McHugh buoyed by ’Well victory

CARL McHugh felt he and his Motherwell team-mates started the process of atoning for their first-half collapse against Dundee as they came from behind to beat Kilmarnock.

The signs did not look good for Motherwell at halftime. After conceding 17 goals in the previous four games, including five in the first half against Dundee seven days earlier, they trailed 1-0 at Rugby Park to Kris Boyd’s 32nd-minute goal — his 200th top-flight goal in Scotland.

But caretaker boss Stephen Robinson brought on winger Elliott Frear and striker Ryan Bowman at half-time and Motherwell were far more dangerous.

McHugh and Zak Jules both converted after setpiece deliveries from Frear to earn Motherwell a crucial 2-1 win four days after Mark McGhee was sacked as manager.

McHugh said: “It’s a big three points, very important that we bounced back from last week. Obviously, it’s only one win, so it’s nothing to get carried away with and it’s going to take a good few more of them to make up for what happened last week, but it’s a start anyway.

“I don’t care what kind of situation you are in, coming from behind away from home and winning is a brilliant result but, when you add on that we have been on a very tough run, we can really be pleased with it.

“We have had a tough period but, hopefully, now we can all collectively kick on and give the fans what they deserve.”

Motherwell defender Carl McHugh celebrates his goal.