Motherwell will entertain Dundee United under the Fir Park floodlights on Wednesday. Can the Steelmen beat the Tangerines?
Jim Goodwin’s side scored twice in the closing minutes to record a 3-1 home win over St Mirren on Saturday. A free kick from Zac Sapsford, a penalty from Amar Fatah and a 90th minute curler from Craig Sibbald sent the Paisley supporters home wondering how their team had lost.
United had been dumped out of the Europa Conference and the League Cup by mid-August but a derby win lifted their spirits. League form has shown an improvement although losses followed to Hearts and Kilmarnock. They are two points ahead of Motherwell in the table.
Jens Berthel Askou saw his charges win at Livingston after an added time goal from Eli Just. For much of the first half Motherwell controlled the game yet they were unable to fashion a shot on target. Indeed, apart from Apostolos Stamatelopoulos’ penalty kick, Just’s effort was the only direct attempt on goal. In order to win on Wednesday Motherwell will have to do better when they enjoy possession.
Part of the solution could be the happy return of Callum Slattery. His half hour contribution from the bench was his first since the game at Tynecastle in August. His appearance gave a lift to the team and he provided the vital assist for Just. We look forward to more minutes as he builds up to full match fitness.
It is vital that thoughts are not allowed to stray to the Hampden trip at the weekend. If focus remains true and the team adhere to the new refreshing philosophy then a reward should follow. It may be just a point after a 1-1 stalemate.
