We have had a magnificent couple of seasons but one thing which has escaped us until yesterday was a win over the Old Firm. Sure, we were lucky to an extent but that is needed against the big teams. And the performance of Gordon Marshall in the second half was a superb display of goalkeeping; he was simply doing his job by keeping us in the game.
Let me out of here!
Celtic played poorly and after 85 minutes they had adopted the suicidal tactics of trying to hold their back line across the eighteen yard box. One of the main reasons for this was our fighting attitude which kept us alive whilst we were under the cosh. As the end approached, there was only one team interested in playing football. Our goal was a tad fortuitous in the build up but McDonald’s finish was exceptional. After that Celtic had to go for it and we finished the job with an incisive breakaway. Celtic will point out that in normal circumstances they would not have thrown everyone forward but that detracts from the overall picture. We played a superb game and thoroughly deserved any good fortune which came our way.
So, after that tremendous finish to the season we are left with some good memories to tide us over the summer but thoughts will already be turning to next season. It is unlikely we will lose any of main players and we will have a fully fit Brian Kerr – a player who could easily be the best midfielder outside the Old Firm.
Yes, there are questions to be answered, mainly the ability of O’Donnell and Leitch to contribute, but our squad has been as strong as it has been for years. We have a side which has improved for each of the last two seasons and with Butcher’s budget presumably not cut any further, he will be looking to take steps to push us even further up the table. Will he be able to do it? It will be hard but it seems like our manager cannot stop producing miracles. If anyone can do it, surely Butcher is that man!
It is a good time to be a Motherwell fan. We have had two fantastic seasons and it looks like we can only get better.
Enjoy the break!