Had we finished the first half several goals behind there would have been few complaints. United’s fast flowing attacking style had us in shreds at the back but, remarkably, Twardzik had only a couple of saves to make. We produced a determined effort in the second period and matched our opponents as chances were produced at either end. Goals win games – we scored, they didn’t.
Kenny Black brought Reid and O’Brien back to the starting eleven with Francis-Angol and Hammell missing out. It soon became clear that most of the play would be in front of the Cooper Stand as the visitors poured down either flank and our defenders seemed unable to cope. Thankfully the resulting goal attempts were well wide of the target. They were quick on the break and both McManus and O’Brien were booked as they halted the threats.
Ojamaa raised our hopes when he dribbled along the 18 yard line but he elected to pass rather than shoot and Vigurs followed up with a weak effort off the wrong foot. Twardzik’s contribution came when he should fine agility to back-sep before rising high to touch a wicked deflection over the bar.
The safety of the dressing room was reached without loss but we knew that luck was on our side. There seemed to be a renewed spirit bout the team in the second half and within five minutes of the restart we had two excellent chances. First a crntral run from Ainsworth set up Reid as he came in from the left. The ‘keeper parried the shot wide and Ainsworth, from a narrow angle, had only to hiy the target to score. The ball struck the ear post but our groans turned to cheers within a minute. Vigurs popped up on the left side of the box and despite a hand from Cerzniak the ball nestled in the corner of the net.
It appeared that Ainsworth had doubled the advantage when he raced into the box to flick the ball away from the ‘keeper and across the line but the assistant’s flag was raised in error. Thankfully the score remained and we were able to enjoy a very important win. There were fine performances all over the park. Lasley had one of his captain’s specials while defenders were brave as they hrew themselves into goal saving blocks and clearances. Sutton was tireless as ever and Ojamaa (unlucky not to score in the last minute) began to look more like the player we know he can be.
The win will restore some cheer at the club after the hard week and with an international break to come we’ll be able to rest and prepare for the trip to Inverness in a fortnight
Motherwell 1 Dundee United 0
Attendance 3,969
Team Twardzik, Reid, Ramsden, McManus, Ainsworth (Law 76), Sutton, Vigurs, Lasley, O’Brien, Kerr, Ojamaa