Highlights - Motherwell 1-0 Dundee Utd

Alan Gow scored with four minutes remaining against Dundee United to send Motherwell into the semi-finals of the Co-operative Insurance Cup.

Nick Blackman came close on a couple of first-half occasions for the home side, while David Goodwillie threatened at the other end.

United's Prince Buaben squandered a chance while Garry Kenneth headed wide.

But, when Buaban's clearance struck the post, Gow gave Well their second win over United within four days.

Motherwell had been well worth their 2-1 victory against the same opponents on Saturday in the Scottish Premier League.

This time, the Lanarkshire side went into the game without experienced midfielder Keith Lasley through injury, with Steven Saunders coming into defence and Tom Hateley moving up to midfield.

Gow (centre) gave the home side victory at Fir Park

United were minus winger Craig Conway and the versatile Scott Severin, their places being taken by Keith Watson and Scott Robertson.

And, although the visitors created the first chance when Goodwillie stabbed the ball straight at goalkeeper Darren Randolph following Kenneth's knockdown, the hosts soon put the pressure on.

Blackman was inches away from converting Jamie Murphy's driven ball across the face of goal following a typically direct run from Chris Humphrey.

Another low cross from Murphy soon found Gow, but the forward could not get the ball out from under his feet and his effort was comfortably held by Dusan Pernis.

Referee Willie Collum, who received threatening phone calls after awarding a dubious penalty to Rangers at Celtic Park on Sunday, faced his first major decision in the 13th minute when Robertson went down inside the box under a challenge from Steve Jennings.

The midfielder claimed for a penalty after being prevented the opportunity to follow up Paul Dixon's powerful, parried effort, but Jennings appeared to take the ball and Collum made the right decision by waving away the appeals.

United started far better than they had on Saturday, with Robertson at the heart of some good possession play inside the Motherwell half.

The hosts suffered a blow when striker Murphy limped off after 20 minutes, with John Sutton coming on.

United continued to edge proceedings and Goodwillie had a long-range effort held, but Motherwell regained the ascendancy before the break.

Gow released Blackman after a sharp one-two, but Pernis closed the on-loan Blackburn striker down quickly to block his shot.

It was United's turn to suffer an injury blow, with Dixon going off injured at half-time and being replaced at left-back with Barry Douglas.

Blackman fired wide from a difficult angle at one end before Buaben lashed the ball high into the stand after bursting into the box in a scrappy start to the second half.

Motherwell began to take a grip on possession around the hour mark, but chances remained scarce and it was United who went close when Kenneth headed just wide from a Morgaro Gomis cross.

However, it was the home side who broke the deadlock with only four minutes remaining when Buaben sliced his clearance following a corner, it came off the post and Gow provided the finish.

United desperately pressed for an equaliser. But, despite having five players involved in a goalmouth scramble, they failed to provide a finish that would send the tie into extra-time.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version