A record breaking Kevin van Veen goal from the penalty spot late into added on time earned Motherwell a third consecutive win for the first time this season.
In a match full of drama it was perhaps fitting that the Dutch striker finally broke the deadlock extending his incredible scoring run to nine consecutive games.
His confidently struck penalty 10 minutes into added on time only conveys some of the controversy.
In a difficult afternoon for referee Euan Anderson, he was twice directed to the pitch side monitor by video assistant referee Willie Collum. And for once VAR favoured the Steelmen.
Firstly, the ref changed his initial decision to award County a penalty at the start of the second half. Then with County reduced to ten men and the game destined to end in a stalemate having ignored pleas for a ‘Well penalty a review judging a handball against Keith Watson ended with Anderson pointing to the penalty spot and van Veen claiming his 27th goal of the season.
Having already bagged five goals against the Staggies this season, Kevin van Veen was expected to increase that haul but along with his team-mates the Dutch striker failed to get the better of Ross Laidlaw in the County goal until the closing minutes
The ‘Well boss made one change from the side which defeated St Johnstone last week, Harry Paton replacing Callum Slattery in a three man midfield.
And the former County man set up the first opening after two minutes, slipping the ball to Paul McGinn and his low drive from 25 yards forced Ross Laidlaw to dive to his right and produce a fine save.
As has become a common feature, Blair Spittal’s long pass provided Van Veen with his first chance but from a tight angle his left foot drive was blocked by Laidlaw’s legs.
‘Well’s steady build up through Calum Butcher from the centre of defence gave the home side plenty of possession without really getting beyond County’s back three.
After 23 minutes McGinn decided to go alone and having carried the ball 40 yards towards the visitor’s box his low shot forced another diving save from Laidlaw.
Another precise pass from Spittal sent van Veen through the middle but the ‘keeper raced from his line to bravely gather the ball a before the ‘Well striker could get a touch.
It took the Fir Park men until the 32nd minute to win the first corner. When Sean Goss whipped the ball into a packed box Butcher’s flick on found Dan Casey at the back of the area but he could only watch his well struck volley blocked in the six yard box.
Two minutes later County got the first of three consecutive corners when Alex Samuel’s effort took a deflection to carry the ball wide of Liam Kelly’s right hand post.
Following that the Staggies had more of the ball without threatening the home goal.
Similarly, ‘Well found the route to goal blocked. Smart footwork from Van Veen created a bit of space 15 yards from goal only to find Laidlaw once again responding to his final shot.
Three minutes from the break Paton limped off to be replaced by Dean Cornelius.
The first half finished where it began with the County ‘keeper called into action to palm a long range drive from Casey over his crossbar.
Explosive and controversial start to the second half.
Only three minutes played when Butcher was adjudged to have tripped Connor Randall in the penalty box. Referee Euan Anderson had no hesitation pointing to the penalty spot.
But with Butcher pleading his innocence and the customary VAR check being carried by Wullie Collum, the referee was asked to review the incident on the pitch side monitor.
After which and much to the anger of the Highlanders he changed his decision and handed the ball to Liam Kelly.
The Fir Park men forced into another change just beyond the hour mark when Shane Blaney came on for James Furlong. Minutes later Casey took a tough tumble onto his shoulder and with Jon Obika waiting to replace Mikael Mandron, Jack Aitchison quickly stripped to make it a double substitution as Blaney moved into a back three.
After a stop-start period of the second half the Steelmen entered the final 20 minutes with a more attacking formation, with an immediate effect.
Van Veen turned provider whipping in a cross aimed at Obika and only Keith Watson’s touch in the six-yard box prevented the substitute from testing the ‘keeper.
A minute later Cornelius laid the ball in front of Goss and from 25 yards his left foot drive whizzed past the post.
Van Veen’s attempt to break the deadlock ended with two left foot efforts slashed wide of the target.
There was more drama when just as the fourth official indicated that there would be 12 minutes additional time, County were reduced to ten men when substitute Owura Edwards picked up his second yellow card.
That handed the advantage to the home side but it seemed County would survive a lengthy period of added on time on for a precious point.
Until Stephen O’Donnell floated the ball into a packed box and as it bounced towards the six yard box with Obika in pursuit the ‘Well striker strongly claimed for a handball.
After initially waving play on, via Collum in his earpiece, the referee was instructed to check the monitor and for a second time he faced the wrath of County as he pointed to the penalty spot.
Van Veen didn’t need a second attempt this week , hammering the ball low to Laidlaw’s right to take his league tally to 23 goals.
