Motherwell’s loss to Kilmarnock was caused as much by self harm as by our inability to create goal scoring chances. It will take some imagination to cobble together an eleven that is capable of delivering a result in Hamilton on Saturday.
The misunderstanding that caused Carl McHugh and Charles Dunne to clash heads early in the game started the musical chairs. That Christian Mbulu joined them up the tunnel ten minutes later was unfortunate but the loss of three central defenders caused a massive reorganisation. To finish off a doom laden afternoon Curtis Main’s lack of self control reduced us to ten men with 20 minutes left to play.
That said we rarely put the visiting defence under pressure. Elliott Frear’s blocked effort in the first half and Gael Bigirimana’s late volley were the only openings. Yet again the manager referred to the lack of cutting edge in the last third. Surely an indication that changes will be coming in the next few weeks.
2018 ends as it began with a Lanarkshire derby. Hamilton came to Fir Park as the winter break ended in January for a Scottish Cup tie that kicked off our path to the final. The last game of the year has us crossing the Clyde for a six pointer in the relegation end of the table.
Motherwell’s team selection may come simplified by the list of those unavailable. The three central defenders will be absent as the head clashes need plenty of preventative recovery time. Main will be suspended and as David Turnbull was sidelined due to a viral infection he must be a doubt.
Richard Tait did well as a stand-in central defender but his forward runs means he is more valuable in a wide position. Barry Maguire may appear at the back while James Scott, a substitute on Wednesday, may be paired with Danny Johnson.
Hamilton trail us by four points and they will try all they know to close the gap. By all accounts they delivered an unimpressive display at Tynecastle and they had defender Shaun Want dismissed.
It will not be a classic but is this the time when a threadbare Motherwell team can overcome the handicaps to produce some New Year cheer? With the heart ruling the head, a 1-0 away win.