8.55pm

We're in Europe!

Yesterday's 2-1 win over Aberdeen coupled with defeats for both Dundee Utd and Hibs mean we've clinched third place, and the UEFA Cup spot that goes with it, with two games to spare.  Still not sure I can believe it really.

I couldn't make it to Fir Park yesterday as I was at Diver's wedding (congratulations to him and Angela btw), but it sounded like some second half.  Substitute Darren Smith put us ahead on 61 mins only for Aberdeen to equalise a few mins later through Aluko.  The visitors then had a goal disallowed when the ball had seemingly crossed the line, before Porter grabbed the winner with 9 mins left.  The Dons hit the crossbar with an injury time free kick, although it sounds like an equaliser would have been unjust as Motherwell deserved the win.

Team (4-4-2): Graeme Smith, Brian McLean, Craigan, Reynolds, Hammell, Hughes, McGarry (McCormack 66), Malcolm, Fitzpatrick (Darren Smith 46), Porter, Clarkson, McCormack (Lappin 85). 
Subs Not Used: Daniels, Lasley, Murphy, Meechan.

Motherwell scorers: Darren Smith (61), Porter (81).

Booked: Lappin.

Attendance: 8,574.

Mark McGhee's post-match comments were as follows:
"The fact is it is not a miracle as these boys are good enough.  They have been good enough to beat Aberdeen three times, they have beaten Dundee Utd and Hibs really well, we have won at Parkhead and taken points off Rangers.  They have proven over the season to be good enough and all I have done is brought that out and encouraged it.  Scott Leitch has been a superb lieutenant this year for me. We have worked as a team all of us and we all deserve equal credit."

It's hard to believe that at this point last season we had fans demonstrating outside the Main Stand for Malpas to be sacked as Motherwell narrowly avoided relegation, yet now we're looking forward to a sojourn into Europe for the first time since 1995/96.  I was lucky enough to be in Germany the previous year for the match between Borussia Dortmund and Motherwell, and it was an experience I will never forget.  I can safely say that no matter who we get drawn against, I'll be there.

It seems that if Rangers win the Scottish Cup then we will go into the first round proper of the UEFA Cup, which is likely to take place mid September.  If QoS win the cup then we'll join at the 2nd qualifying round.  Details available from the both here and the UEFA website.

Wikipedia has a list of all the teams who have qualified for the UEFA Cup so far.  Take your pick!