Steelmen force to reckon with

Feb 4 2009 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

WHILE the rest of the country came to a virtual standstill, struggling to cope with the worst blizzards in 25 years, Motherwell and Inverurie Locos finally completed their fourth round Scottish Cup tie – at the fifth time of asking on Monday.

The lines were painted orange and a yellow ball was put to use as both sides played their part in an entertaining game, despite the snow-covered pitch.

Two goals by John Sutton, his first after just 90 seconds of the contest, and a David Clarkson header sandwiched in between completed the job for Motherwell. They now look forward to this Saturday’s tie against St Mirren with a place in the quarter finals at stake.

Given manager Mark McGhee’s renowned attention to detail, there was never any realistic chance that this game was going to cause his charges much difficulty – despite the weather conditions levelling things out.

It was three nil going on six or seven and, despite the standard of opposition, it will be pleasing for McGhee to see striker John Sutton net a brace given the confirmation earlier in the day of Chris Porter’s £400,000 plus move to Championship side Derby.

“Professional and polished” performance was the buzzword reverberating round Harlaw Park at the end of the match.

“I asked them to keep it as simple as possible,” McGhee admitted after the match.

And this they did. But his charges also showed the confidence and quality of football that has characterised much of their play so far in 2009.

A pitch inspection at 9am on Monday morning gave Motherwell the green light to travel north.

However, by 3pm, the surface was covered in snow and the nightmare scenario it would not by fifth time lucky after all looked a possibility.

Referee Willie Collum, in consultation with both managers, gave the thumbs up just after 6pm – much to the relief of ‘Well fans who were probably anxiously tuning in to car radios to discover if their journey north was to be a wasteful one or not.

Within 90 seconds of the game kicking off, these same fans were celebrating a worthwhile excursion.

Jim O’Brien sent in a tempting free-kick from the left that found John Sutton’s head, the Englishman making no mistake with the finish from six yards.

“It was a real blow to them and brilliant for us,” McGhee said after the game.

The Highland League outfit refused to buckle and captain Tommy Wilson tried his luck from 20 yards out that Graeme Smith had to keep an eye on.

With the snow back on, Locos keeper Andy Reid had to look lively after a Maros Klimpl effort.

Sutton volleyed over on 15 minutes before a David Clarkson shots was cleared off the line by Scott Buchan.

Again Motherwell upped the tempo and Sutton, who should have had a hat-trick, was well thwarted by Reid on 36 minutes.

The bitterly cold conditions were clearly getting to the players and this resulted in a melee that allowed both sets of players the opportunity to further warm themselves up.

After a number of tasty challenges by the hosts, Keith Lasley finally took exception to a challenge on the midfielder.

Before you knew it players were trading shoves and pushes that resulted in Klimpl and Greig Pirie being cautioned.

These frosty exchanges soon died down and in the main the match was played in good spirit, as it should be – summed up by a snow ball fight between both sets of fans at the interval.

There is always one ‘what if’ moment in cup ties such as these and Inverurie had theirs just after the break.

Left winger Neil McLean thundered a shot towards the Motherwell goal that drifted agonisingly wide.

And they were made to pay on 56 minutes when O’Brien was afforded too much space to deliver a cross which Clarkson finished with conviction.

Two nil. Tie over.

Substitute Danny Milne went very close with a header moments later for Locos that would have given him a wonderful memory to cherish.

With around 20 minutes remaining, Sutton confirmed the Steelmen’s superiority converting a simple tap in from a Stephen Craigan cross.

They could have extended their lead but for the heroics of goalie Andy Reid.

Nevertheless the job was done and McGhee was quickly able to turn his thoughts to Saturday.

He said: “We have got St Mirren at home and we have done well against them already this season.

“But it will take a good performance against Gus’ team.”

Inverurie Loco Works: Reid, Park, Simpson, Buchan, Pirie, Ross (Tan 74), Wilson, Stewart, Smith, McLean (Graham 67), Gauld (Milne 50).

Booked: Pirie, Park.

Motherwell: Smith, Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds, Hammell, O'Brien (McGarry 72), Klimpl (Darren Smith 69), Lasley, Fitzpatrick, Sutton, Clarkson (Murphy 61).

Subs Not Used: Krysiak, Malcolm.

Booked: Klimpl, Lasley.

Goals: Sutton 2, Clarkson 57, Sutton 69.

Attendance: 2500

BRACE: John Sutton, pictured, eased Motherwell nerves on Monday evening by scoring his first goal of two after just 90 seconds.JDWSH030209sutton-1