Brown shuffled the pack again and introduced Gow and Saunders at the cost of Fitzpatrick and Sutton. We kicked off facing the Motherwell support and soon had reason for cheer. Murphy’s deep cross was chased to the dead ball line by Murphy and referee McDonald spotted a tug from Hart. Blackman took the penalty and slammed the ball home. Ten minutes gone and we had the perfect start.
The lead lasted only five minutes. Hibs had pressed us back at the edge of the box and amid the crowd Riordan took his chance of a low shot to Randolph’s right corner. There was a hint of a deflection and our ‘keeper couldn’t keep it out.
Worse was to come before the half hour and to make matters worse, it was an error from Craigan that gave Hibs what turned out to be the winner. Our captain was not under pressure but his poor control when attempting a back pass gave Riordan a chance to pounce. Randolph was given no chance as the striker slotted home.
There was no lack of effort as we tried to get back into the game but there was a lack of sharpness when the few chances were created. Humphrey had little service if the first half but he did set up a good passage of play as the break approached. Thereafter a Hammell cross led to shots from Hateley and Murphy and Humphrey again, this time from an acute angle.
The second half saw long periods of pressure from Motherwell but the best chances fell to our hosts. Hammell conceded a free kick on the ‘D’ and Randolph was pleased to see it miss high. Riordan had a turn and shot that needed a stretched hand to push over .
Blackman at times moved deep and on one occasion he beat four midfielders before he was felled. Miller was booked for thumping the loose ball against his head. Both Randolph and Reynolds were alert enough to thwart a Riordan breakaway.
It seemed that we had pulled one back when Saunders ran on to a though ball and beat Brown. The goal was disallowed but reports suggest that it should have stood. Who’d be a referee?
We have a chance to return to winning ways when we travel to Paisley next week. With no midweek action (Craigan and Saunders excepted) the players will be happy to recharge their batteries.