Dundee United 2 - 0 Motherwell: Defeat fails to dampen European joy

STEPHEN CRAIGAN, in his final appearance for Motherwell, having announced his retirement earlier in the week, could not end on a high as goals by Johnny Russell and Jon Daly secured a comfortable victory for United.

Scorers: Dundee United - Russell (8), Daly (82)

Bookings: Motherwell - Hammell, Hateley, Jennings; Motherwell - Swanson, Daly

Attendance: 7,456

Craigan was presented with an award prior to kick-off and after five minutes the Fir Park crowd rose to their feet to applaud the Northern Irish centre-back.

After a slow opening to the match, the visitors broke the deadlock. Darren Randolph in the Motherwell goal did well to deny Stuart Armstrong on two occasions before Russell bundled the ball over the line.

The home side were dealt a further blow after 12 minutes when Steven Hammell was stretchered off and replaced by Tim Clancy following a collision with Danny Swanson.

United came close to doubling their lead when Russell broke away from Clancy on the left flank and his cutback found John Rankin, who struck the outside of a post from a tight angle.

Paul Dixon clipped the top of Randolph’s crossbar with an excellent free-kick five minutes before the interval before Michael Higdon came agonisingly close to levelling the game when he powered a header just wide of the target following a pinpoint delivery from Tom Hateley.

Randolph produced a wonderful piece of goalkeeping to keep out Daly’s curling effort just before the hour and Ryan Dow went close after connecting with Dixon’s cross on 63 minutes.

Scott Robertson passed up a glorious opportunity to extend the visitors’ lead after being released by Russell just inside the area. However, the midfielder’s shot flew well over the top.

Craigan took his final bow after 78 minutes when he made way for Ross Forbes, who will also leave Fir Park at the end of the season.

United doubled their advantage with nine minutes remaining. Russell set up Daly, who had the simple task of rolling the ball into the net.

“I suppose it was always going to be one of those days that, if the result didn’t go our way, people would say it wasn’t the way I would have liked to end my career,” Craigan said.

“It was an emotional day for me and I was caught by surprise at the start when I was presented with an award on the pitch by Derek Weir [Motherwell chairman]. It was very nice that he and the fans showed their respect to me. I have never been the best player or the most glamorous, but I think they recognise that I have always given my best. If I hadn’t been fortunate enough to have played in big games then I would have perhaps stayed on,” he added.

“I have been lucky enough to play in big games for Northern Ireland and in finals and semi- finals for Motherwell.”

United boss Peter Houston was delighted as his team ended the season on a high and will play in the Europa League next season after finishing fourth.

“That was a great example of the spirit of the players. They never faltered at any point today,” Houston said. “Jon Daly was outstanding again. We had to have him play at centre-half as Garry Kenneth had injured his calf during training this week.

“He still managed to score and is an influential player who manages the dressing room in some ways.

“We are looking forward to the summer. Hopefully over that time we can get a few new faces in and build on our progress.”