Motherwell 1 Saints 0 League Table Here
Team :: Dolph,McQuillan,Il
Biscotti,Dods,Griffin,Dasovic,McMahon,O'Neil, McAnespie,Kane,O'Boyle
Subs :: Robertson,Scott,Connolly,O'Halloran,Whiteford
Welcome to the brand-new all-singing Scottish Premier League which will take us into the bright wonderful world of top-class football. Shite. Actually its the same old stuff with the players wearing different numbers (which makes a mockery of team announcements since apart from the keeper they are announced in squad number order) and their names. Worst of all we still have the same crap referees (of which more later).
Saints lined up with a fairly strong side even allowing for injuries with only Tubby Bollan missing out of the fit players Luggy had available. And for the early part of the game we looked fairly solid. Dolph Ferguson in goal seems to be a good replacement for Main with a decent kick and an insatiably desire to risk getting his head kicked in by 'Handball' Coyle. Dods and Griffin looked solid enough in defence although the latter doesn't seem to be as fast as I recall. McQ was his usual excellent self venturing forth on several occassions into the Pseudo-Wegies half to have a go at goal. Il Biscotti had a quiet game and struggled for pace a few times.
In midfield Dasovic is obviously gearing up to be the playmaker but needs to practice finding a blue shirt (complete with shite sponsors logo). Gerry McMahon looked fast in the first half but faded completely as the game went on suffering from Jenkoitis (also known as the cant be arsed to tackle or move into position). Keyring had a good game but was replaced by O'Halloran before half-time as the pace seemed to be too much. Up front Georgio was a greedy git but still turned on the style when required.
The game was fairly even for the first half hour with a couple of Saints defensive mistakes and a dodgy edge-of-box free kick being the only nervous moments for the large away support although a Dolph save and the crossbar prevented any scoring. There were some niggles starting though and Biscuits was first into the book, though how Ross (diving) and Coyle (handball) escaped cards from Sheepy Freeland I dont know. Saints best chance came from a McMahon run down the right whos cross was met by Georgios head but deflected past the post. Saints also had a claim for a goal (which the linesman allowed) chalked off for a foul on the keeper - maybe this Sky TV coverage might clear some of these up.
The turning point came after 30 minutes. As Saints cleared their lines the Pseudo-Wegies no 12 (some foreign git) caught Kano from behind and stood on him. Unfortunately Kane decided he didn't like that and raised his feet a la Beckham as the Wegie went past. Referee saw both incidents, booked the Motherwell player and red-carded Kane. He then proceeded to award a free-kick to Motherwell even though they committed the initial offence. Down to 10 men and El Luggino started to reorganise bringing on Rhino for Keyring.
The score was still 0-0 at half-time (regulation 15 minutes please) but it only took 4 minutes of the second-half for the game to be won. A Biscuits handball on the edge of the box and Partick Fissel reject Jared Sterling scores from the free-kick. About the only bad moment for Dolph for the whole game really. After that it was Saints who had to do all the chasing. McMahon and Georgio came close then Georgio hit the post with a cracker of a volley. With 20 minutes left the tired McMahon and O'Neil (who looks to be carrying a lot of weight) were replaced by Phizzy and Paddy who despite the lack of match practice both looked sharp with Connolly especially causing the home defence all sorts of problems.
The last 15 minutes or so (plus the 5 injury time a la France 98) were mostly Saints pressure with Dods and Preston pushing forward to add some height to the attack. Dasovic had a couple of good shots whilst McQ forced a good save. Miss of the match was reserved for Dods who with only 3 or 4 minutes to go blasted the ball over the bar from about 4 yards out.
Overall it was an even game and apart from Kanes red card Saints would have easily have walked away with at least a point. Good performances from Dolph in goal and Dods in defence. Georgio looked the part up front when he tried and Connolly finally looks like he can last a full match. There are question marks over some players though - McMahon and O'Neill both looked unfit and Dasovic is probably not going to be the playmaker we badly need. There were additional bookings for Dasovic and O'Halloran.
| Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | Points |
| Celtic | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 3 |
| Kilmarnock | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Aberdeen | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Hearts | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Motherwell | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Rangers | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Saints | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Dundee Utd | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Dundee | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Dunfermline | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
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