Falkirk defeat shows Motherwell need something to fight for

May 6 2009 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

THE players will never admit it but Mark McGhee hinted as much after Saturday’s game. A lack of motivation could see Motherwell’s season drift towards an unglamorous conclusion.

McGhee said it was his job to get his side motivated for the remaining four games of the season.

Finishing top of the bottom is not exactly a prestigious achievement but it is one of the few motivating factors that the Motherwell boss can throw at his players in the run-in – especially when you see who their nearest challengers for seventh spot currently are: Hamilton Academicals.

Accies sit four points below their Lanarkshire foes after recording a vital win at home to Kilmarnock on Saturday that has gone a long way to securing their top-flight status in what has been an impressive first season back in the top flight.

“We are looking up the way, not down,” were Billy Reid’s comments last Saturday, knowing full well which side lie just above them in the SPL.

Another motivating factor that is in one way out of their control but in another way well within their control is the prospect of qualifying for Europe once again – thanks to UEFA’s fair play regulations that allow well-behaved clubs a route into the Europa League.

Motherwell currently sit second behind league leaders Celtic in the crime count standings and although the overall Fair Play table takes other factors into account, they remain in contention to be Scotland’s sixth representative in European competition next season.

Celtic will be taking part in the Champions League so Motherwell are currently in pole position.

Keith Lasley told the Wishaw Press this week that the players had not really discussed this unexpected offering and it showed on Saturday as Motherwell had four players needlessly booked against Falkirk that will do harm to their European prospects.

Injuries to key players Paul Quinn, skipper Stephen Craigan and Jim O’Brien meant Motherwell were at a disadvantage before a ball was kicked against the Bairns.

And their defensive frailties were exposed on two occasions in this game that cost them any chance of claiming points whilst boosting Falkirk’s survival hopes.

Neil McCann showed neat trickery to set up Carl Finnigan for a simple tap in from inside the box on eight minutes for the home side’s opener.

But credit to Motherwell who refused to cave in.

They dominated possession for long periods of this game without ever really threatening to score before Falkirk’s Tam Scobbie was given the freedom of the Motherwell penalty area on 56 minutes to bullet in his side’s second goal.

They were made to endure a nerve-shredding last 20 minutes however after David Clarkson was hauled down in the penalty area resulting in a straight red card for Gerard Aafjes on 70 minutes.

The Scotland international smashed in the resultant spot kick but despite Falkirk missing a number of gilt-edged chances to put the game beyond doubt they held on for the three points.

Falkirk: Dani Mallo, McNamara, Scobbie, Aafjes, Barr, O'Brien, McCann (Pressley 70), Riera (McBride 79), Arfield, Finnigan, Stewart (Cregg 81).

Sent Off: Aafjes (69).

Booked: Finnigan, Riera.

Goals: Finnigan 9, Scobbie 56.

Motherwell: Smith, Lasley, Hammell, Reynolds, McLean, Hughes, Fitzpatrick, Klimpl, McGarry (Murphy 53), Clarkson, Sutton (Sheridan 54).

Booked: Hammell, Lasley, Reynolds, McLean.

Goals: Clarkson 70 pen.

Attendance: 4,937

Referee: Willie Collum