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Falkirk 1 Motherwell 0

Graeme Smith
By grabar
November 15 2008
Following an excellent performance against Rangers in midweek Motherwell turned in an insipid performance at Falkirk this afternoon. A first half goal from Michael Higdon was enough for the Bairns to take all three points. There was little to comend in the Well performance.
 After their midweek draw with Rangers the Well turned in an insipid performance to lose at a windy Falkirk stadium this afternoon.

There was a bit of a surprise in the team selection with David Clarkson brought back into the side with Chris Porter dropped onto the bench. Could this have anything to do with press speculation this week linking him with Sheffield United.

We also caught a glimpse of Maros Kilimpl for the first time, he appeared as a sub despite not kicking a ball for any Motherwell side since joining the club. Apparently he will line up for the reserves this week.

They did create a couple of early chances but both David Clarkson and Marc Fitzpatrick somehow managed to turn the ball wide from close range with the keeper nowhere on both occasions.

They were punished for these misses when the Bairns took the lead in the 37th minute. A misplaced by Paul Quinn was intercepted by Lovell who sent Barratt free on the right wing. His cross was inch perfect for Higdon to pull the ball down and drill a low shot past Smith from 20 yards out.

Fitzpatrick almost atoned for his first half miss with a fine left foot shot early in the second half but his shot was at a comfortable height for Flinders to save.

Even with the introduction of Porter and Murphy couldn't make a real dent on the Falkirk defence, although Porter did pull out a great one handed save from Flinders with a bending shot.

Before the end Well could've been even further ahead but Smith did well to save with his feet from Barratt, and then when the ball was returned back into the box Barratt somehow turned the ball off the outside of the post from six yards out.

In the end it wasn't enough and Motherwell were left to travel home licking their wounds.

This kind of performance is one of the most frustrating kind, particularly after a great performance against Rangers in mid-week. At no time did the team reach the type of tempo they did on Wednesday and this made things a whole lot easier for Falkirk.

 

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