Indeed, the first half was again very poor with neither team showing much in the way of footballing competence. We did produce a few half chances but our play too often consisted of lazy and hopeful punts up the park which gave Hamilton and McDonald very little to play from. Dunfermline were not much better but we seemed content to sit off them and let them play some passing triangles in midfield.
Despite the lack of service, Scott McDonald was our main threat. He had what looked like a certain goal blocked by a fantastic challenge and a clever back header drifted just wide of the post with the ‘keeper scrambling. Dunfermline had the best chances though – Mason missed a header from six yards when he looked certain to score and it took a brilliant save by Smith to prevent a free kick being headed home on the stroke of half time.
The second half started with little to indicate that Butcher had fired up the troops. Smith was on hand to save another header and Craigan managed to boot the ball into the stand with Pars strikers swarming. Dunfermline were beginning to dominate but a bit of luck and a bit of inspired skill changed everything. Ten minutes into the second half Donnelly dallied a few yards outside the home box and was robbed by Brian Kerr. The midfielder let fly with a tremendous shot which dipped over MacGregor and found the top corner. From being under pressure, we were one nil up.
Things got even better a few moments later when O’Donnell’s hopefully cross was headed back across goal by Brian McLean. Martyn Corrigan, enjoying his role on the right of midfield, was first to the ball and his neat finish all but killed the game off. A special mention has to go to McLean who seemed to block a ridiculous number of crosses. He was dominate in the air and supported the attack too – a superb right back performance.
Scott McDonald almost made it 3-0 with a header but his effort was well saved. O’Donnell had robbed the full back on the goal line and squared, proving that even if he’s getting on a bit and has dodgy limbs, he can still contribute. But Motherwell were not to be denied a third and O’Donnell was to play a crucial part. He surged out of defence with the ball and released Foran on the left. His dangerous cross was only partially cleared and Jim Hamilton was in the perfect position to slot home.
We picked up a much needed win but again Terry will have plenty to work on during the week. There was not much between the teams for long spells in this match and given Dunfermline’s lowly status that has to be a worry. We got there in the end though.