We kicked off facing the empty South Stand and soon had command of the half. Any combination of Nicholas, Elliott, Chiba and Twaddle took turns up front and they had enough chances before the break to score two or three.
In twenty three minutes Nicholas tried a lob over Main at the edge of the box after superb skilful lead up play by the midfielders.
A minute later Chiba had an even better chance when he had only the goalie to beat but he failed to convert. There was another scramble in the six yard box but again the ball refused to cross the line.
Stevie Woods was hardly troubled and the back four of Hammell, Strong,Okoli and Oueifio were rarely in difficulty. Their main threat was the diving Parker, who's attempts to gain unfair advantage earned the boos of the home support.
The referee changed after the break with one of the assistants taking the flag.
Strong's inability to pass to his own side cost us possession in sixty three minutes when he gifted the ball to the Saints defence. It was swiftly moved up to Sylla who slotted the ball into the corner of the net from 15 yards.
We never looked like drawing level. The second half was a scrappy affair and despite a few shots from outside the box coming close Main had an easy time.
Billy Davies will have had another good look at a few of the younger squad players today and we can only hope that the experience gained today will provide some benefit in the next few months since there was little of cheer on show today.
Team:
Woods
Okoli Strong Oueifio Hammell
Chiba Leitch Harvey(S59 McFadden) Twaddle
Nicholas(S67 Adams) Elliott
Subs unused: Connolly Corrigan Lasley
Referee K Toner
Attendance 3,195
Motherwell 0 St Johnstone 1
21 April 2001
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