So ’Well fans, how do we feel this happy morning? More than a few toasts were raised to our gallant boys on Saturday evening and reports suggest that there may be a few sore heads currently in recovery.
There was every reason to celebrate. The deserved dismissal of Aberdeen has set up our second final of the season. In recent years our cup perfomances have been poor but in this campaign Hampden has become a second home. May 19 will see our fifth appearance at the National Stadium.
Many in claret and amber fancied that we might overcome Aberdeen but few imagined that our win would be as convincing. It is certainly the case that our opponents fell below their normal standards but, in part, that was caused by our high paced pressing.
Our opponents tried to match our direct style but our defence was rarely troubled. Rose, just back from injury, Grimshaw, Campbell and Cadden covered miles in pursuit of the win. The manager made reference in his post-match media conference to the impressive yardage statistics he had just seen. Bowman, already rewarded with a year’s extension to his playing contract, won the right to score his goal by forcing a defensive error. Main was everywhere and richly deserves the praise that followed.
When he took possession from Arnason’s error at halfway there followed one of those great moments in football. As he sprinted to Lewis’ goal there was enough time for all supporters in the Mothewell stands to het to their feet. Could he convert? Was there ever a doubt? Slam! The net bulged and we knew that the game was won. A return to Hampden was assured.
Celtic and Rangers will battle for the right to face us in the final. Motherwell will be in confident mood regardless of the opponent.