Daz: We can stop Hoops cleaning up
Well keeper has SPL title hopes after key victory
MOTHERWELL keeper Darren Randolph is backing the Fir Park side to mount a sustained challenge to SPL champions Celtic.
A Michael Higdon hattrick helped hand Well a 4-1 victory over Inverness that saw the Steelmen take their unbeaten start to the SPL season to five games and moved them up to the summit of the SPL heading into the international break.
The Irishman was delighted his side avoided a European hangover following their midweek exertions against Levante in Spain.
And the Steelmen’s No.1 believes lessons learned from forays in both the Champions League and Europa League qualifiers can help lay foundations of a credible challenge to the Hoops title defence.
He said: “I don’t see any reason why we can’t. There is nothing between any of the other sides in the SPL, but we have steadily improved over the last two seasons and it is up to us to keep that going.
“The pleasing thing is we have come back from a draining European game and posted a convincing win at home.
“That is proof we are progressing as a side. It is a very nice feeling to be top of the SPL going into the international break, but it is very early in the season to be reading anything into that.
“We are just pleased to have gone five games without defeat in the SPL and even more so given we have had four European ties against top sides like Panathinaikos and Levante to play.”
Well went ahead on 12 minutes – Tom Hateley’s corner was fumbled in at his near post by Inverness keeper Ryan Esson.
A minute later it was two. Chris Humphrey fired up the wing to leave Aaron Dornan in is wake before hurdling a crude Graeme Shinnie tackle to cut back for Michael Higdon to slot home.
The Highlanders hit back with Inverness skipper Richie Foran nodding home after 28 minutes.
But in 72 minutes the game was put beyond Caley when Higdon intercepted a David Raven back pass and slotted passed Esson.
Moments later Higdon claimed his ha t-trick after superb work by substitute Henrik Ojamaa with a powerful first-time finish.
When Randolph then saved Andy Shinnie’s penalty in the dying seconds, Inverness’ woes were compounded.