Motherwell's last points at home against Rangers were in January 2021, and with a narrow loss in the semi-final on their minds, the Steelmen wanted to start fast. And start fast they did. In the first-half, they showed ample energy and class, with Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and Tawanda Maswanhise dispatching two efforts past Jack Butland. Rangers made changes at the interval and got one back within the first five minutes of the second-half. But then, in similar fashion to recent weeks, refereeing controversy would be at the heart of the match. Tony Watt seemed to have given the hosts the lead, but Kevin Clancy blew bizarrely for a foul on the keeper. With the goal ruled out, Watt thought he scored again but VAR intervened, spotting an offside in the build-up. Rangers then levelled the game minutes later. Not many chances would come in the closing stages, with the Well having to settle for a point in their final run out of 2024.

Stuart Kettlewell reacts to taking a point from Rangers at home.

Manager Stuart Kettlewell wants to see some improvements from his team when Rangers come to town on Sunday. The Motherwell boss isn't fussed about the busy schedule and insists his players are focused on the job at hand. Kettlewell provides an update on the fitness of the squad.

Shane Blaney is pleased to be back in the team and playing football, with the Irish centre-back discussing how frustrating it was to spend some time on the sidelines.  The defender talks about facing Celtic and Rangers back to back, as well the mood in camp.

Motherwell had drawn both of their last two visits to Celtic Park. They were on track for a first-half shutout until the referee awarded a spot kick on the stroke of half-time, which Arne Engels dispatched.  Tony Watt was unlucky not to convert from Marvin Kaleta's header towards goals, but just minutes later, Celtic added a second, making it a mountain to climb for the Steelmen.  The league leaders added a third and a fourth before the full-time whistle, ending Motherwell's unbeaten run. There is no time to ponder, however, with Rangers visiting Fir Park in two days time.

Stuart Kettlewell's post-match thoughts.

You’re accomplishing. You’re making people proud. There is so much time for things to get better. Give yourself that opportunity. You’ll be amazed with what you can achieve. Samaritans 116123 Breathing Space 0800 838587 Childline 0800 1111

We take a trip down memory lane as Stuart Kettlewell returns with a point from his first trip to Celtic Park as Motherwell manager.

Manager Stuart Kettlewell is hoping to have heard the outcome of the club's appeal against the red card shown to Dan Casey. The Irishman was given his marching orders against Kilmarnock, and as things stand, the manager is having to prepare for the game unsure if he will be available.  The Motherwell boss says his emotion hasn't subsided over the weekend and remains baffled at the decision to send the defender off.

Current captain Lennon Miller talks about how it's been for him to have the armband over the last couple of months. The 18-year-old says he has had to be more vocal on and off the pitch.  Miller says he has been trying to lead by example, but insists players like Stephen O'Donnell and Paul McGinn have been helping him along.

It was festive Friday night football in ML1, with Motherwell looking to make it three wins on the spin against Kilmarnock. Liam Gordon got the Steelmen off to a flyer, netting his first goal in the claret and amber. Former Motherwell man Liam Polworth made his mark, striking Killie level in the second-half. And then, once again, refereeing decisions would be at the centre of attention. With Dan Casey shown a red card, bizarrely, by referee Chris Graham for an altercation with Danny Armstrong, VAR recommended the referee to come to the monitor. With it seemingly an easy decision to overturn, the referee stuck with the red card and Casey told to exit the field. Motherwell stuck in there, with chances presenting themselves in the closing stages but the game would end 1-1.

Some of the Motherwell squad, including manager Stuart Kettlewell and Assistant Manager Stephen Frail, carried out their annual visit to Children's Ward at Wishaw General Hospital this week. Trying to spread some festive cheer to those who are going through a difficult time, the players handed out Motherwell FC Teddy Bears donated by the Motherwell FC Community Trust, as well as free tablets from TCL for the children to play with.