Well bank Dave cheque then clean up v ragged Glens
MOTHERWELL...5 GLENTORAN...1 MATCH
NO David Turnbull, no problem as Motherwell romped to their first European win in a decade.
The Steelmen ensured they will be in the hat for Monday’s second qualifying round draw after a record-breaking sales day at Fir Park.
Turnbull’s £3.25m move to Celtic might have been tinged with sadness after the 22-yearold academy product waved goodbye to his boyhood heroes after 11 years.
But it was smiles all round again as Stephen Robinson’s side began life after their record sale by recording a first win of the season.
They were made to work for it by a physical Glentoran side – with ex-Well favourite Gael Bigirimana in the middle of the park – that will be kicking themselves at Seanan Clucas’ red card after 52 minutes that left them a mountain to climb.
In the end Motherwell’s class and fitness took over as they rattled in five goals from five different goalscorers, including a stunning strike from Stephen O’Donnell.
Yet there were early scares for Well as Paul O’Neill’s shot deflected wide with Trevor Carson beaten and the keeper
FRASER WILSON AT FIR PARK then had to make a crucial save from Rory Donnelly’s header from the corner.
Motherwell regained the momentum before the break though and Callum Lang and Chris Long both had efforts saved by Dale Coleing.
Well were dealt a huge helping hand when Clucas was shown a second yellow card for a late lunge on O’Donnell having been booked in the first half for a shuddering challenge on Ricki Lamie.
They finally made the breakthrough in the 58th minute as Lang poked the ball beyond Coleing.
In the 71st minute O’Donnell broke his Well duck with an absolute thunderbolt from 30 yards. It was 3-0 four minutes later when Liam Polworth headed in after Long’s shot was deflected. The goals were flowing now as sub Tony Watt poked home from close range to make it 4-0 after Campbell’s effort was blocked by Coleing.
Long opened his account for the campaign with a neat header in the 87th minute.
Glentoran grabbed a consolation goal from the spot in the final minute when Polworth brought down sub Ciaran O’Connor and Robbie McDaid fired home.
■ MOTHERWELL Carson 7, Grimshaw 5 (Seedorf 60, 4), O’Donnell 8 (Robinson 82, 2), Lamie 7, Gallagher 7, Mugabi 7, Campbell 7, O’Hara 7, Polworth 7, Lang 8 (Watt 70, 5), Long 7. ■ MAN OF THE MATCH CALLUM LANG struck the goal that could well prove a turning point in the season for Motherwell. The on-loan Wigan man showed desire to get on the end of a move and was a constant menace.