8.40pm

Our season got off to a disappointing start as we lost 2-0 to Celtic at Parkhead this afternoon.  Although by no means disgraced, we never really looked like scoring and the home side eventually ran out fairly comfortable winners.

Even on day one of the season, the injuries to Kerr and Quinn exposed our threadbare squad and gave Terry Butcher selection problems.  We started the game in our usual 4-4-2 formation, with Marshall in goal, a back four of Corrigan, Craigan, Kinniburgh and Hammell, a midfield of Fagan, O'Donnell, Leitch and Paterson, with Burns and Clarkson upfront.

After a reasonably bright opening, we conceded the dreaded early goal when the defence failed to clear the ball properly and McNamara took full advantage with a shot into the far corner.  There was little in the way of goalmouth action during the remainder of the first half, although we were slightly fortunate not to go 2-0 down on the stroke of half time, when Fagan cleared a Suttton header off the line.  Apart from a couple of half chances, both of which were passed up by Alex Burns, Motherwell were rarely seen as an attacking force in the opening 45 minutes.

Probably our best spell of the game came at the start of the second half, but again we failed to create any clear cut opportunities, and when Celtic scored again in 55 minutes it was virtually game over - Sutton sliding onto the end of a cross ball to beat Marshall at his near post.  McDonald and Foran replaced Clarkson and Burns in attack, and while both looked lively we again were unable to unlock the Celtic defence, and the home side ran out comfortable 2-0 winners.

Despite the defeat, there were still positives to take from the game today, probably the most obvious being the performance of young William Kinniburgh who was outstanding at centre half.  In fact, the defence in general played well and at no point did we look to be heading for a four or five goal drubbing.  Sadly, the midfield never really got going, and although Leitch and Paterson had their moments, the game seemed to pass by both O'Donnell and Fagan.

Finally, a special mention goes to the Celtic Park stewards, who not only prevented a couple of 'Well fans from unfurling their flags, but then proceeded to eject a couple of supporters for the heinous crimes of wearing a white Holland top and, wait for it, disrupting the minute's silence by having a mobile phone going off!  Unbelievable.

Team (4-4-2): Marshall, Corrigan, Craigan, Kinniburgh, Hammell, Fagan (Fitzpatrick 71), O'Donnell, Leitch, Paterson, Clarkson (McDonald 60), Burns (Foran 60).
Subs not used: Corr, Partridge, Cowan, Keogh.

Booked: none.

Attendance: 57,245.

Terry Butcher remained positive after the defeat, saying:
"I thought we started off quite brightly and held them for eight minutes which is probably a record at Celtic Park.  I'm happy with my team but you've got to have more belief that you can score a goal.  Our quality in the final third wasn't good enough but we defended well at times."

Defender Gary Bollan has left Motherwell to become player/coach at Clyde.

Before today's game, TB was quoted as saying it was "highly unlikely" that any further signings would be made before the transfer deadline at the end of the month:
"We'll have a look at Sunday's game with Celtic, and then we'll see if we will bring anyone else in.  It's highly unlikely we will be able to bring anybody else in. We have to go with the squad we have got, but it's a chance for others to stake a claim."

Hopefully he'll have realised after today that we are crying out for a midfielder, and with the departure of Bollan freeing up a wage, here's hoping we can add to the squad before the deadline. 

Richie Foran was in court this week following an alleged incident in a nightclub during the striker's time at Carlisle.  Foran denied the assault charge, and the jury was discharged after failing to reach a verdict.