Dundee United clawed their way into sixth place with a last kick goal against Aberdeen as the league divided. That win (their second in a seven game unbeaten run) places them 10 points behind Motherwell and offers an outside chance of a European place. Their valiant effort in Sunday's semi final demonstrated both power in the air and speed of attack.
A red headed McFadden waits to pounce in August 2002
Daly's double lifted his season's total to 14 but he trails Mackay-Stevens by six. Russell is well on his way to recovering from a leg break he sustained in February but Friday's game may be too soon for his return.
Motherwell received lots of recognition for the three wins and a draw achieved in March with McCall receiving the manager of the month award and Law picking up the player equivalent. Everyone at Fir Park will be wary of the dip that can follow such praise but the determination to hold on to second place is high. Law deflected talk of a move to lower league football saying, "What I will concentrate on is getting Motherwell to stay in second place and, at the end of the season, I will look at my options then and I certainly haven't ruled out staying either."
Hammell missed our last game when a hamstring problem forced a change of plan just before kick off but after a two week break the manager should have no difficulty in selecting a starting eleven that can maintain our recent momentum. A look at the table suggests that the avoidance of defeat might be the best tactic but we show our best when moving forward.
With both teams eager for the points there could be a few goals in prospect. If United are to have any hope of reaching third place they will be going for broke. That might be to our advantage. Let's go for a 2-1 away win.
Remember our last trip to Tannadice?