Motherwell not complacent ahead of Partick clash

MOTHERWELL midfielder Paul Lawson is not fooled by Partick Thistle’s disappointing run of results ahead of their meeting at Firhill tomorrow.

Paul Lawson (left) in action against Aberdeen's Peter Pawlett. Picture: SNS

Thistle stretched their run without victory to eight games when they were held to a goalless draw by Inverness in Maryhill on Boxing Day. The Jags have only scored three goals in eight home games in the Scottish Premiership and have yet to claim three points at Firhill. But they dominated against Inverness and created a host of clear-cut chances, a story that has been a consistent theme of their season.

Motherwell are on a three-match winning run, but there is no sign of complacency amongst Stuart McCall’s men as they prepare for the short trip into the west end of Glasgow. Lawson came off the bench during a 1-0 win over Thistle at Fir Park in August and was impressed by the First Division champions.

Lawson said: “Even when we played them at Fir Park they had a lot of possession during the game, but we managed to get the victory. I have spoken to a few boys from other teams who have played against them as well and they have been the same, Thistle have dominated possession and maybe haven’t got the luck in front of goal that they maybe deserve.

“So we know it’s going to be a very difficult game. They have got lots of very good footballers and they are trying to play the game the right way as well.” Partick midfielder Steven Lawless believes his side are not far off a league home win despite another frustrating afternoon at Firhill against Inverness.

Lawless is determined to remain positive after the draw against a side who have been in the top two for most of the season rather than allow frustration to bite.

“I thought the goals were going to come against Inverness but we just need that wee break in front of goal and I’m sure the goals will come after that,” said the 22-year-old. “It was a good point against a good team. They are a lot higher up the table than us. I think we put in a good performance. We should have really won but we will take a point and try to build on it on Sunday. We just need to keep working hard. As long as your work rate is up then you will get chances.”

Lawless scored on his only start for Motherwell but was forced to leave to find first-team football and is relishing the game against his former team. “Obviously I know a lot of the boys there so you want to perform well so that they see it,” he said. “But it’s just another game. Hopefully we can play well and get the three points because I don’t think we are too far away from it.”