Motherwell travel to Hamilton on Saturday for a high stakes derby. Every match between neighbouring teams brings added interest but this final Lanarkshire meeting of the season offers likely salvation for the winner and a desperate struggle for the loser.
Happy 'Well on the last visit
With three fixtures remaining and the teams tied on points just ahead of the automatic relegation spot the atmosphere inside New Douglas Park will be almost tangible. Three points will offer huge relief for one side while the other will become fearful of the lottery that is the play-off for top flight survival.
The clichés are flowing from both banks of the Clyde: “The Hamilton game is massive” – Heneghan, “We have to focus on what we are going to do. We will go out and give 110 per cent” – Ainsworth, “It’s the biggest Lanarkshire derby ever” – Lasley and “It's a must-win now for us” – Canning. But the talking will stop at 3pm on Saturday.
Accies lost their last two matches against Kilmarnock and Inverness while Motherwell contrived to lose against Dundee and Ross County. Fans of both sides moan about their respective teams and none expect as easy afternoon.
Steven Robinson spoke of the frustrations that come from individual errors and poor refereeing decisions as he underlined the importance of the game and added that no motivational speech would be needed. Martin Canning offering was in the same vein.
This is a game that could deal a near fatal blow to the loser and it could be that defences win the day with a goalless draw, 0-0.