A 1-1 draw between Motherwell and Kilmarnock was probably a fair reflection of a poor game that came to life after a controversial late red card.
Motherwell took the lead early on but they never were in control of the game. The visitors were due an equaliser and it came with fifteen minutes remaining. Dan Casey was given a red card by an over eager referee who, despite being invited to watch the replay, stuck to his decision. The match then came to life to provided plenty of action at both ends of the pitch.
Goalscorer Gordon
Tony Watt was given a start ahead of Tawanda Maswanhise yet it was the Zimbanwean who brought the home crowd to light when he came on for the closing stages. He inspired the ten men and came close to serving up an unlikely winner.
Liam Gordon capped a decent start for the home side following a ‘Well free kick inside the centre circle. A half clearance and a pass from Marvin Kaleta game Lennon Miller an opportunity to deliver a floater into the area. Dan Caset headed against the woodwork and the ball fell nicely for the defender to finish from close range.
The only incident of note for the remainder of the half was the injury sustained by Steve Seddon. He was replaced by Ewan Wilson.
Kilmarnock took the initiative after the break and, at times, the ‘Well defence was severly tested. Joe Wright came close when a header following a corner flew wide.
The leveller came from Liam Polworth but might Aston Oxborough have done better?
A few minutes later with the ball dead, Casey and Danny Armstrong faced up and the result was a red for Casey and a yellow for Armstrong. All comment afterwards was the it was the wrong decision by the referee.
Stuart Kettlewell made the changes that might have been more productive if made at half time. Maswanhise led the charge as Motherwell fought to regain the lead. The game had suddenly become a fiercely fought contest as compared to the languid seventy minutes that has proceeded the sending off.
Alas, no dramatic winner appeared and the game finished level.
Motherwell retain their hold of fourth place but face the tough test of the Glasgow pair in the next two matches.
Motherwell 1 Kilmarnock 1
Attendance 4,966 (1,112)
Team: Oxborough, Katela, Casey, Gordon, Blaney, Seddon (Wilson37), Halliday (Sparrow 68), Paton (Zdravkovski 68), Miller, Watt (Maswanhise 83), Stamatelopoulos
Friday 20 December 2024