We kicked off facing the empty South Stand in the usual 4-4-2 formation. McBride took up position on the right wing in front of Quinn while Paterson and Foran took care of the left hand flank.
Kick off
The game settled into the usual 'friendly' pace right from the off. There were a few physical challenges but the gentle flow suggested that injuries would be avoided.
Motherwell were first to have a direct shot on target when Foran's good attempt from twenty five yards was touched away from the top left corner. McDonald then set up
Ross tries his luck
Half an hour had passed before Smith was troubled but we managed to concede two before the break. The first came when a free kick following a Craigan foul was spilled and Hartson was able to reply to the barracking home crowd with an easy tap in. Next was an own goal from
Ross McCormack replaced the out of sorts McDonald at half time and the youngster could have scored ten minutes later when a Hamilton cut back into the six yard box was lifted over the bar under pressure. McCormack almost became provider when his square ball into the box just failed to find McGarry's run.
The new signing had a couple of competent goal efforts from dead ball situations and looked keen to be involved. McGarry dispatched a loose ball from fourteen yards to reduce the deficit to one and we had just under twenty minutes to find an equaliser.
Clarkson replaced
So, the pre-season games are over and next week we start the season for real. There will have to be a bit more urgency about the team but it may be that a full house and the competitive edge will be enough to wind up our performance.
Team: Smith, Paterson, McLean, Craigan, Quinn, Foran(S55 McGarry), O'Donnell, Kerr, McBride, Hamilton(
Motherwell 1 WBA 2