Both Motherwell and St Mirren go into the quarter final draw following the 1-1 draw at Fir Park and they will meet again in a replay
Mark McGhee produced a surprise before the game when it was announced that Hughes would replace Sutton in the starting line-up.As a result Clarkson was given the task of being the loan striker and we played the first half with an unusual 4-5-1 formation.It was not a success.
The home advantage was not exploited in the first period and there was little in the way of urgency form Motherwell.Dorman gave the visitors the lead inside the first fifteen minutes when slack defending gave him the opportunity of running into the box and past Smith for an easy finish.
The response to the setback was disappointing.The crowded midfield area did not produce a constructive advantage and at times we had too many players chasing the ball.The lacklustre showing was typified by a Hammell free kick from a dangerous position which resulted in a harmless chip to the Satints' keeper.Clarkson had little decent service and we carried no goal threat.
It was therefore no surprise to see a change at the interval.Sheridan was given the nod and Lasley got the early shower.A far more positive attitude was evident from the kick off and we added to the pressure on the St Mirren defence by brining Darren Smith on to replace Fitzpatrick.
The second half was almost entirely played out at the Cooper end with the occasional breakaway to keep Smith awake.Hughes bagged the equaliser when his accurate finish found the nat.Clarkson did well to get to the dead ball line and Sheridan came close at the near post but the ball fell to Hughes.
We survived a late scare in the second minute of added time and now face a journey to the new park in Paisley.The tie is still in the balance.