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00:00I've had quite a story to tell in the 2025-26 season, one that will not be forgotten for some
00:07time
00:07and as the William Hill Premiership approaches the split, there remains so much on the line tonight
00:13here at the Spicer Stadium, a fixture that for the home fans at least will spark the memories of Hampden
00:20Park in November
00:21that paved the way to Premier Sports Cup glory just a month later
00:27that was a major disappointment for Motherwell, as was their Scottish Cup exit to Aberdeen on Wednesday night
00:33but aside from that, the league campaign has turned Motherwell into the form team in the country
00:42Stephen Robinson makes two changes from the side that lost in Easter Road, Marcus Fraser and Dan Ludlow drop out
00:48as Roland O'Doge starts, plus there's a return to action for club captain Mark O'Hara
00:53who makes his first start since the Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Motherwell in November
00:59the midfielder goes up against his old club, while Richard King scored in that meeting at Hampden Park
01:05and Cillian Phillips signed an extension to his deal just yesterday
01:12Jens Bertolescu made six changes between the two Aberdeen games and does so once again for this evening's match
01:20but the only alteration from last Sunday's match sees the return of Stephen O'Donnell at right back
01:26Lucas Faddinger remains out through suspension but Stephen Welsh returns after being cup-tied in midweek
01:32Pomegin captains Motherwell against his former side, Oscar Priestman is available despite his red card at Pataudry
01:39and Talanda Maswanese has fought five goals in his last six games and is the joint top scorer in the
01:46division
01:50two managers who are getting to know each other rather well, this will be the fourth meeting between the two
01:56sides
01:57as Callum Scott gets ready to referee this one
02:03against his old club Stephen Robinson will hope to rediscover that spirit and belief that brought
02:10one of the most remarkable days in the club's history with the Premier Sports Cup safely in the Paisley trophy
02:17cabinet
02:19however in the two months that have followed there hasn't been much to shout about one win in ten
02:24has seen the buddies drop into the bottom three watching on the former manager Sir Alex Ferguson
02:33dismissed by the club in 1987 and he didn't go on to do too badly after that
02:48midter而已 the big quarter also comes up to Olo Ay
02:48he volver átory an competitor for Gryson
03:07really as cd 콘 Christopher Wrights and Motherwell meet for
03:09the fourth time
03:11this season
03:13cooperation
03:18at the Smysa Stadium where it is fan ownership day in recognition of the set-up of both clubs.
03:32And the involvement that supporters have behind the scenes, so important for their presence and future.
03:47The rain is absolutely non-stop here in Paisley.
03:56The two teams, you know, I think we talked about that a lot in the build-up to that Premier
04:02Sports Cup semi-final and the differing styles,
04:06and, I mean, what Motherwell went on and did in that game and then about four weeks later was absolutely
04:12incredible,
04:13but they haven't managed to recapture that form.
04:16No, I mean, obviously St Mirren and Steven Robinson are being bitterly disappointed that they find themselves in the position
04:23they're in in the league,
04:24but as he spoke about, there's a few key players starting to make their way back, feeling like there's light
04:30at the end of the tunnel.
04:32They were able to impose their style on the game that day, and no doubt Motherwell will be looking to,
04:39not just revenge,
04:41but to make sure their style of the game is the one that's dominant today.
04:46It was Jake Young, the January signing, he's done really well, fired across goal, and Callum Ward gets a palm
04:53to it,
04:54kept it away from the dough who was coming in in the middle of that six-yard box, first chance
05:00of the game in the opening minutes.
05:03Yeah, and that is just a little flavour of what St Mirren, when they're at their best, are able to
05:07do.
05:09You know, regardless of who it is at the top end of the park, Steven Robinson's looking for pace and
05:14power.
05:15That's what happened in the semi-final, and you can see it there with Jake Young driving in behind the
05:23Motherwell defence.
05:27Here's Longello.
05:30We'll come back to Watt, and then just Priesman, and he's dismissed a roundabout this time in the game up
05:40at Pataudry,
05:41and a big disappointment for Motherwell exiting the Scottish Cup.
05:46Jansberg Lesko making no fewer than six changes for that match.
05:54Two red cards cost them dear, that's in from Longello, and touched wide by Maswanisi, who has been in red
06:02-hot form this season, and he couldn't guide it home.
06:06What a ball that is from Longello.
06:09That's a real missed opportunity there from Maswanisi, he does not too bad, but just can't guide it on target.
06:19You see here Jake Young, lovely little touch inside there.
06:24Watt had to get that touch because I think it was probably going to drop for his strike partner, Aduwu
06:29if he hadn't touched it.
06:31But just going back to that one for Motherwell, that's how quickly they can open teams up into that wide
06:38area with Longello putting a wonderful ball in behind.
06:43And Maswanisi in that central position, in between the posts in, they'll be disappointed he's not frowned the back of
06:50the net there.
06:53Well he has on 18 occasions already this season, hugely impressive.
07:03That's been one of the big shifts for Motherwell, getting Maswanisi through the middle, he's filled that position that was
07:12a bit of a void for them.
07:15There's a yellow card out for Killian Phillips, four minutes into the game.
07:34And he's got complaints, should he?
07:38I mean, you would just, I mean from his perspective you're just hoping that early in the game the referee
07:44is going to be a little bit more lenient.
07:49The referees would tell you that, that doesn't matter though.
07:51They would, but it's not true, because certain games it definitely does play a part.
07:58But Donnell into Maswanisi, just short with the pass back to Delai Justin, Freckleton battling away.
08:08Slattery goes back to the safety of his goalkeeper Callum Ward.
08:12He's going to be able to do it.
08:26Motherwell eyeing up the minimum of European qualification really with their position fourth in the league.
08:33They will potentially set their sights higher with their current run, and here's Priestman.
08:39Goes away from Freckleton, Oscar Priestman into the box, he just ran out of space, and the black and white
08:46jerseys get around him.
08:48Just never seem to be able to get the ball out of his feet. Good drive and run.
08:54Obviously we've become so accustomed to St Mirren with a back three, they're setting up on a back four here,
09:01King's right back.
09:04Gogic in as one of the two centre-halves here.
09:09That was something that Steven Robinson touched on with Alex Gogic having been played out of position for the last
09:17couple of months,
09:18with Mark O'Hara and Keanu Bacchus being out for that amount of time.
09:23But the club captain is back, Bacchus is on the bench, he's delivered in, and there is the Cypriots to
09:30fire it away.
09:35That's a role that he can do in the middle of the park, but the issue has obviously been they've
09:40not been able to fill the void at the back.
09:42And Masurini saying just trying to get in behind here, kept it in play the New Zealander, but safely into
09:50the hands of Shemal George.
10:00This was Oskar Priestman's run, Gogic coming across, Freckleton getting back to nick a touch on it.
10:18One win and ten in the Premiership, Steven Robinson's side though are still in the Scottish Cup, they will face
10:25Puttick Thistle in the quarter-finals.
10:30As Young gets the touch, Marmo managed to sort out the numbers in there.
10:41Ooh-r-r-lin Nugget!
10:45Ooh-r-r-lin!
10:54Three, two, three, three!
11:03Those!
11:05The slattery far to step back to Steven Welsh, missed the line.
11:07через round.
11:07game up at Petaudry in midweek because he's cup-tied,
11:12he played against Auckland like Talbot for his parent club Celtic.
11:15Here goes Steven O'Donnell, making good ground,
11:19he'll ping that all the way across to his fellow full-back.
11:23Long hello, it's well done by Edowu.
11:27He looks for the run of Young, but that's a lot of him.
11:43Watt's ball for O'Donnell.
11:45Does really well, Steven O'Donnell.
11:49Lofted in, that'll be King's ball.
11:53Kept alive by Watt.
11:56Long hello with the effort and knocked out for the corner kick,
12:01Motherwell fans appreciating what they're seeing.
12:04That's a lovely ball here from Watt.
12:07Followed up with a brilliant touching flick from Steven O'Donnell.
12:13He's just trying to cushion that in towards Mats Munizi there,
12:16but lovely play from the full-back here.
12:19Declan John just over-committing.
12:34Emmanuel Longelo to take to the edge of the area.
12:39Well seen by McMenamin, though.
12:42Could be read by Edowu.
12:45Bursting onto it.
12:48It's just too far in front of McMenamin, who was scampering towards it.
12:53Had to be pinpointed.
12:55Well, again, you can see Zidmiren desperately wanting to break quickly.
13:03Almost been able to exploit that tip.
13:06That backline short in numbers with being up for the corner kick.
13:16Causing them problems.
13:20It's on from O'Donnell.
13:22Came off Saeed last.
13:25And it's not about bouncing back from that disappointment in midweek,
13:31it's about continuing to do what they've done well for so long.
13:37One defeat and 18 in the league.
13:41That came at Ibrox, 1-0 defeat in December.
13:49They picked up 17 points from the last 21 available.
13:53They're absolutely flying, and rightly should be looking at those above them,
13:58the top three that are fighting out a title race.
14:00If they could make that a four-way fight, it would be absolutely incredible.
14:07Here's Just.
14:09They'll need to get past St Mirren first,
14:10and they've got a knack of making life very difficult for those title-chasing sides.
14:17Phillips knocks it down now.
14:19Helped on, and McMenamin.
14:20Away again, Phillips making up ground in the middle.
14:23Edomu there too, is taken on by McMenamin and saved.
14:29I think he would have been marginally off, or not.
14:32Perhaps from that angle it looks like he was still in his own half.
14:36You can see Phillips bursting gut to get forward.
14:39It's a comfortable save in the end from Ward.
14:41But you can see the theme taking hold already.
14:46Sud Mirren looking to spring at real pace to try and get at Motherwell when they're getting the turnovers.
14:54Motherwell, of course, will be looking to be taking just a little bit better care with the ball.
15:00Maswanese to Saeed.
15:07O'Donnell, that's a wonderful pass.
15:09Longelow in acres of space.
15:12Slattery drops off short, then going for the return is Longelow.
15:16The effort from Saeed, then Maswanese.
15:21Finally Slattery, it's not finished yet, just has a go-to.
15:26Another great move from Motherwell.
15:29Slick.
15:31Lovely one, two on the edge of the box with Longelow and Slattery.
15:37Jackson Mirren defending resolutely.
15:42King dealing with Maswanese.
15:50It's a tough one for Motherwell because that defeat during the week in the cup,
15:54that's a real better belt as well because they would have been fancying their chances.
16:02Just onto Saeed, the pullback for Slattery.
16:09Going in there is Watt, Priestman now.
16:14Slattery.
16:17Elijah just gets it through the legs and finds the corner.
16:23Elijah just...
16:27...squeezes one through.
16:31Motherwell get the early advantage.
16:35As they go in hunt of those top three that sit above them.
16:42Well, we're right behind that, Rory.
16:44And you can just tell as soon as he was lining it up,
16:47you're thinking if it goes through the defender's legs, the goalkeeper's in trouble.
16:51And it's exactly what happens.
16:55And this guy, Elijah just gets better and better, doesn't he?
16:59You know, that's a great goal.
17:02Predominantly left-footed, but he's not frightened to have strikes with his right boot.
17:08And very much like Motherwell as a team, his performance level just continued to grow.
17:20That's how seven goal involvements in his last seven and a bit Premiership games for Elijah just.
17:28That's six goals in all for the New Zealander this season.
17:33Which is a pretty handy back-up to Tawanda Maswanese as their top goalscorer.
17:42And now what faces Samirin is the best defence in the league.
17:48And conceded just 18 goals in 26 Premiership games, Motherwell.
17:56Well, it's that form that you're talking about in terms of the number of points that they've picked up.
18:0317 from the last 21.
18:05You can't ignore that for coming towards the latter stages in the league.
18:14I mean, it's fairytale stuff to contemplate Motherwell lifting the trophy, the league title.
18:21But it just feels that the season that we're in right in the middle of here is quite an incredible
18:28one.
18:28And you can't discount this team.
18:33They're such a well-balanced, structured side.
18:36They play like a team that are capable of really pushing the top teams in the country.
18:43They've done it in individual games, but they've backed it up with consistency as well.
18:52This is Saeed.
18:54Not content with one Motherwell.
18:56Going in search of a quick second.
18:59Improachment.
19:02They've got control of this game.
19:1720 yards from goal.
19:18That's because of the way that Motherwell play this game.
19:21They force the opponents into the defensive unit.
19:25With the rotation and movement.
19:28But they do it with real belief and pace.
19:33And more often than not, they cut the opposition open.
19:36We've seen plenty of possession-based teams over the years.
19:40They can often bore you to tears, but this Motherwell side, they're great to watch.
19:47They do not bore you to tears. Far from it.
19:51Here's a donnel.
19:52Scooped one towards the back post, nothing comes of that opportunity.
19:57It was consistent possession there for Motherwell.
20:05He'll be impressed.
20:07I mean, you can't feel but be impressed.
20:18And the reason they don't bore you to tears is because it's really slick attacking football.
20:24If you enjoy football, you enjoy watching this style.
20:27It was picked up by Young, but Priestman working hard.
20:31Young wins it back from him.
20:33And then it's Stephen Welsh.
20:35He regains it for the visiting side.
20:40They have struggled a little on the road.
20:43It's been one of their problem areas.
20:47Just three away wins.
20:49At Livingston twice, and once at Kilmarnock.
20:52A lot of draws.
20:55Seven.
20:56Just the two defeats.
20:58A lot of draws.
21:11It's important that St Mourinho...
21:13It's important that St Mourinho...
21:23It's good battling by Phillips.
21:26The pullback will be behind those two that were in the middle, and now Saeed might fancy a charge behind
21:35that area that Declan John is protecting.
21:47Lucas Faddinger, the main one out for Motherwell this evening, still serving as suspension.
21:56Two cents off in midweek, with Liam Gordon also being sent off.
22:05Pathetically.
22:08And Saeed, the play goes on, it was Declan John's challenge.
22:27He's got to get you into Freckleton.
22:33John, and Menemann unable to keep it in play.
22:42Well, I mean, St Mirren started quite brightly.
22:44You know, there was a few moments where we were talking about, you could see what it was that we
22:50were trying to achieve.
22:52But just a few minutes before the goal, Motherwell's starting to get a grip of the ball and control things
22:58a little bit more.
23:00And then obviously the goal getting scored has just filled them full of more belief.
23:04And equally, you can tell it's dented St Mirren's confidence here a little bit as well.
23:11And goes at just, and the free kick will go the way of Mark O'Hara.
23:21Well, instinctively, I didn't really see it.
23:25And I don't really still see it, to be perfectly honest.
23:29It's contact sport, he's on the ground, he wins the ball.
23:33Yes, he makes contact with Mark O'Hara, but I don't see that as a foul, personally.
23:39Obviously the officials do.
23:45It's Freckleton looking for the run of Young.
23:49That's right from Stevenage.
23:50That's a great header, by the way, for Stephen Welsh.
23:55Here goes Saeed.
23:57He's looking early for Maswanisi.
24:01And now the flag goes up against the Zimbabwean.
24:05Yeah, getting Stephen Welsh back in over January was a great bit of business.
24:11Probably only better by keeping hold of Maswanisi.
24:15Yeah, I mean, look, two really vital, important bits of business to get Stephen Welsh back in.
24:21And keeping Maswanisi, absolutely.
24:24Key players to Jens Bertolescu's side.
24:32I think Stephen Welsh's story is an important one as well.
24:34You see young players at big clubs like Celtic not getting enough game time.
24:40And it's stunting their career.
24:43He's out at Motherwell enjoying his football and showing that he's capable.
24:47He's got a spot of bother here though, because King slides that across.
24:52There will be a corner kick.
24:55Young was not far away from getting a touch.
24:58Just as Stephen Welsh over committed himself there.
25:03Look at that from Stephen O'Donnell though.
25:06Recovering run, filling round as the full-back.
25:09Putting the pressure on.
25:10Young goes out for the corner kick.
25:13That defensive unit working very well together.
25:25Connor McMenamin will take this.
25:30Short it comes, delivered in with purpose but into the arms of Ward.
25:39He looks to go early, Stephen O'Donnell well advanced.
25:42It's a great first touch, there's space over on the far side.
25:45But Gogic returning at pace.
25:50Almost another wonderful touch from Stephen O'Donnell.
25:53And almost followed up with a through ball for Massuinissi there.
26:05That's one back by Longolo for Slattery.
26:15Just the goal scorer from Motherwell.
26:19An imprisonment.
26:22Hot.
26:26Welsh to Paul McGinn, their skipper.
26:35These mother-up players, you can just tell they're loving their football.
26:38When you think about the likes of Paul McGinn at the age that he's at, playing centre-half.
26:45And it's, I would imagine, probably some of the most enjoyable football he's had in his career.
26:51Because the collective team, the unit, makes a lot of his job a lot easier.
26:58Here comes Just again.
27:00Misses out Slattery, Longolo in good space.
27:04That's when Issy will accept the corner, but it looked threatening once again there from Motherwell every time they go
27:10forward.
27:11It's the slick interchange, isn't it?
27:13Into those little pockets of space that Just and Slattery in particular are picking up.
27:18And as soon as they're picking up, they're turning and they're driving at that back line.
27:23And they're spreading it side to side.
27:25You see the amount of times that they've been able to get Longolo in space out on the left.
27:29O'Donnell out in the space down the right here.
27:40O'Donnell out in the space down the right here.
27:40Comes all the way out to Longolo.
27:43Worked a better angle and then worked it very nicely into Just.
27:50O'Donnell couldn't do much with his header though.
27:57I think he just missed his jump there, that was a good chance.
28:00Dink to the back post there.
28:06Seem very well connected Motherwell.
28:09A lot of work going on in the training ground to make moments like that happen.
28:24Watt misplaced pass right to Devaney.
28:28Gogic.
28:30Run away with it as Freckleton sends it clear to Phillips.
28:35That there is just a perfect example of, you know, one of the reasons why they've got the best defensive
28:40record.
28:41Elliot Watt trying to play a positive pass, gets cut out.
28:45He's instantly, within about two seconds, he's almost in touching distance of the ball.
28:50Putting pressure on the St Mirren team.
28:52They're able to get a turnover and win the ball back so quickly.
28:56His teammates are right in behind them.
28:59And they're working as a real unit.
29:05The passes continue to be crisp as Motherwell play their way out from the back.
29:10O'Donnell looks up to Maswanise, King comes in, Gogic's two.
29:15Now Freckleton, good pass in to Devaney.
29:21Now on loan from Manchester United.
29:27Odowu.
29:30Gogic and King.
29:33And Freckleton, St Mirren's turn to see a bit of the ball.
29:40That was quite good initially there from St Mirren, because they were under some real pressure.
29:44They popped it around, got out, down this left-hand side, but...
29:49The momentum's just been slowed up.
29:52I guess King, that's a good touch into Odowu, who won the 50-50 with Welsh.
30:15Now with the Celtic loanee again.
30:24Ward finds Watt, who's so often the man who picks up the space in the middle of the park.
30:28And he's very capable of picking the killer pass.
30:32Now just the space out to the left-hand side.
30:34Maswanise freed himself up, Maswanise got there before the goalkeeper.
30:38Penalty given as Maswanise is cleared out by Shyamal George.
30:47Well, first of all, it's wonderful attacking football.
30:51The full-backs are killing St Mirren.
30:53They're in space and then sliding into that pocket of space.
30:56Just driving at them.
30:58He's onside.
30:59Yeah, I mean, look, the only argument St Mirren would have is the ball out.
31:05And I don't think it is.
31:06He's never getting it, but the contact is there before the ball goes out of play.
31:11He's wiped out as a penalty kick.
31:14Didn't look like offside to me, although they are checking it.
31:17Yeah, VAR are going to have a look at that.
31:19It's Nick Walsh and Sean Carr who are having a look.
31:23They may need to draw the lines, it did look pretty close.
31:27But that whole build-up, Rory, is just indicative of what Motherwell,
31:31as a team, have been able to develop.
31:35They have those deep-lying midfielders coming in to pick the ball up.
31:39They're dragging the opposition midfield up to try and pressure.
31:43Spinning it out to the full-back, who's in acres of space,
31:45right into the centre of the park where the likes of Just is on.
31:49He's onside there.
31:50You can see Gogic's back foot or even Declan John perhaps there.
31:57Unless they find out he's Oxford's offside, which is obviously hugely important
32:01and has a massive influence.
32:06Well, the offside is cleared, the penalty is awarded.
32:12So Tawanda Maswanese who won the penalty from Shyamal George's challenge.
32:19These two will face each other once again.
32:35Maswanese for a two-goal lead, it's emphatic from the man who stands alone as the league's top goalscorer.
32:47And what a night those Motherwell supporters are enjoying in Paisley.
32:52Their team have been absolutely outstanding and it's a half-hour that has seen them race into a two-goal
32:58lead.
33:02They deserve every accolade that's come in their way, Motherwell.
33:07As you said, Derone, a half-hour outstanding, deserving of the lead.
33:16And the sky is the limit, really, for this side.
33:26We were talking before about the bitter pill to swallow getting knocked out of the cup
33:29because they would have really genuinely felt there was an opportunity for them there
33:34to potentially get their hands on a trophy.
33:43And what this does is, this just applies even more pressure to the games that come up tomorrow.
33:54Because the likes of Celtic and Rangers, they're going to start feeling that there is a team breathing down their
34:01necks as well.
34:03And if there's any let-up, any slips, they are going to be there ready to pounce.
34:08And obviously the next league fixture coming up is a Glasgow derby.
34:13Someday, or both, are going to be dropping points.
34:21So Donalds, well won by Devane, who, or Mark O'Hara rather, wins the free kick.
34:58So, I hope that's why, that's not right for me.
35:01Devani leaves this for McMenamin, Samira needs something to get themselves back into this contest,
35:11John, Devani, McMenamin, wants to go through the legs,
35:19but it's now with longer lows switched over to this side for now,
35:23Saeed couldn't find Maso Nisei, position's a bit jumbled up,
35:30as things stand at the moment for Motherwell, but they're just now reverting into their correct roles.
35:49Gogic looks over the top, Adoro will chase this, it will scamper away from him in any case.
36:07Priesman.
36:10Donald back for McGinn, as I said before the full backs are in acres of space and they're just moving
36:16Sid Mirren around,
36:18Lot's able to drop into space, pop it out to the full back, and then they can pop it into
36:24the midfield, in behind Sid Mirren's midfield.
36:27And Sid Mirren just feels like they're constantly chasing shadows, always five yards off the man on the ball.
36:35Welsh searching past straight to John though, good turn by O'Hara, Priesman is frustrated, and the free kick goes
36:45against him.
36:47That was good strong play initially from O'Hara there, but I thought Priesman got the ball.
36:56But very difficult for the likes of O'Hara and Devaney in the middle of the park,
37:02because there's not a great deal of space for them, first of all, and then when they do get the
37:05ball,
37:06as we've seen numerous occasions so far, Motherwell are just on them in a flash.
37:13Phillips the target for that ball forward, almost sat up for the effort from Young,
37:20cries of fan ball as that one was delivered into the box by Declan John.
37:29Saeed, oh he's got away from Gogets, then taken down.
37:37It's great play from Saeed, isn't it?
37:40Wiggles away from the initial pressure, drives beyond the defence.
37:49Thankfully they don't see that as denying a goalscoring opportunity.
37:56And just clearing up there the handball appeals, which were rather light in any case.
38:17And just getting into O'Donnell.
38:32Ward, Slattery the free man.
38:37Madonnell, Slattery again.
38:41What...
38:42Top-class stuff, it really is.
38:45A joy to watch.
38:46Madonnell, Slattery, this time blocked off by Freckleton.
38:51Up towards Young, and Edowu, the chance on the brakes, just behind.
38:56Young though, and that allows Longolo back in.
39:02And that's the other side of it, just that desire, when the ball's lost, to get back.
39:19There's space for Just in the middle of the park here.
39:22And Slattery will find him, and Just will look to work his magic again.
39:26He's got Priestman to the right, Longolo left.
39:30Two in the middle as well.
39:32It comes to Maswanese!
39:34And it's just the side netting.
39:37At Tawanda, Maswanese finds Motherwalt.
39:41It's free-flowing football.
39:43And every time they go forward, you wonder what's going to happen.
39:46Well, their big players are just destroying St Mirren at the moment.
39:51And this is incredible that Maswanese's missed.
39:53I mean, he's very, very close, but...
39:56Elijah Just in that little pocket of space is doing so much damage.
40:03And he's in so much space because of the rest of the team functioning so well.
40:07Pulling St Mirren all over the place.
40:13You wonder what Steven Robinson will be thinking about what he can do to alter this.
40:20Because right now, this result is going only one way.
40:39Well, that's how close it was.
40:44Extremely.
40:45Well, I'd love to know what the blue line is getting drawn off,
40:48because it certainly doesn't look like anything from a St Mirren play-up.
40:55We've had previous at this ground.
41:02That'll be Motherwalt free kick, and there's a red card out for Alex Gogic.
41:09And things go from bad to worse for St Mirren,
41:14and there's bemusement in the home dugout.
41:19But things are falling apart right now for Steven Robinson's side.
41:24The one thing I would say is, Gogic's reaction is,
41:28he doesn't seem to be complaining too much.
41:32And I don't know why he's not complaining, because...
41:34How can that be a red card?
41:38As my first initial...
41:42No, come on!
41:45I mean, seriously, this is beyond a joke.
41:49Well, I think now the big thing comes down to how VAR look at this,
41:54if there is enough of an error to overturn that, because...
41:58Oh, Rudy, if that's not enough of an error, then just let's give up.
42:02I mean, that is pathetic.
42:03Well, it has to be clear and obvious.
42:05If that's not clear and obvious, then the game's done.
42:11VAR have asked for an explanation.
42:13They don't need an explanation, they can see the replay.
42:16It's a joke.
42:20I mean, honestly, the referee's not in a bad position either.
42:25I mean, how he can look at that and think that that is...
42:29like, constitutes a red card is beyond belief.
42:34He's standing, looking right at it.
42:36I mean, what has he seen?
42:42Alex Gorgish's boot is almost on the ground.
42:50When the contact's made.
42:52I mean, he barely touches the outside of Calum Slattery's boot.
42:56Yes, it could be quite sore.
42:58It's a game of football.
42:59I mean, that's not even a yellow card.
43:03And what on earth VAR are doing?
43:05Hurry up.
43:08Eventually.
43:10Well, there's going to be an on-field review.
43:13Callum Scott will be sent to the screen.
43:34I mean, look, when you start micro-analysing these things, it's not... it's not... it's not a red card. It's
43:44questionable if it's a yellow card.
43:48Seriously, come on.
43:53This shouldn't be getting analysed like this. It should never have been a red card in the first place. Just
43:58get on with the game.
43:59As I said, I'm not even thinking it's a yellow card. It's a foul. Get on.
44:05So eyes on Callum Scott.
44:10And it is reduced to a yellow card.
44:14So a relief for Alex Gogic and St Mirren.
44:20It's a relief for football fans, Rory. Let's be perfectly honest here.
44:24Because...
44:25It's getting beyond a joke.
44:28Thankfully, VAR have cleared that up.
44:32But that is...
44:36Here's the other thing.
44:37If Alex Gogic gets involved in another challenge, which could quite easily happen here, he runs the risk.
44:43And I don't even think that's a yellow card, that incident.
44:45It's taken quickly, but...
44:49Red...
44:49by the Sumerran wall.
44:54Certainly not being short of drama in this first half.
44:57In the Spices Stadium.
44:59And some will bury their head in the sand and think that everything's alright in VAR land.
45:04An official dump.
45:05But...
45:06It's worrying how bad it has been this season.
45:09We've seen more ludicrous decisions in the cup during the week.
45:13And it's destroying the game.
45:16But we've seen VAR working in the right way there.
45:21And...
45:22I mean...
45:23Correcting the on-field decision.
45:25I'm loath to say that it's actually working because, I mean, if you couldn't see that, as I said, the
45:30game's a bogey.
45:38Here's McGinnon to Priestman.
45:45It's like applauding somebody for blowing the whistle at the start of a game.
45:50It's really not difficult.
45:56Slattery into Priestman.
45:58There will be three additional minutes, I understand, when that is confirmed.
46:04Just...
46:05That's too far ahead of Saeed.
46:07Longolo wanted it out to the left-hand side, he was in a great position.
46:13As the full-backs have been for Motherwell all night.
46:23King, it's a little risky back to Gogic.
46:34Welsch.
46:37Forward it goes from Phillips, the chase on for Young, he's making up the ground on Welsh.
46:54.
47:02This is Gogic.
47:05Richard King.
47:07Phillips makes a good run.
47:12Ballin unable to connect with the door.
47:21Now on the chases, Saeed Freckleton does really well, he was under massive pressure there.
47:29That's a very good defender from Freckleton.
47:31As you said there, for a split second it looked as if Saeed was going to be able to get
47:36the better of him,
47:36but he opened his legs up and managed to get there first and deal with it.
47:43I do remember in a couple of weeks' time it is the turn of the Scottish Cup quarter-finals,
47:49Saturday the 7th of March,
47:50and then Sunday it is Rangers against Celtic from 1 o'clock in Premier Sports 1.
47:59What a weekend it promises to be.
48:12It's just...
48:13And Saeed...
48:18Now with Slattery, now the confirmation of the three additional minutes.
48:28And again into Elliot Watt.
48:38And Stephen Welsh.
48:40Holding his run was long below.
48:47He's won it back as well.
48:49Long below.
48:53There will be a goal kick on this occasion.
49:05There will be a goal kick on this occasion.
49:18Here goes McGinn with Eddowu.
49:22O'Donnell.
49:23That's a good pick-out for Saeed.
49:25Well won by O'Hara.
49:28Trying to make something happen for Samirin.
49:31No free-kick coming their way though, and McGinn helps it on to Priestman.
49:42And McGinn once more.
49:48Just who got it all started with that opening goal, Slattery now.
49:56And McGinn once more.
50:00Just who got it all started with that opening goal.
50:03Slattery now.
50:06just almost got turned.
50:19And there's another wave of a Motherwell attack coming at Sibirin,
50:24who right now you feel might be happy to take this scoreline as it is,
50:29because Motherwell fancy another one.
50:42Thoroughly dominant.
50:46Highly impressive, and you're right,
50:48there was a feeling there ten seconds ago
50:50as if Motherwell were really going to try and go for another before half-time.
50:55Oh, it's Chris passing again, Slattery it opens up, Maswanisi!
51:01There will be a corner, getting back to make a vital intervention there at the concession of the corner.
51:10The pace that they inject just at the right time, that touch just ever so slightly too heavy from Maswanisi.
51:19But they keep the possession, they work it into good areas and then bang, the pace injected in and it's
51:26so difficult to defend against.
51:27This will be the final act of the half.
51:31The effort deflected, and that should see us to the break.
51:36And what has been a hugely impressive 45 minutes from the visiting side.
51:42Motherwell, Elijah just got the opening goal before Tawanda Maswanisi netted his 19th goal of the season.
51:50And at the break, at the Smycer Stadium, it's Samira nil, Motherwell two.
51:55Thank you!