Motherwell get no breaks against Celtic

Porter is mobbed

It was clear from the outset that the alterations had done nothing to reduce the commitment and enthusiasm of the team. The first ten minutes saw some tasty challenges and the play rage from end to end. Robson enraged the home support when his shove in front of the East Stand was ignored by the referee.

Lasley had a decent opportunity in eleven minutes but his shot lacked paced and was fired directly at Boruc. Celtic were prevented from creating an threat by some fine defending. McLean, in the right back position, had an excellent game and added some attacking runs to his stopping role.

We had a number of corners halfway through the first period but couldn't make a breakthrough. Fitzpatrick had the best chance of the half on thirty six minutes when a Smith cross fell to him. Boruc saved the fifteen yard effort. Luke Daniels had an easy introduction and reached the break without being troubled.

A first half attack

Motherwell started the second half well and forced two corners in the first few minutes. On the hour Mclean produced a fine cross which porter converted. The big striker did well to get his head to the ball and Boruc was beaten.

Well fans had hardly resumed their seats before McDonald headed a Nakamura cross beyond Daniels to equalise. Both teams made substitutions to try to end the deadlock but it was Samaras who produced the winner when left unmarked to convert a Robson corner. The decision of the referee to award the corner became a major talking point. The standside linesman, close to the action, seemed to indicate a goal kick but referee Conroy awarded the corner. In any event we failed to defend it and despite valiant attempts as the clock ran down, we lost.

The jury is still out on Daniels. McLean had possibly his best game in claret and amber and if he can maintain current form we need not worry about Quinn's absence.

Next up is a trip to Ibrox on Wednesday before the crunch game against Aberdeen next week.