Campbell’s rocket gives Motherwell lift-off at long last
MOTHERWELL boss Stephen Robinson hailed Allan Campbell as being irreplaceable after his goal sealed the club’s first Premiership win of the season.
The midfielder scored a late winner for Scotland’s Under-21s against Lithuania in their Euro qualifier on Tuesday.
And with just four minutes played at Fir Park yesterday, Campbell continued his brilliant week with a terrific 20-yard strike to defeat wasteful St Johnstone.
Robinson was full of praise for the 22-year-old after his side claimed three points at the seventh attempt.
‘I don’t think he ever had a lack of confidence,’ said the manager. ‘He’s top class and I don’t know how I’d replace him. He epitomises everything we do. If everyone was like him, life would be very easy.
‘He had six goals last year and there’s a good chance he could get more. His work rate, desire and all-round game is excellent.’
Robinson added: ‘Winning eases pressure but there was a real belief that we’re a good side.’
Motherwell made the perfect start inside four minutes when Campbell netted the opener. The midfielder drove forward and unleashed a fantastic strike which found the bottom corner.
Saints were almost gifted an equaliser on 20 minutes when Ricki Lamie’s under-hit back pass allowed Michael O’Halloran a shot at goal from a tight angle. Much to Motherwell’s relief, the effort was deflected behind for a corner.
The visitors then wasted another great chance to score three minutes before half-time. Callum Hendry found himself with a free header 10 yards from goal but he miscued his effort wide.
In the second half, another mistake from Lamie nearly handed the Perth side an equaliser. The ball squirmed through his legs, leaving substitute Stevie May with a clear sight of goal albeit from a tight angle. But his shot went just wide of the far post.
David Wotherspoon was next to have his head in his hands when his header at the back post from a deep cross sailed over the bar.
Motherwell held on through eight minutes of stoppage-time to secure the win they had been so desperately searching for.
Visiting boss Callum Davidson said: ‘It wasn’t the most attractive of games. When you get chances you need to take them. Motherwell did take their chance but we also gave them a chance to fight for something in the game.’ MOTHERWELL (5-3-2): Carson; O’Donnell, Gallagher, Mugabi, Lamie, McGinley (Grimshaw 71); O’Hara, Campbell, Polworth; Lang, Watt (White 69, Long 90).
Subs (not used): Morrison, Hastie, Maguire, Seedorf, MacIver, Johnston. Booked: O’Hara, Watt, Carson, Campbell. ST JOHNSTONE (3-5-2): Parish; Kerr, Gordon (Craig 64), McCart; McNamara, McCann, Wotherspoon (Davidson 84), Conway, Tanser; Hendry (Kane 54), O’Halloran
(May 54). Subs (not used): Clark, Duffy, Olaofe, Rooney, Robertson. Booked: None.
Referee: Euan Anderson.