Stevie Kirk scored four against St Mirren in April 1989 and no Motherwell player had matched that feat in the intervening 27 years. Enter Louis Moult.
In his first start since July following a long spell of recuperation Moult took advantage of the excellent supply from his team-mates to write himself into the record books. He had already suffered a dubious flag to deny an early goal before he rattled in three in a thirteen minute spell in the first half. There was still time for a penalty conversion before he was substituted on the hour.
Any unbiased spectator would have been justified in believing that the contest was over when we took a three goal lead midway through the first half but Crawford's strike before the break changed everything.
Hamilton's persistence forced us to retreat and we were fortunate that they scored only one more. Even after our three goal lead was restored with the penalty in 50 minutes there were plenty of nervous moments. Fortunately, we were able to claim all three points and move into the top half of the table. The task in now to consolidate that position with a win at Firhill next week.
A regular feature of the manager's interviews in the last few weeks has been a reference to his injured players and the prospect of a renewed start to the season when a full complement becomes available. On the basis of Moult's contribution it seems he was correct.