‘Mission complete’ as Levein sees light

So, it’s mission accomplished. Our players are on a little bit of a difficult run and confidence gets affected. We really needed to start picking up points again to have a foundation to build from.

“I thought the Rangers game started it although we didn’t pick up any points. St Johnstone beat Aberdeen today so going there and getting a draw doesn’t look quite so bad now. But overall I’m really pleased.”

For once, Levein had no complaints about the match officials. Collum was jeered ironically after every correct decision but, in truth, he handled the game in an unfussy, straightforward manner. When he finally had cause to get out his yellow card in the 84th minute it was well merited for Carl McHugh who was late with a tackle.

Levein, who has railed against other match officials with increasing ire in previous games, even went as far as to pay Collum a compliment.

“Willie was good,” he added. “He’s an experienced ref and I’m glad they put someone in like that – I don’t know if it was scheduled or not. But he was fine and there was a lot going on out there.”

His opposite number, Stephen Robinson, was not of a similar mind. When Motherwell had the ball in the net through Curtis Main’s turn and shot, it was quickly ruled out for an infringement. Robinson sought clarification but didn’t receive it.

“I’ve heard two different explanations for why it was disallowed, but the less I say about any decision and referees the better,” said the Northern Irishman, who already has a date with the Hampden disciplinary panel pending.

Even the one goal that stood wasn’t straightforward. It was given to Peter Haring who looked to have fastened on to Ollie Bozanic’s cross after 14 minutes to head it beyond the goalkeeper. The Austrian, though, later admitted he felt the final touch may actually have come off Motherwell’s Charles Dunne.

“I think it was an own goal,” said Haring, who finished the game with a cut above his eye glued up. “I don’t really know how it happened. It was a good cross from Bozzie, I jumped for a header, felt some contact but I don’t know who headed the ball. I just heard our supporters cheering and that was it.

“Today I don’t care at all if I get the goal or not. I’m just glad we got the