'WELL SUNGLASSES
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5.20pm

Oh dear.  We slumped to yet another defeat this afternoon as Dundee ran out 2-1 winners at Fir Park.

With Tony Vaughan suspended, Martyn Corrigan moved to centre-back with David Cowan filling in at right-back.  Steven Craig partnered Dirk Lehmann in an attacking line-up that saw James McFadden sitting just behind the front two.

Not for the first time this season, we got off to the worst possible start by conceding a goal within the opening couple of minutes.  Scott Leitch needlessly gave the ball away in midfield, and when Milne crossed from the left Mark Burchill was there to head Dundee into the lead. The visitors made it 2-0 after 24 mins when Leitch again squandered possession, and the subsequent ball over the top caught out our defence and allowed Milne space and time to fire the ball home.  We did create a couple of first-half chances of our own, with Craig hitting the bar from close range and Lehmann firing wide when it looked easier to score, however he had already been flagged for offside.  The ref blew for half-time with the visitors comfortably in front.

I suppose that at the interval, many 'Well fans were of the opinion that the game was already over.  However, to be fair to the team they came out and made a real fight of it in the second half, and totally dominated proceedings with Dubourdeau a virtual spectator for long spells.  Dundee 'keeper Speroni looked like he was going to frustrate Motherwell when he pulled off two unbelievable saves from long-range efforts, however we finally pulled a goal back after 77 mins when Faddy evaded a couple of challenges in the box before driving home.  We were playing with virtually 4 upfront at this point, and substitute Offiong came agonisingly close to snatching a deserved equaliser when he chipped the goalkeeper only for the ball to be cleared off the line.  Sadly, we ran out of time and Dundee held on for three points that guaranteed them a top six position.

 If only we had played even half as well as we did in the second half during the opening 45 mins, then surely we would have come away with something today.  Sadly, the damage had been done by half time and questions must surely be asked about Scott Leitch's contribution to both Dundee goals.  He wasn't the only one to have an off-day though - step forward Mr Hammell - but credit must go to the team for the way they made a real go of it in the second 45 mins.  If we can produce that sort of form in our remaining 6 fixtures then we might yet avoid the drop, however it has to be said that a repeat of our first half showing when we come up against Rangers next week will surely see us on the receiving end of a good humping.

Finally, a special mention to Steven Craig who was my Man of the Match today.  He has surely played himself into the team for Hampden next week.

Team (4-4-2): Dubourdeau, Cowan, Corrigan, Partridge, Hammell, Lasley (Clarkson 55), Adams, Leitch, McFadden, Craig, Lehmann (Offiong 67).
Subs Not Used: Woods, McDonald, Kinniburgh.

Booked: none!

Attendance: 4,693.

One bit of good news from today.  Falkirk defeated St Johnstone to open up a 9 point lead at the top of the First Division...

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