Well pass their way to win at Darlington
Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson was very pleased with the performance of his side in their last pre-season friendly at Darlington’s Blackwell Meadows.
The Scottish Premier League side won the game 3-0, but they didn’t have matters all their own way against the former Football League side, who now play in the National League North.
“I thought our passing was very, very good at times,” said Robinson, who used his full squad of players in the game.
“Our fitness levels were very good as well, but we’re still looking for a bit more penetration.
“Overall, though, it was a good exercise for us.
“Darlington always give us a good game and they have some good talent in their side.”
It took Motherwell more than 40 minutes to open the scoring, with Darlington’s pace and slick passing – under the stewardship of manager Alun Armstrong – posing several problems for the Steelmen.
Devante Cole forced Darlington keeper Chris Elliott into a good save early on but, in reply, Jarrett Rivers and Stephen Thompson both went close for Quakers.
But Motherwell finally took control of the game just on half time, when Christopher Long bundled a right-wing corner into the net then, just on the whistle, Liam Donnelly fired a powerful right-foot shot just inside the post from 12 yards.
In the second half, Robinson’s decision to change his team about paid dividends.
Although they had to be patient, they scored a third goal near the end when Jamie Semple fired a free-kick through a gap in the Darlington defensive wall into the net from the edge of the box.
However, Quakers still gave their visitors some worrying moments.
Youngster Harry Stansfield forced Mark Gillespie into a full-length save, and Luke Trotman went close from an acute angle and, at the other end, Barry Maguire saw a deflected left foot shot go just wide of the post.