Steelmen held by Preston in a desperately dull draw

Aug 7 2008 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

MOTHERWELL were held to a draw by English Championship side Preston North End in a dismal friendly fixture at Fir Park last Wednesday.

In a goal-less first half, neither side tested the respective goalkeepers.

It took until the closing minutes before the fans were rewarded with goals.

Motherwell opened the scoring in 77 minutes when substitute Marc Fitzpatrick’s through-ball found fellow sub Jamie Murphy, who calmly clipped the ball past advancing keeper Andy Lonergan.

That lead lasted barely 60 seconds, however, before substiture Neil Mellor picked up a loose ball 30 yards out and lashed an unstoppable shot high past Graeme Smith.

There were few chances before then, although Lewis Neal and Sean St Ledger combined well for Preston, with the latter heading over.

Lonergan saved a clever angled drive from Chris Porter, while at the other end Callum Davidson’s cross was met by Karl Hawley but bounced into Smith’s grateful grasp.

Motherwell: G. Smith, Quinn, Hammell, Reynolds, Craigan, Lasley (Fitzpatrick, 65), Hughes (Slane, 85), Malcolm (Mamam, 77), Porter, Clarkson (O’Brien, 73), McGarry (Murphy, 65). Subs (not used): Imley, Soley, Connolly, Archdeacon.