5.45pm

Today's result: Motherwell 4, Kilmarnock 1.

Oh dear. Our first defeat of the season, and what a pitiful performance it was too. Defensively we were all over the place, and can have no complaints over the margin of the defeat.

There were no changes from the team which beat Dunfermline last week, with Scott McDonald named among the substitutes.

A dreadful start to the match saw go 2-0 down inside the opening 20 mins. There was a large element of luck about the first Killie goal as Smith looked certain to save Johnston's effort until William Kinniburgh diverted the ball past him. We should have equalised when Clarkson latched on to a slack back pass, but after rounding the 'keeper he could only fire into the side netting. The home side's second came when a suspiciously offside looking Kris Boyd got on the end of a free header to slam the ball past Smith. We actually then had a decent spell of play and carved out chances for Hamilton, Paterson and a further one for Clarkson, before Clarkson eventually redeemed himself by getting on the end of a Paterson cross to convert from close range. 2-1 to Killie at half time.

After hauling ourselves back into the match, the second half was a major disappointment and when the home side regained their two goal advantage through McDonald on the hour mark the game was over as a contest. The fourth goal came when Boyd headed home unchallenged after 72 minutes with Graeme Smith looking none too clever. Apparently substitute Scott McDonald hit the post for Motherwell in the closing minutes, but I'm afraid I had long since left by that point.

Not sure if there are any positives at all to take from this match. Yet again we struggled to compete with a big, physical side, and our defence (Kinniburgh especially) were simply not at the races against Kilmarnock's forward line. In midfield we're badly missing a ball winner to break up opposition attacks - surely this has to be a priority before the transfer window closes. And what can I say about our strikers? To be fair to Clarkson he did try hard, but he should have had a hat trick today and seems completely devoid of any confidence. Jim Hamilton was just Jim Hamilton.

The strange thing is that we actually created enough chances to win the game today, but until we sort out that defence and get Scott McDonald back in the side we're always going to struggle.

Team: 4-4-2: Graeme Smith, Paul Quinn, Hammell, Kinniburgh, Craigan, McCormack (Foran 58), Kerr, O'Donnell, Hamilton (McDonald 65), Clarkson (Andy Smith 75), Paterson.
Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Fagan, Keogh, Fitzpatrick.

Booked: Kerr, McCormack, Kinniburgh.

Attendance: 5,035.

Terry Butcher's post-match comments were as follows:
"We got what we deserved, which was nothing. All credit to Kilmarnock, they thoroughly deserved the win. It was 4-1 but it could have been a lot more. At half-time, I was thinking it was a good platform for us to go and do something. But Kilmarnock dominated the second half and we just couldn't get the ball. I have no complaints about it. I think it is a huge slap in the face for us. One or two may have thought they were better players than what they are, so we are back down to earth with a resounding bump. Hopefully, this is a big wake-up call for all of us at Motherwell."

The club moved swiftly this week to dismiss reports of a possible takeover. An article in the Daily Express claimed that a group of wealthy businessmen (including two Scots, two Irishmen and one Englishman) had approached Motherwell with a view to a possible £5 million buyout, and intended to sell Fir Park and move the club to Dalziel Park. However John Boyle responded quickly by saying there is no deal on the table and no negotiations are underway.

Earlier in the week the club announced a £321,000 profit from last season, following our top six finish and cup final appearance. Our turnover was £4.1million, and players' wages represented 35.5% of that figure. Apparently we are the only SPL side to announce a positive return for two consecutive seasons, and the club also claim that season ticket sales have increased with nearly 3,000 sold (not so sure about that to be honest). John Boyle was quoted as saying:
"The performance of the club both on the pitch and in financial terms over the last two seasons has been excellent. It has required a tremendous effort from everyone at the club, but these latest results and the increase in season ticket sales show everyone's efforts have been worthwhile. After coming out of administration, the club required a period of careful management and stewardship and this has happened. Like all clubs we have to keep a strict financial discipline and, as long as this is maintained, the club will have a bright future."

We've been drawn at home (yes, at HOME) to Hamilton Accies in the 2nd round of the CIS League Cup. The tie is scheduled for Tuesday, August 23.

Motherwell have completed the signing of former Kilmarnock and Livingston goalkeeper Colin Meldrum (29) on a short-term deal. TB is also after a central defender (hurrah!) and the 'Well manager is quoted as saying:
"We are still looking for a centre half as cover. We've only got William Kinniburgh and Stephen Craigan there as experience. We have some very good young kids coming through here but they need a little bit of time to fulfill their promise. Stephen Craigan will miss the Hamilton CIS Insurance Cup tie as well so we will try to bring in a decent centre-back."

On the signing of Meldrum, he added:
"There's a chance for Colin to win a longer deal, absolutely. That applies to all the players whose deals are up at the end of this year. Maybe they are looking to move somewhere else but it will be nice for these players to push themselves."

The players he is referring to are Martyn Corrigan, Steven Hammell, Scott Leitch and Phil O'Donnell, who are all out of contract at the end of the season.

The reserves lost 3-1 to their Dunfermline counterparts at Fir Park during the week. Stephen Maguire was our scorer.