St Mirren - 24h on

07 April 2013 14:29
Do you ever feel as though you're the damp squib at a celebration? A party pooper? Such was the expectation generated by the print and broadcast media in anticipation of Celtic claiming the title that they almost assumed we would fall into line.

If we played our part correctly then Celtic would be able to start their title party.  Discussions about Motherwell’s ambition to strengthen the runner up place were banished in the premature rush to let the Parkhead festivities take place with five games of the season remaining. 

We know where this ends up!

We know that Celtic will claim their well earned prize soon enough, and no one will suggest they should not enjoy the moment, but the way commentators and pundits refused to acknowledge that Motherwell were odds on favourites to take at least a point from Saturday's game seemed a bit disrespectful.

At least those with open minds will concede that McFadden's magical strike fully justified keeping the champagne corked for a week or two.  Stuart McCall was fulsome in his praise of the game.  He reckoned that some of our play, and the game in general were "outstanding".  His counterpart in the away dugout also paid tribute to the players' efforts, "There was some fantastic football on a difficult, dry pitch.  I thought both sets of fans were thoroughly entertained. There were 29 attempts at goal today and four fantastic goals."

To their credit St Mirren will end this season as the only team Motherwell have yet to beat and but for that special free kick as the game drew to a close they might have stolen three points.  The crowd in the Cooper Stand lost count of the fortunate defections and impressive saves that delayed out second goal. 

The statistics tell their own story: Shots on target - Motherwell 16 St Mirren 5, corners- Motherwell 8 St Mirren 2.  However, the fact is that we earned a point and given the results elsewhere we remain a healthy three points above Inverness.

The split is upon us and there is no certainty what that will bring.  We can expect a visit from Ross County but  Celtic, Inverness, St Johnstone and Dundee United have already been to Fir Park twice this season. The SPL announcement will come on Monday.

There will be yet another 'Well free weekend ahead before we settle down to the last five fixtures on the weekend of April 20, April 27, May 4, May 11 and May 18.  No doubt the TV schedulers will have a say about the date and time.

At the start of the season many of us would have regarded mere inclusion in the top six to be a fine achievement. That we have control of second place is remarkable.  Let's get behind the team for the final five fixtures and ensure that we stay there.

Source: FirParkCorner

Source: FOOTYMAD