We kicked off to the beat of the ‘Well Bois drum with a couple of changes from the eleven who lost at Parkhead. Erwin in attack and Kerr centre back replaced Ainsworth and the suspended Kerr. Ramsden was stationed in front of the back four. United showed their strength in depth by making seven changes.
The opening exchanges included a few penalty claims. A Motherwell arm blocked a fierce United shot then we had two good shouts when Spittal tackled Erwin and Morris brought Pearson down.
There was little to excite for long spells but there was as much play in the United box as ours for the first half hour. Erwin’s support for Sutton gave us some hope. Watt delivered an accurate long ball over the top of the defence but Sutton’s touch squandered the chance.
At the other end our old pal Anier had a fresh air shot with the goal gaping and Spittal unleashed a shot that had Twardzik at full stretch.
The highlight of the first half came two minutes before the whistle. Pearson ran on to the ball in the left side of the box and squared to the onrushing Sutton. With defenders present there was a tangle of bodies 8 yards out and the outcome was a release of the ball towards the goal line. Morris cleared but was the ball over the line? Craig Thomson looked to his assistant and awarded the goal but then choose to consult. No goal. Despite the predictable brouhaha that followed the score was 0-0 at half time.
We had a glorious chance to take the lead on the hour. A fine run from the impressive Erwin delivered the ball to Sutton at the edge of the box. He was under pressure but the ball squirmed free for Pearson to collect with only the ‘keeper to beat. Cierzniak pulled of a good save but Pearson should have scored.
United took the lead a couple of minutes later when Telfer drilled a low drive to Twardzik’s right hand post. Our missed chance looked even more costly.
The manager reacted by sending Moore on for Law and we set up in search of the equaliser with three up front but we then conceded the second. A corner from the right was headedhome by Foujit.
Ainsworth then replaced Carswell as a last throw of the dice. It paid off in 78 minutes when the substitute crossed into the box to discover Ramsden in position to score. The goal at least reflected our contribution to the game.
We threw caution to the wind in the final ten minutes but despite making a couple of half chances United added a cruel third in added time when Telfer got his second with a low drive into the corner.
It was a more encouraging display from Motherwell and offered some hope for the next few games.
Dundee United 3 Motherwell 1
Attendance 7,176
Team: Twardzik, Reid, Carswell(Ainsworth 75), Ramsden, McManus, Sutton, Kerr, Erwin, Watt, Law (Moore 66), Pearson