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Pictures from the 2-1 defeat to Hibernian in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Easter Road. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

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[tab:Match report]

Despite taking a first-half lead, Motherwell crashed to a 2-1 defeat at Easter Road this afternoon.

Nick Blackman put the Steelmen ahead, converting a tenth minute penalty to claim his ninth goal of the season.

However, a quick-fire double by Derek Riordan gave the home side all three points, despite a spirited second half showing from the Steelmen.

Craig Brown made two changes from the side that thumped St Johnstone 4-0 on Wednesday night. Steven Saunders and Alan Gow both returned to the side in place of Marc Fitzpatrick and John Sutton, both having to be content with a place amongst the substitutes.

Both teams started with efforts off target, Derek Riordan slicing an effort that caused the corner flag more problems than Darren Randolph. Down the other end, a header from Alan Gow failed to trouble Mark Brown in the home goal at all, as it trickled a few yards wide of goal.

But it was the Steelmen who took the lead and referee Dougie McDonald, fresh from his SFA investigation, was once again at the centre of it. A Chris Humphrey cross from the right wasn’t properly cleared and landed at the feet of Murphy on the left flank.

The 21-year-old burst past Michael Hart only to be pulled down. McDonald showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Nick Blackman dispatched the resulting kick high into the top corner for his ninth of the season.

Hibernian, to their credit, hit back straight away. A long hopeful ball towards the edge of the box wasn’t properly dealt with and Riordan swept it low past Randolph for the equaliser.

That goal settled the home side and they almost took the lead a few minutes later but were denied by the quick reactions of Randolph. A lovely ball from the left by Miller was flicked towards goal by de Graaf, but the ‘Well keeper was well placed to make the block. The Dutchman picked up the rebound and teed it up nicely for Riordan but the striker ballooned his effort high over the bar.

However, the former Celtic man wouldn’t be denied as he added his and Hibs’ second shortly after.

The Steelmen were struggling to cope with the frequent direct ball and yet another long ball was flicked on by Trakys allowing Derek Riordan to nip in ahead of Craigan. The striker showed great composure to roll it under Randolph and into the net with the game not even half an hour old.

Incredibly, less than two minutes later, Motherwell should’ve been level. Chris Humphrey was the creator, roasting the full-back and hanging a lovely ball up towards the back post where Alan Gow was lurking. It looked like a simple header for the former Hibs man turned it back across face and the chance was gone.

Motherwell continued to come forward with the home side looking slightly nervy at the back. Chances for Gow, Humphrey and Blackman all came and went though as the hosts held firm.

Hibs replaced de Graaf at half-time, the midfielder having taken a few knocks in the first forty-five but it didn’t upset their rhythm as they started the second half on the front foot; a cross-cum-shot from Miller almost deceived Randolph but the former Charlton man spectacularly turned it away keep it at 2-1.

The big keeper then watched on as Riordan fired a free-kick from the edge of the area over the bar.

Motherwell replied with a well-worked short corner between Hateley and Humphrey, the latter firing across goal only for Mark Brown to make the smart save.

‘Well had the ball in the net on the 70th minute mark when Steven Saunders poked under Brown following a neat Jennings reverse ball. However, the home side were rescued by the assistants’ flag. It looked very tight indeed and television evidence seemed to show the former Queens Park man was level at worst.

The Steelmen spent the next twenty minutes, punctured by in a series of injuries and stoppages, attacking the Hibs goal relentlessly but failing to create too much in the way of clear cut chances. Jamie Murphy’s low shot was all that the ‘Well side could muster but that presented Brown with little problems.

Indeed, for all Motherwell’s possession, it was the home side that came within an inch of extending their lead. Derek Riordan’s excellent turn and shot from the edge of the area brought out an excellent stop from Darren Randolph.

A minute later, Grounds curled a shot just wide as the Steelmen were getting picked off whilst attacking.

But, for all the battling and balls into the box, Motherwell couldn’t grab the equaliser as Hibs hung on for their second win in three days

[tab:As it happened]

90+6 The referee blows his whistle to end the game.

90+5 BOOKING Caution for Mark Reynolds.

90+5 BOOKING The referee cautions Valdas Trakys for unsporting behaviour.

90+5 Valdas Trakys gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Mark Reynolds. Stevie Hammell restarts play with the free kick.

90+4 BOOKING Stephen Craigan goes into the referee’s book.

90+4 BOOKING Ian Murray booked.

90+2 SUB Alan Gow leaves the field to be replaced by Robert McHugh.

90+2 SUB Jamie Murphy leaves the field to be replaced by Esteban Casagolda.

90+2 SUB John Sutton joins the action as a substitute, replacing Nick Blackman.

90′ Chris Humphrey concedes a free kick for a foul on Lewis Stevenson. Jonathan Grounds takes the free kick.

88′ Effort from the edge of the box by Jonathan Grounds goes wide of the right-hand upright.

88′ Inswinging corner taken by Derek Riordan from the left by-line played to the near post, Steven Saunders manages to make a clearance.

87′ Nick Blackman challenges Steven Thicot unfairly and gives away a free kick. Derek Riordan has a direct shot on goal from the free kick, save made by Darren Randolph.

85′ Jamie Murphy takes a shot. Save made by Mark Brown.

85′ The official flags Derek Riordan offside. Mark Reynolds takes the free kick.

84′ Alan Gow challenges Michael Hart unfairly and gives away a free kick. Michael Hart delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from right wing, Steven Saunders makes a save.

80′ Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Chris Humphrey.

80′ Stevie Hammell crosses the ball, clearance made by Souleymane Bamba.

79′ Lewis Stevenson takes a shot. Save by Darren Randolph.

78′ Tom Hateley sends in a cross, clearance made by Paul Hanlon.

76′ The assistant referee signals for offside against Derek Riordan. Free kick taken by Stephen Craigan.

76′ SUB (Hibernian) makes a substitution, with Steven Thicot coming on for Liam Miller.

76′ BOOKING Caution for Chris Humphrey.

76′ BOOKING for Steve Jennings for unsporting behaviour.

73′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Ian Murray on Nick Blackman. Free kick crossed right-footed by Tom Hateley from left channel, clearance by Souleymane Bamba.

73′ BOOKING Liam Miller shown a yellow card.

72′ The ball is sent over by Stevie Hammell, Paul Hanlon makes a clearance.

72′ Valdas Trakys concedes a free kick for a foul on Steve Jennings. Steve Jennings takes the free kick.

70′ Steve Saunders is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Jonathan Grounds takes the indirect free kick.

69′ Outswinging corner taken by Chris Humphrey from the right by-line.

68′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Alan Gow by Ian Murray. Stephen Craigan takes the free kick.

67′ Chris Humphrey is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Free kick taken by Mark Brown.

65′ SUB Paul Hanlon replaces Francis Dickoh.

60′ Inswinging corner taken by Chris Humphrey from the right by-line, save made by Mark Brown.

58′ Chris Humphrey sends in a cross, clearance made by Souleymane Bamba.

55′ Jonathan Grounds crosses the ball, clearance by Stevie Hammell. Unfair challenge on John Rankin by Stevie Hammell results in a free kick. Strike comes in from Derek Riordan from the free kick.

55′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Ian Murray by Tom Hateley. Mark Brown takes the direct free kick.

54′ The assistant referee signals for offside against Derek Riordan. Indirect free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

53′ Steven Saunders takes a shot from deep inside the box clearing the bar.

52′ Foul by Lewis Stevenson on Steven Saunders, free kick awarded. The free kick is delivered right-footed by Tom Hateley from right wing.

50′ Corner taken by Ian Murray from the right by-line, clearance made by Steven Saunders.

48′ Centre by Chris Humphrey, clearance made by Francis Dickoh.

47′ Valdas Trakys takes a shot from just inside the penalty box which clears the bar.

46′ Steve Jennings gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Valdas Trakys. Derek Riordan has an effort direct from the free kick, clearance by Mark Reynolds.

45′ Inswinging corner taken right-footed by John Rankin from the right by-line, save made by Darren Randolph.

45′ SUB (Hibernian) makes a substitution, with Lewis Stevenson coming on for Edwin De Graaf.

45′ The game restarts for the second half.

45+2 HALF TIME The first half comes to an end.

45+1 The ball is delivered by Alan Gow, free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Mark Brown by Nick Blackman. Direct free kick taken by Mark Brown.

45′ Steven Saunders concedes a free kick for a foul on Valdas Trakys. Direct free kick taken by Jonathan Grounds.

44′ Foul by Mark Reynolds on Valdas Trakys, free kick awarded. The free kick is delivered left-footed by John Rankin from right wing, save by Darren Randolph.

42′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Souleymane Bamba by Tom Hateley. Jonathan Grounds takes the direct free kick.

41′ Steve Jennings is penalised for a handball. Free kick taken by Derek Riordan.

40′ The ball is delivered by Liam Miller, Mark Reynolds manages to make a clearance.

39′ Liam Miller fouled by Steve Jennings, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Souleymane Bamba.

36′ Chris Humphrey takes a shot. Blocked by Edwin De Graaf.

36′ Jamie Murphy produces a right-footed shot from inside the area that goes over the bar.

34′ The ball is delivered by Jamie Murphy, Mark Brown makes a save.

33′ Outswinging corner taken by Chris Humphrey, clearance by Souleymane Bamba.

32′ Chris Humphrey decides to take a short corner, Edwin De Graaf makes a clearance.

31′ John Rankin challenges Steven Saunders unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Steven Saunders.

31′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Tom Hateley by Ian Murray. Stephen Craigan takes the direct free kick.

29′ Jamie Murphy takes a shot. Clearance by Mark Brown.

26′ GOAL – Derek Riordan: Hibernian 2 – 1 Motherwell A goal is scored by Derek Riordan from inside the penalty box to the bottom left corner of the goal. Hibernian 2-1 Motherwell.

25′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Edwin De Graaf by Stevie Hammell. The free kick is delivered left-footed by John Rankin from right channel, clearance made by Stephen Craigan.

23′ Foul by John Rankin on Stephen Craigan, free kick awarded. Tom Hateley takes the free kick.

22′ Michael Hart produces a cross, Darren Randolph makes a clearance.

20′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Steve Jennings by Liam Miller. Steve Jennings takes the free kick.

20′ Unfair challenge on Souleymane Bamba by Alan Gow results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Souleymane Bamba.

19′ Shot from inside the area by Derek Riordan clears the bar.

19′ Jonathan Grounds produces a cross, Edwin De Graaf takes a shot. Darren Randolph makes a save.

18′ The referee blows for offside against Derek Riordan. Stephen Craigan takes the free kick.

17′ Ian Murray gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Nick Blackman. Stephen Craigan restarts play with the free kick.

15′ The referee blows for offside. Darren Randolph takes the free kick.

14′ The referee blows for offside. Mark Brown takes the indirect free kick.

13′ GOAL – Derek Riordan: Hibernian 1 – 1 Motherwell A goal is scored by Derek Riordan from inside the area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Hibernian 1-1 Motherwell.

10′ Corner from the right by-line taken by Valdas Trakys, Derek Riordan takes a shot. Save by Darren Randolph.

9′ GOAL – Nick Blackman: Hibernian 0 – 1 Motherwell Penalty taken left-footed by Nick Blackman and scored. Hibernian 0-1 Motherwell.

8′ Foul by Michael Hart on Steve Jennings, Penalty awarded.

8′ Chris Humphrey delivers the ball.

2′ Derek Riordan has an effort at goal from the edge of the area that misses to the right of the target.

0′ The referee gets the game underway.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Craig Brown:

“We conceded two soft goals, the second one in particular. For the rest of the match, I am quite convinced we were the better side and deserved to get three points.

“I thought we were totally dominant in the second half, but we should have managed more goal attempts. That’s where we fault ourselves.

“We didn’t convert our chances and we had a bit of poor luck as well. We got one in the back of the net, but it was disallowed.

“I think Dougie McDonald is an honest referee and his colleagues are too, so you have got to accept the decisions.

“There were things that I thought might have been wrong, but I’m not going to complain.”

Hibernian manager Colin Calderwood:

“In some ways the way it happened was rewarding. To come back from a goal behind and be the team not in the ascendancy, and hang on and show spirit, endeavour and a willingness to work for each other.

“Those are the attributes the fans will be impressed by. Add to that some spells of quite good football in the first half.

“He’s (Riordan) a goal threat as always. He was very unlucky not to get his hat-trick.

“He has produced our one moment in the second half. That would have sealed the game and made it less anxious in the last few minutes.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Craig Brown will be hoping his own wisdom doesn’t come back to bite him this weekend as he faces up to an ex-player he helped on the road to management.

Recently appointed Hibs boss Colin Calderwood was a Scotland regular under Brown and a vital part of a famously strong Scot’s backline of the time, and the experienced manager even imparted some of his expertise to Calderwood when he was just starting out, whilst Craig was with Preston. 

“I picked him when he was with Swindon and then with Tottenham, and my back-three of Boyd, Hendry and Calderwood was immaculate.

“Colin was always an extremely conscientious, hard-working player; and outstanding character and the kind of player that every manager loves to work with. Those are the type of players he will want with Hibs.

“When he started out at Northampton we had a long conversation, and I was presumptuous enough to give him a few tips. I told him to be his own man and be as conscientious as he always was as a player and he would be successful – and he has been.”

Sticking with the Scotland connections, it was inevitable that the former national team boss would be asked about Craig Levein’s latest squad, for the friendly against the Faroe Islands at Pittodrie.

As one of the most successful Scotland bosses of all-time people tend to listen when Craig Brown talks Scotland, even more so this time round considering Jamie Murphy, Chris Humphrey and Mark Reynolds have been impressing immensely this campaign. 

“You always want to see your players picked, but I would never, ever dream of telling Craig Levein how to pick his squad. I didn’t like it when I was in that job, so I certainly will not do it.” the man who took Scotland to Euro 96’ and the World Cup in 1998 insisted.

“Plus, I have not seen the other players picked in close quarters. He has been able to go and watch Danny Wilson and Kevin Kyle, for example, and I have not – so how can I possibly comment on those players?

“As always, I fully support Craig Levein, and fully support the Scotland squad.”

Perhaps the most unlucky to miss out was Mark Reynolds, who has been a rock at the heart of one of the most dependable defences in the SPL alongside Stephen Craigan, but his gaffer backed the 23-year old to bounce back from the disappointment.

“It was never suggested that Craig Levein would select Mark Reynolds, and I would hope that Mark is philosophical enough to get on with his own game,” Brown said. “Mark Reynolds is very intelligent and knows that he has the rest of the season to prove he is capable of playing at international level.

“We were given early indication that Barry Bannan and Danny Wilson would get a call-up, but not Mark Reynolds. It would be different if it had been suggested that he would get called up; then the player may be upset.”

Another player who has been at the heart of an excellent campaign for ‘Well thus far is Keith Lasley. The midfield stalwart has missed the last four matches for the Steelmen and Brown and co. are working hard to get him ready for the visit to Leith.

“Keith Lasley has got a chance of being fit and that would be terrific because we miss Keith.” Brown confirmed, of the 30-year old. “I don’t stick to the old adage of ‘don’t change a winning team’ – and I won’t hesitate to change it if I think it is the right thing to do.

“Guys who didn’t play during the week for whatever reason have got a chance of playing against Hibs on Saturday.”

Motherwell’s Under 19s game with Dundee Utd at Bathgate today has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Sustained rainfall over the last 48 hours have made the pitch at the Creamery Park unsafe.

No date has, as yet, been set for the re-arranged fixture.

Craig Levein has told ‘Well star Chris Humphrey he is in contention for a Scotland place despite missing out on the latest squad.

Jamaican-born Humphrey qualifies for England and also Scotland, through his Kilmarnock-born mother, and Levein revealed he was among a number of players who just missed out on his 20-man pool for Tuesday’s Pittodrie friendly.

The pacy wide man has made huge strides this season after winning a regular place in the Motherwell team.

The former Shrewsbury player, 21, showed his increasing maturity and accuracy in wide areas when he laid the ball back for Nick Blackman to score the second goal of his hat-trick in Motherwell’s 4-0 win over St Johnstone last night.

“A number of players just missed out and Chris was one of them,” Levein said. “He is somebody I have been watching quite closely. Someone watched him again the other night.

“He is somebody who I’ve got my eye on. He is also someone we would need to establish eligibility for first and foremost.

“But if he continues to play the way he is playing just now, then he might be someone who is considered for the game against Northern Ireland in February.”

Speaking exclusively with motherwellfc.co.uk, Humphrey himself was remaining philosophical but reiterated his interest in playing for the Scottish National side.

“It was really pleasing to hear Craig Levein’s comments and I will take them on board and continue to work hard for Motherwell,” he said.

“I have to say though that the opportunity to play for Scotland is one that excites and one that I would welcome.

“But, in the meantime, my focus is solely on doing well for the club and continuing to improve as a player.”

This weekend, players of every team in the Scottish Premier League will wear a poppy, the world-recognised symbol of remembrance, to show their support for the 2010 Scottish Poppy Appeal.

The Appeal raises money for veterans and their dependants in Scotland and SPL clubs will be supporting the Appeal in a number of ways, such as holding poppy collections at their grounds or selling limited edition poppy shirts in a bid to raise awareness of the 2010 Scottish Poppy Appeal.

Poppyscotland Chief Executive Ian McGregor said: “The initiative has generated a huge amount of exposure for the Scottish Poppy Appeal and we are extremely grateful to the SPL and the clubs for their support once again.”

Neil Doncaster, Chief Executive of the SPL, said: “We are delighted to support the 2010 Scottish Poppy Appeal. Our clubs will be wearing the poppy for the third year in a row to pay tribute to and recognise the sacrifices of those who have served our country.”

Today Nick Blackman wakes up a year older – just hours after eminently enhancing his growing reputation with a first senior hat-trick in a 4-0 win over St. Johnstone.

Blackman, 21 today, has now scored eight goals since making the move from Blackburn Rovers on a six-month loan, and becomes the first ‘Well player to hit a hat-trick since Chris Porter in 2008.

“It’s my birthday on Thursday so it’s a pretty good birthday present!” He smiled “To get any hat-trick is great and I’m delighted to get three goals.”

“It’s my first senior hat-trick, so that makes it pretty special.

It doesn’t look the smile will be wiped off the birthday-boy’s face any time soon, and he is clearly loving his football north of the border.

“The chance to come to Motherwell and get a consistent run of games has been great,” the exciting young Englishman admitted.

“The manager is telling me to go out and enjoy my football; to play with a smile on my face and play for fun. If I do that then I generally play my best football, so I’m glad it’s paying off at the moment.

“I’ve to concentrate on getting into the box, and when you have players like Jamie Murphy and Chris Humphrey in the side you know you’ll get a chance.”

Blackman may be one year older, but the audacity of youth is certainly still in full affect when he talks about his aims for the season. Motherwell have now won two on the bounce, and remain in third spot ahead of Hearts. Brown’s men are shaping up as credible contenders for the best-of-the-rest crown.

Yet the hat-trick hero has his eyes locked a little higher. ‘Well are only eight points behind Celtic – a gap which can be narrowed according to the striker: “We can get even closer to Rangers and Celtic.”

“There is a lot more to come from us; we have won the last two games, but we can play better. We will try to keep beating the teams around us then get special performances against Rangers and Celtic and see what happens.”

That gap closing could be very much dependent on whether Blackman stays beyond his loan expiry date in January, with Blackburn presumably aware of his excellent strike-rate with ‘Well.

With nothing decided yet, Blackman is simply focused on playing games and scoring goals: “I just want to play football.”

“If I go back to Blackburn and am involved, then fine; but if not then I’d rather keep on getting regular football – which I do at Motherwell.

“But I’ve not spoken to anyone from Blackburn about my situation, so I’ll just keep on playing well and I’m sure things will take care of themselves.”

Craig Brown was full of praise for Nick Blackman and his other attacking options after watching his Motherwell side tear apart St Johnstone.

Blackman, in particular, was the definition of clinical as he lashed home a sensational first-half hat-trick in a 4-0 win for the home side.

“Nick’s finishing was terrific in the first half,” the ‘Well boss praised. “All three of his goals were very well created and excellently finished.

Attention will now inevitably turn to the future of the prodigious forward, whose loan deal expires in January.

The gaffer makes no secret of his desire to hold on to the player, who has now scored eight SPL goals this campaign, but he insists it is a case of ‘wait and see’ for the moment.

“Sam Allardyce asked for DVD’s of his games this season; luckily we sent them yesterday!” The gaffer laughed. “It would be a massive boost if we can keep him beyond January and we are anxious to do so.

“He wants to stay and we hope that he will stay for the rest of the season.”

The on-loan Blackburn striker will obviously steal the headlines, but John Sutton added another late on, whilst Jamie Murphy, Chris Humphrey and Alan Gow all made an impact in a game which illustrated the Steelmen’s attacking capabilities.

Esteban Casagolda also made his return after a knee injury and looked sharp, almost creating a goal for Gow.

A naturally delighted Brown said: “In terms of attacking players we have some good options now.

“The first bit of creation was from Jamie Murphy; he came on to a great pass from Tom Hateley and played a superb ball across goal for Nick. The first goal was outstanding.

“Then Chris Humphrey took hold of the game. He has always had fantastic pace, but the improvement in his final delivery has made him the player that he is now. He is improving all the time, which is exciting.

“John Sutton deserved his goal at the end for all his hard work, we were able to rest Alan Gow who gives us an excellent option, and Casagolda is back now and he is bright.”

Brown was honest enough to admit that the score-line slightly flattered his side. Derek McInnes’ side had plenty of the ball and got a fair amount of crosses into the box, but ‘Well’s backline held firm – and Blackman and co. did the rest at the other end.

“We got all the breaks available in the first half,” the former Scotland boss insisted, displaying typical humility. “Our finishing was terrific, but apart from that the game was fairly even.

“This was always going to be a tricky fixture after a long trip to Inverness, and we were simply delighted to get the victory.”

Pictures from the 4-o win against St Johnstone in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Fir Park. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

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[tab:Match report]

A sensational first-half hat-trick from Nick Blackman and a late John Sutton strike secured a deserved victory against St Johnstone.

The result keeps ‘Well in third spot in the SPL; meanwhile, St Johnstone have now conceded 13 goals in their last four matches.

Motherwell opened the scoring after a little over ten minutes, with the first real chance of the game, as Jamie Murphy breezed past Danny Grainger before picking out Nick Blackman for a tap-in.

Blackman made it two just twelve minutes later when he poked home a pinpoint cross after some terrific wide play from the dazzling Chris Humphrey.

The big striker completed his first half hat-trick just before the break as he poked home at the back-post following a blocked Stephen Craigan header.

Icing was lathered onto the cake as John Sutton lashed home from 18 yards with three minutes left, after Alan Gow had danced through a demoralised Saints backline.

St Johnstone enjoyed some decent spells, but lacked a cutting edge – especially compared to the incisive trio of Jamie Murphy, Nick Blackman and, especially, Chris Humphrey, who tore the Saints defence to shreds whenever they got on the ball.

Craig Brown sprung a surprise in his team selection, with Marc Fitzpatrick coming in for just his second start of the campaign, replacing Steven Saunders. In the only other change to the side which was victorious in Inverness at the weekend Jamie Murphy replaced Alan Gow.

Derek McInnes’ men came into this game on a run of three consecutive defeats, including a 3-0 capitulation to Kilmarnock at the weekend, so it was no shock to see wholesale changes to the starting line-up from the men from Perth. Only six players survived the cull after the weekend, with Peter Enckelman, Danny Grainger, Cleveland Taylor, Steven Anderson and Scott Dobie coming in to the team.

Those changes certainly seemed to fire up the visitors, and they were the more industrious of the two sides in a relatively low key start. Danny Grainger coming closest with a fizzing 30-yard free-kick which Darren Randolph saw wide.

Yet that positive start was rendered moot on the 12-minute mark, as Motherwell took the lead with a swift, incisive break. Tom Hateley fed a delightful ball down the right flank to Jamie Murphy, who left Danny Grainger in his dust before feeding a perfect ball across the face of goal for Nick Blackman to tap in from two yards.

Despite a decent spell of possession for the Saints following the goal – during which Darren Randolph had to save from Mark Reynolds after the defender sliced a Jody Morris cross towards his own goal – Motherwell doubled their advantage a little over ten minutes later.

This time it was Chris Humphrey’s turn to burn past Danny Grainger, and the in-form winger had the wherewithal to pick out Nick Blackman in the box. The Blackburn loan star had his first shot blocked, but managed to poke his second effort into the bottom corner from eight yards.

Craig Brown’s men seemed happy to allow St Johnstone plenty of the ball as the half progressed, and apart from a slipped Morris pass to Dave Mackay in the right channel of the box, which the defender couldn’t squeeze across the face of goal, the ‘Well rearguard held comfortably firm.

Conversely, the Steelmen looked threatening every time they went forward, and Jamie Murphy stung the palms of Peter Enckelman five minutes before the break.

That was just a prelude to Nick Blackman completing an extraordinary first half hat-trick on the stroke of half-time. A Steven Hammell free-kick was met by Stephen Craigan and, although the big Northern Irishman’s header was blocked, it fell kindly at the back stick for Nick Blackman to prod home from a yard.

Derek McInnes’ troops deserve credit for their response in the second. Within ten minutes of the restart Scott Dobie tested Darren Randolph with a close-range header and Liam Craig flashed a powerful drive just wide of Randolph’s left-hand poSt

The Steelmen rode out that spell of pressure admirably, and could have gone further ahead themselves. Firstly Chris Humphrey was played clear on goal on the right flank, but was scythed down by the rushing Peter Enckelman, prompting a yellow card for the Saints’ keeper.

And from the resulting free-kick Nick Blackman lashed over the bar from the edge of the box, as the prodigious Englishman hunted a fourth goal.

A header by second half substitute Collin Samuel represented the Saints last real chance, and John Sutton even ensured there was more gloss on the score-line as he lashed home a left-footed drive from the edge of the area with three minutes left, after an Alan Gow run and shot had culminated in a block which carried the ball to the English front-man.

[tab:As it happened]

90 mins – Full time whistle goes wrapping up our biggest win of the season, Well 4 Saints 0

90 mins – Fourth official lets us know 2 mins will be added on – sympathy for Saints maybe??

90 mins – full length save from Randolph from a Peter McDonald shot – toffee for the big man!!

87 mins – GOAAALLL!!! JOHN SUTTON Great run from Gow to beat offside trap, shot blocked but Sutton sweeps home from 15 yards out

85 mins – Page on for Hammell just after Gow sees a shot deflected over.

80 mins – Saints almost get one back… McDonald cross for Samuel but his header is well saved by Randolph.

79 mins – Gow on for Humphrey. Danny Grainger’s prayers have been answered!

72 mins – Incredible low ball across the face from Casagolda almost finds Murphy but Duberry intercepts!

71 mins – Casagolda on for hat-trick hero Nick Blackman!

67 mins – Second Saints sub! Samuel on for Sam Parkin!

65 mins – It’s been a quiet second half so far! That’ll do us!

61 mins – Peter McDonald on for Scott Dobie!

56 mins – Shot just wide by Liam Craig as the attendance is announced. 3361! Brave souls!

53 mins – St Johnstone nearly get one back! Free-kick is flicked on by Duberry for Dobie but his header is saved by Randolph.

48 mins – Humphrey almost scored an absolute worldy! Great turn on the edge of the box but shot flew over the bar.

46 mins – Motherwell to kick-off the second period!

HT: Motherwell 3 – 0 St Johnstone

45 mins – Hammell corner towards the back post. Blackman somehow got it over the line. Might be an OG!

45 mins – GOOOOALLLLL Motherwell! Nick Blackman! Hat-trick!

44 mins – Humphrey takes a sore one from Grainger on the back of the head! Looks like he is ok…

37 mins – Great move by Saints. Super ball across the box but Craigan was on hand to clear for a corner.

32 mins – No updates for ten minutes. Not much has happened but it’s got more to do with the fact that I am close to hypothermia!

24 mins – Humprey roasts Grainger on the right. His squared ball landed at Blackman who poked it home at the second attempt.

24 mins – GOOOOOALLLLLLLL Motherwell! Nick Blackman!

22 mins – Humphrey roasts Grainger on the right but after it eventually landed at Jennings, he fired over the bar.

20 mins – Morris cross from the right hits the shins of Reynolds at the back post but Randolph makes the catch. Phew!

15 mins – Cleveland Taylor fires a low shot which is deflected. Darren Randolph makes a smart save though…

13 mins – GOOOOALLLLLLLLLLL Nick Blackman! Long ball over the top by Hateley plays in Murphy. Great ball across the face and Blackman is there to tap in! GET IN!

10 mins – Flashes wide of the post though and ‘Well escape! We’ve actually just noticed they’ve swapped the dugouts here at FP. Bizarre!

9 mins – St Johnstone free-kick on the edge of the box! Early chance!

6 mins – Half hearted shout for a penalty! Shove from Duberry on Blackman. My colleague Mr Barnstaple was shouting louder than anyone!

5 mins – I am getting filmed by Alba for a half-time behind the scenes feature on Sat. They say the camera adds 10Ibs – Actually, its 150Ibs.

3 mins – Decent free-kick into the box from Saints but Motherwell managed to get it clear. I can hardly type my hands are that cold.

1 mins – St Johnstone kick-off! It’s freezing here at Fir Park.

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Motherwell manager Craig Brown:

“It was a comfortable 90 minutes but it wasn’t the best we’ve played,” said Brown. “I’m not complaining too much about the performance but we did get every break possible in the match.

“Great credit to Blackman for his hat-trick, he took them very well. Every time we shot, we scored in the early part of the game.

“At the other end our goalkeeper was making good saves. We were conceding corner kicks. The result flattered us but we’ll be glad to accept it.

“We’re delighted we’ve got good pace down the flanks with Jamie Murphy and Chris Humphrey. You can’t ask for better than that and we can penetrate very well. We’ve got four out and out strikers in the team and six players who defend very well.

“So, all’s looking good at the moment but there’s a long way to go this season and there’s a lot of work to be done.

“We’re fortunate in that we’ve been steering clear of injuries and suspensions. We certainly will avoid suspensions because they know better than to get in trouble but we can’t legislate for injuries. If we stay clear of injuries, I think we’ve a chance of maintaining our reasonable start to this season.”

St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes:

“It’s all about results. We didn’t defend well enough as a team and although we had plenty of possession and got loads of crosses into the Motherwell penalty area we didn’t ask enough questions of their goalkeeper.

“Right now, we are falling short in both penalty boxes and that is always going to make it difficult to wins games.”

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