Turnbull’s spark can’t save Well
Promising midfielder is only ray of light at Fir Park
Ben Ramage at Fir Park Motherwell’s miserable home form continued as Jason Kerr’s header at the death denied the Steelmen a point.
Well are still looking for their first home win in the league this season, and the wait continues after Saints grabbed all three points on Saturday.
One of the only positives to come out of the match was the performance of 19-year-old David Turnbull, whose excellent passing and composure on the ball outshone many of his teammates.
Making his third appearance of the season, the youngster was one of the only players to earn any praise from gaffer Stephen Robinson after the loss.
And while delighted to get more minutes on the pitch, Turnbull just wished he had managed to inspire the squad to victory.
Turnbull said: “I was told earlier on in the week that I might be starting.
“I was delighted when I got the call and tried to do my best.
“I love every minute I play. It’s unbelievable and just a joy.
“I’m getting a lot more comfortable on the pitch. I’m looking for more starts but that’s up to the gaffer.
“It’s nice to hear the gaffer is speaking highly of you, but obviously we want the result more.”
Motherwell’s best chance fell to Curtis Main when Turnbull played a stunning defence splitting pass through for the striker.
Main blazed over, and Turnbull believes he learned a valuable lesson - don’t start celebrating too soon.
“I was away celebrating already - I thought he’d scored!
“It was unlucky and I’m sure he’ll start putting them away sooner rather than later.
“We were all down at the end but everyone will get right behind each other and keep pushing each other on.”
In a game bereft of much quality, Main had the first chance for the hosts, heading wide from a decent Aaron Taylor-sinclair cross.
The first clear cut opportunity went to the visitors when Tony Watt latched on to a David Mcmillan header.
He raced through but his near-post effort was well saved by Trevor Carson. Well were keeping the pressure on, and Turnbull’s deadly delivery from a free-kick found Andy Rose at the back post. His header powered off the bar.
Nice interplay between Turnbull and Allan Campbell saw the latter set up nicely on the edge of the box just before halftime but the Scotland under- 21 international blazed over. Chris Cadden had a late chance in first half injury time after spinning past Scott Tanser but he blazed over the bar when he really should have hit the target.
Main fired over the bar from close range early in the second half before almost making amends with a low Motherwell’s last home win in the league was against Hamilton back on May 12. They won 3-0 thanks to a Ciftci brace and Aldred goal. fizzing strike that Zander Clark did well to palm around the post.
Robinson introduced Elliot Frear and Danny Johnson looking for that vital goal.
Johnson fired weakly wide as Motherwell struggled to find a way through the Saints stubborn defence.
Drey Wright looked like he’d finally broken the deadlock with a fine longrange drive but Carson responded expertly to tip his strike around the post.
The Saints bagged the extra-time winner when Kerr headed home from Liam Craig’s corner.
Motherwell will hope they can turn the tide when they visit St Mirren next Wednesday, in a game that looks increasingly more important.
Turnbull is confident that game can be pivotal for the Steelmen.
He said: “It’s a big one next week (against St Mirren). They’re in the same position, it’s basically a six pointer. Hopefully we can win that and kick on up the table.
“If we beat St Mirren it could kickstart our season.
“We just need to get that win and I think we will.”