Playing at Ibrox is not a task that generations of Motherwell teams have relished and this current eleven gave themselves a mountain to climb by conceding a goal inside the first thirty seconds. Barely had fans settled into their seats when Prso skinned Corrigan on the right wing. His cross was touched on to the far edge of the six yard box where Burke found himself in the clear with the ball at his feet. He gave Smith no chance with the shot. No bigots at Ibrox (!)
Another quick goal from the home team could have wrapped up the match but we kept the heads up and started to get back into the game. Clarkson was left on his own as front runner and McDonald dropped back to create a five man midfield.
First half action
Skippy had a nice right footed curling effort just by the post and at the other end Fagan headed off the line defending a corner. For much of the remainder of the half we gave as good as we got and made a few half chances. Vaterus was not called into action until forty minutes when McDonald fired low from a tight angle.
At the break we were very much in the game knowing that a goal would cause some panic in the home stands.
We had a chance shortly after the restart when Foran released McDonald on the left wing. He delivered a near post cross for Clarkson but a defending challenge prevented good contact.
We continued to press and made every attempt to get forward but there was little in the way of goamouth action to excite the travelling support. Fitzpatrick came on to add some pace and he replaced Paterson who seemed lost in the big park.
The one goal deficit lasted until the final twenty minutes. Prso and Lovenkrans carved us open and the winger was through with only the keeper to beat. His shot rebounded from the post but within a minute the same pair produced a tap in from inside the crowded box. The game was over.
Hamilton came on for Clarkson (when it seemed more likely that Foran would get hooked) and McDonald moved upfield but there was to be no consolation.
We do battle with the other half of the gruesome twosome in midweek before visiting Dunfermline on Saturday.