Motherwell escaped from Rugby Park with a clean sheet and a point that was hardly deserved.
Kilmarnock supporters must still be in disbelief that their side’s unrelenting pressure failed to produce a goal. The ‘Well defence was heroic as they foiled wave after wave of pressure. Aston Oxborough produced a handful of fine saves and was Motherwell’s best player by some distance.
The game was punctuated by a number of stoppages for head knocks and Liam Gordon had to be replaced by Paul McGinn early in the second half.
Aston Oxborough marshalls his men
The home side wasted no time in declaring their intentions. The first of many tempting crosses into the visitor’s box fell to Marley Watkins but his attempt missed the target. That was to be a patern often repeated.
Motherwell were absent as an attacking force bar one move iin the first period. For a change some forward passes allowed progress and Tony Watt was able to get a shot on target. It was easily saved by Robbie McRorie.
The VAR officials saved Dan Casey’s embarrassment following his careless loss of the ball. Within seconds Brad Lyons found the net with a curler but the referee’s award of the goal was overturned with an offside decision.
The four additional minutes before the break were filled with Killie corners but Oxborough and his men saw off the threats.
Kilmarnock maintained their hold on the game in the second period but the ‘Well defence held firm. Corners and crosses were cleared only for the ball to fall to the opposition.
There was a brief appearance by Kai Andrews on the frozen artificial surface as he made his claret and amber debut.
Tony Watt managed a couple of shots in the closing minutes but there was to be no smash and grab victory.
Motherwell will be content with a point taken on the poor surface and will hope that a return to the grass at Easter Road on Saturday will be more comfortable.
Kilmarnock 0 Motherwell 0
Attendance 4,601
Team: Oxborough, Kaleta (O’Donnell 73), Casey, Gordon (McGinn 58), Balmer, Wilson, Halliday (Andrews 73), Zdravkovski, Watt, Vale (Sparrow 63), Maswanhise (Ebiye 73)
Wednesday 8 January 2025