Motherwell kick off their pre-season schedule in sunny Belfast with a 1-0 win over Crusaders. Danny Johnson’s late header separated the teams.
The testimonial game provided a fine focus to the end to the squad’s training week and gives the manager an early indication of players’ progress. The high temperature probably had an influence in reducing the pace of the game but Stephen Robinson seemed please to see all his charges having some game time.
We fielded two distinct elevens giving every player 45 minutes on the pitch. Neither Carson nor Cadden were in action.
Our five new signings made their first appearance in claret and amber and there was a welcome return for Peter Hartley.
Danny Johnson was delighted to claim what we hope will be the first of many Motherwell goals when he converted Elliott Frear’s cross.
Next up is a closed door meeting with Morton on Tuesday before a visit to Darlington next Saturday.
Team: Gillespie, Tait, Taylor-Sinclair, McHugh, Hartley, Bowman, Newell, Bigirimana, Maguite, Brown, Turnbull
Subs: Ferguson, Kipré, Dunne, Donnelly, Grimshaw, Frear, Campbell, Rose, Gorrin, Main, Johnson