5.45pm

Today's result: Falkirk 0, Motherwell 0.

Just back from a disappointing match at the Falkirk Stadium this afternoon.  Motherwell dominated the first half and should have been at least a couple of goals up at the break, but we allowed the home side back into it in the second half and eventually had to settle for a point.

There was one change to the side which drew at Pittodrie in midweek, with Fitzpatrick preferred to Lappin in midfield.

The first half was virtually all Motherwell, with Hammell going close from a free kick in the opening minutes and a Clarkson header bringing a great save from the Falkirk 'keeper.  We forced a series of corner kicks, which caused all sorts of panic in the Falkirk defence thanks to the swirling wind, but couldn't make any of our opportunities count.  Then right on half time came possibly the miss of the season from Ross McCormack, when he somehow put the ball over the bar from a couple of yards out when it looked easier to score.

For some reason, we never really got going after the break, although Clarkson passed up a glorious chance on the hour mark when he elected to pass rather than shoot when through on goal, only for the ball to be cleared.  The home side began to dictate proceedings and forced Graeme Smith into a few excellent saves, but the defence held firm and the game ended goalless.

A point away from home is usually looked upon as being a reasonable result, especially when it is against what has proved to be our bogey side this season.  However, with a difficult run of games coming up, I can't help thinking this is one we really had to win to have any chance of finishing 3rd.

Team (4-3-3): Graeme Smith, Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds, Hammell, Lasley, Hughes, Fitzpatrick, Porter, McCormack, Clarkson (Smith 86). 
Subs Not Used: Daniels, Brian McLean, Murphy, Malcolm, McGarry, Lappin.

Mark McGhee's post-match comments were as follows:
"It was a bit frustrating not to be in the lead at half-time.  I thought we had the better of the first half and it was neck and neck in the second half so we maybe won it on points.  But I'm happy to get a point as I'm now counting the games down. By my reckoning we now need 13 points to seal third place.  I thought our defence was excellent today, the back four and the goalkeeper all did well."

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