Motherwell fought their way into the Betfred Cup quarter final after a thrilling 120 minutes against Ross County. We finished with ten men but got the win to shorten the long journey home.
It was a good night for the fans
The game started with the main stand side of the pitch in shadow while the Motherwell fans and the rest of the playing surface was bathed in late evening sunshine.
Bigirimana returned to action in centre midfield as the injury Frear picked up against Rangers on Sunday kept him out. Tanner filled the space on the left flank.
After the usual frantic opening when both teams raced about at ful pelt to no effect we started to enjoy a good spell that had our hosts pinned back for long spells. County were forced into an early substitution when Chow succumbed to a head knock. O'Brien was his replacement. We managed to create a few half chances, the best came when Moult scooped Bigi's corner over the bar from 14 yards. Lindsay replied in kind when he scooped one over at the other end after 40 minutes.
Carson was the hero just before the break when he managed to push Schalk's close range flick away for a corner. Lindsay had cut the ball to the near post and it seemed that County would score.
The lead came five minutess into the second period. Cadden produced one of his trademark runs down along the right hand touchline and delivered a deep cross. Moult's header was off target but it fell perfectly to Bigirimana who calmly slammed the ball into the net.
Well done lads
Fisher replaced Tanner on 55 minutes. Routis was unlucky to see his goalbound header deflect off Schalk's head and fly over the bar.
Fisher should have doubled our lead when he had two blasts from close range. The first bounced off Fox but he sent his second effort wide of the post when it looked easier to score.
O'Brien pushed a ball though the centre and Schalk outpaced our central defenders to run in on Carson. He made no mistake and the game was level after 65 minutes.
The game opened up and both teams had chances. Moult and Rose had shots and Fisher saw a header cleared off the line by Gardyne.
With five minutes of normal time left Moult and Bigirimana were replaced by Bowman and MacLean.
Extra time came with a goal after two minutes. Dunne rattled the bar with a header and Cadden was on hand for a close range finish.But the joy was short lived as a confused ruck of players at the base of Carson's post ended with a goal saving hand ball. Dunne paid the price with a red card and Curran converted the penalty. Plummer replaced Rose.
113 minutes were on the clock when MacLean beat the offside line to run in of Fox. He had enough composre to round the 'keeper and roll the ball into the empty net. Cue celebrations with the way support.
Carson made a wonderful save three minutes from time as County threw everything forward and we cleared with some desperation but we held on for a fantastic win.
Ross County 2 Motherwell 3 after extra time
Team: Carson, Tait, Heneghan, Bigirimana( MacLean 85), Cadden, McHugh, Moult (Bowman 85), Rose (Plummer 104), Dunne, Kipre, Tanner (Fisher 55)
Attendance 1,612
9 August 2017