Telfer does the trick as Pearson cries foul
AS a wretched run of results takes on an element of misfortune, Motherwell are i n danger of fulfilling Ian Baraclough’s prophecy of a title challenge — in next year’s Championship.
The Lanarkshire side twice felt wronged in the opening period of this match when first Stephen Pearson was denied a penalty and then referee Craig Thomson rescinded an away goal after a communications mix-up with his assistant.
Yet for all that, the Lanarkshire strugglers scarcely deserved better than this latest defeat — the team’s fifth on the bounce.
Baraclough arrived at Fir Park a little over a month ago talking of mounting a Premiership tilt, but his players are showing relegation form and sit just two points clear of a play-off.
The signing of former Scotland midfielder Pearson has added some much-needed quality but, for all the forward momentum the former Celtic man may bring, there remain glaring deficiencies in defence.
United deserved their win but they aren’t perfect either.
Irked by a 1-1 draw at St Mirren in midweek, Jackie McNamara took his frustration out on his team-sheet and placed a red line through seven of the names who had started in that Paisley stalemate.
Midfielder Charlie Telfer was among those to come in and he responded with two wonderfully taken goals, which sandwiched a Jaroslaw Fojut header that exposed the flaws in Motherwell’s backline.
Thomson has the unenviable task of refereeing next weekend’s Old Firm League Cup semi-final and there was plenty here by way of preparation.
He was correct to adjudge Motherwell captain Stephen McManus’ handball as accidental in the first instance, but Pearson was adamant he had been fouled as he attempted to break past United centre-half Callum Morris.
‘It’s a stonewall penalty,’ said Pearson. ‘You could actually hear the sound. I moved the ball past him and he caught me. When you’re down at the bottom, it just seems like these things go against you.’
As half-time approached, Thomson found himself trading mixed messages with assistant David McGeachie.
A break saw Pearson drive into the box and cut the ball back for John Sutton who, in the act of being tackled by Sean Dillon, got the final touch as the ball ricocheted beyond Radoslaw Cierzniak. Morris strained to clear on the line but Sutton’s celebrations were cut short as Thomson reversed his decision on McGeachie’s advice.
‘I’ve spoken to the referee and the linesman gave a decision,’ said Baraclough afterwards. ‘Apparently he shouted “play on” and the referee thought he shouted “goal”. It’s easy to mix those two words up, isn’t it?’
McNamara was more inclined to give the officials the benefit of the doubt.
‘Their comms weren’t working at that time,’ said the United boss. ‘The linesman said he couldn’t communicate properly with the referee. When the ball goes back out, is cleared, the linesman has followed the ball and the ref thinks he is running to the halfway line.
‘It’s a misunderstanding. There’s no way the ball was over the line.’
It was an awkward moment but it would have been harsh on United if they had gone in a goal down.
The number of changes had made it hard for the home team to find any
rhythm but Aidan Connolly was looking lively out wide and Blair Spittal — operating out of position at right-back — forced a fine save from Dan Twardzik after latching on to Calum Butcher’s cross-field pass.
Pearson ought to have given Motherwell the lead when he fired a shot straight at Cierzniak, but the introduction of Nadir Ciftci brightened things up for United and they took control.
Telfer’s first finish was impressive but he needed two attempts, his initial shot rebounding and sitting up nicely for a 20-yard shot that found the corner low to Twardzik’s right.
The second was embarrassing for Motherwell. Connolly’s corner was dispatched to the back post and Fojut did not have to leave the ground as he nodded the ball home.
Connolly was promptly removed by McNamara but, even as the home team celebrated their goal, a few boos rang out as Gary MackaySteven was introduced in his first Tannadice appearance since he agreed his move to Celtic.
Motherwell got one back when Simon Ramsden volleyed in from Lionel Ainsworth’s cross but Telfer’s cool side-foot finish from outside the box wrapped up the victory.