A stout defensive performance earned Motherwell a valuable point after a 1-1 draw against St Johnstone. Tait tempted Clark into an own goal before Kane equalised in the second half.
A stout defensive performance earned Motherwell a valuable point after a 1-1 draw against St Johnstone. Tait tempted Clark into an own goal before Kane equalised in the second half.
McMillan returned to the right side of midfield with Bowman dropped to the bench after his ten minute stretch at Pittodrie on Tuesday. We set up with a 3-4-3 shape with the opposition using- the traditional 4-4-2.
Our hosts dominated the first ten minutes although only a speculative high punt caused Samson a problem. He conceded a corner but we escaped unscathed.
The first decent pass of the game came from Moult. His diagonal delivery from the edge of the centre circle cut out a couple of defenders and Tait collected level with the 18 yard line. His low drive in the direction of the far post should have been easy meat for the 'keeper but to our delight the ball ended up in the net. An early boost!
The rest of the half was a non-event but Samson delivered us to the break safely with a fine save from a MacLean header in added time.
Our 'keeper was in action early in the second half. Davidson directed a powerful header at his feet and for a heartstopping moment it looked as though the ball was across the line but Samson held.
On the hour Lucas replaced Ferguson and we had a back four but we conceded mmediately. Kane's attempt came off Samson and with the second bite the ball was in the net.
For long, long spells we were reduced to desperate ten man defence in our own area apparently content to clear anywhere. Central defenders headed high and often. With 20 minutes remaining Ainsworth replaced Lasley and when McMillan succumbed to cramp Bowman came on for the last ten.
With Clark a spectator at the other end, Samson did will to save from Alston as we entered the closing minutes.
We held on for a valuable, if undeserved, point.
St Johnstone 1 Motherwell 1
Attendance 2,836
Team: Samson, Tait, Heneghan, McManus, Moult, Cadden, Lasley(Ainsworth 73), Clay, Ferguson(Lucas 59), McMillan(Bowman 81), McDonald