Source: Team_Talk
Hammell expects 'tasty' game
Motherwell full-back Stevie Hammell admits motivation comes easy against Aberdeen because of the managerial connections between the clubs.[LNB] Motherwell are unbeaten in six games against Aberdeen since Mark McGhee and then Craig Brown left Fir Park to take charge at Pittodrie.[LNB]Brown and assistant Archie Knox have tasted defeat in both their matches against Motherwell since leaving in December last year and they received a hostile welcome when they returned in April, not least from chairman John Boyle, who was fined for his part in a touchline confrontation.[LNB]Boyle, who is set to relinquish his shares in the club, is unlikely to be at Fir Park on Saturday but Brown can expect another unsympathetic reception as he looks for a much-needed boost following Aberdeen's cup defeat by East Fife.[LNB]Hammell said: "I'm sure the atmosphere will be tastier than usual.[LNB]"You can definitely feel it from the stands and it helps you if they channel it in the right way and get right behind the team.[LNB]"It's one of the fixtures you look for when you see the games, home to Aberdeen.[LNB]"I'm not going to lie, it is disappointing to see your manager leave, because the last couple of managers have done so well.[LNB]"When they come back you do want to show them that the team they left is a decent team, and we believe a better team.[LNB]"It does add a little bit to the game and you want to make sure you don't lose these games."[LNB]Hammell, whose side have lost to St Johnstone and Hibernian at home in the last week, added: "It will be a difficult game, knowing Craig and Archie well they will have their team well-drilled and organised.[LNB]"If we're not on top of our game, the last two games serve as a warning, we know what can happen.[LNB]"We need to be at it from the first whistle and if the fans can get right behind us, it really can help."[LNB]Hammell feels Motherwell did enough to beat Hibs on Tuesday with Bob McHugh's goal late in extra-time controversially ruled out at 2-2 before the visitors went through to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Communities League Cup on penalties.[LNB]"The three home games we had, we were looking to get three wins," Hammell said.[LNB]"It hasn't turned out like that so it's important we get back to winning ways.[LNB]"We knew we needed to put a performance in after the St Johnstone game. It wasn't acceptable, we all know that.[LNB]"Tuesday night against Hibs we thought we created enough chances on the night and seeing Bob McHugh's goal back in the last couple of minutes of extra-time, it was well onside so that makes it a bit harder to take.[LNB]"We felt we did enough and if that goal stood we would have gone through. But it's gone now. Everything is just geared to getting three points tomorrow."[LNB]Manager Stuart McCall is looking for a repeat of their attacking display against Hibs, along with defensive improvement.[LNB]"I've watched the game again twice and we played some excellent attacking football," McCall said.[LNB]"There is no doubt we need to be tighter defensively as a group, at the moment teams don't have to work hard to get goals against us.[LNB]"But we have created some outstanding chances, played some excellent football, we scored a goal that should have been given and we should be in the next round.[LNB]"If we can get the same attacking performance against Aberdeen, I'll be more than happy.[LNB]"We've looked at a few things defensively we can do better - concentration, communication, we have given a couple of sloppy backpasses, and just being tighter as a unit.[LNB]"That's not just the defence, it's midfielders tracking runners, defending at set plays."
