Motherwell got pre-season up and running with a 0-1 win over HSC Haaksbergen in Holland.
An own goal from Mika Schrijver just before half-time proved to be the difference between the two sides as Stuart Kettlewell aimed to get much needed minutes into the players legs following a four-week break.
The Steelmen started the game with a blend of youth and experience, with a starting eleven that included five academy graduates.
On a bobbly pitch, chances were few and far between in the opening stages. Blair Spittal had the first sighter for the Steelmen with a free-kick which tested the keeper from 25-yards.
Spittal would be involved in the action on 33 minutes when Conor Shields’ cutback found the number seven who smashed his strike against the crossbar.
Motherwell eventually got the breakthrough on 45 minutes. A neat Lennon Miller pass down the channel found Joe Efford, playing for the first time since October 2022 who drilled the ball across goal and it was eventually knocked home by defender Schrijver.
Nine changes were made at the break as only Bevis Mugabi and Lennon Miller continued for the second 45. On came Connelly, O’Donnell, Maguire, Blaney, Garcia, Slattery, Tierney, Trialist and Obika.
Substitute Obika almost made it 2-0 on 53 minutes when the striker’s effort just went wide of the mark.
Ross Tierney also seen his strike trickle past the post after a well-worked move involving Stephen O’Donnell, Callum Slattery and Trialist before Slattery had a go from the halfway line with minutes to go.
The match would end 1-0 to get Motherwell underway for 2023/24, with a loud and colourful travelling support behind them.