Motherwell’s players have to ignore the background noise of the managerial merry-go-round and ensure that they have a clear focus when they cross the white line for the 3pm kick off. No matter who is in charge of team selection and strategy, whether the incoming manger is in the dugout or watching from the stand, only the players can win the match. And it’s a match that needs to be won if we are to start the long haul away from the drop zone.
Motherwell kick off for a win in Dingwall
There are a few depressing coincidences when comparing the teams’ form. Both have lost 11 of the 15 league fixtures and both were knocked out of the cup a fortnight ago. The pair have each lost a manager!
Ramsden’s indiscretion against Celtic means an enforced change to central defence. There’s no news yet of Hammell’s return so another makeshift back four will appear. Francis-Angol shows more promise when he’s free to move up the wing but he may retain the left back spot.
Our defensive issues are nothing compared to poor return earned by our strike force. We’ve found the net only 9 times in 15 league games – County, at the bottom of the table, have scored 15. Whether they come from Sutton, Ojamaa, Ainsworth or Erwin, if we can’t score goals we won’t improve our position.
The Staggies are two points behind us and struggling. Jim McIntyre is now in his third month in charge and their three league wins have come since he was appointed. The prospect win and a leapfrog move up the table should be enough of an incentive to ensure a fully committed visiting team.
Ross County have yet to take a point from Fir Park in their four previous visits. If we can build on the glimpses of form that were evident in the last few games then there’s every reason to hope that we’ll have a rare chance to celebrate a win on Saturday evening. It will be tight and tense but we would be delighted with a 2-1 victory.