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It was a classic cup tie which raged from end to end.A score of 5-5 might easily have appeared as both teams spurned open goals and crashed shots against the woodwork.
We were to threaten when Hughes struck a cracking free tick which hit the inside of Murdoch's post.Corcoran should have opened the scoring for the visitors in thirteen minutes but his touch failed him when he met a dangerous low cross at the far post when it looked easier to find the net.
Jamie Murphy had been given the promised starting place and he set the stadium alight after half an hour with a delightful run along the halfway line then direct to the penalty area.The 'keeper had to be at his best to stop the youngster's run.The clearance was returned almost immediately and Clarson's header narrowly missed.
Craigan had been stretching at every opportunity and it was no surprise to see him replaced by Fitzpatrick in thirty seven minutes.Quinn took the armband and moved to the centre while Lasley moved to right back.
Mr Brines and Bob Malcolm
The game turned moments before the break when Porter was send off for a lunging tackle from behind.
We'll have to wait for the video replay to judge the decision but the Motherwell players and management were incensed at the referee.
Accies took the lead ten minutes into the second half with a fine strike from Graham.Sutton replaced Hughes as the ten men gathered themselves.Murphy (later awarded the MoM award) snatched the equaliser with a low drive under the 'keeper.
Darren Smith's introduction gave the crowd the opportunity to give Murphy a hearty cheer as he left the pitch on seventy two minutes.
McCarthy then missed a sitter the Ettien followed suit.The home crowd urged the tiring ten to greater efforts among the flurry off yellow cards which peppered the game.
The game moved to extra time and the Ettien got the winner.In a crowded box he mishit the ball into the ground and it looped over Smith.
Malcolm then rattled the woodwork with a fierce free kick, Mensing was given his marching orders then Clarkson missed a chance.Our last hope was a shot from Darren Smith which thumped the upright in the last minute.
The fans from across the river celebrated a very rare win at Fir Park as the Motherwell players, who had given everything, fell exhausted to the ground.Mark McGhee had described this game as a "must win".Presumably that description now transfers to the visit of St Mirren on Saturday.