5.40pm

Today's result: Aberdeen 2, Motherwell 2.

Motherwell came from 2-0 down to secure a point at Pittodrie this afternoon.  TB kept faith with the same side (and formation) which did so well against Hibs last week, but we found ourselves two goals adrift early on courtesy of two Lovell strikes.  Brian McLean pulled one back shortly before half time and then Richie Foran grabbed the equaliser from the penalty spot shortly after the restart.  After that it sounds like we settled for the point, understandable perhaps after being 2-0 down, but with ICT winning at Easter Road its looking more and more likely that we're going to have to go to Ibrox and win our last game before the split to have any chance of achieving top six football this season.

Team (4-5-1): Meldrum, Corrigan, Craigan, McLean (Kinniburgh 83), Hammell, McBride (Paterson 90), Kerr, McCormack, O'Donnell, Foran, McDonald (Clarkson 79).
Subs not used: Graeme Smith, Leitch, Hamilton, Paul Quinn.

Motherwell scorers: McLean (45), Foran (49 pen).

Booked: Craigan, Hammell, McDonald.

Attendance: 10,212

TB's post-match comments were as follows:
"We thought it was mission impossible after 22 minutes when we were 2-0 down and Aberdeen were rampant, so things weren't looking good for us  However, we got the goal well into time added on and it was over the two minutes which were indicated, but we are not going to complain about that.  The goal lifted us, but I am disappointed that we didn't go on to increase our momentum and create more chances, although we showed a lot of character and fighting spirit.  Therefore I am delighted with the point in the end."

Goalscorer Brian McLean was substituted with 10 mins remaining, and Butcher admits he is a serious doubt for the Livingston game next week:
"I thought Brian was tremendous and scored a great goal but he was struggling near the end of the game and has injured his ankle ligaments."

Loan star Alan McCormack is quoted in today's Sun as saying that he will return to Preston at the end of the season.  However, if he doesn't force his way into their first team then he'd definitely consider Motherwell "long term".

Terry Butcher is being linked with the vacant manager's job at Tynecastle.  Yawn, yawn, yawn.

The reserves played out a 0-0 draw with their Hibs counterparts at Fir Park in midweek.  Team: 
G. Smith, P.Quinn, M Quinn, Kinniburgh, Reynolds, Fitzpatrick, McGarry, Leitch, Thermeus (D.Smith), Clarkson, Paterson
Subs not used: Kane, Martin (G.K), Coakley  Russell