Motherwell v Everton

July 2005

Saturday, July 16

5.30pm Today's result: Motherwell 0, Everton 0 (friendly). Not much to say about this rather disappointing match except that it was definitely a case of defences on top. Athough the visitors had a couple of chances, our back lot looked solid throughout and Gordon Marshall pulled off one excellent save. At the other end however we struggled badly, in fact I can't remember us having a shot on target during the entire 90 mins. Afraid to say that Jim Hamilton doesn't look any better with a pre-season under his belt. The midfield competed well through, however I got the impression that Everton could have stepped it up a gear had they wanted. Their No 5 stolled through the game and was easily man of the match. It's always difficult to read too much into friendlies, but I suppose matching a Champions League side can't be a bad thing. James McFadden got a good reception and applauded the crowd at the end, even though he didn't really contribute a great deal to the game I thought. Team (4-4-2): Marshall, Keogh (Fitzpatrick), Craigan, Kinninburgh, Quinn, Foran, O'Donnell, Leitch, Paterson, Hamilton, McDonald. Subs not used: 12.20pm Just back after a holiday in the Algarve. So what have I missed while I've been away? Not much, it would seem... Surprisingly, Terry Butcher has said he is happy with his squad and any further summer signings are unlikely: "I’m delighted with the squad we’ve got as they all know what it takes to get into the top six and hopefully we can hit the ground running when the campaign starts. It also means we have no one to bed in, apart from Graeme Smith." Of the two players linked with us last week, Craig Easton has signed for Leyton Orient while Paddy McCourt looks likely to be staying at Shamrock Rovers. Our three pre-season friendlies to date have gone like this: Sat July 9 - Queens' Park 1, Motherwell 2 (Foran pen, McDonald) Tue July 12 - Motherwell 1(Foran), Southampton 2 Thu July 14 - Clyde 0, Motherwell 1 (Partridge) Team: G. Smith, Keogh (P. Quinn), Donnelly, Partridge (Kinniburgh), M. Quinn, D.Smith, Kerr (Foran), Fagan, Fitzpatrick, Clarkson, Wright (McDonald) Subs not used: Paterson, Calder. Sounds like fairly uninspiring stuff fo far. Let's hope for something better this afternoon against Everton. After that, our remaining matches before the season starts are as follows... Wed July 20, 7.30pm - Airdrie Utd (a) Thu July 21 - Annan Athletic (a) Sat July 23, 3pm - Queen of the South (a) It's possible that our second match of the season, away to Dunfermline, could be switched to Fir Park if the Pars proposed new grass pitch is not ready in time. Dunfermline have made an official request to the SPL to have the game moved. It seems that we already have injury problems, with Leitch, O'Donnell, Corrigan and Hammell all crocked and Kevin McBride out long term. TribalFootball reports that Terry Butcher is currently in Australia to discuss developing a partnership with the Perth Association.