It was an action packed affair with the tension growing as the game progressed. Nervous defending prompted both sides to err on the side of safety but we created three fine goals to earn a crucial win.
Ramsden returned to the right back position that Law had occupied for much of the season and, for the most part, our back line coped well. Hammell’s presence on the other flank has given us a welcome boost.
Although Hammell was to have a good game, the early threat from Kilmarnock came on our left side as Magennis found space. He delivered a good cross to Cairney and Long did well to counter the goal bound attempt. The Striker came close from a tight angle after 15 minutes and the ball deflected off Hammell. Once again Long’s reactions were up to the mark.
After a shaky start we took charge for the rest of the half. Erwin collected the ball at the angle of the box and ghosted by a couple of defenders before firing a shot. Samson failed to hold and McDonald pounced to give us the lead after 26 minutes.
We kept up the pressure but escaped when Ashcroft missed a simple header from a corner. The goal of the game followed a crunching tackle from Hammell. He delivered to long to Erwin on the left. The big striker skinned Ashcroft as he moved into the box then fired clear of Samson to find the far side of the net. We were to up and cruising.
Locke sent on Obadeyi and Kiltie at the resumption and the attacking change tilted the balance. The visitors were determined to recover and they pressed for a reward. It came following a free kick that we failed to clear. In a goalmouth scramble Magennis was credited with the goal.
We found plenty of space as the opposition pushed forward and McDonald and Erwin worked hard to take advantage. Grant forced Samson into a save with a powerful 16 yard effort.
The third goal came as the fourth official was setting up the 5 additional minutes of the board. McDonald, who had covered every inch of the pitch, collected in the centre circle and carried the ball to the edge of the box before slipping it to Ainsworth of his right. The substitute, only a few minutes into his game, drilled low to the ‘keeper’s left and we were able to celebrate the win.
The gap with Kilmarnock is now three points but with only two games remaining we’re still favourites for the play-off place. Still, where there’s life there’s hope.
Motherwell 3 Kilmarnock 1
Attendance 3,986 (602)
Team Long, Hammell (Straker 85), Ramsden, McManus, Lasley, O'Brien, Erwin (Sutton 91), Johnson, Grant (Ainsworth 85), Pearson, McDonald