A Lanarkshire derby returns

Last updated : 19 April 2008 By Firparkcorner

It would be churlish not to congratulate our wee neighbours on their achievement. They were in Division 2 in 2003/4 and had to overcome several 'fancied' teams to take this year's title with a game in hand.

The last meeting

When Motherwell meet the Accies next term, a twenty year gap will be closed. Our neighbours were last in the top flight in season 1988/9. That season's derbies gave us two wins, a draw and a loss and we finished one place above the doomed Accies. Stevie Kirk scored our last league goal against them on April Fools day.


The teams have met in both cup competitions since then. In 1996/7 Motherwell needed two games to succeed when we were matched in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup. After a 1-1 draw at Fir Park two goals from Coyle were enough to win the replay at a chilly Broadwood. In 2005 we needed a last minute goal from Jim Hamilton to avoid extra time in a League Cup tie in August.

A friendly at New Douglas Park

We have yet to play a competitive match at new Douglas Park though we did play a pre season friendly there in July 2003 when Adams scored to save our blushes in a 1-1 draw. (There's a picture of Faddy's pie getting a police escort in that match report!)

Games between Motherwell and Hamilton have featured in the history of Scottish football for well over a hundred years and though the fortunes of the clubs have meant that league duels have been few and far between on late supporters from both banks of the Clyde will welcome the return of this Lanarkshire derby.

Could it be too much to hope that we have a Ne'erday fixture as well?