Well galvanised after half-time ‘talking to’
Boss steve Robinson revealed that a half- time ‘ talking to’ had galvanised Motherwell from their first-half lethargy.
The Premiership side eventually ran out comfortable winners but not before their plucky League 1 opponents had given them a run for their money.
Robinson said: “We corrected things at half-time and you saw the difference. We moved the ball quicker, got wide and delivered balls into the box.”
After a mixed pre- season, with the Steelmen losing to two non- league English clubs, a relieved Robinson was able to say, “So, overall, it was a really pleasing start to the season.”
One particularly positive aspect was the brace of goals scored by sub Ryan Bowman.
“That’s what we want,” said Robinson. “We have a small squad, so we want competition for places and, when you get your chance, you take it. Ryan has given me something to think about.”
In a steady drizzle blowing across Hampden, Motherwell, as was to be expected, took the early initiative, though in low-key fashion.
A long through ball into the box had just too much pace on it for Alex Fisher.
However, in the ninth minute, the Steelmen took the lead. A cross from the left found Fisher under little pressure. He chested the ball to Chris Cadden, who stroked it home.
Shortly after, a cross from Cadden had just too much height on it for wellplaced Fisher.
As the first quarter ended, the visitors’ game had gone quiet.
They were unsettled and, in the 23rd minute, the Spiders, whose efforts had been largely in defence, drew level.
Visiting keeper Trevor Carson could only divert a tricky free- kick on to his crossbar and the dropping ball was bundled home by Adam Cummins to equalise.
As the half closed, clever play by the visitors’ Cadden and new boy from Plymouth Craig Tanner allowed Richard Tait to strike a clever cross into the crowded Queen’s box, where keeper Wullie Muir did well to deal with it.
Playing with more pace from the restart, it took eight minutes for Well to re-take the lead.
Clever control in the home box by Steven Hammell set up Tanner, who opened his account.
Bowman was Well’s second sub in 68 minutes and, within 10 minutes, he had bagged a brace.
For his first, he brought down a long ball beautifully and slipped it home.
His second was similar and, in between, Louis Moult came off the bench to acclaim from the visiting fans, letting him know they want him to stay at Fir Park.
And they acclaimed him again when he struck home a perfect free-kick from 27 yards to wrap up the win.
The Spiders head coach G us McPherson said, “We competed very well for the best part of an hour.”