St Johnstone 0 - 3 Motherwell: Lucky away strip is just the charm for Steelmen

MOTHERWELL have been the team setting the pace for the sides outwith the Old Firm this season and no one has been able to emulate the consistency of Stuart McCall’s men.

But St Johnstone have been quietly picking up the points, climbing the table and, yesterday, they had the opportunity to edge to within just one point of third place.

Despite a tough introduction, the new St Johnstone gaffer Steve Lomas came through the first three tests – against Rangers, Hibs and Hearts – dropping just two points from nine, and there was a distinct possibility that the Perth side could end the afternoon cosied up to their guests in the league standings.

First they would have to overcome their own deficiencies at home and quell Motherwell’s verve and work ethic on the road. While the Perth side had won just three of their seven home games ,their guests had taken an impressive 19 points from a possible 24 from their away fixtures this term.

But it wasn’t to be. They were undoubtedly up for the challenge in the opening period and enjoyed a greater wealth of possession in the second half but were insipid when it came to converting it into anything meaningful. Two goals before the half-hour mark rattled them and all but killed off any realistic chance they had. A third in the 68th minute, against the run of play, sealed the outcome.

“That was a bit of a reality check,” said Lomas, who was disappointed with his team’s attitude and application. “And maybe that was needed. Look, the first two goals were individual mistakes and that doesn’t help but Motherwell did to us what we have done to other teams in recent weeks. They were sharper to the ball and won the individual battles so we have take it on the chin. The good thing is we have a game on Tuesday so we have the chance to bounce back.”

That had proved the motivation for Motherwell, according to McCall. He said he had sensed a desire in his squad to make amends for a frustrating display in the abandoned match against Hibs. “That and the fact that St Johnstone are the only side outwith the Old Firm to beat us this season, I just felt the lads had an extra edge.” Both sides had opened brightly but by the time Motherwell had established their lead, they were in control of the midfield, looking hungrier and chasing down every loose ball. They were also more precise with the passing, the ebb and flow of their moves, in contrast to the more staccato progress being sought by Saints, gave them easier passage upfield.

Add that to some searing pace on the flanks and a more clinical finish and they proved too much for the St Johnstone rearguard.

The home defence was not helped by an unconvincing display from keeper Peter Enckelman, whose failure to hold a cross in the 17th minute gifted Omar Daley the simplest of finishes to grab his first goal of the afternoon, while Jamie Murphy was given all the space he needed just a few yards out to head home the second in the 29th minute. Add to that a shout for a penalty when the keeper rushed out to halt Daley, which the Perth side can be grateful the referee waved aside, and it will not go down as the Finn’s finest afternoon.

He admitted he should have done better but at least he took it on the chin and even got involved in some banter with the away fans as they attempted to unsettle him further.

“We have to get back to basics, that’s what wins matches,” said Lomas, who said he had learned as much about his squad in defeat as he had from three weeks of triumphs.

“But Peter saved us last week so it’s just one of those things,” said Lomas, adding that most of the keeper’s team-mates had underperformed and contributed to the defeat.

But if it was a poor day for the home side, Motherwell again proved that they are a definite force when playing away.

Daley attributed it to less pressure, while his manager said it was down to a willingness to work for every morsel, a resilience in defence and an ability to make the most of chances. He also joked that it might have something to do with the silver away strip which has been a lucky charm since they first wore it against Dunfermline earlier this season.

But as the St Johnstone keeper conceded, Motherwell earned their luck. If they were fortunate with the way the ball spilled to Daley for the opener, they had another break when the third was blasted goalwards from a corner.

In a well-rehearsed move Tom Hateley and Nicky Law combined out at the flag before the ball was cut back for the winger. He rifled his effort through a sea of bodies and deflected off the back of Murphy and into the net.