Motherwell can be proud of their contribution to an exciting and closely fought semi-final but was Rangers' day and they progress thanks to goals from Edu and Naismith against one from Lasley.
We can take lots of credit for making this game such a close contest. Motherwell were well organised and looked comfortable playing good passing football for much of the game.
Keith Lasley made a welcome return and we lined up with five across the middle. Jones moved to the bench and Sutton was the spearhead up front. Murphy and Humphrey played wide and Jennings (later to be awarded the sponsor’s Man of the Match award) partnered Hateley and Lasley in the centre.
The five thousand ‘Well fans were given early hope when Sutton’s lay off let Murphy charge into the box for a shot with barely a minute on the clock. We had our first scare after fifteen minutes when Craigan dallied and lost possession at the halfway line but his fellow defenders saved his blushes.
Eleven defenders!
Humphrey served up a nice lob for Sutton but his header was easily caught by Alexander. Edu opened the scoring after twenty minutes. He produced a terrific strike from almost thirty yards that gave Randolph no chance.
We continued to keep the ball on the deck and probe for openings. The occasional use of Sutton as a target varied our play. Murphy kept threatening but chances were rare. Our next was a ling range free kick from Hammell but by the break were remained one behind.
We continued to impress in the second period. The big pitch allowed room for our passes though too often moves broke down too easily. We had a shout for a penalty when Weir’s arm wrapped round Sutton but Willie Collum wasn’t interested.
Jennings unleashed a thunderbolt that forced Alexander to tip over the bar. Then we drew level. Sutton passed to Lasley and from twenty yards a low drilled shot found the corner of the net. It was a deserved equaliser and the players were able to celebrate in front of the Motherwell fans.
Lasley celebrates his goal
We then pushed for a second and looked the better side for a spell. That ended roughly ten minutes later when a long diagonal ball found Jelevic at the angle of the box. Naismith was in space at the far post and he dispatched the cross with ease.
Jones replaced Hateley as we looked for the second equaliser. There were a couple of thrills as before the end. Saunders had a header scrambled away and in the dying minute Murphy has a clear view of goal but his effort was weak.
If nothing else the team can take heart from their performance and if they can recreate the controlled football that served so well into the league campaign that there is every reason to expect some successes as the season progresses.
Well done lads, you did us proud!