Gutsy Motherwell make their point

GRAHAM ALEXANDER saluted the never-say-die spirit of his Motherwell side after they came back from 2-0 down to rescue a dramatic point at Tannadice. United had stormed into a commanding first-half lead courtesy of a goal from Lawrence Shankland, who also missed a penalty, and a fine Archie Meekison strike on his first start for the club. But a Chris Long shot after the break had the Steelmen back in the match before Devante Cole hooked in a last-gasp leveller in an entertaining game. ‘That was the second time we have come back from 2-0 down in the last few weeks and the energy in the team is excellent,’ said Fir Park boss Alexander. ‘It was good to get the goal back early in the second half because it gave us the belief we could get back into it. ‘We kept on knocking and got our reward. You could see how fresh we were at the end to try and get a winner.’ Alexander had confirmed before the match that Allan Campbell will be leaving the club in the summer. But the gifted young midfielder limped off after just six minutes and was replaced by Robbie Crawford. ‘Allan has an ice-pack on his calf and fingers crossed he is okay,’ said Alexander. United boss Micky Mellon, meanwhile, said: ‘There were some really good performances from the young players — it gives us lots to think about going forward. ‘The important thing is Dundee United still win games of football, while bringing on these players. That’s what we’ll try to achieve going forward. ‘It was a positive night but (it was) disappointing we didn’t close the game out.’