The SPL’s Family Weekend had some success in increasing the attendance. The crowd of 5251 was around 15% up on the last two comparable fixtures. In November 2009 the attendance was reported as 4,668 and in April 2009 there were 4,668 at the game. Remarkably, all three games followed the same scoring pattern – we scored in the first half and they equalised in the second.
Murphy sets the ball rolling
This time Murphy scored in the first half and Aberdeen’s second half equaliser came from Vernon, last November Jutkiewicz game us the first half advantage but McDonald struck in 67 minutes and back in April 2009 O’Brien’s goal in the ninth minute was cancelled by Maguire in the second half.
The “family based activities” amounted to a very brief autograph opportunity as the players finished their warm up and a couple of half time runabouts by the kids in from the Community Courses. Claret and Amber joined in by handing out a few sweets. The turnstiles turned to allow about 700 more fans into the game than in the last few meetings so it must be judged to be a success.
A half time shower
Although this initiative was generated by the SPL it fits well with Motherwell’s cut price deals and offers from our European games. We need to keep the ideas flowing and try to tempt the occasional youngsters into a regular habit.
The playing surface today looked perfect. It is hard to believe that it has ever been as good. It may be that the improvements under the surface mean that the pitch is already hardened against the worst that the Scottish winter can throw at it but let’s hope that it is not tested to that extent.