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The Season So Far
Despite some disappointing pre-season performances, we travelled to Dunfermline full of optimism, in a way only Motherwell fans can. In the first half we were lucky not to be two or three down. All change after the interval though, and we were the only team that looked like scoring. A Coyne double gave us the win and at quarter to five we were top of the league.
Our first home game of the season was against Caley Thistle. This was a game where we showed both sides of our game. In the first half we cruised to a two nil lead and an appalling second half later it was two all. Coyne and Dorner looked lively up front but veteran goalie Les Fridge made some excellent saves. For the third year in a row our second round tie went to penalties and this year's hero was Stevie Woods who made two saves to see us through. A dismal home defeat against St. Johnstone was followed by an Owen Coyle hat-trick against Morton. For the first time in years we had got to the last eight of the league cup, where we won a trip to Celtic Park.
After the win over Morton, we were reasonably confident of getting at least a point at Pittodrie. We reckoned without the generosity of Aberdeen's defence, who gave us our goals in a three one win. After an international break we faced two games against Wim's Tims. We lost both by the odd goal and have struggled since. Surprise leaders Hibs came to Fir Park and we got a deserved point with TC scoring again on his way to a recall to the Irish squad. We got another point at Ibrox, and we were comfortably mid-table at the end of September.
In October things started to go horribly wrong. We played four games and lost four. Scored a measly three goals and conceded twelve. Against Hearts we had more possession, more shots and more corners but we were beaten within fourteen minutes. Despite this setback we would surely pick up three points at Rugby Park. Wrong! Some of the worst defending ever gave Killie a two one win. The only bright spot was Eliphas Shivute's second goal in four games. Next stop on tour was Dundee, although few fans thought we would maintain our unbeaten away record. Traffic problems led to a frantic dash to get in. We made it to our seats just after kick off and we hadn't even got our breath back before we were one down. The game was over after four minutes that week but the charitable 'Well defence gave United three goals just to keep us entertained.
Our final game in October was at home to Aberdeen. We started brightly before giving away another soft goal; this time to the loathable Windass. After the half-time cuppa we looked a different side and Billy Davies got us a deserved equaliser. The game looked to be a draw before Aberdeen were awarded an injury time penalty.
Stevie Woods saved it but, surprise, surprise, it fell to that thug Windass who robbed us of a deserved point. I would have liked to forget this game by the time I got stuck into my curry but due to a moron assaulting Jim Leighton I couldn't. I will take the moral stance of a responsible publication and condemn this idiot before asking why did he pick an Aberdeen player? If I had invaded the pitch I would definitely have given Owen Coyle or John Philliben a good boot up the backside. Thankfully the SFA made a very reasonable decision, and let us off.
I was fairly hopeful going to St. Johnstone but a disastrous sixty minutes saw us four nil down. Despite strong feelings urging me to leave I saw us pull a goal back and then St. Johnstone fall apart. Towards the end we were unlucky not to steal a point but this was our fifth loss on the spin and things were going badly. The Kilmarnock game looked certain to be a draw but due to more appalling defending we threw away another game. The ball was lost on the edge of our box and Stephen Craigen sliced down a Killie striker. Mark Roberts scored the third penalty against us in three games. We went to Celtic hopeful that we wouldn't be humiliated. Celtic could have been five up in the first twenty minutes but due to a mixture of bad finishing and great defending they weren't. We scored with a deflection and then Regi Blinker got sent off. This was crucial as he had tormented the right side of our defence for the opening part of the game. Despite the majority of the possession Celtic never looked like scoring and there was little surprise when we killed the game off with a breakaway goal.
After the win against Celtic I was hopeful of getting a point against Rangers with Laudrup and Gascoigne missing. A stirring second half performance saw us grab a deserved equaliser and the tabloids gleefully pounced on Rangers not winning in three games. Easter Road was the next stop on the 'Well tour. In the first half we had quite a few half chances but were glad to go in level at half-time. Hibs had more possession in the second half but never looked too dangerous. Disaster struck in the 74th minute when we conceded a soft goal from a corner. We didn't look like scoring, when Kevin Christie went on a marvellous run from his own half. The Motherwell reject in goal dropped his shot and Owen Coyle slammed in the rebound. The drawback back to the Away Stand is the Hibs fans above you. On the way out creatures that passed for children spat on 'Well fans as the stewards stood and watched. Obviously they took lessons from their colleagues at Ibrox.
With nearly half the season gone we are in second bottom place. However we seem to be improving so hopefully I will be able to write about our European challenge next issue.