By grabar
October 9 2010

Motherwell Under 19s progressed to the 3^rd Round of the SFA Youth Cup despite a difficult afternoon against Stirling Albion. It took three second half goals to secure the win, with two goals in stoppage time making the 3-0 scoreline looking more comfortable than the game actually was.

The first half was a poor affair with little to trouble the keepers, with Motherwell looking dangerous through Josh Watt who scooped over after skipping past two defenders in the 13^th minute.

 

Motherwell were denied what looked a stonewall penalty in the 33^rd minute when Ross Alexander of the Binos looked to have juggeld the ball in box but the ref waved play on.

 

The visitors took heart from this and Daley McSorley was unlucky to see a shot tipped wide by a full length save from Well keeper Tom Bradley. Just before the break winger Watt had another chance but this time he chipped over after a strong run from half way.

 

The second half started more brightly with both sides having early chances with Ross McKinnon having a shot turned wide by Murray Jackson in the Albion goal, while Andy Pender went close at the other end.

 

Well did take the lead in 69 minutes when Watt latched on to a half cleared corner to send a swerving 25 yard shot past Jackson in the Stirling goal.

 

The win was made more emphatic in stoppage time when Jamie Pollock ran on to a though ball from sub Steve Howarth to chip the advancing Jackson. Howarth was then to score the third deep into stoppage time when he headed a Watt cross home at the far post.

 

It was good to see a Motherwell side progress in a cup competition but in all honesty they made hard work of it this afternoon, but if they reach the final in May no one will remember this game!!