Although only one goal separated the teams until the final two minutes, the gulf between the two sides was there for all to see. Aberdeen has many clear goal scoring chances while we created...none.
Motherwell worked hard in defence but failed to create much in the way of attack. Nevertheless, we were better than the poor show offered at Hamilton.
Since his arrival Baraclough has repeated a determination to give our young players a chance. Hammell's injury opened the door for a 17 year old that few 'Well fans knew and the boy took on the challenge with gusto.
Luke Watt was joined by his 18 year old U20 team-mate Dom Thomas for the last 20 minutes. He was making his third appearance from the bench and he came close to turning the game around.
The young players drew this from the manager, "Luke Watt came in to make his debut, 17-year-old, no fear, and dealt with it very well. Dom Thomas and Lee Erwin coming off the bench gave us that spark and that second wind to take the game to them."
The late penalty ended any faint hope of an equaliser but the real cost of Collum's decision is the automatic suspension of McManus from our next game. Our back four has had to adjust to a different combination of players in almost every game this season and with the current injury list we can ill-afford to miss him next Saturday. TV evidence surely makes it clear that there was no intent to handle the ball and if the appeal system works as advertised there should be a reprieve.
Next up is a trip to Dens Park for a clash with a team only five points ahead. Time to return to winning ways!