Well taught harsh lesson by newcomers United
Mark Reynolds admitted there was one disappointing aspect of his winning goal.
The former Motherwell player didn’t have the chance to celebrate in front of his old pals.
Reynolds hit only the 12th goal of his career to give Dundee United their first Premiership victory of the season.
He said: “I’m Motherwell through and through, born and bred in the town, but it’s nice to come back and score a goal although nobody was here to see it!
“I’ll need to tell everyone to stop coming to games because I obviously don’t score under pressure. My pals normally all sit in the Motherwell Bois section and give me dog’s abuse.
“It was disappointing because I’d have gone over to celebrate in front of them.”
The 33-year-old believes United are showing they belong in the top flight and can stay near the top end of the table.
He went on: “It’s about making boys aware this league isn’t totally different to last season.
“You don’t get easy weeks but we’ve got a squad that’s more than capable of competing and it’s about trusting that we’re good enough.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play in teams who have been sitting in European places and this squad is as good.
“We’ve got exciting, young players who aren’t scared.”
United took a little time to get into yesterday’s game, but eventually showed shot-shy Motherwell how to perform in front of goal.
They were quick on the break and should have made taken a chance just before the half-hour mark.
Harkes sent Bolton through on goal, but his shot from the right-hand side of the penalty area hit the side netting.
Those sort of opportunities will inevitably have had supporters back in Dundee lamenting the absence of Shankland.
Bolton is on a season-long loan from Manchester City and more used to creating chances from the wing rather than taking them.
He did supply the cross for the goal that broke the deadlock.
Motherwell keeper Trevor Carson punched a corner kick away and Bolton curled the ball back across the area.
Reynolds ghosted in at the back
post to send a shot high into the net. It was no great surprise the Tangerines – who were playing in a purple away kit – took the lead at that point.
They emerged looking energetic after the half-time interval and the home side appeared taken aback by them pushing further up the pitch.
Butcher had headed a corner just wide shortly before Reynolds struck.
Having lost their first game at Ross County, you could only imagine how displeased the home fans would have been at going behind to a newlypromoted side.
You often see teams wilting when the noise of grumbling supporters begins to rise from the stands.
It was only their own deficiencies that led to the Steelmen appearing a bit shell-shocked.
Motherwell did get themselves going again but they weren’t looking too sharp in front of goal. Headers were their main problem. Allan Campbell had an effort from close range early on that he sent wide and Long looped one over later in the match.
Both men will look back and know they should have done better.
Dillon Powers nearly made it two for United but the goalie’s fingertips pushed his shot against the bar.
Jordan White nodded home just before the end, but his effort was chalked off for a push.
Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson accepted the referee’s decision.
Dundee United boss Micky Mellon is delighted with the way his men are coping with moving up a level.
He said: “I thought we were very, very good against Motherwell and answered all the questions asked of us.”