At the outset it needs to be stated (again) that BT Sport has shown huge disregard for travelling fans in their choice of Friday night fixtures. Last week they had Aberdeen fans making the journey to Hamilton, this week they have Motherwell fans making the northward trip and in the following fortnight Motherwell fans travel to Perth before Dundee United fans come to Fir Park. A look in the away section at Pittodrie on Friday will give clear evidence of fans’ reaction. Subscribers 1 Fans 0.
Oh happy day!
Aberdeen’s expected procession to this season’s runner-up spot has suffered a stuttering start and with one game left before the end of the first cycle of fixtures they are sixth in the table. The media darlings disappoint again.
They have been beaten four times so far and continue to frustrate their fans. Defensive frailties cause concern (they have the lowest goal difference in the top six) but in Goodwillie and Rooney they have powerful attack.
The unhappiness with current form in Aberdeen does not compare to the uncomprehending bewilderment in the Fir Park stands. With largely the same squad that took ownership of second place in the last few years, this season’s record is awful. Two wins from ten have stirred fears of a bottom six dogfight and introduced the term ‘struggling Motherwell’ to the sporting lexicon.
After the recent international break there was hope that we might see a return to a full strength eleven but illness and further injuries conspired to give manager McCall more problems. The outcome was a toothless performance against Dundee.
Our record in Aberdeen is impressive. Since the home win in November 2008 we have recorded 5 wins and 6 draws but our current form does not provide any confidence that the unbeaten run will continue. Home fans will take some satisfaction if their team wins but it will fall far short of the jubilation that erupted in the away enclave as last season ended. All good things come to an end and a 2-0 loss would be no surprise.