We were able to welcome Hammell back to the team and he was joined by Ramsden now that his suspension period had ended. Carswell and Ferguson made way. Reid switched wings to take up the right back position and Ramsden was placed in midfield ahead of the back four.
After a minute’s silence to remember the passing of Phil O’Donnell and the fatalities of the George Square accident, Law and Lasley got the game underway facing the South Stand end that held a healthy 1,300 Thistle fans.
He's the man. Two games, two wins!
‘Well fans were treated to one of the best spells of football from a Motherwell team his season. Unfortunately that lasted only until the break when Thistle took control.
Ainsworth produced several moments of magic in the first half hour as we pinned the visitors back time after time. Bannigan’s discomfort delivered a penalty when he stopped our winger in his tracks after 13 minutes. The referee correctly awarded the spot kick and Sutton swept it low to Gallacher’s right side to open the scoring.
Motherwell had the better of the game for long spells. We pressed high up the pitch when out of possession and attacked with pace when we had the ball. Sutton came close to a second when his deflected effort missed the post by inches, Ainsworth reached the dead ball line to deliver a tempting cross across the face of the goal and Bannigan must have wished he was elsewhere as we pushed for another goal.
The only concern in the home support by the break was that we had scored only one. That concern was fully justified in the second period.
The balance of play was reversed in the second half. We were almost fifteen minutes after the resumption before there was any action in the Cooper half of the pitch. Thistle were camped in our last third and we were pinned back. In fairness to our defence we restricted efforts on goal very well. McManus and O‘Brien were kept busy but they commanded the area successfully.
Motherwell were unable to hold the ball and defensive clearances were soon returned. Archibald used his substitutions well and it seemed inevitable that they would equalise. Erwin, Kerr and then Ferguson replaced Sutton, O’Brien and Hammell as we tried to stem the tide.
Erwin had a great chance to put the game beyond doubt when he latched on to a ball over the top. He ran thirty yards to the box but his attempt to beat the ‘keeper at the near post was a foot wide. Ojamaa had a fine shot saved in added time but the whistle finally was sounded and the three points were secured.
The manager was “a little annoyed” at the second half performance but he has now earned a second win. Well done.
Motherwell 1 Partick Thistle 0
Attendance 5,236 (1,276)
Team: Twardzik, Reid, Hammell (Ferguson 86), Ramsden, Mcmanus, Ainsworth, Sutton (Erwin 74), Lasley, O'Brien (Kerr 77), Law, Ojamaa