Craig Brown argued that we showed great determination and great application to dominate the second half. In that respect the players could not be faulted, they stuck to their task and applied themselves fully. Their frustration was reflected in the four booking we took in the last 15 minutes – perhaps a reaction to the manager’s earlier suggestion that the players needed to show a bit more steel at times.
A respectful two minute silence
The first half sloppiness in defence was, thankfully, not typical of this season’s rearguard. Craigan will be the first to acknowledge his error and Brown was generous in his analysis, “One of our players made an uncharacteristic error; I don’t think he has made a mistake all season. It was a basic one to clear but you can’t fault a guy who has been a stalwart for you.”
The determination and application produced only one clear cut chance for the second half equaliser that would have turned the game. In the 70th minute Jennings delivered a lovely weighted pass inside the full back to allow Saunders to run into the box and prod the ball under Brown. The assistant referee (at the far side) flagged as Saunders took the shot and the goal was disallowed. The decision was harsh and our hopes of a point disappeared.
The manager also pointed out that Motherwell’s small squad has played 21 competitive games already this season, more than any other SPL team and that a return to a more relaxed schedule of one game a week will give some relief to tiring bodies. The players have been given a few days to relax before they return to plan for next week’s game at St Mirren park. A win in Paisley will be needed if we are to renew our hope of being best of the rest.