Motherwell Under 20s slipped to a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of 10-man Ross County this evening.
Craig Moore headed his side in front but Barry Smith’s side got level through Tony Dingwall midway through the first half.
Former Hearts striker Gary Glen scored the winner with seventeen minutes left to play before getting himself sent off ten minutes later.
Jonatan Johansson made five changes from the side that lost at Dunfermline seven days previous. Out went Ross Stewart, Ross Kellock, Fraser Johnstone, Dale Shirkie and Lee Erwin, replaced by Max Currie, Adam Cummins, Paul McCafferty, Bob McHugh and new signing Lionel Ainsworth.
Much like last week, the Steelmen made a great start and were ahead after just three minutes. Jack Leitch and Lionel Ainsworth combined on the right flank. Leitch eventually worked it onto his left foot before hanging up a cross towards the penalty spot where Craig Moore was well placed to head beyond the outstretched arm of Sean McCarthy.
McHugh and Ainsworth both passed up half chances as the home side dominated the first twenty minutes.
County started working their way into things and Gary Glen posted intentions with a stinging drive that Adam Cummins had to deflect wide for a corner.
Tony Dingwall then fired a shot from distance over the bar before eventually netting the equaliser just before the half-hour.
The youngster collected on the edge of the area after patient County build-up. He took a touch inside his marker before striking a lovely shot high into the top corner with Currie left helpless.
Motherwell tried to hit back but two McHugh shots failed to trouble McCarthy, with one wide of the post and the other over the bar.
Then, three minutes before the interval, Jack Leitch came so close to putting his side ahead again. Industrious play by McHugh on the right flank created the chance. His cutback was perfect for the midfielder but his shot cannoned off a defender before coming back off the base of the right hand upright.
County started the second half on the front foot with Glen sending an early volley high over the bar. Down the other end, McHugh scooped over from close range after getting on the end of a David Ferguson header from a corner.
Thomas had a low shot comfortably held by McCarthy and Moore almost found himself in after a long clearance, but the ball just wouldn’t sit down and the resulting shot was straight at the goalkeeper.
Neither team stamped their authority on the half until County got themselves ahead on the 73rd minute.
Gary Glen was the scorer but Kyle MacLeod would take just as much of the plaudits with a super ball through. The experienced hitman got in behind the home defence, worked the angle before slotting into the far corner.
Minutes later, the same player went though one-on-one again but his finish was poor, hitting it straight into the hands of Currie much to the frustration of the Staggies bench.
County continued to press for the killer third and Marc Klok came close with a free-kick from thirty yards, but Currie was well positioned to turn it away before it was eventually hooked clear.
There was a moment of controversy eight minutes from time when goalscorer Gary Glen was sent for an early bath. The forward must have said something to the assistant referee after what appeared to be a routine throw-in decision.
It was certainly an odd ending to the game but it certainly didn’t affect the visitors who, despite their man disadvantage, comfortably saw out the game with no scares.
Motherwell: Currie, Ferguson (Shirkie – 84mins), McNulty, Cummins, Neill, Leitch, Ainsworth, McCafferty, McHugh, Moore, Thomas (Cadden – 65mins)
Subs Not Used: Long, Kellock, Johnstone, Higgins, Anderson
Phil McGhee at Fir Park
We continue our opposition manager section by speaking directly to new Killie boss Allan Johnston. The former Queen of the South gaffer talks about his new role and how he plans to stop a former International teammate this afternoon.
