The interim manager made wholesale changes to the team that lost at Cappielow and he can be pleased with his selection. Lasley, McDonald, Moult, Ainsworth and Pearson all started at the expense of Robinson, Law, Leitch, Thomas and Taylor.
There were no passengers in the team and they all put in a hard working shift. Grimhaw did well at right back and looked more comfortable that he did on his earlier midfield appearances. Pearson’s return gave us some bite and adventure in the engine room and it was pleasing to see him last the full 95 minutes without mishap.
A 100% record for Craigan
Ainsworth deserved his man of the match award. It was his first half effort that caused the opening goal after 21 minutes helped by the defender Fans’ poor control. In the second half he had a couple of scintillating runs that left the opposition floundering. He should have scored 2 minutes into the second half but Cerny managed to throw an arm in the way. But his delivery from the right wing in 69 minutes did get a reward when it found McDonald unmarked at the far post. Skippy’s should have converted but the ‘keeper managed a block. Our striker did not spurn the second chance and we had a two goal lead.
As is our custom we then allowed the opposition to push us deep into defence as they threw everything forward. We conceded from a corner as Amoo won the heading contest and had to endure a nervous 15 minutes.
Ripley then had several opportunities to show his worth but we kept them out.
The Bois in the east stand showed their feelings at the treatment in Greenock by leaving their section empty save for the ‘Heavy Hands, Empty Stands’ banner. Point made they filled the section after the break and belted out their repertoire for the remainder of the game.
The win was the perfect start for Craigan and should go some way to deliver some confidence to players and fans.
Motherwell 2 Partick Thistle 1
Attendance 3,963 (710)
Team: Ripley, Grimshaw, McManus, Ainsworth(McDonald 69), Pearson, Johnson(Thomas 64), Ainsworth, Lasley, Chalmersm Kennedy and Moult (Leitch 61)