The round up of the mid-week action in the SPL.
Motherwell (3) v (1) Dunfermline
Tuesday's game was one of great hope for the Dunfermline, who's line-up remained unchanged from the weekends surprise 3-0 victory over Kilmarknock. Pars boss Jim McIntyre seemed to be confident that his sides string of poor performances was over.
Motherwell on the other hand saw one change, with Ojama seeing his first start for the Steelman after his crucial equaliser from the weekends clash against Dundee United.
It seemed heads were locked as soon as the starting whistle was blown, however the first significant chance for either side did not arrive until 15 minutes had passed. Motherwell's Steve Jennings sent a high ball sailing over the Pars defence into the path of the Estonia Ojama. But this was not too be, and the visitors were granted reprieve by an off-side ruling against fellow Pars striker, Michael Higdon.
It gave the game the boost it needed, with Dunfermline almost immediately calling for a penalty after the Steelmen's Shaun Hutchinson's challenge seemed to rip the ground from under Joe Cardle the punishment for this coming 3 minutes later when an angry Stephen Craigan received a red card for his off-ball actions with Pars striker Andrew Barrowman. Barrowman also received a yellow card for his part in the clash.
Motherwell boss immediately re-jigged his side to strengthen his defence with Tim Clancy replacing striker Jamie Murphy. A goalmouth scramble followed, however Dumfermline were unsuccessful in their attempts to bury the ball in the Steelmen's net.
After 26 minutes, the Pars suffered a casualty in the form of Andrew Barrowman who was replaced due to injury. This seemed to be the beginning of return to the Pars before last week victory when 2 minutes later when the Estonian, Ojama, picked his way through the Pars defense single-handedly before letting off a shot which slotted the ball through Turner's arms and into the waiting net.
Soon after, a second penalty chance was rejected and the Pars had to make do with a series of corners from Darren Randolph all which were unsuccessful, much to Dunfermline's disappointment.
With both sides returning refreshed after the break, many would have expected Dunfermline to take the game into their own hands a pressurise their undermanned opponents into submission. However, this was not the case and Motherwell were soon rewarded with for their play when Ojama played the ball into the path of English midfielder Nicky Law who sent the ball rocketing into the back of the Pars net.
The Dunfermline players heads went down, however a volley from Andy Kirk 10 minutes later added the finishing touch to a beautiful cross from Paddy Boyle and placed the Pars back in the game. However, any dreams of an equaliser from Dunfermline were shattered with 9 minutes remaining when the Steelmen's substitutes Bob McHugh and Chris Humphrey combined to capitalise on sloppy defending an slide a third past the Dunfermline goalkeeper, Turner.
Overall, a disappointing performance from Dunfermline who find themselves in great need of points sitting at the bottom of the table, arguably as a consequence of unfavourable refereeing decisions.
Motherwell clinched themselves and an extra 3 points to pull themselves in to 3rd place. this will set them clear for at least a few days.The Steelmen will be disappointed with the red-card decision however, Craigen will be hoping that Ojama's performance will take the light off of him and he will hold his place in the squad.
It's been a pleasure to have you tune in folks, and it would be a shame to have you tune out now as Saturday's match reports are on the way and will be with you very shortly, but until then...
I'm Dave.
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