Motherwell fans had to
come to terms with a first league loss of the year at the weekend. It was a strangely unfamiliar feeling.
The Steelmen were,
understandably, favourites for the game at Dens Park but it soon became
apparent that Steven Pressley had done his homework. Right from kick-off his team retreated deep
into their half ready to rebuff the Motherwell advance.
The after match
statistics detail the domination Motherwell had of the ball and the number of
touches in the opposition box but that counted for nothing as the hosts scored
two to the visitors’ one.
There were few
occasions for the ‘Well forwards to run on to the ball and they were forced to
wade thorugh a congested penalty area to gain a glimpse of Jon McCracken’s
goal. Dundee scored the opener a minute
after the ‘keeper had denied Lukas Fadinger.
Persistence got its
reward when Callum Slattery delivered a peach of a free kick in front of the
away support. With ten minutes remaining
the team geared up for a late winner only to fall flat when the home crowd
cheered the late winner.
Motherwell were
applauded for their efforts but there was an understanding that they had fallen
a little short of the high standard that has typified the season to date. As the Lanarkshire fans returned home a wit
remarked, “I remember when this was the way it used to be”.
A tough end to the
season lies ahead with fixtures against Celtic, Hibs, Falkirk and Hearts to
come before the league split. We can
expect those teams to adopt a more positive approach and with any luck
Motherwell might soon return to winning ways.
