We had one attempt in the first half before a lapse from Vigurs allowed Bannigan a simple opportunity to score. A fine second followed on the hour before Ainworth gave us hope. The game was over when O’Donnell finished with style on the break.
Following last week’s experimental shuffle it was a more recognisable Motherwell team that took to the field in the showery autumn sunshine. Six changes had been made but there was no sign of any return of confidence.
The game would have been a different affair had Ojamaa’s headed attempt from Law’s cross not been stopped by a combination of Fox and the bar but the ball stayed out. In 16 minutes we conceded the first of the afternoon. Vigurs lost possession and also the recovering chance as Bannigan won the sprint to be rewarded with time and space to fire past Twardzik from 14 yards.
McManus then had a half chance with a near post header then Law shot high but Thistle were in control by the break. Ojamaa looked lively and was a willing chaser and harrier but his over elaborate attempts to walk the ball though a crowded defence were smothered.
The second period was ten minutes old when Vigurs was pulled to give Ainsworth a chance to turn the balance. However, before he could influence the game we lost the second. A flick released O’Donnel down the right wing and his cut back was clinically finished by Doolan.
The last throw of the dice was to swap Law for Erwin and the substitute rolled the ball to Ainsworth some thirty odd yards from goal. It was a classic long range strike that flew into the top corner to give the away fans a glimmer of hope. That it was unexpected reveals the dominance that Thistle held in the contest.
There followed a ten minute spell when we pushed the opposition into deep defence and they made a couple of changes to bolster their forces. The equaliser failed to appear and (surprise!) we were caught on the break when Carswell seemed to dither and O’Donnell found himself with the freedom of our half. He made no mistake.
We now have a fortnight to try to get some semblance of a plan for Dundee’s visit but there’s no indication of what that might be. Maybe we’ll play a team having an off day. That would seem to be our best chance.
Partick Thistle 3 Motherwell 1
Attendance 3,405 (566 Motherwell fans)
Team: Twardzik, Kerr,O'Brien, McManus, Hammell ( Francis-Angol 74), Law (Erwin 65), Lasley, Carswell, Vigurs (Ainsworth 56), Sutton, Ojamaa