Robinson hails his troops after sinking Saints

MOTHERWELL manager Stephen Robinson praised his players for “the best performance of the season” as they eased past St Mirren 2-0 at Fir Park.

Goals from James Scott and Chris Long in either half sealed the triumph but the margin of victory could have been greater as Well dominated.

And Robinson was more than satisfied with how his players had performed as they stretched their lead over fourth place to four points.

The Ulsterman said: “I thought in the first half that was our best performance of the season. Some of our combinations and passing was very good.

“We should have been out of sight and it could have been three or four clear at half-time. Their keeper made great saves.”

The breakthrough arrived after 39 minutes and it was a terrific strike, with Scott taking a pass from Barry Maguire and firing it into the top corner.

Long then made sure of the points with Motherwell’s second goal four minutes from time, cutting inside before firing high past Vaclav Hladky.

Robinson revealed afterwards that he had spoken to Steve Clarke about his Motherwell players but insisted he would not try to influence the Scotland manager’s thinking.

He added: “I spoke to Steve about a few of our players but he has a hard enough job. He is a super manager and I’ve so much respect for him. Given time he will turn Scotland around.

“I know he has watched a few of our players. Allan Campbell, Declan Gallagher and Liam Polworth have done great.”