Motherwell Under 20s lost 1-0 to Dundee this afternoon in a game they really ought to have won.
Jonatan Johansson’s young side were on top for the majority, creating a host of chances, including hitting the frame of the goal and coming up against a keeper in inspired form.
However, they were punished at the other end fifteen minutes from time when Matthew Allan prodded home a swerving corner at the back post.
The Steelmen made four changes to the team that beat Celtic seven days ago. Adam Cummins, Paul Lawson, Stuart Carswell and Ross MacLean dropped out, replaced by Luke Watt, Ben Hall, Craig McCall and Steven Higgins.
And it was the visitors who made a positive start to the game and could and should have been ahead inside six minutes.
A teasing ball between the goalkeeper and right-back Andrew Black caused confusion, and when the defender nodded it past the outrushing keeper, it looked to be rolling into the net, but bobbled just past the post.
From the resulting corner, Dom Thomas’ cross was perfect for Morgyn Neill but despite a free-header from six yards, the big defender put it over.
Thomas had a shot of his own ten minutes later comfortably saved, before Dundee’s Josh Skelly had their first attack of note, sending a 20-yard shot over the bar.
Dylan Mackin also had a neat turn and shot inside the area well saved by German keeper Arvid Schenk. The former VfL Wolfsburg II stopper was even more impressive shortly after, getting down well to save from a stinging Thomas half volley at the expense of a corner.
Just before the break, the Dark Blues had their best effort of the half, Skelly capitalising on some good play down the left, only to see his darting shot well stopped by Ross Stewart in the ‘Well goal.
The second half continued in much the same vein as the first, with ‘Well creating chances. Thomas had the first shot after just three minutes, but Schenk was again up to the task.
Minutes later, Mackin played in Higgins with a lovely flick, only for the defender to be crowded out at the expense of a corner. From the resulting kick, Thomas got another shot away but again, it was comfortable for Schenk to catch.
It took Dundee ten minutes to register an effort in the second half, but when it came, it was close. Philip Roberts reacted quickly to a smart free-kick from Kevin McBride, but the former Inverness CT winger pulled a low shot narrowly wide of the far post.
However, it wasn’t long before play was back up the other end and Schenk was again able to thwart the Steelmen, racing off his line to stop Higgins’ chipped finish after the forward had been played in by a lovely Craig McCall slide rule.
Shortly after, Thomas had another shot from the left edge of the box, but with Schenk at full stretch, it dropped half a yard over the crossbar.
Dundee were content to hit on the counter and German striker Luka Tankulic sent a low shot three of four yards wide before Philips tried an ambitious shot from distance on his left foot, which hit the corner flag on its way out for a goal kick.
It was still stalemate but anyone inside the ground would’ve been scratching their head at how ‘Well didn’t take the lead on the 70th minute.
Schenk could’ve caught a corner but instead, opted to punch. When it squirmed out into the penalty box, there were big appeals for a penalty when Higgins was pulled down.
The referee played on and ‘Well had three or four shots at goal, all blocked in an over-crowded eighteen yard box.
It was to prove crucial as Dundee got themselves ahead just minutes later. The goal came from a corner after Stewart had turned around a low Philips shot. Motherwell’s marking was poor and when Matthew Allan peeled off his marker at the back post, he bundled it home despite ‘Well protesting for a handball.
Those of a Claret and Amber persuasion would struggled to believe how they were behind in a game they had controlled for the vast majority. It got even more frustrating when Mackin sent a blistering volley crashing off the post, albeit credit should again go to Schenk who got a slight, if unorthodox, touch on route.
The Steelmen threw the kitchen sink at in the last ten minutes. Sub Ryan Watters almost scored with his first touch, heading a Neill cross straight at Schenk before the big keeper was again in form, turning away a low drive by Cadden with no Motherwell striker there to gobble up the rebound.
It was a frustrating old afternoon for the Fir Parkers who left Clackmannanshire with nothing, but deserved so much more.
Motherwell: Stewart, Watt, McMillan, Hall, Neill, Ferguson, Mackin, Cadden, Higgins (Watters – 85mins), Thomas, McCall (R.Leitch – 77mins)
Subs Not Used: Currie, McNulty
Phil McGhee at the Caledonian Stadium
