We kicked off with our backs to the travelling support complete with drummer and choir. We had three changes since the last outing with Ainsworth, Erwin and Ferguson making way for Ojamaa, Vigurs and Leitch. Carswell won this week’s raffle for the left back spot.
After a fairly even opening spell Kilmarnock scored an early opener. Muirhead collected outside the box and fired a fierce shot into the roof of the net. It was an unstoppable effort but our ‘keeper earned his wages with two fine saves from Magennis (many more were to follow). The first was a low block from a one on one clash inside the six yard box and the second was a flying one handed stop of another powerful drive. With a quarter of the game gone the home side looked the more likely to score the second goal.
We pushed for the equaliser but and took the risk of exposure to a break. Ojamaa started to cause their defence some problems and the odd half chance started to come our way. A ball over the top gave Sutton a chance and he was ahead in the race with the ‘keeper out of position. It looked like the chasing Pascali clipped his ankle at the 18 yard line but the referee, well behind play, dismissed the claim.
Twardzik was the star of the first half and would be grateful it would be Samson’s turn to have the sun in his eyes in the second period.
Vigurs had a good attempt from a 30 yard free kick in 49 minutes but the ‘keeper got to his postage stamp corner in time. Reid then caused some amusement by snapping the corner flag.
We seemed determined to pass the ball through their back line and reluctant to take a lesson from our hosts and take the opportunity of a shot from distance. Vigurs obliged but he was well off target.
We lost Kerr in 75 minutes when his high foot caused Willie Collum to produce an immediate red card. Worse was to follow when Clingan beat Twardzik with the resultant free kick. The contest was over and we did well to avoid further loss as shots rained in on our goal. Twardzik and careless shooting saved us from embarrassment.
Our lack of much in the way of an attacking threat gave us little chance of scoring and our inability to restrict Kilmarnock’s shots on target is a worry. Man of the match was Twardzik with some terrific saves.
Kilmarnock 2 Motherwell 0
Attendance 4,146
Motherwell: Twarzik, Reid, Carswell, McManus, Sutton, Vigurs, Lasley, Law, Kerr, Leitch, Ojamaa (Ainsworth 81)
Subs: Neilsen, Lawson, O’Brien, McHugh, Thomas, Cadden