Motherwell needed a bit of luck but deserved the 1-0 win over St Mirren
This Motherwel team dont make it easy for themselves. Chance after chance came and went in the opening stages and as frustration grew in the second half they were gifted a penalty to seal the win.
This might be the afternoon when the Steelmen’s season turns upward. After a long winless run they secured three points and welcomed back a handful of key players as the injury list shortened.
Lukas Fadinger and Jardell Kanga started the game and Motherwell to control from the kick-off. They created enough chances in the opening 15 minutes to end the contest. Tawanda Maswanhise was the first to step up with a turn and shot over the bar when he had to hit the target. He then failed to convert a tempting low cross from Emmanuel Longelo before Ibrahim Said missed a slide in connection with another of the left back’s deliveries.
Said stole the ball and faced Jacob Chapman only to see the ‘keeper save his effort. The goalie set up the Saints’ first threat with a pinpoint long ball that ended with a fine stop by Paulsen just before the break.
Motherwell had run the show and should have been well ahead. Longelo, Said and Fadinger prompted much of Motherwell’s play with the defence rarely tested.
There was more of the same in the second half. Jake Girdwood-Reich missed the target when Said’s free kick gave him an opportunity the Said lacked the composure beeded to bury his shot from 15 yards.
Alfred Johansson turned to familiar faces on the bench and each received a hearty welcome from the home stands. Nevetheless, frustrations began to mount as the clock ticked on and the decisive moment came inside the final ten minutes.
Regan Charles-Cook and Henry Fieldson competred for the ball at the edge of the penalty area. The ball ran out, a corner was indicated but Charles-Cook was loud in his claim for a handball. The VAR brought Don Robertson to the screen and the penalty was awarded. Fadinger made no mistake.
Eythor Bjorgolfsson came close with a flying header but he managed to clear the bar with his attempt.
Five added minutes added to the tension and when St Mirren were awarded a corner with seconds remaining the crowd, mindful of the last second concession in midweek, feared the worst . Thankfully the ball was cleared and the game was won.
The return of Oscar Priestman along with long time absentee Calum Hendry and Paul McGinn together with a much needed victory is a huge boost.
Next up, a trip to Tannadice next weekend.
Motherwell 1 St Mirren 0
Attendance: 6,783
Team: Paulsen, Sparrow, Girdwood-Reich, Moorman, Hodge (Priestman 65), Longelo, Fadinger, Kanga, (Charles-Cook 65) Said (McGinn 92), Maswanhise (Bjorgolfsson 73), Palmer-Houlden (Hendry 73)
Saturday 31 October 2026
