ominous thing for Hearts, Rangers and Celtic is there appears to be no reason why Motherwell cannot keep on winning.

Watt is a central cog in that winning machine. An assist for Tawanda Maswanhise's second.

Dylan Tait - Falkirk

Two goals and so much to enjoy from the Falkirk midfielder. Part of a group completely in sync with each other, and loving life under John McGlynn in the top flight.

Claudio Braga - Hearts

Has led from the front in the absence of Lawrence Shankland and always seems to be in the right place at the right time.

The personification of Hearts this season, plucked by analytics from the relative obscurity of the Norwegian second division to spearheading a title charge threatening to destroy 40 years of Old Firm dominance.

Barney Stewart - Falkirk

Another barnstorming weekend for young Barney Stewart. The Grangemouth Harry Kane was on fire against Kilmarnock and was unlucky not to claim another hat-trick.

The story of the university lad now playing Premiership football has been well told, but it's now moved on to just how quickly he has developed into one of the most exciting strikers in the league.

The only thing missing from the McGlynn Falkirk success story was a goal-getting number nine. They have certainly found him.

Youssef Chermiti - Rangers

Talk about a big game player.

Looks decidedly pedestrian at times in more run-of-the-mill fixtures, but when it slams to the big matches against the big teams the 21-year-old has been the man to deliver. And in spectacular style.

His first goal was Scott McTominay-esque, an iconic Old Firm moment. His second was pure gallus opportunism full of ingenuity and initiative.

Tawanda Maswanhise - Motherwell

Another two goals for the jewel in the crown of the Motherwell story. The top scorer in the Premiership, if Maswanhise can stay fit and keep this form going the Steelmen really do have a shot at glory.

Their combination of goals and clean sheets is quite incredible. What an extra dimension Motherwell and Maswanhise have brought to this quite sensational season.

Watch all the action as Tawanda Maswanhise scores twice in Motherwell's Scottish Premiership win over Dundee United.

We asked for your views on Motherwell's 2-0 win against Dundee United.

Here's what some of you said:

James: Another great result, but not the best performance. A deserved win and a great three points.

Bruce: The mighty 'Well juggernaut rolls on at Fir Park! In dreamland this season.

William: Not at our best but good teams find a way to win, going to be a brilliant end to the season, hopefully keep this form going.

Stuart: Another controlled performance from the team. Never really allowed United to have many clear opportunities. This Motherwell team are a delight to watch and great seeing the crowds at Fir Park.

Mark: Comfortable and confident. Ibrahim Said has gone under the radar, while Tawanda Maswanhise, Elijah Just and Elliot Watt get all the attention, he goes about his business, consistently performing to the highest level. Onto Dundee part two next week!

Fraser: Well were in control for the entirety. Dundee United were chasing shadows for the majority of the game. The fans are coming back and there is a real buzz and enthusiasm amongst fans and the team. A strong starting line-up and strength off the bench. This is a surreal season and one where we, as Well fans, can only keep dreaming. In Jens Berthel Askou we trust.

Andy: It's not how you start but how you finish. Old Firm are nowhere near us and Hearts are stumbling towards the finish line. Going to be a bloodbath after the split and Falkirk will have a big say in where the title ends up. A lot of big games to come.

Motherwell moved a point behind third-placed Celtic in the Scottish Premiership with a comfortable win at home to Dundee United.

Read the match report here

Have your say on the game via this link

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou: "A very hectic and lively game. It was difficult to play around them because of their man-marking.

"It was a lot about changing positions and counter-movements to open up space. When we got the ball down we played some really good football. In terms of work rate and willingness to run for each other I think it was absolutely outstanding.

"The defensive discipline gave us full control of the game that was, at times, quite lively. Big credit to the boys for going out and being extremely disciplined for one another.

"I think it was a good example of us playing against a team that created a lively game and still being able to control it.

"Today we really deserved that clean sheet because we gave absolutely nothing away. We were on top of them, controlling the space in behind. It's great to see the players are just as hungry to keep a clean sheet and defend as they are going forward.

"We know that Tawanda Maswanhise is very, very hard to stop in open play. Eventually he'll break through and find a chance. He might have been a little bit lucky with that one today but he had other opportunities. A top player and a fantastic young man who works very hard. We're enjoying having him here and happy the transfer window doesn't open tomorrow.

"What we are in the mix for is for you to discuss. We had a game today, we had to attack, we did that well and got a clean sheet and three points. It was a good game for us in terms of playing against man for man pressure and it didn't stop us today."

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Motherwell have Lukas Fadinger back from suspension. Johnny Koutroumbis (calf) and Callum Hendry (groin) face further time on the sidelines and long-term absentee Zach Robinson (Achilles) remains out.

Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin has some bumps and bruises to contend with after Tuesday's draw with Aberdeen, while Craig Sibbald (hamstring) and Isaac Pappoe (knee) remain out.

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Calum Ward takes "a lot of pride" in Motherwell boasting one of the meanest defences in Europe this season.

The 25-year-old faced calls to be dropped amid his "shaky start" to the campaign - but is now the Premiership's shutout king, playing a huge part in Motherwell equalling a club-record 20 clean sheets already.

Ward has only conceded three goals in his past 15 games and, with 18 shipped in 27 league outings overall, Motherwell have a better defensive record than the likes of Arsenal, Paris St Germain and Real Madrid.

"It's really good for myself and for Matty (Connelly)," Ward said.

"We take a lot of pride in it. It's a whole team effort to be fair and it's a really big positive for the season.

"A lot of games this season in the league, I've not had a lot of saves to make and that's down to the defence. Some of the clean sheets have come without me doing anything and I'll take that all day long.

"You can't be fully focused on it. For example, the Rangers game at home a few weeks ago, we conceded early on and you've just got to get the clean sheet stuff out of your head because you've got a whole 90 minutes again to get a result back."

On his early-season struggles, Ward said: "I had a shaky start at times. I played well but then just moments in games that kind of ruined results for us.

"It wasn't something I focused on. The manager had full faith and pushed on from there and it's been going well so far. Confidence is massive."