Motherwell and St Mirren meet at Hampden on Saturday in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final. Too close to call?
Both teams started their journey to the national stadium with penalty shootouts in the first group game back in July. Three wins followed then both sides needed penalties again to sneak through the first knockout round. Motherwell had a 1-0 win at Pittodrie in round three while St Mirren edged passed Kilmarnock with a successful third penalty climax. Might we be in for another nail biting drama?
Last season's semi-final
St Mirren drew Wednesday’s game with Hearts and Motherwell completed back to back wins with a two goal success against Dundee United. The contrast in styles between Saturday’s opponents suggests an interesting contest ahead.
Motherwell have garnered lots of praise for their entertaining play from the back performances. There is a lack of height in attack and a common criticism is that they lack a cutting edge. Yet they have twice (16) the number of league goals to their credit than the Paisley team (8). St Mirren have a more physical approach and a direct habit that ‘Well fans will recognise as typical of their former manager’s style.
In the midweek action at Fir Park Stephen O’Donnell limped off in the first half. He missed last season’s semi-final as he had been injured in the preceding game, also in the first half against Dundee United. It would be a cruel blow if he has to miss out again.
St Mirren ended a four game run in October without a win and only one point. Stephen Robinson will resume touchline duties having served his suspension against Hearts. Mikael Mandron will likely lead the Saints line and Alex Gogic will be available at the back.
The old stadium will be far from full but not short of passion from the stands.
Don Robertson will be in charge of the tea-time kick off and it could be a two hour shift for all concerned. A pound or two on a 90 minutes draw (2-2) may earn a return but this one may need another penalty shootout to determine which team returns to Hampden for the final in December.
