Yir Elder

This is the right back who played in the bounce game, and was one of the players who impressed me. If we can sign him and the big number nine then I'll be happy.

Hopefully it will be longer than one year, otherwise it will mean yet another change to the kit next season. Right now though its just good news that the club have sorted this out. Perhaps the reported 'six figure sum' will allow Craigy to make a signing!!

I really believe that the club should've rewarded the fans who've shelled out for two games already, having paid for season tickets too. I know its a high profile game and we compare favourably in prices to Shellic and United, but as mjw pointed out this is our third game already. Fans' budgets are being stretched to the very limit here, and the SPL season hasn't even started yet! I also cannot work out why there's no OAP price available. I'd love an answer to that one. Diehards like me and most of us here will buy or tickets regardless, but how many folk will hold off until after the first leg depending on the result? Its putting even more pressure on the players to keep the tie competitive if the crowd deviates by a few thousand. Folk with kids and some floating supporters are what we need to ensure a good crowd. We charged £15 for Nancy's visit, so why are the club risking a poorer crowd by charging 33% more? Disappointed I have to say.

A few of the trialists impressed me. Number 2, 4 and 9 for the Black Kits, with number 7 and 8 for the White Kits doing not too badly. As for the youngsters Pollock and Watt looked tremendous, so plenty of hope for the future.

Canny dae that mate! Some folk (including me!) like to have a paper-based programme to read, its traditional and very much part of the matchday experience. I anticipate it'll be a downloadable programme that you're considering, but that should be alongside an actual programme. You canny read an online proggy at the game can you?!! Its a good idea for folk that don't want to clutter their hoose with programmes, or indeed the exiled Well fans, but I reckon it would cost the club money not having a proggy available at the match.

I think it was 93/94, mind being at a game against Clyde that we won 9-0, with Coop and Mowgli almost unplayable. Not sure how the league ended up, but we must've done well with scores like that!

There will probably be under 19s as subs for both sides tonight. I also mind being at a 'firsts v reserves' a number of years ago, think the pre-season after the cup win in 1991 was the last time it happened before tonight. We won't see Craigan, Murphy or Charalambous though, due to international commitments, so maybe a chance for Hutchinson, Page and McHugh to stake a claim. As regards any potential trialists, let's hope its ones WE are looking to sign, as opposed to Weston and Shuker who we showcased for other clubs benefit!

Odense are definitely a step up again from our two previous opponents, but certainly not as tough as Man City or Villareal. It is winnable, but I reckon some folk will be even more upset if we go out without enjoying a glamour tie.

I think out of all the ties we could've had, this is the most winnable. That's not to say its easy, far from it, but it could've been a lot tougher for us.

So far he seems exactly what we need, a big dominating figure who will command his area and boss the defence in front of him. It is however a tribute to our back four that he hasn't had too many shots to stop as yet. I feel confident that he will prove an excellent signing over the course of the season.

To be fair the Well support was noisy and supportive early on, but got quieter as tension set in. The Aalesund support was fantastic, a credit to their club and country. Shook hands with a few of them after the game and I sincerely hope they have a successful season.

A number of excellent performers tonight, especially Randolph and reynolds, but my MOTM is Mr Motherwell himself, Stevie Craigan. He was a true captain tonight and was a collossus in defence.

A terrific victory on the night, and now a possible glamour tie and huge pay-day awaits for us in the draw tomorrow. Superb start and two great goals, then a wonderfully organised defensive display until the third goal right at the end. Once again Craigy has masterminded a very professional team performance from the lads. They did put us under pressure in the second half, mainly through high balls it has to be said. Mind you they aren't a bad side, which makes our 3-0 win all the better. Very impressed with the defence tonight, with Crags and big Randy outstanding. Bring on the draw tomorrow, canny wait!!

We won 3-0. Here is a wee report from the Thistle site. http://www.ptfc.co.uk/news/2010-2011/augus...e_door_friendly

I am anticipating a very tense 90 minutes on Thursday, with the tie being decided by the odd goal. Knowing us we'll be hanging on near the end, defending corners etc and giving us all heart attacks!! I'd love us to make a fast start and bang in a goal or two to put pressure on Aalesunds to attack us, leaving themselves exposed to the counter. However, as we don't need to score I'm expecting a cautious possession game from us. They don't need to be gung-ho either, so it could be a bit cat-and-mouse for the first hour. Team-wise I'd start Humphrey ahead of Forbes to give us extra pace going forward. I hope we win, I think we'll win. We NEED to win from a financial point of view, as progression will earn us cash to make signings. Not only that, but a potential glamour draw awaits, so we simply MUST NOT screw this up. 1-0 Motherwell on the night, Sutton with the goal. Sighs of relief all round!!

Hope you're right buddy!!

Any idea what the team is?

As soon as Jamie plays in goals and saves a 'nalty, THEN he'll be as good and as legendary as Kirkie!!! Seriously, his goals to games ratio in Europe is fantastic, and its no mean achievement to be our leading European scorer. Well done Jamie!

Ha ha ha excellent point!

Would've taken the away goal and a draw beforehand, but to concede right at the end is still a sair yin. Here's hoping it proves immaterial and we can win the tie outright next week. Also hoping that Sutton and Forbes are okay, as both were subbed at half time presumably due to injury.

Well it keeps the tie alive for the return leg next Thursday. To be honest it was still alive at 0-1 as an away goal changes everything. I'd have been delighted with 1-1 before the game, but at 1-0 up after 91 minutes I'm not quite so happy!! Nevertheless we are in the box seat to go through, so here's hoping!!

Tut tut!!! See you at THE PUB later!

None of us really know how good/bad/indifferent this team is, but what we do know is that Craig Brown was an expert in getting good results away from home as Scotland coach. I expert similar tactics to those employed in Iceland, but that the team will be sharper and fitter than those two games and will click a bit more going forward. Its all about getting through, and if we can do that by defending well and counter attacking then so be it. At this stage we don't really have the players to approach it any other way.

At this stage of the Europa League its all about progressing, rather than playing with any degree of style. Given its effectively our pre-season too its understandable that we aer adopting a more conservative approach to these games. I expect a similar line-up and tactical approach in Norway to those we had in Iceland, and if we can defend a bit better I'd hope we could return with at least a draw from the tie.

No-one was particularly outstanding, so my vote goes to the much-maligned Ross Forbes, who for me put in a very mature and selfless performance, and came close to a great goal.