Ross County come to Fir Park on Wednesday as the second half of the Premiership resumes after the three week winter break. Motherwell ended their long barren run at the weekend and will strive to extend the visitors’ discomfort at the bottom of the table.
The home side overcame the risky introduction of three new signings as Hamilton were removed from the Scottish Cup. Tom Aldred was forced to end his debut shortly after he was seen grasping a hamstring after half an hour. With Richard Tait and Peter Hartley both suspended for the midweek game fingers will be crossed that our new centre back can recover. In any event it may be that we get another opportunity to thank Stevie Hammell for his service to the club.
Our new striking pair had very few scoring opportunities but we saw enough to offer hope that as fitness and familiarity grows, goals may follow. If we can have Cadden and Frear back in action to supply them so much the better.
County do not have their troubles to seek. They have managed only three draws in the last ten outings and occupy last place in the division. Three points last came their way when we crumbled in the first half in Dingwall at the beginning of November. Owen Coyle’s new manager’s bounce has gone flat.
Five changes were made as the Staggies fell in Kilmarnock. Lindsay hobbled off to be replaced by Chow – who managed to earn a red card. Winter signing Inih Effioung seemed to make the most of his 6’3” frame but he has yet to be introduced to Cedric Kipré. Defender Sean Kelly is reported to have a groin strain and he will miss out.
Goals from Tait and Moult won the game for us the last time Ross County were in Motherwell in sunny August. Neither will take part in this encounter but the same score may be repeated – 2-0.