Motherwell progressed to the fifth round of the Scottish Cup with a 0-2 win against Arbroath.
Mikael Mandron scored a double on his first start for the club, with a goal in the first half and another right at the final whistle.
The manager handed a debut to Shane Blaney, who replaced Sondre Solholm in the middle of the defence, as well giving Kevin van Veen a well earned rest.
The home side made life difficult on a tricky surface but the Steelmen found the breakthrough midway through the first half.
A perfectly weighted pass from Spittal found McKinstry who unselfishly squared it to Mandron for an easy finish into the net.
From there Liam Kelly was rarely troubled and Motherwell were pushing for a second. Nice play between Crankshaw and McKinstry set up Mandron but Gill came off his line quickly and made the save.
The Arbroath ‘keeper was called into action again moments later, this time thwarting Stuart McKinstry from twelve yards.
Steven Hammell brought on Kevin Van Veen and Dean Cornelius and both had decent chances to double the lead but neither could find the target.
With seconds left on the clock Mandron grabbed his second, poking in Goss’ cross and settling any potential nerves and saw Motherwell into the hat for the draw for the next round which will take place on Sunday, January 22 at 6pm.
