Motherwell win again in the Highlands

Motherwell took the kick-off with their backs to the small travelling support and the formation became clear. Sutton and Sheridan were to lead the line while Clarkson took up position in right midfield. McLean looked the part at right back.

McLean's back

We probably had the best of the early action. Hammell, Hughes and O'Brien combined well to enable the left back to have a shot (into the side net). Hughes had a couple of attempts but he missed the target completely when it seemed that a goal was likely. Foran provided a threat from the home team and Smith had to get down smartly to cut out a dangerous drilled cross.

Sutton gave us the lead in 26 minutes when Esson failed to connect with a long free kick from Craigan. The 'keeper, Munro and Sutton raced for the ball as it approached the area but our man came out as the winner. He had a time to stroke the ball into the empty net from the edge of the box.

Smith takes a cross

Munro levelled the game five minutes before the break when the ball fell to his feet following a corner from the right. There was a blocked shot before their captain slammed his chance high into the net from close range.

Sheridan produced a cracker to let us retake the lead after 53 minutes. He chased McLean's hopeful ball up the right wing and robbed Munro. He then made ground into the box and curled a left-footed effort in off Esson's right hand post. It was the perfect start to the second half and McGhee reacted by replacing Clarkson with Darren Smith.