Defender Jake Girdwood-Reich has set his sights on helping Motherwell secure a first win over Falkirk this season when the sides meet at Fir Park. The Australian's comments come after the Steelmen drew 1-1 away to HJK Helsinki in their UEFA Conference League qualifier on Thursday.
Motherwell are unbeaten in four matches across all competitions this campaign, conceding only two goals. Girdwood-Reich, one of three new defenders in the back line alongside Martin Moormann and Dylan Williams, believes the unit's cohesion is already strong. "I think we've, you know, obviously we've conceded two goals in four games," he said. "There's been some strong defensive performances and I just want to build off that."
Last season, Falkirk held a clear upper hand in this fixture, winning three times and drawing once against Motherwell. New boss Alfred Johansson is now tasked with overturning that form. Girdwood-Reich admitted he was unaware of the recent history but was adamant about changing it. "So we will put that right this weekend," the 22-year-old stated. Falkirk began their league season with a defeat, while Motherwell took a point from Hibernian.
The upcoming match is sandwiched between the two legs of the European tie with HJK. Johansson has already shifted focus to the domestic task, insisting his players must shelve thoughts of the second leg. "I know they are a good team," the Swedish manager warned about Falkirk. "They have a lot of energy, a lot of stability... It's going to be a difficult game." He expects key players like Willy Vogt, Lukas Fadinger, Alex Lowry and Emmanuel Longelo, who were substituted in Finland, to be fit for Saturday.
The defensive record is a bright spot in Motherwell's early season. Girdwood-Reich credits the quick bond formed with fellow new arrivals Moormann and Williams, who all joined around the same time and shared accommodation. This solidity provides a platform as the team manages a busy schedule. Fans can track the team's defensive metrics on our stats page throughout the season.
Looking beyond the weekend, Girdwood-Reich is confident Motherwell can finish the job against HJK at Fir Park next week, buoyed by the home support. "For sure, they were unbelievable on Thursday as well," he said of the fans. "We want to get that result for them next week." Progress in Europe would be a significant boost for the club's profile and finances.
The former Sydney FC player, who is an Australian under-23 international, moved to Scotland hoping to impress for a senior Socceroos call-up. A successful spell in claret and amber could open that door. "You know, I think anyone wants to play for their national team," Girdwood-Reich confessed. "But again, you know, if I do well at club level, I'll get that opportunity." His immediate goal is to maintain the form that saw him win a trophy in the A-League last season.
With the Falkirk game crucial for early league momentum, Johansson's side will aim to continue their solid start. The return of Ibrahim Said, who missed the trip to Finland due to a visa issue, adds another option. Motherwell's upcoming fixtures, including the return leg against HJK, are listed on our fixtures page. A positive result this weekend would set them up well for the decisive European encounter and their Premiership campaign.
