Stephen Robinson and his men made it a historic cup double with an emphatic victory over Aberdeen to earn themselves a Scottish Cup final appearance.
A brace from Curtis Main and a strike from the hard working Ryan Bowman, saw off the Dons’ cup challenge for the second time this season.
As the ‘Well fans wildly celebrated a superb achievement at full time, few will remember the last time a Motherwell team made two cup finals in one season a feat not achieved since 1951.
Liam Grimshaw got the nod to take the midfield slot vacated by the suspended Carl McHugh, while Charles Dunne and Andy Rose were fit enough to make a familiar looking starting line-up. In the absence of the ‘Well captain, the latter was deployed in a more central role.
On their fourth visit to Hampden on cup business this season, Motherwell looked comfortable in their surroundings. And after some initial pressure from the Dons the Fir Park settled into their routine.
There was little goalmouth action until the 19th minute when Dunne’s long throw had Joe Lewis flapping. A minute later the Dons’ ‘keeper was helpless as out of nothing Motherwell opened the scoring.
Richard Tait used his strength to got the better of Dominic Ball at the edge of the box and while the defender stopped appealing for handball, the ‘Well full back rolled the ball across the six yard box allowing Main to poke it over the line and surprise the Dons.
Before the Aberdeen fans could recover from that shock they were stunned just two minutes later when ‘Well doubled their advantage.
Bowman showed great determination to win a tussle with Kari Arnason before firing the ball towards goal. The chance appeared lost when the shot rebounded from Lewis but Bowman reacted superbly deftly guiding the ball beyond the ‘keeper and just inside his right hand post and send the ‘Well fans into ecstasy.
Dons looked for a quick reply but May’s half hit volley was comfortably held by Trevor Carson, with his only real save of the first half.
At the other end Bowman was proving a real handful for the towering Dons’ defenders and after wriggling free his low left foot drive was saved by Lewis.
A swift passing move between Campbell and Main released Bowman but he used a hand before firing another shot on target.
Two minutes from the break Dons were forced into a substitution and immediately Gary Mackay-Steven created his side’s first real opening only for May to drag his shot wide of target and leave the Steelmen two ahead at the interval.
Wary that they had conceded a two goal lead against Rangers three weeks ago, Robinson’s men were resolute in defending in depth while hoping to grab a decisive third goal on the break. And with the diminutive pair of Campbell and Grimshaw winning every second ball ‘Well controlled the game.
A rare lapse in the box after 62 minutes found Adam Rooney unmarked but his powerful angled drive was brilliantly parried by Carson, who commanded his goal area superbly for his seventh cup shut-out.
However, just as the Aberdeen fans were dreaming of a fightback their illusions were shattered when ‘Well grabbed a third goal to kill the tie.
Arnason was again at fault when he hammered the ball against Main on the half way line. Although the Icelandic internationalist gave chase he had no chance of catching the ‘Well striker who carried the ball forty yards before slamming a left foot finish beyond advancing Lewis and into the net.
With a cup final place secured, it was no surprise when Robinson brought off his striking pair to a standing ovation and give the overworked Dons’ defence some respite for the closing 10 minutes.
However, on an afternoon when the ‘Well players created a place in the club’s history, everyone in claret and amber was a hero as they celebrated with the fans for yet another return to Hampden on 19 May.
