The end of John Boyle's time at Motherwell was marked before kick off and the fans were able to show their appreciation for our former owner . Reference was made to some of the highlights under his charge - two cup finals, nine top six finishes, four times best of the rest and twenty games in Europe - all of that seemed far removed from the insipid showing from the team particularly in the first half.
The manager was less than pleased with that part of the game. "It was a poor first half. We didn't pass the ball, we shirked responsibility." But the second half was a different matter, "They could have felt sorry for themselves, 10 men, goal down, nothing going for us. But we didn't and that's full credit to the players that they picked themselves off the floor, because we all know first half wasn't good enough at all."
Inconsistency of selection has been a season long problem for Motherwell and the injury list remains long. O'Brien was limping before the break and it was hardly a surprise to see Kerr replacing him for the second spell. The two newcomers had only a couple of days to get to know their team-mates and it showed. Laing has an ideal physique for a centre back but his timing was not convincing during his short spell on the pitch. Maybe the enforced period on the sidelines will get him used to our tempo.
Straker also had a weak start but the reshuffle and a change of position saw him produce some of the qualities that encouraged Baraclough to bring him to Fir Park. He'll be an welcome addition to our left side.
The stars of the day had to be Thomas and Sutton. The youngster gives an freshness and enthusiasm that drags the rest of the team in support. He brings the crowd alive and there's an expectation in the air every time he's on the ball. His quick footed escape from the attentions of three St Johnstone midfielders was followed by a perfectly weighted pass to Sutton. Our top goal scorer showed his value by taking his only decent chance of the match. The left footed strike smashed into the net to bring the crowd to its feet.
The point was won against the odds and they players must take heart at the fight. They even had the audacity to press for the winner late on. A week off and a new face or two before the window closes should improve our fortunes.
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