If there was any upside on show it came from the performances of 17 year old Luke Watt who made his first team debut as stand-in left back and Dom Thomas who lifted the side when he came off the bench for the final twenty minutes. Aberdeen wasted several excellent chances and for the final 15 minutes they had an uncomfortable spell but the late penalty decision killed off our outside chance of an undeserved point.
With Hammell and Ramsden injured the manager recalled O’Brien and Watt as we tried to halt the visitors winning run.
Motherwell kicked off facing the 1,700 travelling fans and for the first few minutes we kept the ball at the South Stand end. That early flurry soon became a memory as Aberdeen took control. We were pushed back and restricted their opportunities.
Ojamaa and Sutton conjured long range efforts well wide of the target to break the pattern but we fell behind in 35 minutes when Rooney raced clear of our back line to collect Goodwillie’s ball over the top. From a narrow angle he rolled the ball beyond Twardzik and if crept in just inside the post.
Our ‘keeper produced a brilliant touch to deflect McGinn’s shot on to the bar, but the referee gave him no credit and awarded a goal kick.
The game continued to go Aberdeen’s way in the second half. Although there was an improvement in our play compared to the Ne’erday game, we were unable to construct any telling moves when in possession. Service to Sutton always came with his back to goal and there was no penetration on either wing.
Watt can be pleased with his 90 minutes and after a nervous start he grew into the game. His touch improved and he delivered a couple of telling passes. The young colleague Thomas joined proceedings along with Erwin with 20 minutes remaining. Kerr and Sutton departed. The change was followed by our brightest spell of the match. Thomas looked unfazed as he took on the experienced Aberdeen midfield and he soon caused the home support to find its voice.
Goodwillie had spurned several excellent chances and our hopes of an unlikely equaliser were still alive when Aberdeen were awarded a penalty. Twardzik failed to deal with a cross and the move ended with Hayes iring on target. The ball struck McManus at shoulder height and Willie Collum decided that an arm had been used. McManus was shown red and Rooney concerted the penalty.
After the game Baraclough suggested that the red card would be appealed. We’ll need to hope that the improvement continues at Dens Park next Saturday.
Motherwell 0 Aberdeen 2
Attendance 4,805 (1,740)
Team: Twardzik, Reid, Watt, O'Brien, McManus, Ainsworth, Sutton(Erwin 69), Lasley, Kerr(Thomas69), Law, Ojamaa