Stenhousemuir 0 Motherwell 3

The fist half was a non event. There was hardly a shot on target though much huffing and puffing was evident, to little effect. Paterson forced a save after a near post shot and we had a few other attempts off target.

But the second half provided enough entertainment to make the journey worthwhile. Much of our attacking threat came though Paterson on the left wing and he was ably supported by young Fitzpatrick at left back. As the game wore on they both grew in confidence though it seemed that the Warriors were tiring fast.

Within five minutes of the restart McDonald fired in from the right side of the box after a spell of pressure which could have provided the opener.

The sun sets at Ochilview

The half chances started to flow thereafter and Paterson was at the heart of most of the action. Fitzpatrick provided him with a perfect cross and he headed the second of the night into the net.

With fifteen minutes remaining Foran and Cowan replaced Burns and Clarkson and the relentless pressure of the Stenny defence continued. Marshall has very little to do all evening.

Inside the last ten minutes O’Donnell forced himself into the left side of the box and his short cross was met by McDonald at the near post. His header escaped the keeper and went in off the woodwork. Scott was not named in the Australian Olympic squad and it could be that their loss is our game.

Our next game is against Cowdenbeath on Saturday – a 2pm kick off.

Team: Marshall, Corrigan, Fitzpatrick, Craigan, McDonald, Leitch, O’Donnell (S85 Fagan), Burns (S75 Cowan), Clarkson (S75 Foran), Kinniburgh, Paterson

Subs unused: Corr, Higgins, Wright