Today's result: Motherwell 0, Aberdeen 1.

Poor stuff at Fir Park this afternoon, as a very mediocre Aberdeen team stole the points with a free kick just five minutes from the end.  Motherwell enjoyed the majority of possession, but on the rare occasions when we carved out a chance our strikers seemed intent on trying to walk the ball into the net rather than pulling the trigger.

There were two changes from last week, with Marc Fitzpatrick and Jamie Murphy replacing Bob Malcolm and Steven McGarry respectively.

With the visitors reluctant to commit players forward, the first half made for dire viewing with Motherwell unable to break down a resolute defence.  Our long ball tactic caused Aberdeen few problems, in fact I can't remember their goalkeeper having a single save to make during the opening 45 mins.

Things improved marginally after the break, although it seemed the only way we would make the breakthrough was via a set-piece, with Hughes and then Quinn both going close from Hammell corners.  Clarkson and substitute Darren Smith then both had opportunities to get shots away, but delayed too long and were closed down.  As the game wore on, it was obvious our long ball tactic was not working and Aberdeen at last began to show an attacking side.  Graeme Smith pulled off a great save to deny Aberdeen sub Wright, but the Motherwell goalkeeper looked badly at fault when Mulgrew's free kick from fully 30 yards beat him at his near post for the winning goal.

I can't think of many positives to take from today's game.  The lack of creativity in the middle of the park was startling, with players seemingly content with thumping an aimless ball upfield rather than take on an opponent or play a short pass to feet.  And it's not as if Aberdeen are even a semi-decent side, but we were were unable to come up with an answer to their spoiling tactics.

We badly need a win next week against Dundee United, and hopefully by that time there will be some new faces in the side.

Team (4-3-3): Graeme Smith, Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds, Hammell, Lasley, Hughes, Fitzpatrick (O'Brien 90), Clarkson, Porter, Murphy (Darren Smith 59).
Subs Not Used: Neilson, Malcolm, McGarry, Connolly, Wilson.

Booked: none.

Attendance: 5,872.

It seems that at last, some new faces could be on their way.  Mark McGhee has confirmed he's interested in signing Rangers defender Andy Webster on loan, and is also tracking Wycombe striker John Sutton.  Meanwhile, we've seemingly had a bid turned down for Livingston defender Dave Mackay.  Togo international midfielder Souleymane Mamam is apparently still at the club on trial, although any move would depend on work permit issues.

McGhee is quoted as saying:
"We have registered an interest in Webster from Rangers because we heard he might be available.  And John Sutton we heard might want to come north again, so we have asked to be kept informed on that one. But that is as far as it has gone."

David Clarkson has been named in the full Scotland squad for the friendly against Northern Ireland next Wednesday.

Wee bit on the BBC about two 'Well fans being fined following a clash with Aberdeen fans last seasonn.