A great show by a very young 'Well team almost earned a point at Fir Park in a hard fought and exciting battle. We won the first half, they won the second and sneaked it with a last minute scramble. The team was gutted but was cheered off the park by the large home support.
Attention at the start focussed on the two new boys. Chiba lined up in the front of the midfield while Okoli shared the central defensive role with Strong. Early impressions of both were good. Not only were they showing touches of skill but the both demonstrated a commitment and leadership which encouraged the youngsters on the team.
The start was superb. We attacked from the off and got the reward immediately. Three minutes and the Don got a flashing head to a great free kick from Said Chiba from the right wing and we were one up. The expected Rangers' onslaught did not materialise and we looked the more likely to score the second goal. Chiba and Elliott both had excellent chances and Goram was hardly troubled. Goodman also had a good penalty shout turned down. We were to pay the price for missed chances later.
The second half saw fortunes reversed. The opposition started to press and we found it more difficult to get up the park. The chances fell in front of Goram's goal and mid-way through the half the scores were levelled. A double substitution brought on Fernandez and within seconds he found the ball at his feet just outside the right hand side of the box. He was not closed down and rifled the ball into the net with a great shot.
The pattern of the play did not change. We had occasional forays into their half but more and more of the play was in our goal area. We got to the last minute and our old failing returned. Failure to clear in the six yard box allowed the ball to be bundled over. No way back.
Billy Davies was "delighted at the performance of the young lads". The new boys also were praised - Chiba arrived at the airport at ten thirty last night and tired towards the end. Pearo made his second appearance and Wood came on to replace Lasley. Don Goodman again lead the line well a superb role model for the youngsters looking to take his place in the future.
Overall, it was a good hard working effort from a very young squad. This experience will have done them no harm. The rebuild for next season continues!
Team:
Goram
Corrigan Strong Okoli
McFadden Ramsay(S65Nicholas) Chiba Leitch Lasley (S75 Pearson)
Elliott (S66 Wood ) Goodman
Subs unused: Woods MacDonald
Referee A Freeland
Attendance 11,208
Motherwell 1 Rangers 2
17 March 2001
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