Has there ever been an instance when a Motherwell team showed so many changes between two competitive games? We knew that some of the key players would be rested but few would have imagined that of the eleven that started against St Mirren last week only two would remain. Ramsden and Grant survived and were joined by nine replacements.
The pre-match interview with the manager suggested he was keen to see if any of the imports could force their way into his plans for the play-off. It seems unlikely that the performance he saw against Thistle will have any effect on the composition of the regular starting eleven.
Twardzik coped well enough with the few long range attempts that came his way and Watt looked far more comfortable in his favoured right back position rather than as an emergency left back. Ainsworth flattered to deceive as several of his speedy runs ended with careless loss of possession. Overall it was a disappointing afternoon made bearable only by the sunny weather.
A team having an afternoon off
There was no end of season parade, no sombreros or beach balls in the crowd as minds turned to the critical task ahead. The importance of the upcoming games was underlined by the sight of the majority of our first team regulars sitting in the O'Donnell Stand.
One feature of the day worthy of comment was the impressive sight of the massed ranks of Community Trust teams who took a bow at half time. The interaction that the Trust has with families in the local area is a vital part of the club’s ambition to become the best community club in Scotland. Let’s hope we see the benefits in the tears to come.