Motherwell delivered an outstanding performance in Paisley to
score five without reply and delight the travelling support.
Jens Berthel Askou’s team were at their sparkling best as
they dismantled St Mirren. The home side chased shadows as they struggled to
get a moment on the ball. Motherwell
were only two up at the break although their command of the game deserved
more. The hosts lost a man early in the
second period and their fate was sealed. Five goals from five players – what a
night.
The manager fielded Motherwell’s strongest eleven as he
reversed the half dozen changes that lost to Aberdeen in midweek. It was soon apparent that the controlled
rhythm that has been typical of the Steelmen under Askou’s charge was in play.
In the first couple of minutes tempting crosses flashed
across both goals but any suggestion that this would be a close contest soon
disappeared as the visitors took charge.
Motherwell played the game in front of the home penalty area
and probed for success. The first came after 13 minutes when Eli Just drilled
low from the left. Just had a superb
game and he teased the home side with his speed and direct running.
Tawanda Maswanhise had had a couple of half chances before
Shamal George downed him at the cost of a penalty. He converted the spot kick with a fierce
shot.
The home side were unable to hold the ball as the energetic
visitors quick press soon won back possession.
There was a freedom and enjoyment evident as the quick passing set up
chance after chance.
St Mirren survived a VAR check after Gogic’s red card was
reduced to yellow but there was no such reprieve for Richard King two minutes
into the second half as his flailing arm caught Callum Slattery. He was one of the three changes that Stephen
Robinson threw on at the interval.
The ten men had no chance as Motherwell made good use of the
advantage. Ibrahim Said scored the third as George was deceived by the top spin
from his shot. Emmanuel Longelo had a
powerful shot from the left of the area, George failed to hold and after a long
VAR check for offside Motherwell were four up.
Askou made five substitutions to spread the game time minutes
and Eythor Bjorgolfsson made the best of his chance. He scored his first for Motherwell with a
volley into the ground that left George helpless.
The players and coaches took a well earned bow in front of the
away stand as the cheers and songs rang out in celebration.
Motherwell now have a clear week to prepare for the visit of
Dundee United next weekend. If they can
replicate the wonderful football they produced in Paisley then another win with
a clean sheet will surely follow.
St Mirren 0 Motherwell 5
Attendance 6,785
Team: Ward,
O’Donnell, McGinn (Bjorgolfsson 62), Welsh, Longelo (Charles-Cook 77),
Priestman, Watt (Nicholson 77), Slattery, Just (Sparrow 62), Said (Ross 77),
Maswanhise
Saturday 21
February 2026
