Lukas Fadinger produced a goal in extra-time to send Motherwell into the Premier Cup quarter final at the expense of St Johnstone.
It was a long hot exhausting affair in the Perth sunshine and players from both sides were on the ground at the final whistle.
Motherwell were without the injured Johnny Koutroumbis and the suspended Callum Slattery as they kicked off with the big ‘Well support at their back. Tom Sparrow and Ibrahim Said were in the staring eleven.
Motherwell bossed the first half with their now characteristic passing game denying the opposition possession for long spells. The ball was moved slickly from back to front only to stall at the St Johnstone penalty area.
A standing ovation for the departed Lennon Miller came on the 38th minute. A fitting tribute
The home side probably had the best two chances before the break but both attempts flew high without causing Callum Ward any concern. But Motherwell’s inability to fashion much in the way of a threat must have given Simo Valakari heart. He had Boyes to thank for a clean sheet at the interval after a goal line clearance.
Legs tired as the game wore on and several in claret and amber needed treatment for cramp. Askou’s reluctance to make changes reflected the strength on the bench. Eventually new faces joined the fray as the clocked ticked on. Paul McGinn was a standout in the back line but none were short of effort.
The extra-time was played at a slower pace with most expecting a penalty shoot-out to follow. Fadinger’s low shot from close range maybe had a helping hand off a defender but the ball found the net and the game was won.
St Johnstone 0 Motherwell 1 (AET)
Attendance
Team: Ward, Sparrow (Balmer 111), McGinn, O’Donnell, Longelo (Wilson 104), Watt, Said, Fadinger, Just (Ross 111), Maswanhise (Osong 78), Stamatelopoulos (McAllister 117 )
Saturday 16 August 2025
