The only change from our last outing was the introduction of Lasley who replaced McGarry. To the surprise of many, Bob Malcolm held his place at right back. We took the kick off and set about the game with our three strikers up front.
We defend a first half corner
There was little to excite either set of fans as both teams seemed to lack any urgency in build up play. Malcolm had half a chance early on when his header at the back post from a McCormack free kick forced a save from Zaluksa.
There then followed twenty odd minutes of boredom broken only by Smith shoving deVries away so he could take a quick free kick. Dougie McDonald made much of this and even more some time later when he pulled up Porter for minimal contact in the United area. It came as no surprise when Porter entered the book a few minutes later for a competitive challenge.
Stevie Hammell had to retire with a calf strain. Lappin replaced him at left back.
We had a scare or two before halftime and at on stage only a fankle between two United forwards at the near post saved us from conceding. At the other end McCormack contrived to sky a shot from thirteen yards dead centre when a bit of composure might have helped him find the target.
Apart from a change of ends there was little change in the play as the second half settled into the same routine. Ten minutes in saw another Motherwell substitution when McGarry replaced Lasley. Craigan found his way into the book for his first foul of the game but then sent a lovely ball through the centre to McCormack in the box. The striker's effort was deflected for a corner.
The yellow footed one joined the referee's growing collection when he protested about a crazy decision when McDonald awarded a foul against Malcolm for what was a fair tackle. We got a thrill when Porter was in a race with the keeper but nothing came of it. Craigan had a close effort from a McCormack header turned round the post and the game moved up in tempo as it moved into the last quarter.
A monumental mix up between Craigan and Hughes twenty yards out allowed Swanson (just on as a sub) to sneak through and prod the ball beyond Smith and into the side net.
We had fifteen minutes left to recover. Murphy replaced McGarry as McGhee tried to turn the tide but the tone was set as Clarkson joined the yellow card club.
Lappin lost possession as the final minutes approached and Swanson found DeVries. The big striker rounded Smith and rolled the ball into the net. We got what we deserved from this game.