While the decision to recall McFadden was expected, it was a little surprising that Clarkson was dropped. He has shown a bit more than Craig in recent weeks and will be frustrated at only getting a seat on the bench. With Dirk Lehmann returning to the bench, we have some serious competition for forward places.
The competition might stay strong for longer than was expected if the new James McFadden hangs around. His football wasn’t as sharp as it might have been but he did look lively at times and scored two nice goals. Just as pleasing was his attitude towards opponents and the referee. He picked up his usual share of kicks and niggles but managed to keep his head down and get on with the game. When Faddy was given narrowly offside, the linesman was let off with an aggrieved stare rather than the usual screaming hysterics. If McFadden can continue to curb his temper, it can only be a good thing for Motherwell.
At the other end of the pitch, Tony Vaughan seems to be settling in and is beginning to look like an excellent acquisition. The disappointment of Sengewald meant that we were crying out for a dominating centre half. Tony managed to keep Falconer and Brewster quiet in recent matches along with showing some composure on the ball. Dropping Kinniburgh seemed harsh but the youngster still has plenty of time to establish himself in the side.
Clyde were not as good as we expected them to be and while we never hit the heights we know we can, we were never in any danger of losing. The game was scrappy for the first spell Frankie DuBourdeau was never worried – whereas Adams and Pearson both came close for us. McFadden’s first settled the nerves and his second killed the game completely. Clyde did come back into things during the last ten minutes but we had eased off the gas by then.
Overall, we can by happy with another fine win and a place in the quarter finals. The dream continues!