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8.25pm

Today's result: Hearts 3, Motherwell 2.

We somehow contrived to lose this afternoon's match at Tynecastle, despite creating enough chances to win around THREE games.  Marc Fitzpatrick made his first Motherwell start in place of the injured Shaun Fagan, while David Cowan was listed among the subs and received a standing ovation from the away support when he replaced Alex Burns for the last five minutes.

Hearts took the lead after only 5 minutes when a defensive mix-up allowed Hartley to set up Wyness with a tap-in, however we equalised somewhat against the run of play just after the half-hour mark, with Scott McDonald firing home from close range after Burns had hit the post.  We then took the lead on the stroke of half-time when Dair's corner was headed home by David Clarkson.

In an amazing spell at the start of the second half, we carved out several clear cut opportunities and could easily have put the game beyond Hearts, but sadly all were squandered, and it has to be said Alex Burns was the main culprit.  Not surprisingly, we were made to rue these missed chances when Hearts firstly equalised through Wyness after 73 mins, and then took the lead via a McKenna downward header a few minutes later, with Barry John Corr looking none too clever at either goal (on indeed, at just about anything he did all afternoon).  Our last chance of the match fell to Martyn Corrigan with a close-range header, but the ball was cleared off the line and the home side held on for a somewhat underserved three points.

Oh well, can't complain really as it's been a season that has surpassed all expectations, and at the final whistle the squad plus Terry Butcher took a well-deserved bow in front of the traveling 'Well fans.  A good day out was had by all, especially the supporters who draped a Motherwell flag off the Scott Monument earlier in the afternoon.   Let's hope the players enjoy their summer break and return refreshed for the new season!

Quick footnote to today's day out.  I'd just like to add that Frankenstein's pub on George VI Bridge serves the best fry-up I've ever tasted, and even comes with a free drink.  Fantastic.

Team (4-4-2): Corr, Quinn, Corrigan, Craigan, Hammell, Dair, Lasley, Scott McDonald, Fitzpatrick (Wright 78), Clarkson, Burns (Cowan 86).
Subs not used: Reid, Higgins, Kevin McDonald.

Booked: Quinn, Corrigan, Dair.

Attendance: 

Terry Butcher was upbeat despite today's defeat, and admitted he was sad to say farewell to some of his players:
"We have progressed enormously and the saddest thing is having to go into the dressing room today and say goodbye to some of the players who have done so well for us this season.  We know that Derek and Steven are leaving and Kevin McDonald has been released so we know they will be off, and there are others we are still waiting to see what is going to happen with contracts.  It is very sad to see players who have worked so hard for the club leave because they have been magnificent.  But it is the price you pay when you do well. It means other clubs are going to be interested and there isn't a lot we can do about that."

Via the Official Site, the club have made the following appeal in relation to the alleged incident at the end of the recent Celtic game at Fir Park:

Further to continued reports in the National Press and Media regarding the allegations of assault by a supporter of Motherwell Football Club on a Celtic player at the end of our match on Wednesday, 12th May 2004 the Club wishes to appeal to any spectator who may have witnessed this alledged incident to come forward with the identity of this person.

The alleged incident has been officially reported to all authorative bodies and the Club has voluntarily provided all film and photographic evidence that may provide conclusive details to Strathclyde Police. We are continuing to provide support in order for the police, SFA and SPL to clearly identify this person.

We would appeal to any genuine supporter of Motherwell Football Club to assist us in  identifying this person immediately and in doing so clear the name of the Club and prevent any penalties that may be imposed by the Authorative bodies.

To prevent similar occurances happening  and for the safety of the players, officials and spectators we would request that fans do not participate in any future pitch invasion as this years events will be taken into account for future incidents and cause greater penalties for the Club.

Once again If you have any information on this  please contact the Club on 01698 338011 - all information received will be handled in a strictly confidential nature.

Stephen Craigan has been selected for the Northern Ireland squad who will fly out for a three match Caribbean Tour.  Lucky old him!

Today's Sunday Mail has a feature on Barry John Corr, in which the goalie says he currently thinking over the club's "reasonable" offer of a new contract.  He also says he'd love to return to Parkhead and play for Celtic again one day.  Think he'll need to play a bit better than he did today for that to happen!

As far as the other out of contract players are concerned, TB hopes to announce shortly who is staying and who is going. 

The Motherwell Supporters' Trust AGM on Monday night will now take place in the Davie Cooper Suite, and NOT the Centenary Suite as was first advertised.

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