There was much to please about Motherwell’s performance, particularly after the disappointment of the previous fixture. Let’s start with Craig Moore. He got his ‘Well debut in Krasnodar, followed it up with a cracking goal against Hearts with his first touch and on Saturday he made the starting line up for the first time. The experienced Kilmarnock captain, Pascali, had a hard time keeping tabs with the 5’8” striker and, with a little more composure in front of goal, our boy would have been on the score sheet before the break. One comment after the game compared him to a young Dougie Arnott in the way that he could take on a bigger defender and leave him standing. We have him on contract until 2015 and hopes are high that he’ll continue his development and become a first team regular.
Faddy delivers a first half corner
Once again we had Kerr and Francis-Angol in wide defensive positions. McCall referred to them as wing backs rather than full back and they did press forward at every opportunity. Kerr probably had one of his best games in claret and amber and he’ll soon be challenging Ramsden for that place.
Lawson was another who has not yet claimed a regular place in the team but his cause suffered no harm as he delivered a solid midfield performance. A well earned win bonus may give him some confidence and reassure him that his move to Fir Park was the correct one.
McFadden worked away for the first half without causing any threat to the Killie defence. It’s as though he tries too hard to impose himself on the game but no reward is forthcoming. The switch at half time delivered an immediate improvement and Ainsworth’s pace gave us an added weapon. Indeed, his speedy movement down the right wing led to the opening goal.
Nielsen produced a couple of high class saves to prevent an early equaliser. His low dive to the right enabled a outstretched hand to deflect a powerful Gardyne shot to safety two minutes after Sutton’s opener. It looks like Hollis will have to bide his time awaiting a recall.
We have the joys of a trip to Hamilton next week to face Albion Rovers in the Cup. If further time is needed to allow some injuries to heal then this match against a team in the lower reaches of League Two should deliver it. We should have enough talent in the locker to ensure progress without the need to risk anyone who would benefit from a free week – that’s the theory at least!
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