Motherwell lost 4-3 to Kilmarnock in a topsy-turvy game in the SPFL Reserve League on Monday.
The visitors went in at the break 2-0 up, before Cole Starrs’ hat-trick had Motherwell temporarily ahead midway through the second half.
But Kilmarnock turned it round to reclaim the lead, equalising instantly and then claiming the winner with five minutes left.
Charles Dunne made a return from a long injury lay-off, partnering Yusuf Hussain in defence as he stepped up his recovery.
It took just over half an hour for a team to make the breakthrough and it was the visitors who got in front. After PJ Morrison brilliantly saved an initial header from close range, he was unable to keep out the rebound.
Ten minutes later, Kilmarnock were 2-0 ahead from the penalty spot. Morrison guessed the right way but couldn’t keep a thunderous effort out.
With 12 minutes gone in the second half, Motherwell were given a penalty of their own as Kilmarnock went down to 10 men. Starrs saw his initial spot kick saved, but was on hand to turn in the rebound.
Minutes later, he had another shot at a penalty. Substitute O’Donnell was taken out in the box by the visiting goalkeeper, with Starrs stepping up to send the goalkeeper the wrong way and level the match.
Then, with 20 minutes left to play, he had his hat-trick. Trialist’s sweeping cross to the back post was met by the onrushing striker, who was able to slip the ball home.
The lead would last just over 60 seconds. A break down the wing saw Motherwell fail to clear their lines, leaving Kilmarnock with a close-range tap-in.
But an even bigger chance would present itself with five minutes to go. An attempted back pass to Morrison was placed without seeing where he had positioned himself and, with the ball going past the goalkeeper, Kilmarnock were able to race in and finish into an empty net.
