Motherwell were second best to a Hamilton side that adapted better to the rainswept leveller that is the New Douglas Park pitch. A goal in each half delivered a 2-0 defeat.
Andy Rose was preferred to Nadir Ciftci as Stephenn Robinson made one change to the starting eleven. Hamilton kicked off facing the big travelling support but within seconds it was the home 'keeper who had to clear the ball high over the TV gantry.
It was the Motherwell 'keeper who had the job of picking the ball from his net when Ogkmpoe took his chance following Templeton's corner. A back heel from the ruck of players at the six yard line opened the scoring.
Campbell saw a lot of the ball as we moved the play to the other end but it took a further 15 minutes before we had a shot. Tait's low drive was inches from the post. Kipre did not endear himself to the home support with a couple of hefty challenges. He woud see yellow early in he second half.
Ferguon was booked for a high elbow on Campbell and both players needed treatment.
The ball whizzed over the wet plastic with neither side able to have the luxury of an easy touch. Main finished the half with a glancing header off target and left the manager with some decisions at the break.
With no progress ten minutes into the second period Ciftci and Bigirimana were introduced with Campbell and Rose making way. We raised the tempo and held our breath when McHugh attempted a 25 yard blast toward the top corner but there was no repeat of last week's wonder goal.
We gifted possession to Templeton when McHugh and Bigirimana had a mix up just inside our half. The midfielder took off with McHugh in pursuit and despite a push as he eneterd the box he scored with a low shot to Carson's right.
Bowman replaced Tait as we geared up for an attacking finish.
There was to be no revival in the rain and Hamilton closed out the game. At least we will be on grass next week.
Team: Carson, Tait (Bowman 75), Cadden, McHugh, Main, Rose (Ciftci 57), Dunne, Aldred, Kipre, Campbell (Bigirimana 57), Tanner,
Attendance 3,182
Hamilton 2 Motherwell 0
10 March 2018