Top-six hopes dented as Dons snatch draw

Apr 9 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

MOTHERWELL’S hopes of landing a top-six finish were dented as Aberdeen returned north with a point.

This was a game that Motherwell couldn’t afford to lose, but they will be frustrated not to have taken all three points.

Motherwell made three changes as Maros Klimpl was suspended, Stephen Craigan failed a morning fitness test, and Cillian Sheridan was dropped to the bench.

Their places were taken by David Clarkson, Keith Lasley and Steven McGarry.

The hosts started well and although McGarry’s long-range shot was comfortably taken by Jamie Langfield early on, the visiting keeper was beaten with just 10 minutes gone.

Jim O’Brien scored his first Motherwell goal after he linked with Paul Quinn and Clarkson before his low shot deflected off Scott Severin on its way in.

Motherwell dominated possession but without really threatening, while Graeme Smith dealt with a long-range Derek Young effort at the other end.

Quinn squandered a great chance on the stroke of half time when he found space in the box at an O’Brien corner but headed wide.

Aberdeen threw on Sone Aluko for Lee Mair and that sparked the visitors into life.

However, Motherwell continued to dominate with Clarkson off-target with two efforts, while Brian McLean sent a header narrowly over.

In 64 minutes Motherwell were served a warning when Aluko’s stinging drive was well saved by Smith.

They didn’t learn from that and four minutes later Jimmy Calderwood’s side drew level when a long throw-in was flicked on by Lee Miller and Chris Maguire took a touch on his chest before hooking a shot past Smith and in off the underside of the crossbar.

Aberdeen’s momentum was halted somewhat when they were reduced to 10 men with 20 minutes left, after Andy Considine picked up two stupid bookings in the space of 12 minutes.

Langfield was then Aberdeen’s hero when he produced a stunning save to deny McLean a late winner.

MOTHERWELL: G. Smith, Quinn, McLean, Reynolds, Hammell, O’Brien, Lasley, Hughes, McGarry (Murphy, 84), Clarkson (Sheridan, 81), Sutton. Subs (not used): Krysiak, Malcolm, D. Smith, Fitzpatrick, Hutchinson.