Source: FOOTYMAD
Tor Order For Motherwell
Stephen Craigan and his colleagues have to stop the service to Tor Hogne Aaroy Stephen Craigan might not have felt the same way at the time, as Aalesund delivered a last-gasp equaliser of Motherwell's first Europa League game in Norway, but the defender now claims the Norwegian side's 93rd minute goal could boost his team's hopes of winning the tie overall. Motherwell were just seconds away from a fine away win in Europe before Alexander Mathisen secured a 1-1 draw from the penalty spot with literally the last kick of the first leg of the third qualifying-round game. Craig Brown's men had been relatively comfortable after Jamie Murphy put them ahead early in the second half and Craigan feels the late blow will ensure they do no get over-confident during the second leg at Fir Park tonight. He said: "It might be more beneficial to us. It keeps the focus - complacency won't set in. We know we can't afford to concede or be too relaxed, and I think that might have been the case if we had come back 1-0. Hopefully the disappointment of the late goal can bring out our performance and put a little bit of anger in our performance. We realise we have to be switched on for 90 minutes and play better than we did at times last week. If that happens, hopefully we'll have enough to get through the tie." Aalesund's Jamaica winger Demar Phillips proved the main danger to Motherwell in Norway, hitting the bar from long range and earning his side the injury-time penalty by drawing a foul from Steven Saunders. However, the most obvious goal threat remains giant striker Tor Hogne Aaroy, who towers just under 6ft 9ins tall. Motherwell restricted his chances in the air last week and he scuffed a late chance with his right foot, which was blocked by goalkeeper Darren Randolph. Craigan and central defensive partner Mark Reynolds will be the men challenged with preventing the target man getting space to get that away goal that is so vital in two leg ties. However, they will not be alone in preventing opportunities for the visitors to get on the scoresheet. Craigan said: "It was difficult at times. I think our strikers have a big part to play - they have to stop the supply. The full-backs have a hard job stopping crosses into the box. If they do get the ball into the box, we have to adapt." Editor Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba net)Admin Team (admin@scottishfitba net)This is Scottish-Fitba Net
