Motherwell Return to Winning Ways

Last updated : 25 August 2007 By Firparkcorner

Celebration!
McCormack started the game with Porter relegated to the bench but it was those two who combined to provide what turned out to be the winner after an hour. McCormack found himself twenty five yards out and, unable to find an easy pass, he elected to fire off a low drive at goal. The ball struck Porter's ankle at the edge of the box and found its way to the helpless keeper's left corner. The big striker claimed it immediately and the game was won.

We looked to be on the road to victory early in the first half when Lasley scored the opener in front of the empty South Stand. From the right side of the box his lobbed cross beat Fleming in the Gretna goal and hit the right side of the far post side netting.


Despite the ideal start we failed to find the flowing form which earned so much praise last Saturday and the 'home' side equalised ten minutes later when Osman produced a fine header to Smith's top right corner.

McCormack forced the keeper into a save with this effort

There seemed to be a nervous side to our play and passes started to go astray. We still made chances and Clarkson and McCormack came close. We rode our luck late in the half when Skelton, from a wide open left wing position, lobbed Smith. There was a sigh of relief when his attempt bounced to safety off the bar.


Both teams made substitutions early in the second half and Porter replaced McGarry. Gretna were reduced to ten men when Barr saw red after a deserved second booking.


As often is the case, we found it difficult to take advantage of the extra man. We had the luxury of defending a one goal lead for thirty minutes against ten men and rarely looked comfortable. Gretna were full of fight but lacked the cutting edge needed to haul them back into the game.

We have the CIS tie in midweek and then entertain the shambles from Tynecastle at Fir Park next Monday. If we regain a wee bit of self belief there's no reason why our wonderful start can't continue.