Brace hero Mandron glad to get off to scoring start
THE Scottish Cup provided Motherwell with welcome respite from the cinch Premiership as they comfortably eased their way into the fifth round of the tournament.
If there was much to sing about for the away support who relished a winning afternoon – the first in eight games – the challenge now is to ensure they are not muted when league action resumes this weekend.
Motherwell face a trip to Paisley to take on a St Mirren side who have stuttered of late but whose form overall has them seven points better off. Motherwell will feel encouraged by the manner of their win over an Arbroath side who did not manage to muster a single shot on target on Saturday afternoon although Steven Hammell will know that bigger defensive questions will be asked this weekend.
He may also feel that attack is the best form of defence after new addition Mikael Mandron bagged a brace. The 28- year- old journeyman slotted in with ease and although he will be judged on bigger games than the one at Gayfield, he will be emboldened by making an immediate mark at a new club.
“I am always confident I will score,” said Mandron. “It was a different style at Gillingham. Here we play in a totally different style and we create a load of chances. As long as we create chances then I am confident I will score.”
Having walked into a team low in confidence and struggling to find a way to win, Mandron insisted that there is no obvious lack of morale a r ound the Mot h e rwe l l dressing room.
“I am very aware of the situation and I will do my best to help the team,” he said. “Hopefully, I can use my experience, my energy and to give everything on the pitch to help the team. Two goals on Saturday is part of what I can bring to the team.
“I don’t really get that feeling [ that the club is struggling]. The lads are great and I get the impression that it is a really good football club that is well run. Everyone is together, getting on and we are going in the right direction. Sometimes you need new faces to bring a new energy and hopefully I can help do that.”