By grabar
July 10 2010

Motherwell made it three wins from three in pre-season with a 2-1 win over Ayr Utd but this a win that was barely deserved as Well struggled to get any rhythm going.

Craig Brown fielded the starting eleven that is likely to line up in the European game on Thursday, although the Briedablik manager watching in the Stand won't have too many worries after watching this game....

The first half was a poor affair with Motherwell giving the ball away far too often and allowing Ayr to get in about them. John Sutton had a great chance to give Well the lead when he was sent clean through but he hesitated long enough and allowed a defende time to get back to make a challenge.

There was no surprise when Ayr took the lead in 28 minutes, Andy Rodgers created space at the edge of the box before firing a low shot past Darren Randolph.

Despite Ayr being the more likely side for long spells they rarely troubled Randolph, and as they introduced their rolling subs in the second half Motherwell took charge.

They equalised on 69 minutes, Keith Lasley was fouled on the edge of the box allowing Ross Forbes to fire in a low shot under the Ayr defensive wall which left the keeper helpless.

As it looked as though the game was heading for a draw Motherwell snatched the win with only two minutes left. Sub Rob McHugh got on the end of a flick from Gary Smith and rounded the keeper before rolling the ball into the empty net.

This was the usual pre-season stuff with Motherwell struggling to match the enthusiasm of the home side but hopefully by Thursday we will see the players on a more committed level.

After the game Craig Brown advise that Spanish trialist Gazapo has been released but there is still interest in Chris Shuker...