Motherwell 3
Dundee Utd 2
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

In the wake of the defeat in Antwerp, manager Jim McLean rang the changes. Out went Billy Thomson, Paul Hegarty, Jim McInally, Billy McKinlay and Kevin Gallacher. Alan Main took over in goal and Gary McGinnis came in at right back. Freddy Van Der Hoorn and Michael O'Neill started this match after coming on as substitutes in Belgium whilst Allan Preston returned to the side after injury. Despite this it was another unhappy afternoon with the defence again attracting most of the blame with the loss of another three goals to make it seven in the last two matches. Motherwell took the lead when a headed clearance by Dave Narey fell to Tom Boyd who drilled in a low drive into the far corner. Mixu Paatelainen was the unwitting architect of our equaliser. The Finn blocked a defenders clearance and the ball broke to Michael O'Neill, who hammered in an opportunist goal. After the equaliser we enjoyed our best spell of the game and finished the half on top.

Barely a minute of the second half had elapsed when Motherwell were sensationally reduced to 10 men. Philiben aimed an elbow at Mixu Paatelainen in front of the referee and that indiscretion earned the Motherwell defender a red card. Midway through the second half, Motherwell regained the lead when Davie Cooper was tripped by Gary McGinnis in the box and the former Rangers winger slotted in the penalty award. We equalised almost immediately. Following a corner Darren Jackson headed the ball back into the middle and allowed Michael O'Neill all the time in the world to pick his spot from around 12 yards. However, 14 minutes from time, Davie Cooper laced a ball through to Dougie Arnott who shot low past Alan Main to give the ten men both points.