This was a significant meeting for two teams with new managers. Craig Brown had just taken the reins at Motherwell following the dismal days of Jim Gannon. We ended an awful run of five consecutive losses (eight without a win) with a sparkling display that ushered a healthy series of twelve league games without loss.
O'Brien celebrates a goal at Fir Park
Jimmy Calderwood had inherited a dispirited side one place above the relegation spot. Jim Jeffries had seen his team win only 3 league games from 18 attempts and this was Calderwood’s debut. It was a meeting of two teams desperately needing a revival.
Despite having the better of the first half we reached the break with the game without a goal. The breakthrough came ten minutes into the second period when Coke and Forbes gave O’Brien the opportunity for score from 15 yards. The Boy O’Brien flew into the away support with a flamboyant celebration and we were on our way.
O’Brien scored the second with the help of Coke’s fine cross then Jutkiewicz added the third. O’Brien was Man of the Match.
The crowd of 5,354 was unable to use either of the stands behind the goals because the both had burst pipes!
A similar score would be most acceptable this weekend.
MOTHERWELL: Ruddy, Hateley, Craigan, Reynolds, Hammell, O'Brien (Fitzpatrick 77min), Lasley, Coke, Forbes (Humphrey, 59min), Jutkiewicz (McHugh 84min), Sutton