It was one of those matches that looked like a ‘first goal the winner’. Both teams tried to pass their way up the park but defenders quickly closed down attacking moves and efforts on goal were limited. It’s always cruel to lose to a goal inside the last five minutes and as soon as Graham’s header beat Twardzik in front of the 332 odd St Johnstone fans we knew the game was lost.
Have we found a centre half?
There were four changes to the Motherwell starting eleven as Ainswoth, Law, Francis-Angol and O’Brien were introduced in place of Carswell, Vigurs, Kerr and Leitch.
The visitors had the first chance but a fine block from Reid only three yards from the line prevented Wotherspoon from scoring. It was soon evident that we had width on both flanks and both Ainsworth and Francis-Angol has service though the deliveries came to nought.
O’Brien looked confident in partnership with McManus. He won every high ball challenge and shepherded Maclean until the striker was subbed with 15 minutes remaining. Unfortunately his replacement, Graham, got on the end of McDonald’s cross and headed the winner.
Lawson looked rusty and Ojamaa’s constant attempts to beat an extra man brought no reward. He was given leeway by the crowd for his past performances but it’s a game he’ll be happy to forget.
Our best spell came around the hour mark when there was some sustained pressure in front of the Cooper stand. Ainsworth delivered an accurate corner and Sutton headed on target but straight to the ‘keeper.
Erwin, McHugh and Ramsden failed to inspire when they came on in the last quarter and Lappin received a warm round of applause when he joined the game.
A draw would not have been an unfair outcome but St Johnstone scored the goal and celebrated their win (the scorer was booked for his over the top antics). For Motherwell the stark fact is that we have now lost four in a row and there has been no goal to celebrate in 300 minutes of football.
The international break will come as a welcome relief. Let’s hope we see a more confident and fitter side when we travel to Dingwall on 13 September.
Motherwell 0 St Johnstone 1
Team: Twardzik, Reid, McManus, Ainsworth, Lason, Sutton, Lasley, O'Brien, Francis-Angol (Ramsden 80), Law (Erwin 67), Ojamaa (McHugh 75)
Attendance 3700 (332 away)