Motherwell faced the kick-off with their backs to a big travelling support in the upper section of the away stand. The only change from the team that beat Hamilton in the last outing was Grant who replaced Johnson.
As usual it took a while for the game to settle on the artificial surface but both teams managed early shots. Grant’s deflected effort from the edge of the box came close before Syme and Magennis had pops at the other end.
Law conceded a free kick when he felled the troublesome Obadeyi and Kilmarnock’s opener followed. Cairney sent the ball high to the far post and Long missed his punch among the ruck. Syme was in the right place to benefit and his header flew into the net.
Erwin had a chance to score an immediate equaliser when he took the ball on his chest before sending a volley wide. Ainsworth followed that up with a fine low drive. We got the ball down produced some nice passing play and a well deserved leveller arrived after 37 minutes.
Pearson, fresh from signing his two year extension, provided a fine finish into the corner after a good passage of play in which Ainsworth and Erwin played their part. We finished the half the better team and McDonald’s shot tested Samson as thoughts turned to the Killie pie.
Long looked uncomfortable at almost every cross as the big Kilmarnock forwards challenged but we answered well with some great interplay between Erwin and McDonald. Both had goal bound attempts halted by fine saves.
Our attacking intent was reinforced when Sutton replaced Grant just before the hour. We got the upper hand and had the opposition pinned back in defence. With plenty of vocal support from behind Samson’s goal it looked like we would get a reward. It came from the tireless Erwin who had teased defenders all game. He ran into the box from the left, switched feet and drove low with his left into the corner of the net.
Carswell replaced Ainsworth with ten to go and we held out in the spring sunshine. It was an excellent effort, particularly from Erwin who received a standing ovation when he was subbed for Ramsden.
Kilmarnock 1 Motherwell 2
Attendance 4,520 (917)
Team: Long, McManus, Ainsworth (Carswell 82), Lasley, Law, Erwin(Ramsden 98), Grant (Sutton 58), Straker, Laing, Pearson, McDonald.