Well lose opener again

John Sutton
By grabar
August 15 2010

Motherwell lost their opening game in an entertaining clash at Fir Park this afternoon.

Motherwell opened the scoring in the 13th minute as a reward for their early pressure, Hateley's cross was turned past Stack by Sutton who had run off Hogg.

Motherwell dominated the possession in the first half and created a number of half chances without really pressuring Stack in the Hibs goal. While at the other end Randolph had to make excellent saves to deny McBride and Stokes.

Hibs equalised in first half stoppage time, and it was a bit of a sucker punch. A Rirodan free kick was headed back into the six yard box by Nish allowing Stokes to score from close range.

15 minutes after the re-start Chris Humphrey saw a cross hit the inside of the post and bounce clear before Hibs went up the park and took the lead. A Riordan cross was bundled in by Hanlon at the far post.

There were complaints that Hanlon had handled the ball, and that Bamba had impeded Randolph as he tried to deal with the cross.

Motherwell were denied a penalty when Sutton appeared to be bundled over in the box, and once again Hibs scored at the other end. Riordan and Miller combined to release Miller who swept past Randolph from close range.

Well pulled one back when they were finally awarded a penalty from the inept Craig Thomson the referee. Nish appeared to tug at sub Blackman's shirt, and the kick was taken by Murphy leaving Stack no chance as he dived the wrong way.

While it was disappointing to lose but there was enough evidence that we do have a team that will be comfortable in mid table and could push for the top six again.