We made three changes from the side that lost to Dundee United in midweek. Hammell, Hateley and Higginbotham were replaced by Cummins, Lasley and Francis-Angol.
County kicked off with their backs to the away fans who delivered fine backing for the team throughout. Inevitably, the release of several smoke bombs drew close attention from stewards and police and at times there were ugly face offs.
Player fight for yet another high ball
We forced an early corner and Higdon had a chance at the far post but his shot was knocked away. Unfortunately that was just about all we offered in terms of threats on Brown's goal for the rest of the first half. The home side soon dominated and Randolph was kept busy with shots and crosses. The poor surface made close control difficult and both teams had to rely for the most part on finding their target men. The ball was in the air a lot!
Sproule opened County's account with a low shot through Randolph's legs and we made the safety of the dressing room for a much needed assessment without further loss. Our hopes of a change of tactics for the second period were unfounded. The same eleven took to their task and had some hope when Humphrey burst through into the centre of the penalty area. He had a clear sight of the target but managed only a weak shot straight to the 'keeper.
At the other end Randolph made a brilliant stop at close range and McCall then elected to bring on McFadden for Carswell with 25 minutes left. The change brought little to the game and e conceded the second within five minutes. Cummins made a hash of a clearance and allowed a defender to block. The ball fell kindly for them and it was soon presented to Brittain to fire into the net.
We kept going but never looked like scoring. McHugh and Daly were thrown on for Humphrey and Francis-Angol but to no effect. Vigurs thumped the third home in the closing minutes.
It will take the most rosy eyed optimist to find anything positive from a Motherwell perspective. We can only hope that the better surface at Fir Park gives our creative players a chance to work some magic against Celtic on Wednesday.