Vital Well bounced back, says Mchugh

KILMARNOCK

Boyd (32)

MOTHERWELL

Mchugh (51), Jules (76) 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 half-time. 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.

The striker had already hit the bar and missed two free headers before holding off Ben Heneghan to net his 200th top-flight goal in Scotland.

But caretaker boss Stephenrobinsonbrought 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 told the club’s Youtube channel: “It’s a big three points, very importantthatwebounced 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.

“I don’t care what kind of situation you are in, coming from behind away from home and winning is a brilliant result. We have had a tough period but hopefully now we can all collectively kick on.”

Jules netted his first career goal in the 76th minute when he rose to head home. It was a sweet moment for the 20-yearold on-loan Reading player, who had gifted a penalty and scored an own goal in his previous two matches.

“I was delighted for Zak,” Mchugh said. “He had a tough game last week. It shows character that he was able to bounce back.”