DUTV
STORY OF THE MATCH | RANGERS (A)
25th November 2024
Following a strong attacking performance in the first half from the hosts, a Stephen Craigan own goal looked set to give United the points, but the visitors hit back after the break and despite defending well Michael Higdon slotted home an equaliser with just 5 minutes to go.
The fact both sides were keen to win this was in evidence early on as first the visitors first forced a save from Pernis, who parried out a Tom Hately free kick before Gary Mackay-Steven broke clear of the Well defence following a pass from Jon Daly and drilled a fierce shot wide of the post. The next two to trade chances were Rankin, who drilled across the area after breaking free down the left only for the cross to be deflected away from the on rushing United attackers then Omar Daley, who cut inside following a pass from Higdon before shooting tamely at goal. Russell neatly spun away from Hately and into the penalty area before playing in Daly who teed up Rankin about 16 yards out. Shifting the ball onto his favoured left side the midfielder, who had scored in both of the last 2 matches, drove towards goal ensuring Randolph in the Motherwell had to react smartly to turn the ball away from the net. This turned out to be just a warning sign of what was to come as the terrors took the lead in the 27th minute. Dixon broke down the left wing and sent a low ball into the 6 yard box which was slotted into the net from 2 yards out by visiting captain Stephen Craigan, under intense pressure from Russell. Higdon could then only shoot weakly at Pernis from 6 yards before Russell nearly doubled the advantage after being put through by Mackay-Steven, with Randolph again doing well to block the effort. As half time approached the ever lively Mackay-Steven drove a ferocious left foot shot into the side netting, with some in the ground thinking he had just doubled the advantage.
It was a very different second half as chances became scarce as the visitors tried to push United back more but were constantly met with stubborn resistance. While they enjoyed more possession Pernis was not called into action until the 62nd minute when he gathered a Jamie Murphy shot on the turn at the second attempt. The visitors were beginning to look more and more threatening and Higdon again wasted a great opportunity when he glanced a headed off target from only 4 yards out. A second goal for United looked like it would seal the win and when the ball dropped at the feet of Russell in the visitor's box he turned before shooting over the bar then inside the last 10 minutes a great interchange between Swanson and Daly finished with Rankin forcing another great save out of Randolph. At the other end Higdon had certainly been the sinner for Motherwell and when he was played in by Ojamaa in a good position he blazed wide again. Just when it looked like it may not be the striker's day Ojamaa crossed from the left and this time Higdon made no mistake 6 yards out with only 5 minutes remaining to level the match. The visitors were screaming for a penalty 2 minutes later as Ojamaa went down between Dixon and Gunning but it was difficult to see what either United defender did except to stand in position. Robertson had an injury time chance following a long throw from Kenneth but his spectacular attempt flew wide as the game ended all square.
Full Time Summary:
It was a typical game of two halves as each side enjoyed spells of greater pressure either side of the break. United will feel that their stout defending in the second half had done enough to protect their lead but in the end their failure to grab the second goal was costly. Now with two weeks to prepare, thoughts can turn to their mouth watering Scottish Cup tie next time around at Ibrox.
Man of the Match:
Ably assisted by Mackay-Steven. Johnny Russell was a constant menace to the visitors, forcing the opener and going close on several occasions to doubling the advantage. On another day he could easily have done so and secured the all important win - today it was just not to be.
United - Pernis, Dillon, Dixon, Kenneth, Robertson, Daly, Rankin, Russell, Armstrong (Ryan 74), Mackay-Steven (Swanson 80), Neilson (Gunning 67). Subs not used - Banks, Flood, Douglas, Dow.
Motherwell - Randolph, Hammell, Law, Craigan, Hately, Jennings, Higdon, Murphy, Lasley, Hutchinson, Daley (Ojamaa 61). Subs not used - Bradley, Humphrey, McHugh, Forbes, Clancy, Carswell.
Attendance - 5969
Referee - Stevie O'Reilly
The fact both sides were keen to win this was in evidence early on as first the visitors first forced a save from Pernis, who parried out a Tom Hately free kick before Gary Mackay-Steven broke clear of the Well defence following a pass from Jon Daly and drilled a fierce shot wide of the post. The next two to trade chances were Rankin, who drilled across the area after breaking free down the left only for the cross to be deflected away from the on rushing United attackers then Omar Daley, who cut inside following a pass from Higdon before shooting tamely at goal. Russell neatly spun away from Hately and into the penalty area before playing in Daly who teed up Rankin about 16 yards out. Shifting the ball onto his favoured left side the midfielder, who had scored in both of the last 2 matches, drove towards goal ensuring Randolph in the Motherwell had to react smartly to turn the ball away from the net. This turned out to be just a warning sign of what was to come as the terrors took the lead in the 27th minute. Dixon broke down the left wing and sent a low ball into the 6 yard box which was slotted into the net from 2 yards out by visiting captain Stephen Craigan, under intense pressure from Russell. Higdon could then only shoot weakly at Pernis from 6 yards before Russell nearly doubled the advantage after being put through by Mackay-Steven, with Randolph again doing well to block the effort. As half time approached the ever lively Mackay-Steven drove a ferocious left foot shot into the side netting, with some in the ground thinking he had just doubled the advantage.
It was a very different second half as chances became scarce as the visitors tried to push United back more but were constantly met with stubborn resistance. While they enjoyed more possession Pernis was not called into action until the 62nd minute when he gathered a Jamie Murphy shot on the turn at the second attempt. The visitors were beginning to look more and more threatening and Higdon again wasted a great opportunity when he glanced a headed off target from only 4 yards out. A second goal for United looked like it would seal the win and when the ball dropped at the feet of Russell in the visitor's box he turned before shooting over the bar then inside the last 10 minutes a great interchange between Swanson and Daly finished with Rankin forcing another great save out of Randolph. At the other end Higdon had certainly been the sinner for Motherwell and when he was played in by Ojamaa in a good position he blazed wide again. Just when it looked like it may not be the striker's day Ojamaa crossed from the left and this time Higdon made no mistake 6 yards out with only 5 minutes remaining to level the match. The visitors were screaming for a penalty 2 minutes later as Ojamaa went down between Dixon and Gunning but it was difficult to see what either United defender did except to stand in position. Robertson had an injury time chance following a long throw from Kenneth but his spectacular attempt flew wide as the game ended all square.
Full Time Summary:
It was a typical game of two halves as each side enjoyed spells of greater pressure either side of the break. United will feel that their stout defending in the second half had done enough to protect their lead but in the end their failure to grab the second goal was costly. Now with two weeks to prepare, thoughts can turn to their mouth watering Scottish Cup tie next time around at Ibrox.
Man of the Match:
Ably assisted by Mackay-Steven. Johnny Russell was a constant menace to the visitors, forcing the opener and going close on several occasions to doubling the advantage. On another day he could easily have done so and secured the all important win - today it was just not to be.
United - Pernis, Dillon, Dixon, Kenneth, Robertson, Daly, Rankin, Russell, Armstrong (Ryan 74), Mackay-Steven (Swanson 80), Neilson (Gunning 67). Subs not used - Banks, Flood, Douglas, Dow.
Motherwell - Randolph, Hammell, Law, Craigan, Hately, Jennings, Higdon, Murphy, Lasley, Hutchinson, Daley (Ojamaa 61). Subs not used - Bradley, Humphrey, McHugh, Forbes, Clancy, Carswell.
Attendance - 5969
Referee - Stevie O'Reilly
