Motherwell ace Chris Humphrey targets third with victory over Dundee United

Nov 7 2012 By Andrew Weston

Chris Humphrey

Chris Humphrey is targeting three more points against Dundee United tonight which would send Motherwell back up to third and put their mini-slump firmly behind them.

The winger contributed to a fine overall team performance in the 3-1 victory at St Johnstone on Saturday which saw Well win for the first time since mid-September and end a barren spell of 368 minutes in front of goal.

Humphrey believes Saturday’s result can kick-start their ascent back up the SPL table, with third spot up for grabs should they beat Peter Houston’s side at Fir Park this evening.

“Having not got a victory in four games it was very important we won on Saturday,” said the 25-year-old Jamaican.

“We have a great team and there is a togetherness as well. It was a real team performance.

“Every one of us looked sharper than we have done in recent weeks. The main thing was our shots were going in. We had a lot of chances over the last four games but  just couldn’t score goals.

“It has been a long time overdue and we definitely needed three points."

He continued: “Obviously we have been through a blip but everyone is going to go through blips during the season. It is how you come through these.

“St Johnstone had won five on the bounce in the league, so we couldn’t underestimate them.

“But McDiarmid Park is one of my favourite pitches to play on. It is wide and it is nice when you go there to get on the ball.”

Motherwell host Dundee United tonight in a rearranged clash after their original match was abandoned due to a power failure last month.

Such is the nature of the SPL this season, a win for the Steelmen would see them leapfrog two sides up to third place and leave them just two points off top spot.

Whilst expecting a tough encounter, especially after United game back from two goals down to draw with champions Celtic on Sunday, Humphrey wants to put down a marker to the rest of the SPL.

He said: “It's our game in hand and a chance to get another three points and start making our way back up to the top end of the table again.

“We have got a lot of confidence from the win and this is another very important game for us to try to win at home.

“United are always up there, so it is important we take this seriously. They have a few threats with Johnny Russell up front. They are a good side.”

Victory tonight would give Motherwell the chance to go top of the SPL come Saturday evening if they back that up with a win over fellow Taysiders Dundee.

Despite the Dens Park outfit struggling at the foot of the table their win against Hearts last time out means Humphrey and his team-mates will take nothing for granted.

He said: “When you are at the bottom, you come fighting, so it will not be an easy game.”