THE SCOUT REPORT

Express sports reporter Ben Ramage takes a look at Saints’ opponents this afternoon as they welcome the Steelmen to St Mirren Park.

Form

Motherwell have endured a surprisingly difficult start to their Premiership campaign this season.

Despite qualifying for Europe after a superb campaign last time out, the Lanarkshire side lost four of their opening six domestic games, drawing the other two.

They have picked up two wins in their last three games though, including a sensational 3-0 win against Aberdeen at Pittodrie, and sit just one point ahead of St Mirren in the Premiership table.

Manager

Stephen Robinson has been at the helm at Fir Park since 2017, and has had a successful spell leading the Steelmen to the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup finals in his debut season.

The Northern Irishman has consistently been linked with other jobs for his excellent work, including his own country’s top job and the Bournemouth hotseat.

Star player

The beating heart of the Motherwell midfield, Allan Campbell has been running the show for the Steelmen for many seasons.

The Fir Park youth academy product has made more than 100 appearances in claret and amber, despite his tender age of 22, and his swashbuckling performances have made him a firm fan favourite.

Dominating opponents in the middle of the pitch, the Scotland under- 21 international’s contract is up at the end of the season and he certainly looks destined for bigger and better things.

Last time the sides met

It was an absolute cracker the last time St Mirren faced Motherwell, with the clubs sharing eight goals between them.

Facing off in a Scottish Cup 5th round replay at Fir Park in February, St Mirren sensationally sealed their place in the quarter-finals after a nerve-wracking shootout finally separated the sides.

After sharing ten goals over two games and battling for more than 210 minutes, the Saints finally managed to find a way past Motherwell.

A second half meltdown almost cost the Buddies dearly after a Jekyll and Hyde performance at Fir Park, sensational in the first 45 minutes, but woeful in the second half.

Despite enjoying a three-goal lead at the break thanks to a Jon Obika brace, a Sam Foley strike and a Peter Hartley own goal, they allowed the Steelmen to battle back to level and force added time.

And, with the breathless game level at 4-4 after extra time, Jim Goodwin’s men held their nerve to seal the last eight spot 3-2 on penalties.

Obika, Kyle McAllister and Jamie McGrath netted the pivotal spot kicks for the Buddies.