NottsMFC

Hammell on tonight's game, from Evening Times We'll be Russian to grab early goal then it's game on again... STEVIE HAMMELL has vowed Motherwell will not go into tonight's clash with Russian side Kuban Krasnodar trying to mount a damage-limitation job. The Fir Park side's Europa League adventure already looks doomed after Ivelin Popov's second-half double at Fir Park a week ago left Stuart McCall's men with a mountain to climb in tonight's second leg of their third-round qualifier. The 2-0 reverse was the third home European tie on the bounce in which the Steelmen have been beaten by the same margin following similar setbacks against Panathinaikos and Levante last season. But after Well bounced back with a 1-0 victory over Hibs at Easter Road in their SPFL Premiership opener last weekend, the Scotland international is adamant McCall's side can upset the big-budget Russians. Hammell said: "I think we have got to go out and be positive. There is no point in trying to mount a damage- limitation exercise. "If you do that and things don't go right then you have no Plan B, and where do you go from there? "We know the quality that Kuban have in their ranks and, in particular, the boy Ibrahima Balde was really impressive, while Popov took his goals really well. "But the fact we have the Hibs game under our belts is a plus and hopefully that wee bit of extra sharpness from that one will be a plus. "To be playing a side like Kuban in the opening game of the season is a huge ask given they are well into their competitive campaign. "But if we can get the first goal - and hopefully make it an early one - the whole complexion of the tie will change." Hammell added: "Last season against Levante we scored a perfectly good goal over there at 0-0 which was chalked off and, at the time, we were on top. If it had stood, we would definitely have been back in the tie. "So we know we can hurt these sides and tonight at the Stadion Kuban is the time and place to show we can do it." It was Hammell's misplaced pass which led to the gut-wrenching breakaway that caused Kuban's second goal at Fir Park - and the Well defender admits it led to heartbreaking sense of déjà vu. The Fir Park favourite said: "We played the wrong pass and it was a case of here we go again. It was exactly the same as last season in Europe. "That's three 2-0 defeats in a row at home in Europe and it looks like we haven't learned from that. "That's what makes it all so much more disappointing. But we were beaten by a very good side. "They were a yard sharper and created the better chances. "We were still in the game at half-time but were maybe a bit fortunate against a side that hasn't been beaten since last November. "But we are very determined to try and get something tonight." With John Sutton hitting woodwork late on in the first leg with a header, Hammell has no doubt that is proof the Steelmen have the firepower to hurt Kuban. The Well defensive ace said: "It would have been great if Sutty's header had gone in as that would really have given us something to work with. "But I think you take a positive from that, and the fact that Sutty got on the end of another header, so there might be a wee weakness there for us to exploit. "I do also think the Hibs game will be a positive for us in terms of sharpness, though, and especially with creative players like James McFadden. "So if we can nick a goal over there, we will definitely give ourselves a chance."

Great to see some photos of the lads out there, keep them coming. Hopefully have some of them celebrating after the final whistle

Think he was being sarcastic tbh.

Shame 3 of those players are no longer with us

This is what I'm praying for

The thing with the Bournemouth v Real game is that Bournemouth would have had to have paid a hefty fee to Real to get them play the game in the 1st place & also cover their expenses. Guessing that's the reason the ticket prices were so high.

I'd have thought some Russian TV channel will pick up the home leg, hopefully get some decent cash for it.

But Hateley's not a right back, he's a central midfield Maestro........

They played yesterday & are playing again today? Them Ruskies are crazy!

Got to say that is great service, fair play to them, had a few bad experiences with train companies but that's good stuff from Virgin.

I'll be up for it & will be getting an early start on the bevy

Oops, got it wrong then. I know who Zaine is, thought he played well today actually. It was the big French guy I didn't fancy then! Hard to judge on 1 game to be fair to him, & the others.

Got to be honest, don't know which 1 he was so can't really comment. There were a few players out there I didn't recognise, don't know who were youth players & who were trialists. Only worked out who the Portuguese guy was from seeing the posts on here. Actually heard a young boy ask if it was Chris Humphrey

Went up to game today, great atmosphere in our end. Performance not great, played long ball most of the time. Is McCall trying out the tactics he's planning to deploy v the Russians? Don't fancy the big Portugese boy much, never really got involved in the game & lost the ball a few times easily. Estonian ran all day but not sure he would add much to the team. Scored the 1st but then missed an easy chance to make it 2-0. Enjoyable day even though was sober as I was driving!

Still can't register on their forum, can't get chrome on WebOS. Seen your posts on there Well Well, good stuff mate, will try again tomorrow on work laptop & hopefully join in the banter!

Have tried to register on that forum but although you can navigate it in English, the registration form only comes up in Russian. Unfortunately, my understanding of Russian isn't what it used to be

From reading the green mile forum they seem to be trying to set up a thread in English only so Well fans can go on & communicate with them. A few posts from this thread have been quoted on there. Don't know if this will work but link to forum in English (kind of!) Green Mile

My favourite was the post saying we have signed a contract with James Makfadenom

Gutted at this draw, couldn't have been much worse really. Have had a look at flights but the expense & hassle is too much unfortunately. Let's hope we can get through & get a better destination in the next round.

If he stays injury free & puts in consistently good performances I wouldn't rule out a club taking a chance on him in January.

Great stuff by the club, well done James, absolutely delighted!

Wish I shared your optimism mate

Heard them say on Sportsound that Rosenborg's player budget is 20m while St J's is 1m.

I've managed to get holidays sorted for both weeks now so can make either!

Don't really care what they zombies say, if their league win was tainted it would mean our runners up finish was also tainted which is nonsense. 12 clubs started the season in the league on 0 points as always. Not our fault or anyone elses that Ranger died!