Stuart McCall hailed the grit and determination of his Motherwell side after the Steelmen dug out a dramatic 3-2 win against Inverness CT.
The ‘Well boss admitted his charges were not at their best during a tumultuous encounter, but an 87th minute Tom Hateley free-kick ensured that all three points would be heading back down the A9 to Lanarkshire.
And while his side has garnered praise for its fluent style, McCall was equally delighted to see a determined streak in the Highlands.
“It’s the first time we’ve genuinely got something that we didn’t deserve,” a typically honest McCall admitted. “There’s no way we deserved all three points today and I feel for Terry and for Inverness because they’ve given everything for their manager.
“They got an early goal, and we knew how they’d play. They put us under pressure, we weren’t at our best and we didn’t really cause them a lot of problems going forward.
“But they say that’s a sign of a good side; when you’re not at your best and you win the game. But we’ll take it because it’s a tough place to come. The loss of Jennings this morning and then Hammell during the game was tough, but it’s a massive win.”
[pullquote]They say that’s a sign of a good side; when you’re not at your best and you win the game. But we’ll take it because it’s a tough place to come.[/pullquote]
The other ‘Well goals came through the returning Shaun Hutchinson and a long-range stunner from Keith Lasley.
But the Motherwell boss admits his joy at the result, and particularly two spectacular goals, was somewhat tempered by and injury to Stevie Hammell.
The full-back was scythed down by a poor challenge from Josh Meekings, leaving Hammell with a serious gash as well as other potential complications – which will become clearer after further tests.
“Stevie (Hammell) is struggling at the moment,” said the solemn ‘Well gaffer. “He’s got a big gash down his shin and looks like he’s done ankle ligament damage.
“He’s got a concussion and a cut to his head, I don’t know how that’s happened, but he’s struggling.
“At the time it was on the far side, but I’ve watched it back and it certainly could’ve merited a straight red. He’s young and enthusiastic, but he’s taken a touch too far.
“There’s a difference between commitment and recklessness, and I think that when you watch it again you see it’s a lunge with one and then two feet. The linesman’s right on it, so I don’t think there could have been any complaints had it been a red.”
