10.15pm

Tonight's result: Motherwell 2, Hamilton Accies 1.

A controversial last-minute goal from Jim Hamilton was enough for Motherwell to squeeze through against 10 man Hamilton in this CIS Cup match at Fir Park. We probably did enough to merit the win, although we didn't half make heavy weather of it.

Injuries and suspensions forced TB into a number of changes from the team which lost to Dundee United at the weekend. Meldrum continued in goal, but in came 18-year-old Bobby Donnelly for his debut, Fagan and Andy Smith with Craigan, Kinniburgh and Paterson all missing out.

Accies settled well and missed a couple of golden opportunities early on. The visitors did eventually take the lead midway though the half, and yet again it was all too easy as a simple cross played into the box caused chaos in the 'Well rearguard, and Jones took full advantage to head beyond Meldrum. We equalised shortly before the break when O'Donnell was brought down in the box and the referee awarded, what seemed to me anyway, a somewhat softish penalty. McDonald made no mistake from the spot.

Motherwell dominated much of the second half, and were unlucky not to take the lead after 58 mins when McDonald crashed a header off the bar and the 'keeper saved Fagan's effort from the rebound. Shortly afterwards, a header from O'Donnell appeared to have crossed the line but no goal was awarded. When Jim Hamilton rattled the woodwork with a shot from the edge of the box the 'Well fans feared that it wasn't going to be our night. Accies were reduced to 10 men when Hardy was shown a straight red for first scything down McDonald and then putting McCormack up in the air! McCormack was later stretchered off following an unrelated incident and looks set to join the ever growing injury list. Just when we looked set for extra-time, a close range effort from Jim Hamilton was ruled to have crossed the line even though it appeared to me that the defender had cleared it first.

Perhaps we got a bit of luck in the end, but we're through to the next round and that's all that matters. It wasn't exactly pretty to watch though. Our defensive frailties were exposed by Accies in the first half, and we were fortunate they only took advantage on one occasion.

Team (4-4-2): Meldrum, McCormack (Keogh 85), Donnelly, Quinn, Hammell, Andy Smith, Kerr, O'Donnnell, Fagan (Foran 79), McDonald, Hamilton.
Subs not used:Graeme Smith, Clarkson, Fitzpatrick.

Motherwell scorers: McDonald (41), Hamilton (89).

Booked: McCormack.

Attendance: 4,619.

The kick-off was held up for 10 minutes tonight while the club and police decided if ambulance cover was required for the match. This resulted in long queues outside, especially at the East Stand.