Despite an opening goal from Cadden a poor Motherwell side lost to St Johnstone 2-1. We never looked comfortable and the visitors showed more appetite to earn their win.
It was a disappointing opening to the league season at Fir Park for all but the 311 away fans in the South Stand. Throughout the game we were second best. We were second to loose balls and too easily beaten in the tackle. There was no answer to the pressing game played by St Johnstone.
Ainsworth was recalled to the starting eleven as Hammell’s injury kept him out. Chalmers deputised at left back. Johnson kicked off and after an early flurry we found ourselves defending for most of the game.
Samson placed himself in no man’s land but Kane’s pass ran along the goal line escorted by Heneghan. The ‘keeper was to play a significant part in the game later. We needed a wee bit of fortune when Heneghan’s clearance rebounded off McManus and almost sneaked into the net.
By now the pattern was clear. When a Motherwell player had the ball there was immediate pressure and, as often as not, we lost possession. The reverse was not the case as we seemed to stand off and let our opponents push up.
Ainsworth had the best of our few chances before the break but Mannus had an easy first spell.
It looked as though the visitors would regret their missed chances when we took the lead a couple of minutes into the second half. Tait had pushed up the flank and his reward was the chance to drive the ball across the face of goal. Cadden was on hand at the far post and made no mistake to put us one up.
Our best spell then followed, not that it lasted long. We seemed to relax and started to string a few passes together. McDonald wasted an opportunity when he shot off target from 18 yards. No excuse, he should have tested Mannus.
St Johnstone had a throw-in in front of the dugouts and our midfield failed to cope. Swanson burst through the ruck and scored. That gave the visitors as deserved equaliser. Swanson almost followed that up with another. With only the ‘keeper to beat his attempt missed by inches.
Blyth replaced Cadden but the big striker made little difference. With 15 minutes remaining the game was lost. Samson made a hash of a bread and butter save and MacLean was happy to take up the invitation to score.
Thomas came on for Ainsworth but our best chance of a leveller came when McDonald punched the ball into the net. He was correctly booked and we trooped off the field with heads down.
Motherwell 1 St Johnstone 2
Attendance 3,739 (311)
Team: Samson, tait, Heneghan, McManus, Ainsworth (Thomas 76), Johnson, Cadden ((Blyth 64), Lasley, Chalmers, Clay, McDonald