Motherwell

We asked for your thoughts after Motherwell's goalless draw against Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Marcus: Yet another two points dropped due to our inability to consistently put the ball in the back of the net. I am also not completely convinced on Jens Berthel Askou, I just do not think this preferred style is suited to scottish football and I still maintain the idea that someone like Jack Ross or Malky Mackay would have been better suited to achieve success in this league. I want to see my team try and score goals not just win the 'highest possession stats trophy'.

Grant: Well it's the way it goes, teams learn how to play against us and nullify how we play. We will learn how to deal with it. It's a great watch this season, we play fast attacking football and as a Well fan of over 40 years I'm enjoying what I'm watching.

Bill: Should have won the game but for shocking passing and not scoring. About time we started scoring goals instead of passing and doing nothing with chances.

Alan: Another good result with a strong defensive display and no goals conceded. Third in the league at this stage is entirely down to the manager getting it right and the players buying in to his philosophy. We only need to convert the many chances we create to take us to new heights in this league. Give the manager a longer-term contract and let's see where he can take us.

Watch the best of the action as Falkirk and Motherwell play out a goalless stalemate. (Available to UK users only)

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou: "I think Falkirk defended really well and made it really hard for us to get control of the game in the final third.

"We didn't do enough in the first half to create the big moments we needed.

"The way we came out in the second half was a lot better, invested more, had our moments and didn't take them. There were fewer and fewer of them as the game went on.

"I think they are growing as a team in terms of defensive mentality and to give ourselves the platform to win every game. It starts with a solid defensive performance.

"We'll take the point although we're a little disappointed we didn't take the moments and that we didn't create more."

Motherwell and Falkirk battled out a goalless draw in the Scottish Premiership, but should it have been more?

Have your say here.

Read the match report here.

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Falkirk's Coll Donaldson and Aidan Nesbitt are back in training after lengthy spells out but not yet ready to start.

Keelan Adams (groin) is unlikely to be fit but Filip Lissah should make it. Gary Oliver (hamstring), Ross MacIver (ankle), Lewis Neilson (ankle) and Tom Lang (foot) remain on the sidelines.

Andy Halliday is closing in on fitness for Motherwell, who are still missing Filip Stuparevic (knee), Aston Oxborough (hand), Sam Nicholson (knee), Zach Robinson (Achilles), Jordan McGhee and Eseosa Sule (both thigh).

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• After their 2-1 win in October, Falkirk could secure back-to-back league victories over Motherwell within a single season for the first time since December 2007.

• Motherwell have won three of their past four away league games against newly-promoted opposition (L1), as many as their previous 21 beforehand (W3 D6 L12).

• Falkirk have only lost one of their seven home league games this season (W2 D4) and need just one home win to match their entire season tally from their previous top-flight campaign in 2009-10 (3 home wins).

• Motherwell have won two of their past three away league games (D1), as many as their previous 16 beforehand (W2 D5 L9).

• Motherwell have won their past four midweek league games (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday), as many as their previous 18 beforehand (W4 D5 L9).

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

Stephen O'Donnell has witnessed plenty of highs and lows during his five years at Motherwell.

Signing in the summer of 2020 under Stephen Robinson, the right-back has been part of three rebuilds and played under six managers at Fir Park.

Making 200 appearances is not something many Motherwell players do. At most, players tend to stay with us for two or three seasons then depart to pastures new.

O'Donnell has shown a loyalty that is often lacking in modern football - and the 33-year-old has been both our brightest star and our biggest scapegoat.

The man can never seem to grab the fans' hearts. This season he has been more of a rotational player than certified starter but always gives his all.

Of course he has made some mistakes over the past five years - who hasn't?

The criticism O'Donnell got while playing for Scotland has seeped into his life as a Motherwell player.

Only when he eventually moves on will people truly realise the positive impact he has had on us and start to appreciate him.

Andy Campbell
BBC Scotland

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Stephen O'Donnell is eager to help Motherwell get back to Hampden after making his 200th appearance for the club.

The Scotland right-back came on as a late substitute in Saturday's 0-0 Scottish Premiership draw with leaders Hearts.

O'Donnell had hoped his landmark appearance would be in Well's recent Premier Sports Cup semi-final meeting with St Mirren, but injury kept him out of the 4-1 loss.

Motherwell, who are away to Falkirk in the Premiership on Wednesday night, will begin their Scottish Cup campaign at home to second-tier Ross County in the fourth round next month.

"Clubs like ourselves love a cup run," said O'Donnell before the midweek Scottish Premiership match away to Falkirk.

"We want to get to Hampden. I've not been fortunate enough to do it yet with any club. Hopefully, I can do it and be fit this time for selection.

"Hopefully, 201 can come on Wednesday night. I've been really fortunate that I've been able to stay fit for most of the time to get to so many games in six years.

"The manager has come in and been really strong on his belief. The full season so far we've been enjoying it, learning, getting better I think."

Jens Bertel Askou's side are third in the league and Askou's assistant Max Rogers said it was "massive" for O'Donnell to have reached two centuries of appearances.

"He's a great personality" said Rogers. "He's been a really consistent player for us. With his experience, he's good to have in that leadership group with the other senior players.

"He's a good player to deal with and to work with."

Jonathan Sutherland
BBC Scotland Sportscene presenter

Two Motherwell players make my Premiership team of the week after their goalless draw with leaders Hearts.

Stephen Welsh for another hugely impressive defensive performance from the on-loan Celtic centre-half and midfielder Lukas Fadinger, an unsung, under-the-radar hero of the quiet Motherwell revolution under Jens Berthel Askou.

The Steelmen continue to impress in third place.

Andy Campbell
BBC Scotland

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Assistant Max Rogers says it's been "really easy" working with Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou, with the side up to third in the Scottish Premiership.

The Fir Park side drew 0-0 with league-leaders Hearts on Saturday and are unbeaten in their past six Premiership outings.

"It's been really easy," Rodgers said. "Even in the times of sort of little bit of adversity when we lost to Celtic and Falkirk then that's when the real challenges out.

"We dealt with that and he dealt with that as a leader. He obviously gives all the staff, myself included, a lot of encouragement and empowerment to give opinions to come up with ideas

"It's been really enjoyable and it's always enjoyable when you win games and you play well. He's just a good person to be around as well. That makes the environment really enjoyable to be in and same with all the other staff.

Askou was criticised for comments he made in the wake of Well's win over Hibernian after alluding to targeting Grant Hanley, who conceded a penalty and was then sent off at Fir Park.

"I don't think the manager was obviously saying that in any malicious way or to call out any particular player," Rogers said.

"It's just to show that we do think deeply about how we can set up our team to give us the best chance to win and we don't want the game to be random in a sense and just go out there and hope for the best."

Andy Campbell
BBC Scotland

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Motherwell assistant manager Max Rogers has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Scottish Premiership match away to Falkirk.

Here's a flavour of what he had to say:

• Rogers reflected on the "positive" of getting another clean sheet against Hearts in Saturday's goalless draw, which reflects well on the "full team" not just defenders.

• Motherwell are "not too concerned about league position at the moment" and are prioritising "good performances" and getting the "right results". They are third in the table, nine points behind leaders Hearts.

• Manager Jens Berthel Askou meant nothing "malicious" in his recent comments about Motherwell's approach to Hibernian and defender Grant Hanley, which were criticised as "disrespectful", external by Sportsound pundit Rory Loy.

• Working with Askou is "really easy" and "enjoyable", says Rogers.

• Motherwell "haven't really spoken about or made a big deal about" their Premier Sports Cup semi-final loss to St Mirren, with the Steelmen unbeaten ever since.

• Opposition teams will want to "knock Motherwell down a peg or two" after their recent form.

• Falkirk have "grown into this league" and Rogers has great admiration for Bairns manager John McGlynn.

• Team news: Elijah Just is "fine", having been substituted late on against Hearts and the Steelmen will go with the same squad in Falkirk.

Watch all the highlights as Motherwell and Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts play out a goalless draw at Fir Park.

Available to UK users only

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Johnny Koutroumbis says Motherwell's Premiership draw with league leaders Hearts demonstrated that the Steelmen have added some steel to go with their free-flowing football.

The home side had the better of the chances at Fir Park but had to settle for a goalless draw.

"It was a tough game, one of the tougher ones we've had this year," Koutroumbis told BBC Scotland.

"It's hard to determine who came out on top. I felt like we did, personally, but it was one of those tough games where the top teams clash, and it was quite scrappy out there.

"I think the boys held up quite well and we won our battles, the majority of them, so we're happy.

"That's something we lacked at the start of the year, where we dominated games, but we just didn't show that defending desire.

"It's pleasing to see that as the season's gone on, and it's not been too late in the season, we've shown we're a very good team off the ball too."

Koutroumbis says Well manager Jens Berthel Askou deserves credit for instilling belief in his players to stick to their style no matter the opposition.

"He gives us great confidence," said the Australian. "He gives each individual player confidence, the licence to play, but also he has a structure and everyone respects that structure.

"We all know how we want to play. We can't shy away from wanting to play the way we want to play based on who we come up against.

"Whether it's first in the league or last in the league, we're still going to play the same way with confidence."

We asked for your views after Motherwell drew 0-0 with Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.

Here's what some of you said:

Ian: With 112 'successful' passes in final third, there needs to be a higher number of these ending in shots on goal. This is where it consistently breaks down. Why did Ibrahim Said, on a good run with plenty of space in front of him, stop dead in his tracks instead of making a beeline for goal? However, another great performance with some fantastic passing moves, especially in midfield. While others often get the plaudits, Lukas Fadinger impressed, going about his game quietly and efficiently.

Alan: Another excellent performance from Motherwell who were denied by the brilliance of the Hearts goalkeeper. Motherwell were the more determined team committed to winning and were unfortunate not to. Our midfield were superb and controlled the game by pressing very effectively. Hearts did not look or play like league leaders.

James: Another excellent performance by Motherwell, all that was missing was a goa. The manager has made Motherwell the best passing side in Scotland, well done.

George: A point against the league leaders and we're disappointed. Now up to third in the league. And best of all, we genuinely believe we can still get better. Won't last forever, but right now we can enjoy the Fir Park smiles!

Grant: Shows how far we have come in a short time this season that we are disappointed with not beating the league leaders. Great to see a packed out stadium and seven points in a week out of a possible nine is great going, hopefully we can keep it up.

Allan: All we want for Christmas is a striker. I have been going to Fir Park for 45 years and never seen football like this. The last 2 games versus Hibs and Hearts have been outstanding. Whether you support Motherwell or not you can't not admire what they are doing this season. I do hope we never change our style now. If we manage to get a striker of decent quality I think a top four finish is possible this season.

Leaders Hearts dropped Scottish Premiership points for the third game running as they played out a goalless draw with Motherwell.

Read the match report.

Have your say.

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou tells BBC Scotland: "It should, could [have been three points].

"We gave ourselves the opportunity and that's the main thing. We knew it was going to be a difficult game and I didn't expect it to end 0-0. We were very close to getting a goal.

"We kept pushing, fought well throughout the spell in the second half where Hearts had momentum.

"We then had some really big moments where we could have taken all three points.

"I hope that people enjoyed the performance - I did. We have been quite efficient in the past month. Today we kept Hearts away from scoring, keeping that control and dealing with their threat on the counter-attack.

"I'm not going to lose much sleep because we got the performance we hoped for.

"I've seen progression since the summer and in moments we have found a very high level."

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Motherwell have Stephen O'Donnell back in contention following injury while Andy Halliday is making progress.

Filip Stuparevic (knee) is the closest of the long-term absentees including Aston Oxborough (hand), Sam Nicholson (knee), Zach Robinson (Achilles) and Jordan McGhee and Eseosa Sule (both thigh).

Hearts defender Craig Halkett returns after suspension, while Lawrence Shankland and Stuart Findlay are expected to be fit.

Craig Gordon was struggling with illness earlier in the week while Ageu, Beni Baningime, Calem Nieuwenhof and Finlay Pollock all miss out with hamstring injuries.

Caleb Akpo-Young and Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland

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Free-scoring Motherwell forward Tawanada Maswanhise is flourishing under Jens Berthel Askou.

The 23-year-old stands alone at the top of the Scottish Premiership scoring charts after stroking home a penalty to send Motherwell on their way to a 2-0 win over Hibs on Tuesday night.

Having netted six times in 34 appearances last season following his arrival from Leicester City, Maswanhise is already on eight league goals - and 12 in all competitions - this term.

Only one of Maswanhise's goals came from the penalty spot and all were scored from inside the box, providing a finishing touch to Motherwell's slick build-up play.

Overall, he has had 56 touches in the opposition box this season - only five players in the Premiership can boast a higher tally.

As well as moving ahead on the scoring front, the Zimbabwe international is the league's most fouled player in the final third. He has been fouled 12 times in this area, most recently when Hibs defender Grant Hanley clipped his heels at Fir Park to earn a red card.

Maswanhise has credited new boss Askou for the transformation in his form this season, although admits it was tough at first to adjust to the Dane's brave passing style.

"It was difficult because it was new to all of us, but we've had a few sessions together now and it looks like it's making more sense, and it is," he said.

While Maswanhise hopes to add to his goal haul against Hearts on Saturday, the Steelmen will soon have to do without the in-form forward as he is in the Zimbabwe squad for next month's Africa Cup of Nations.

"It's going to be my first big tournament with my national team, so I'm really excited," he said.

"I'm probably going to be leaving in the second week of December, and then hopefully have a lot of success in that tournament and really enjoy it.

"Hopefully, while I'm away, we'll [Motherwell] still keep the same energy levels and intensity on the pitch. It would be great if I come back and we're still flying like this."

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

When these two sides met at Tynecastle in August, they delivered arguably the best match of the season so far.

Jens Berthel Askou's Motherwell swept into a three-goal lead with some of the free-flowing football we've become accustomed to from them this season, before Hearts roared back to snatch a point thanks to Claudio Braga's double.

They lock horns again this weekend, with a similarly high-scoring encounter hopefully in the works.

Motherwell have climbed up to fourth in the table with four wins from their past five league outings, drawing 1-1 at Aberdeen in the other.

In contrast, Hearts have stumbled for the first time this season.

They lost 1-0 at Pittodrie last weekend - their first league defeat - and have dropped points in three of their four matches since they beat Celtic last month.

Hearts could go seven points clear of Celtic with a win, although the defending champions could reduce that deficit back to four when they take on Hibernian on Sunday.

Will Derek McInnes' side continue their title push or will Motherwell move within six points of their opponents?

Read all the weekend Premiership picks

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• This match features both of the top two scorers in this season's Scottish Premiership in Motherwell's Tawanda Maswanhise (eight) and Hearts' Lawrence Shankland (seven). Both players' goals have been worth five points to their sides, the joint-most of any players in the division this term (Rangers' James Tavernier also five points).

• Motherwell have only won one of their Past seven league games against Hearts (D2 L4), a 3-1 victory in August 2024.

• Hearts are unbeaten in all four league matches against Motherwell in 2025 (W2 D2), last going longer without losing to the Steelmen in the top flight in September 2007 (eight).

• Motherwell have won four of their Past five league games (D1) – as many as their previous 17 beforehand (W4 D8 L5) – and are looking to win three in a row in the Scottish Premiership for the first time since September 2023, when the third win was over Hearts (1-0).

• After winning eight of their first nine league games of this season, Hearts have since won just one of their past four (D2 L1). Away from home, Hearts won their opening four league matches, but have since failed to win their past two (D1 L1).