3.30pm

Finally able to post my reaction to yesterday's 2-0 Scottish Cup 3rd round defeat at Rugby Park.

To say I am disappointed is an understatement.  We simply didn't play at all, and Kilmarnock thoroughly deserved the win.  The two goals we lost were very poor, especially the opener after 42 mins where we had at least two or three chances to clear the ball before McDonald forced it over the line.  Killie's second came right on half time when Boyd was given a free header from a corner, and although McBride headed the ball back out it did appear to have already crossed the line.  

We had rarely been seen as an attacking force in the opening 45 mins, and with the team 2-0 at the interval most 'Well fans expected us to come out and have a real go in the second half.  It never happened, and only once did we threaten the Kilmarnock goal when Scott Leitch struck a 30 yarder which came back off the post.  Alan Combe in the Killie goal will seldom have a quieter afternoon.  To compound our misery, Stephen Craigan was sent off for a second bookable offence right at the death.  A bad day all round.

We had a fantastic support of around 2500 with us yesterday, but sadly every one of them made the journey home desperately disappointed.  Perhaps had the team showed a bit of effort and commitment then the defeat would have been easier to accept, but in the end we went out without a fight.  One major problem was undoubtedly a lack of creativity from the midfield, which resulted in long high balls being punted up to our strikers and which in turn played straight into Kilmarnock's hands.  And the fact that we conceded two goals from corner kicks says it all about our defensive display.

And so the Scottish Cup dream is over for another year.  Oh well, roll on the League Cup semi final!

Team (4-4-2): Marshall, Corrigan, Kinniburgh, Craigan, Hammell, Fitzpatrick, McBride, Leitch, Foran, McDonald, Clarkson (Fagan 63). 
Subs Not Used: Corr, Cowan, Quinn, Wright.

Booked: Hammell, Craigan, Foran.

Sent off: Craigan.

Attendance: 6,093.

Ricky's report of the game is available here.

Terry Butcher's post match reaction was as follows:
"It was very disappointing to lose two goals like that. The first was a bit of a scramble and we failed to clear our lines and the second was poor marking to allow Kris Boyd to score.  I still thought we could get back in it in the second half and although we huffed and puffed we never put Kilmarnock under enough pressure.  It took our captain Scott Leitch to come closest to a goal for us, and with his effort hitting the post, it was just that kind of day. We got what we deserved - nothing."

It seems that six Motherwell fans were arrested following an incident during the first half of yesterday's game.  Not sure exactly what happened, but apparently a steward was punched after a number of supporters ignored his instruction to sit down on wet seats.

Kevin McBride has signed a permanent contract with Motherwell after the club finally came to an agreement with Celtic.  No fee was involved.  Kev is quoted as saying:
"I am happy here and I just want to continue playing first team football." 

Moving in the other direction is Alex Burns, who has signed a six month loan deal with Clyde.  With Toastie's contract up at the end of the season, it seems we have seen the last of him in the claret and amber.

Newspaper reports are linking Terry Butcher with a move for Hibs' striker Tam McManus.  The 23-year-old striker, who was recently on loan at Boston United, can leave Easter Road on a free transfer and apparently is poised to sign an 18-month contract with Motherwell.

Stevie Hammell has yet again played down speculation linking him with a move to Celtic.  He said:
"I've heard about all the stories, it's impossible to avoid them unless you don't read a paper - but it's not bothered me one bit.  I couldn't be happier at Motherwell. There are a great bunch of lads here and a lot of us have come through together. There's a brilliant spirit.  We've also got a great manager who has done a brilliant job for this club. So there's no way I'm spending time thinking about a move.  I'm totally enjoying my football here. We're in the top half of the table and in the semi-finals of a cup competition (CIS) so there's plenty to look forward to."

Here are the details of ticket sales for the League Cup semi final (courtesy of B.K. of the WTFC forums)

CIS Cup Semi V Hearts
Tuesday 1st Feb KO 7:45pm
Easter Rd, Edinburgh

TICKETS
Ticket sales for Season Ticket Holders and Association Branches will be from the Chapman office from 9am - 5pm on 10th - 17th Jan on production of voucher 7 from your Season Ticket  book.  Season Ticket holders can purchase a "sensible" number of tickets each.

17th onwards for general public sale.

PRICES
Main Stand £22
South Stand £18 (limited family section £18 & £10)
No concessions for OAP's and Students

BUSES
Subsidised buses will be arranged through the club or supporters branches with a common price of £2 per person (OAP's TRAVEL FREE).
Fans not traveling through supporters branches can book their bus seat through the club when uplifting their tickets.
MFC buses will be leaving the stadium at 5:30pm prompt and your seat must be booked in advance.

ALLOCATION
MFC have approx 40% of the allocation, 5800 with an option on an additional 800.
Corporate account for approx 15%.
Remainder are allocated to Hearts with their option being for any unsold tickets(mostly corporate, depending on segregation)

Where would YOU like to see the League Cup Semi Final taking place?  Vote now!