It all looked so different before 3pm. Clancy and Hutchinson had returned from suspension to strengthen our back line and our opponents were forced into four changes from their trophy winning team. The away stand held a big and expectant crowd but they did not have a good afternoon.
'Well fans still happy at this stage
McCall was at a loss to explain the team's showing, "That was as poor at it has been for a long while and I see no reason for it. I don't know why but we do need a strong reaction next week. I can't put my finger on it and the lads can't. It was a hugely sub-standard performance, especially in front of a huge support we brought down with us, so I apologise to them." He was in and out of the post match conference inside five minutes and not in the mood for a casual chat.
To make matters worse we collected four bookings. Hammell, Hutchinson, Jennings and Carswell found their way into the referee's black book. It was not a good day.
However, it is important that we keep Saturday's display in perspective. We still hold an excellent position in the table despite results elsewhere giving us no favours. We still have many exciting games to come and there are nine teams behind us who would happily swap places.
Rangers come to Fir Park next week and for the first time in many years we are in competition with them as the season draws to a close. We know that there are a number of Motherwell fans who choose to skip games when either of the big two visit but surely this is one time when every 'Well fan should be in place to give the boys a lift.
Come on ye 'Well.