By Paul Marshall
August 30 2003

Motherwell midfielder Stephen Pearson was sent off for the FOURTH time in just over a season to spoil Motherwell's chances of picking up all 3 points after McFadden had put the Fir Park side in front twice. The 20 year old was sent off for violent conduct, ref John Rowbotham claimed the midfielder had elbowed a Thistle player off the ball.


Things had started well for Terry Butcher who had stuck with the same team which beat Kilmarnock last weekend. James McFadden who was easily the best player on the park scored a magnificent goal from 25 yards, the Scotland international beat Ian Ross fired past Thistle keeper Mikkelsen to put Motherwell ahead ( let's hope he does that to the Faroes keeper next week )





Referee John Bowbotham then bottled to send off Grant Murray after he pulled down McFadden at the edge of the box, Rowbotham failed to bring out the red card despite the Thistle defender being the last man. But the former St Johnstone player walked for a second yellow with 10 minutes to go.


Partick equalised after 25 minutes, James Grady was allowed to swing a great cross into the box for veteran striker ( and donkey ) Britton to header past Gordon Marshall.


Motherwell then restored the lead despite being down to 10 men. McFadden latched on to a Burns cross to fire past Mikkelsen from close range.


Former Airdrie player Stuart Taylor gave Thistle a share of the spoils by heading home a Mitchell cross eight minutes from the end. Gordon Marshall appeared to duck away from the header which could easily have stopped.


Fans View - Chris Bayne

I thought we played well today but once again were losin goals from crosses on the right (4 of the 7 goals conceded) are from the right side. Scott Leitch was amazing today and just hope we can hold on to McFadden.


Motherwell - Marshall, Quinn, Corrigan, Partridge, Hammell, Lasley, Leitch, Adams, Pearson, Burns ( Clarkson ), McFadden.


Partick Thistle - Mikkelsen, Lilley, Whyte, Anis, Murray, Waddell, Rowson, Taylor, Ian Ross, Britton, Grady.


Referee - John Rowbotham - shocking !


Attendance - 6157


Fans View - PJM

We're losing too many goals from headers ! and Pearson will need to screw the nut !!!



SPL Table


1 Celtic 10

2 Rangers 9

3 Dunfermline 7

4 Hibernian 7

5 Hearts 6

6 Dundee 6

7 Motherwell 4

8 Livingston 4

9 Kilmarnock 3

10 Partick Thistle 2

11 Aberdeen 1

12 Dundee United 0