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Although the score line slightly flattered Motherwell on the night, it was however an excellent nights work for Steven Craig who bagged all four ‘Well goals. The game started pretty slowly and it was the Pars who came closest to scoring early on. Brian Blair missed a howler after some good play down the left created a chance that was easier to score than to miss. Another effort, a shot from twenty yards out hit the outside of Woods goal and fortunately for ‘Well bounced clear. It was however Motherwell that broke the deadlock shortly before halftime. A slick piece of play began with an incisive Kinniburgh pass picking out David Clarkson whose cut back found Steve Craig who directed the ball past Ruitenbeek who had no chance of getting to what looked like a slightly miss hit shot.

Craig scored four

The Pars fought back and equalised inside five minutes of the second half starting. Woods appeared hesitant at a cross ball and Hampshire nipped in to head the Pars level. Motherwell took greater control and put themselves back in front thanks to a thunderous Steven Craig volley. David Clarke beat his man on the left flank, fired in a cross that skidded of a defender and sat up nicely for Craig who lashed it into the top corner from about fifteen yards. The Pars came close to equalising when they again found the woodwork. This time an effort crashed off the underside of the bar and back out for Woods to gather. They suffered greater misfortune when they conceded two late goals. A dubious penalty after Clarkson went down in the box was converted by Craig to complete his hat trick; his strike almost burst the net. Then a personal disaster for Ruitenbeek when a routine clearance was sent right at David Clarkson who couldn’t quite take advantage himself but again managed to pick out Craig for a simple finish to complete the scoring.

Woods, Cowan, Crawley, Fagan, Quinn, Kinniburgh, Offiong, McDonald, Craig, Clarkson, Clarke. Subs: Ewings, Black, Barkey, Ballantyne, Scott.