9.30pm

We were humped 4-0  Celtic at Fir Park tonight.  It's difficult to fault the players for effort and for a long spell in the first half we gave as good as we got, but things fell apart somewhat in the second 45 mins and we ended up taking a real doing.

Eric Black was forced to field a weakened team due to the injuries to Dirk Lehmann and Scott Leitch.  Stephen Pearson replaced Martinez in midfield, while Stuart Elliott partnered James McFadden in attack with Ferrere dropping to the bench, but the biggest surprise of the night was the selection of Francios Dubourdeau in goal ahead of Steve Woods.  It wasn't to be a debut that the Frenchman will remember fondly...

We started the game poorly and seemed content to back off the Celtic attackers while conceding the battle in midfield.  As a result, it was no surprise when we went behind after only 9 mins when Lambert waltzed through the defence and fired home unchallenged.  The visitors continued to dominate and went close to increasing their lead on several occasions, but we gradually came back into the match and started to pass the ball about.  However, the closest we came to equalising was a long range Greg Strong effort in the final minute of the first half, which I believe was our only shot on target all night.

The second half was painful to watch and was dominated by Celtic from start to finish.  The game was more or less over as at contest when the visitors added a second after 52 mins, when Larsson was given a free header at a corner with Dubourdeau nowhere.  Then any lingering chance we had vanished when referee Stuart Dougal gave Pearson a straight red-card for a late challenge on Agathe.  It seemed a very harsh decision, but in all honestly it probably put Pearson out of his misery as was completely out of his depth tonight.  Larsson added a third from the penalty spot after Dubourdeau brought down a Celtic attacker in the box, but to our credit we didn't give up and still tried to go forward at every opportunity.  However, a volley from Mjallby after 77 mins put Celtic 4-0 up, which was probably a fair reflection of the night's proceedings

A game against either of the Old Firm is a difficult proposition at the best of times, however with the team we had out tonight I think it's fair to say we were always going to struggle to take anything from the match.  In my opinion, the biggest problem area tonight was midfield where without Scott Leitch and with Keith Lasley clearly not 100% fit, we were always second best.  We also badly missed Lehmann presence's upfront, while Dubourdeau did little to suggest he is any better than Steve Woods. 

8.45am

This morning's papers are reporting that we have ANOTHER French goalkeeper on trial.  23-year-old former Bastia and Toulouse keeper Fabien Audard is currently at Fir Park after a spell with Dunfermline, and Eric Black said:
"Fabien arrived on Monday and has been training with us.  He has not signed anything so unless something drastic happens he will not be in the side to face Celtic."

For tonight's game, Keith Lasley is doubtful with an ankle knock and Scott Leitch and Dirk Lehmann are definitely out.  Lehmann will be out of action for at least a month after damaging ankle ligaments at Dundee on Saturday, and Eric Black added:
"Dirk was doing really well and he will be a big loss. His contract is up at the end of the season and we are still waiting to see what will happen."

Eric promised his team will have a go at Celtic tonight:
"We are the home side so the onus is on Motherwell to attack. I think you will see an even hungrier Celtic side if that is possible.  As it gets closer the players will see the finishing post in sight and I'm sure we will see an extremely motivated Celtic team for this game."

Anyone else think its time for a new Fans' Poll?  Yep, thought so....

Should the Dave Cooper Stand be given over to away supporters?

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