Motherwell fans backing Friday night experiment

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall is optimistic their experiment with Friday night football tomorrow will be a success after being encouraged by the response of fans who are getting a rare chance to see their team.

His team host Hibernian in the second fixture to be moved forward by the Scottish Premier League this season in a bid to attract more supporters.

The first, Aberdeen’s home clash with Dunfermline in September, attracted 8,333 fans, almost 700 more than the previous Saturday game at Pittodrie, although many Dunfermline fans were unhappy with the scheduling.

McCall is hopeful of a good crowd after Motherwell reduced prices and put on special offers and is optimistic of a better game than the goalless draw with Dundee United last weekend, which was ruined by strong winds.

McCall said: “I’ve had a lot of mail from people saying that they can’t get to games on Saturday because they play or coach teams, so I think it works both ways. A few people were a little bit against it, but it’s worth a go.

“It would be nice if it was in the summer, but as long as the wind dies down and we can get a decent game of football, then I’m quite looking forward to it.

“With what the club has done, letting season-ticket holders bring a friend for nothing and £10 for all other fans, we’re hopeful of a big crowd, a good atmosphere and a good game.”

The previous four games between the teams at Fir Park have yielded 23 goals and a penalty shootout. McCall said: “If you look back to the last game here in the League Cup, it was a terrific game, 2-2 and obviously we lost on penalties in the end.”

Keith Lasley will miss out with a thigh strain, but initial fears that the SPL player of the month could be out for four weeks have proved overly pessimistic.