Motherwell

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Elijah Just is hopeful Motherwell will discover a cutting edge and says putting the ball in the net is the "little back lacking" for the Steelmen.

New Zealand winger Just scored the equaliser on Sunday as Jens Berthel Askou's side drew 1-1 with Aberdeen at Pittodrie in the Scottish Premiership.

Not for the first time time this season, Motherwell dominated for large spells and arguably failed to get the reward their good play merited.

"We want to win every game and we believe the way we are playing is going to give us the best chance," Just said.

"There is still a little bit lacking but that is the most difficult part of football, scoring the goals. We will continue to work and hopefully we will improve and score more goals.

"We do believe that we just need to keep working and it will come."

A lot of eyes were on Motherwell and how they would react to their sobering 4-1 Premier Sports Cup semi-final defeat by St Mirren at Hampden the week before.

"It was a disappointing result last week," Just said. "We had a lot of fans go and we don't like to lose and definitely not in the way we did, so it was important that we showed up [against Aberdeen] and showed our mentality."

The point at Pittodrie means Motherwell are sixth in the table going in to the international break.

"The league table doesn't lie," Just said. "In the middle is probably how we feel about our performances.

"We have played well in patches, a lot of control over a lot of games but we haven't quite been able to get over the line so at the moment we are still pushing, we want to move up the table, it is a long season so there is plenty of time."

We asked for your views on Motherwell's 1-1 draw against Aberdeen on Sunday.

Here's what some of you said:

Fraser: Very disappointing result only emphasised by Hibs beating St Mirren 3-0 the Saturday after the semi. We should have done this. There was a lack of passion and energy in front of a huge Motherwell support. Only Callum Hendry and Callum Slattery, when they came on, showed what we needed to win a game. Learn from this, sort the wrongs and play for the badge.

Kevin: Hopefully the January window can help the manager find the missing links that are costing us a fantastic season. Playing beautiful football without ever really looking like scoring is hard to stomach.

Watch highlights from Sunday's Scottish Premiership draw between Aberdeen and Motherwell.

Available to UK users only.

Motherwell bounced back from their Premier Sports Cup Hampden disappointment to salvage a deserved draw against Aberdeen to make it three unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership.

Read the full match report here.

Have your say here.

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou tells BBC Scotland: "It was probably the performance of the three [games against Aberdeen] where we were most dominant, in most control, throughout the game.

"We lacked a little bit of sharpness to convert the dominance into open, clear-cut chances, and that's the most disappointing thing because the performance was really solid.

"Many things to be happy about but we'll have to keep building and progressing our attacking game, so we win games like this.

"We had a feeling we could easily come back, because we had a lot of momentum throughout the game. There wasn't long spells where we lost control. We probably got a little over-confident, being too clever or too smart, losing the balance behind the ball.

"We decided to keep going and try to put some fresh players on the pitch, to keep driving the game forward. I have to praise the guys for staying brave and popping the ball around their pressure."

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou steered away from a group video analysis of their defeat by St Mirren as he focused on helping his players shaking off their Hampden heartache.

Askou had only experienced two defeats in Scotland, each by one goal, before suffering a 4-1 loss to St Mirren in the League Cup semi-finals.

And he is determined to ensure Well bounce back quickly from the knockout blow when they take on Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

The Dane said: "Traditionally there's a lot of expectations that, when you don't perform how you're expected to or how you want to, there's a perception that you have to be filled with shame, anger, disappointment, frustration.

"And some people just cling on to these emotions, some have more difficulty in letting these emotions go than others.

"I thought it was important on Monday to tell them that it's OK to spend the day getting it out of the system.

"And then there will always be some players and hopefully staff members who are better at trying to make room for more constructive emotions going forward.

"They have to lead the way and allow room for a joke and a smile, praise to a team-mate who does something good in training, to try and lift the mood and the spirit because you have to move on.

"If you carry these these emotions with you for too long then there's a risk it affects the quality and the productiveness of the next couple of days and we don't have time to waste in training sessions.

"I didn't show any clips from the game – we used that more individually in terms of how can we develop and then we used it as a lead-in to training the next couple of days.

"It's not like we haven't dealt with the game and the experience we had, but we did it in a little different way. We didn't rip into something that we were trying to heal."

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Aberdeen remain without Alfie Dorrington, Ante Palaversa and Sivert Heltne Nilsen along with long-term absentee Kristers Tobers (knee).

Motherwell remain without Stephen O'Donnell (hamstring) while Aston Oxborough has been ruled out until January with a fractured hand.

Long-term absentees Sam Nicholson, Filip Stuparevic (both knee), Eseosa Sule, Jordan McGhee (both thigh) and Zach Robinson (Achilles) remain out.

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Jens Berthel Askou has tried to lift the mood at Motherwell this week by steering clear of group video analysis after the League Cup semi-final trouncing by St Mirren.

Having lost 4-1 at Hampden, Berthel wants to get his side to get back on track when they visit Aberdeen in the Premiership on Sunday.

"Traditionally there's a lot of expectations that when you don't perform how you're expected to or how you want to, there's a perception that you have to be filled with shame, anger, disappointment and frustration," said the Motherwell boss.

"Some people just cling on to these emotions, some have more difficulty in letting these emotions go than others.

"I thought it was important on Monday to tell them that it's okay to spend the day getting it out of their system.

"Then there will always be some players and hopefully staff members who are better at trying to make room for more constructive emotions going forward.

"They have to lead the way and allow room for a joke and a smile, praise to a team-mate who does something good in training, to try and lift the mood and the spirit because you have to move on.

"If you carry these emotions with you for too long then there's a risk it affects the quality and the productiveness of the next couple of days and we don't have time to waste in training sessions.

"I didn't show any clips from the game – we used that more individually in terms of how can we develop and then we used it as a lead-in to training the next couple of days.

"It's not like we haven't dealt with the game and the experience we had, but we did it in a little different way. We didn't rip into something that we were trying to heal."

Motherwell will still be without Stephen O'Donnell at Pittodrie while Aston Oxborough has been ruled out until mid-January with a hand fracture.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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The positive vibes that were building at a rapid rate at Motherwell took a serious blow on Saturday with a deflating League Cup semi-final defeat to St Mirren.

Jens Berthel Askou's side have received plenty of plaudits for their brave approach this term, but in their poorest showing of the season they were beaten 4-1 on a sore night for the Fir Park club at Hampden.

The Dane will be desperate to see a response from his team when they travel up to Aberdeen on Sunday.

A win at Pittodrie earlier this campaign booked Motherwell's place in the League Cup last four. The following weekend, they beat Aberdeen again at home in the league.

A third straight victory over Jimmy Thelin's side, who drew at AEK Larnaca in the Conference League on Thursday, would help Askou's men get over last weekend's heartache and strengthen their top-six hopes.

Read all the Premiership picks

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• Aberdeen have won four of their past five home league games against Motherwell (D1), including the latest three in a row.

• After their 2-0 win in September, Motherwell are looking for back-to-back league victories over Aberdeen for the first time since November 2021.

• Aberdeen have won three of their past four league games (L1), as many as their previous 17 beforehand (W3 D4 L10).

• Motherwell have won their past two league games and are looking to win three on the bounce for the first time since September 2023.

• Only Celtic (34) have made more changes to their starting XIs across Scottish Premiership games this season than Aberdeen (30), who have used 27 different players, a joint high with Celtic.

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

I have sat down to write this five times, and I'm still struggling to find the words to convey my disappointment over the League Cup semi-final loss.

We were utterly spineless.

I can't think of a single Motherwell player who emerges from that defeat with pass marks.

We got it entirely wrong and our former manager Stephen Robinson knew exactly where to hurt us.

To make matters worse, in the aftermath former captain Peter Hartley was posting jabs on social media towards the club and Andy Halliday was on video being angry that Rangers lost on Sunday.

We are an embarrassment of a club right now. I am beyond deflated.

The early-season optimism - and belief that maybe one day we will finally bring home another major trophy - have been severely dented.

We asked for your views on Motherwell's 4-1 defeat against St Mirren in the semi-final of the Premier Sports cup.

Here's what some of you said:

James: As much as we passed the ball about, we were really poor. Probably the worst we've played this season. Definitely second best, Saints outplayed us.

Susan: Just not our day. St Mirren were well-organised and swamped the midfield and we just didn't catch fire. This won't define Motherwell's season but disappointing to lose 4-1.

Stuart: Street-wise St Mirren gave us a lesson on how to be clinical and controlling. Lots of lessons to make us stronger for the rest of the season. A really sore one for all connected to the Well.

Walter: Beaten by a more cynical but not a better team. We need to find a sharper edge to our game in front of both goals, otherwise we will be the team that is easy on the eye but without substantial success.

Gordon: Possession at our lowest so far. Saints hunted in packs to regain possession and deprive us of time and space to play our normal game. Saints had far more energy. We couldn't adapt and were tactically naive. They deserved their win.

Stephen: Having taken time to reflect on the heavy defeat to St Mirren, my overwhelming feeling is that myself and other Motherwell fans were severely let down by the application of the players.

St Mirren looked hungry and ready for the fight whereas we looked meek at best. Certain players who have received praise recently were posted missing which is incredibly disappointing. St Mirren thoroughly deserved their victory.

St Mirren scored twice late on to extinguish Motherwell's spirited fightback and seal a League Cup final place for the first time since winning the competition in 2013.

Have your say on the game here.

Read the match report here.

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou tells Premier Sports: "St Mirren executed the gameplan better than us, and they're deservedly in the final.

"We started okay after after a little bit of nerves, we applied some pressure, but our attacking game wasn't good enough and in the first, we were way too far off the level needed in the first-half.

"The game opened up in the second half when we were chasing, they done well to punish us.

"We know how to combat them, nothing surprised us, we just have to be better. First-half we were nowhere near good enough.

"They had a few moments where they could hurt us and they did. We weren't dangerous enough and now we sit here with disappointment, but acceptance we didn't do enough."

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Motherwell have a doubt over Stephen O'Donnell, who went off with a muscle problem against Dundee United on Wednesday, but Tawanda Maswanhise is expected to shake off the muscle fatigue that forced him off. Aston Oxborough (hand), Sam

Nicholson, Filip Stuparevic (both knee), Eseosa Sule, Jordan McGhee (both thigh) and Zach Robinson (Achilles) remain out.

St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson revealed Miguel Freckleton was a "big doubt" but fellow defenders Alex Gogic and Jayden Richardson will return from suspension.

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Motherwell captain Paul McGinn says he hopes to emulate the longevity of former England international James Milner and continue playing into his forties.

The 35-year-old defender doesn't see this season as his swansong after overcoming last term's injury troubles to re-emerge as an integral part of the team.

As he geared up for the Premier Sports Cup semi-final against St Mirren on Saturday, McGinn said: "I actually feel really good.

"I guess it might change if you speak to me in May but as I feel right now, if I start noticing a level of performance dropping in a game then I'll know it's nearly there.

"Up until now I've been playing at a similar level, so I feel really good. I'm hoping to be one of the guys you see, a James Milner 40-odd, still kicking about."

McGinn expects a formidable test against St Mirren despite Motherwell being the in-form side, off the back of two wins and sitting fifth in the Premiership, with an attractive style of play now delivering more consistent results.

"We know exactly what we want to do," he said. "I don't think St Mirren will change much either, so we'll know what to expect from them, but it doesn't make it any easier to try and beat them.

"Teams are in a semi-final for a reason, aren't they? Any time I've played St Mirren they'll cause you problems, no matter how you play.

"I don't think anyone's a clear favourite either way. There's a reason for optimism for both but hopefully more for us."

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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Sixteen minutes into Jens Berthel Askou's first match in charge of Motherwell, away to Clyde in the League Cup groups, fans of the Fir Park club were trying to work out why their goalkeeper was standing 30 yards from goal with their team in possession.

Seconds later, that curiosity turned to horror when the ball was lost in midfield and part-time striker James Hilton lobbed a shock opener over the scrambling Calum Ward.

Three months on, former Sparta Prague and Copenhagen coach Askou has gone from an unknown quantity to Scottish football's surprise package, his bold and expansive style now earning results.

With a brave approach, smart recruitment and candid interviews, the fanbase have taken the Dane to their hearts, although he has no idea what would come his way if he manages to win the club's first silverware in 34 years.

Three of the four stands at Fir Park are named after men who played integral roles in the 1991 Scottish Cup triumph - former players Phil O'Donnell and Davie Cooper, plus cup-winning manager Tommy McLean.

That alone highlights the lasting legacy this manager and his team could leave.

With about 8,500 Motherwell supporters, a similar number to St Mirren, expected to roar on their team at Hampden on Sunday, Askou said: "It means a lot, especially for a club of our size, to give this to our fans.

"It's fantastic support. It shows how many people around Motherwell are looking forward to the game and how big an occasion it is for them."

Read more: St Mirren & Motherwell bid for final

Sportscene pundits Neil McCann and Jackie McNamara preview the Premier Sports Cup semi-final between Motherwell and St Mirren on Saturday.

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou says Hampden Park should be the venue for cup semi-finals despite it likely being less than half full on Saturday when the Steelmen face St Mirren.

The Fir Park club have sold nearly 8,500 tickets and expect to sell more with the Dane believing it's important for the football culture in Scotland that fans and clubs get the experience of going to the national stadium.

"It means a lot, especially a club of our size, to give that to our fans," said Askou. "It's fantastic support.

"It shows how many people around Motherwell are looking forward to that game and how big an occasion it is for them.

"It's nice for people around Scotland to give more people around Scotland who make sure that this football culture up here is special, that they get the experience to go to Hampden."

Askou revealed Motherwell have been practising penalties with the "heart rate up" to be well prepared if the game goes the distance.

"The only thing that we have done a little bit differently [in preparation] is that we have practised penalties a little bit more lately and tried to incorporate that in the small-sided games, so it has been given an edge of competitiveness, and also with a little bit of heart rate up when we take the penalties," he said.

"We do penalties in the break, and then the heart rate is up, it's competitive, instead of doing it 10-15 minutes after training.

"So far it's looked good, they've been banging in penalties in the back of the net. So if we need that, then we feel confident that we can be successful in that aspect as well."

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has been talking to the media before the Premier Sports Cup semi-final against St Mirren this weekend.

Here are the key points:

• The Dane believes Hampden should be the venue for cup semi-finals despite it likely being less than half-full on Saturday, with Motherwell having sold nearly 8,500 tickets.

• Askou adds: "It means a lot, especially a club of our size, to give that to our fans. It's fantastic support. It shows how many people around Motherwell are looking forward to that game and how big an occasion it is for them."

• After rising to fifth place in the Premiership following the 2-0 win over Dundee United, Askou says it's "good to be where we are and we want to stay there" although form will be "reset" when the semi-final gets under way.

• He insists Motherwell don't need to reach the final to foster more belief in what they are doing, but it would be "another indication that the club is moving in the right direction".

• The Dane admitted his side have extensively practised penalties and if they "need that then we feel confident we can be successful".

• Stephen O'Donnell and Tawanda Maswanhise should be fit, with Aston Oxborough likely to remain on the sidelines.

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

The plaudits have been glowing and growing for Motherwell this season.

Now they're heading to Hampden on Saturday in the League Cup semi-finals buoyant after the dominant 2-0 victory over Dundee United.

With some silly ball possession stats, solid defending, and a beautiful team goal, was Wednesday night the epitome of Jens Berthel Askou's vision?

Motherwell passed Dundee United off the park in the first half. They had 72% ball possession, 200 more passes than United, 12 touches in the opposition box, but yet just one goal.

It was a well-worked goal through, cutting down the left-hand channel where Longelo swept the ball to Maswanhise who tucked home.

The stats shouldn't shock those who have watched Motherwell this season. Only Rangers and Celtic have enjoyed more possession in this campaign.

They rank third for accurate passes. Fourth for expected goals, big chances, and touches in the opposition box.

Against Rangers, in the first game of the season, they drew 1-1 but massively outperformed their opposition in xG.

But sometimes stats don't tell the whole story. Against St Mirren, their opposition this Saturday, Motherwell dominated the ball with 66% possession, played 600 passes. That game ended goalless.

United offer 'perfect preparation' for semi-final

Askou was quietly pleased with the performance against United, and he wasn't the only one impressed.

Jim Goodwin, while dismayed at his side's performance, could not hide his admiration of Motherwell's display.

"We were really poor on the night, but I don't want to take anything away from Motherwell - I thought they were excellent, particularly in the first half," the United boss said.

"Motherwell want the press, want you to come on to them, they want to break lines and take your midfield out the game. They caused us numerous problems.

But it's not really about getting your flowers from opposition managers. It's about winning games, and Askou knows that.

"In many ways it was the perfect preparation," the Dane said on Wednesday night.

"With a little more quality and freshness in some of the guys' legs, we could have probably created another big chance or two to finish off the game even earlier.

"Right now, we're seeing a lot of good performances from a lot of different players - that's exactly what we need."

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

Here's what some of you said:

Mark: Thoroughly enjoyed the match again. Value for money for the ticket. Passed the ball well and Dundee Utd never got a sniff in the first half. Very impressive that we could afford to leave out several starting players. The second half seems to be a problem. The players look drained after all the effort in the first 45. Hopefully the manager will get that sorted out soon. Great times for the 'Well.

Alan: A well deserved victory which sets us up for the semi-final on Saturday. We controlled the first half very well and Callum Slattery was on fire with his energy, running and ability to see passes. We still require more incisive scoring power up front but the combination from Emmanuel Longelo, Regan Charles-Cook, Mason Clark and Tawanda Maswanhise was impressive. Elliot Watt's goal was a beauty.