NO EXCUSES
Lenny slams his flops after they throw away 2-goal lead
A second-half brace from Louis Moult cancelled out another doublebarrelled hitman in Anthony Stokes to stretch W ell’ s unbeaten run to four games.
In the end the visitors finished this entertaining clash so strongly they could even feel unlucky not to leave Leith with three points.
Even more so considering the penalty for Stokes’ 22nd-minute opener should never have been given. But any frustration Well felt was dwarfed by Lennon’s anger at his players for letting slip a two-goal lead. Lennon said: “What we have done is inexcusable. We did it against Hamilton as well.
“I have a very experienced back four, big boys, and an international goalkeeper. And they didn’t lead, they didn’t manage the game. It’s something I am going to have to address.
“The first goal is pathetic. The fact that Moult is free for a start but my goalkeeper has to come and take it. He’s three yards out and turns his back on it.
“The second goal is embarrassing in terms of people diving in, giving themselves up, and my goalkeeper gets beaten at his near post.
“If the players don’t like what I am saying publicly I do not care.”
As frustrated as Lennon was, this was as entertaining a first half as you’ll see all season with both teams playing slick, swift passing football creating plenty of action at either end. So it’s a shame that such an entertaining f irst 45 should be defined by three dodgy penalty decisions by referee Barry Cook.
The first one, in the 11th minute, looked the strongest shout of the lot as Well skipper Carl McHugh was all over the onrushing Stokes, clearly pushing and clipping the Irishman’s heels as he tumbled to the turf.
That whistler Cook didn’t want to know was made even more remarkable by the penalty he did give later in the game – but first there was another questionable spot-kick snub to come at the other end.
Granted, Richard Tait did himself no favours with the theatrical manner in which he threw his hands in the air as he f lew over Marvin Bartley’s outstretched foot in the box.
But there did appear to be contact and Tait will curse the harsh yellow card flashed at him for diving.
Even more so when Well reflect on the penalty that was given, the weakest shout of the lot, on 21 minutes. Martin Boyle’s overlapping dash into the box forced Charles Dunne to chase but TV replays later showed there was no contact as the Hibs wide man tumbled .
His raging team-mate Moult didn’t mince his words in tel l ing referee Cook just that, earning him a booking for dissent.
Amidst the argument Stokes kept his cool, stepping up to the spot to stroke a clinical finish neatly inside Trevor Carson’s left post.
Motherwell were cursing their luck again on 26 minutes when Louis Moult released Andy Rose then continued his run to steer the return pass on to the crossbar.
It just didn’t seem like it was going to be Wel l ’s day when Stokes stretched his side’s lead in the 56th minute - taking full advantage as Well’s defence dithered in the box to clip a classy finish with the outside of his boot into the top corner.
Motherwel l ’ s react ion was positive, switching Rose with Craig Tanner and the difference was instant as the sub’s free-kick found Moult to bundle it over the line.
Not the prettiest goal he’ll ever score, unlike his next one 10 minutes later. Efe Ambrose rashly dived in to cut out the feed and Moult had the guile to take full advantage with a streetwise turn and a rapid swing of his right foot to rap home a low drive.