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Craig Brown was delighted to see his side seal their first home victory of the season with a 3-1 success agaisnt St Mirren.

Late goals from Tom Hateley and Jamie Murphy swung the game in Motherwell’s favour after Gareth Wardlaw cancelled out Chris Humphrey’s opener.

It is arguable whether the home side deserved all three points but Brown believes the Steelmen finally got a bit of luck at Fir Park.

“We’ll take the three points because there have been occasions this season where we have deserved three points and haven’t got them,” he said.

“The game against Hibs is a great example of that, and we also deserved to beat Aberdeen.

“I would say that the St Mirren performance in the second-half was the most pressure we have been under all season. They were sharp, lively, and aggressive and with 20 minutes to go we would have taken a draw.

“They got the equiliser and there is no doubt they were pushing for the winner.”

The Motherwell  boss was honest enough in his assessment of his own side’s display to admit there were failings against The Buddies.

Fresh faces were called from the bench to reinvigorate the performance, as stalwarts of recent results struggled to make the same impact as in past fixtures.

“The defence was solid and Jennings and Lasley always compete, but apart from that our team was very hit-and-miss today,” said Brown.

“We have players who can make a real impact when they are form, in fact they are unstoppable; but today our players were short of form and we could have replaced a few of the guys.

“That is not to be disrespectful, because our players have played seven league games, a Co-operative Insurance Cup tie and six European matches.”

One player who did catch the eye in a quality cameo was recent signing Alan Gow.

The 27-year old came off the bench and won the penalty which Hateley converted, before setting-up Murphy to put the result beyond doubt.

“Alan Gow made a terrific impact coming off the bench and he managed to keep the ball – and at that stage of the game nobody was keeping the ball, it was going up top and coming straight back at us.

“He also broke extremely well from his own half to create the goal to seal the game.

“At the moment he is a very good substitute, but when he is fully fit I expect him to be a very good starting player and give more competition for those front places. It is only a lack of match practice which is stopping his getting a start for us.”

One sour note from the game was an injury to Steven Saunders, who had to be stretched off early in the second-half.

“He’s strained his groin muscle stretching for the ball in the second half on the wet turf,” confirmed Brown.

“I feel sorry for him because he is to report for Scotland duty in the morning and there is no chance he will be able to play, according to our doctor.

“It’s unfortunate because he is a terrific prospect for us and Scotland.”

Pictures from the 3-1 victory over St Mirren 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]

Late goals from Tom Hateley and Jamie Murphy handed Motherwell their first home victory of the season against St Mirren.

Another draw looked on the cards for long spells after Gareth Wardlaw cancelled out Chris Humphrey’s early opener.

But Hateley converted a penalty three minutes from time and then Murphy netted moments later to seal a 3-1 win at Fir Park.

Manager Craig Brown named the same starting eleven for the third game in a row as his side looked to end their poor run at home.

And they made a perfect start as man of the moment Humphrey opened the scoring after only three minutes.

The winger pounced on a poor clearance by David Van Zanten 20 yards from goal and fired an unstoppable shot past Craig Samson into the far corner of the net.

It was a stunning strike by Humphrey, who started the game on the left-flank, as opposed to his usual right-wing position.

St Mirren’s early desperation was epitomised by the fact Michael Higdon could easily have been sent off after two scything tackles in the first ten minutes; both were undoubtedly bookable offences, but only one was punished with a caution.

Humphrey, having switched back to the right, was causing havoc again, as he deceived Jure Travnor and Paul McGowan before whipping a good ball in for Nick Blackman, who shot narrowly wide.

Motherwell were purring and were desperately unlucky not to double their advantage from a free-kick on 22 minutes. Hateley stepped up to curl in a super rasping effort but Samson pulled off a fantastic stop to tip the ball onto the bar.

Samson was warming up to the task of standing in for Paul Gallacher and he pulled off another smart save four minutes later, tipping a long range drive by Blackman wide of the post.

Despite the fact Motherwell should have been two or three up, St Mirren could have gone in at the break all square after coming into the game as the half wore on, and having two terrific chances to draw level.

With five minutes to go until the break Hugh Murray swung in a lovely deep free-kick which was headed temptingly across the face of goal by the towering Higdon – but somehow Gaeth Wardlaw nodded the ball wide from inside the six yard box.

Then, on the stroke of half-time Paul McGowan fired in a superb corner kick which was headed onto the crossbar by the dangerous Higdon.

An almighty scramble for the rebound resulted, with Stephen Craigan heroically clearing off the line amongst the melee, preserving ‘Well’s half time advantage.

Worryingly for Brown’s men St Mirren continued to press for an equliser in the second-half, and once again Higdon was proving a menace.

Some nice interplay five minutes into the second period saw Patrick Cregg released in the insider-right channel of the box and the former Hibs man floated a nice ball across the face of goal. Higdon looked favourite to nod it home before Craigan made a terrific blocking challenge.

Motherwell were dealt a blow on 54 minutes when defender Steven Saunders had to be stretchered off. Steven Hammell came on in his place – just back from injury himself.

Murphy offered some welcome respite for the host’s moments later as he cut in from the right flank and drove an effort into the grateful arms of Samson from the edge of the area.

The Scotland under-21 star was doing his very best to quell the black-and-wide tide all on his own, and he threatened again, absolutely blasting past John Potter on the left flank before firing the ball crisply across the goal from the by-line; but a Lee Mair interception was enough to deny the arriving Steve Jennings a great chance.

But even the enterprising Murphy couldn’t prevent St Mirren from claiming a deserved equiliser on 65 minutes.

The tricky Pul McGowan picked up on a poor defensive clearance by the home side 35 yards out and fed a beautiful ball through to Wardlaw. With the angle tightening, the former Cowdenbeath striker smashed the ball high into Randolph’s net at the near post.

It was a terrific goal, albeit aided by slack defending, and the least the adventurous visitors deserved.

Just after Wardlaw’s strike, the Steelmen could have been awarded a penalty as Blackman appeared to be barged off the ball as he challenged for a Hateley cross. Muted claims were waved away by referee Iain Brines and St Mirren continued to make the running in the proceeding spell.

The introduction of Alan Gow for Humphrey with 15 minutes still to play was intended to ignite Motherwell’s flagging challenge, and the creative attacker would go on to play a big part in the closing stages.

‘Well had done precious little to deserve the three points in the second-half, but in the space of two late minutes they secured the points with two quick-fire strikes.

The goal to allow Motherwell to retake the lead was a classic example of “shooting yourself in the foot” by the Saints. A poor van Zanten clearance ricocheted back towards Samson and, with Gow closing, the keeper slipped, prompting Lee Mair to make a panicked shove on Gow in the box.

Hateley stepped up and fired the resulting penalty into the bottom-left corner of Samson’s net to restore the lead.

And then, with St Mirren pushing forward, a long Mark Reynolds clearance set Gow haring through down the left, and he crossed perfectly for Murphy to fire home at the back post and seal a late win.

[tab:As it happened]

90+3′ FULL-TIME The final whistle is blown by the referee.

90+2 Ross Forbes is ruled offside. Free kick taken by Craig Samson.

90+1 Short corner taken by Nick Blackman from the left by-line.

88′ GOAL Jamie Murphy scores from close range to the bottom right corner of the goal. Assist by Alan Gow.

88′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Paul McGowan by Ross Forbes. Free kick taken by Hugh Murray.

87′ GOAL Tom Hateley scores from the penalty spot with a low shot into the bottom left-hand corner.

86′ BOOKING Lee Mair goes into the book for unsporting behaviour.

86′ Penalty awarded for a foul by Lee Mair on Alan Gow.

84′ Corner taken left-footed by Ross Forbes, clearance by Lee Mair.

83′ David van Zanten challenges Nick Blackman unfairly and gives away a free kick. Shot comes in from Tom Hateley from the free kick, blocked by David van Zanten.

83′ Darren McGregor produces a right-footed shot from just outside the penalty area that goes harmlessly over the target.

82′ Unfair challenge on Hugh Murray by Alan Gow results in a free kick. Hugh Murray takes the direct free kick.

80′ Foul by Gareth Wardlaw on Darren Randolph, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

79′ BOOKING Caution for Gareth Wardlaw.

77′ Gareth Wardlaw is adjudged to have handled the ball. Darren Randolph takes the direct free kick.

76′ Stephen Craigan gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Gareth Wardlaw. The free kick is delivered right-footed by Paul McGowan from left channel, Stephen Craigan makes a clearance.

76′ SUB Chris Humphrey leaves the field to be replaced by Alan Gow.

75′ Foul by Hugh Murray on Keith Lasley, free kick awarded. Ross Forbes takes the free kick.

74′ Stevie Hammell concedes a free kick for a foul on John Potter. Craig Samson restarts play with the free kick.

73′ Stephen Craigan fouled by Michael Higdon, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Stevie Hammell.

72′ Gareth Wardlaw produces a right-footed shot from just outside the penalty box that goes wide left of the target.

70′ SUB John Sutton goes off and Ross Forbes comes on.

70′ Effort from outside the penalty box by Paul McGowan goes wide right of the goal.

69′ Corner taken right-footed by Paul McGowan from the right by-line, Nick Blackman makes a clearance.

69′ Paul McGowan takes a shot. Craig Samson makes a save.

67′ Craig Samson restarts play with the free kick.

67′ BOOKING Caution for Steve Jennings.

67′ Steve Jennings gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Paul McGowan.

64′ GOAL – Gareth Wardlaw equalises from deep inside the penalty area to the top right corner of the goal. Assist by Paul McGowan.

63′ Steve Jennings concedes a free kick for a foul on Gareth Wardlaw. Free kick crossed right-footed by Paul McGowan.

62′ Shot from 25 yards by John Sutton. Craig Samson makes a save.

59′ Effort on goal by Darren McGregor from a long way out goes over the bar.

58′ Jamie Murphy takes a shot. Save by Craig Samson.

58′ Lee Mair challenges John Sutton unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Nick Blackman.

57′ Lee Mair concedes a free kick for a foul on Jamie Murphy. Steve Jennings takes the free kick.

56′ Jamie Murphy has an effort at goal from 12 yards. Craig Samson makes a save.

55′ Patrick Cregg concedes a free kick for a foul on Steve Jennings. Steve Jennings restarts play with the free kick.

54′ SUB Stevie Hammell joins the action as a substitute, replacing Steven Saunders.

52′ Chris Humphrey concedes a free kick for a foul on Jure Travner. Jure Travner takes the free kick.

48′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Patrick Cregg on Nick Blackman. Free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

46′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Jamie Murphy by Hugh Murray. Steven Saunders takes the direct free kick.

46′ KICK-OFF The second half begins.

45+1′ HALF-TIME The referee calls an end to the first half.

45+1′ Corner taken by Paul McGowan from the left by-line to the near post, Lee Mair takes a shot.

44′ Shot by Tom Hateley from outside the box goes high over the target.

42′ Foul by Darren McGregor on Nick Blackman, free kick awarded. Nick Blackman restarts play with the free kick.

40′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Chris Humphrey by Jure Travner. Stephen Craigan restarts play with the free kick.

39′ Close range headed effort by Gareth Wardlaw misses to the right of the goal.

39′ Foul by Keith Lasley on Paul McGowan, free kick awarded. Hugh Murray restarts play with the free kick.

36′ Effort from inside the area by Darren McGregor misses to the right of the goal.

35′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Jamie Murphy on Lee Mair. Craig Samson takes the direct free kick.

32′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Stephen Craigan by Michael Higdon. Darren Randolph restarts play with the free kick.

32′ John Sutton gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Hugh Murray. John Potter restarts play with the free kick.

30′ Chris Humphrey takes a outswinging corner from the right by-line played to the near post, Unfair challenge on John Potter by Nick Blackman results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Craig Samson.

28′ Corner taken by Chris Humphrey from the left by-line, Michael Higdon makes a clearance.

28′ Keith Lasley takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Patrick Cregg gets a block in.

27′ Corner from left by-line taken by Chris Humphrey.

27′ Corner taken right-footed by Chris Humphrey from the right by-line, clearance made by Hugh Murray.

26′ Nick Blackman has a drilled shot. Save made by Craig Samson.

25′ Paul McGowan takes a shot from 12 yards. Save made by Darren Randolph.

22′ Unfair challenge on Tom Hateley by David van Zanten results in a free kick. Strike comes in from Tom Hateley from the free kick, save by Craig Samson.

21′ Effort from 18 yards by Chris Humphrey. Blocked by John Potter.

20′ Shot from just outside the area by Jamie Murphy misses to the right of the target.

16′ Free kick taken by Stephen Craigan.

16′ BOOKING The referee shows Hugh Murray a yellow card.

16′ Unfair challenge on Nick Blackman by Hugh Murray results in a free kick.

11′ Stephen Craigan takes the direct free kick.

11′ BOOKING Michael Higdon is booked.

11′ Michael Higdon gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Keith Lasley.

9′ Unfair challenge on Nick Blackman by Jure Travner results in a free kick. Stephen Craigan takes the direct free kick.

3′ GOAL Chris Humphrey finds the net with a goal from just outside the box to the right corner of the goal.

2′ Michael Higdon gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Steve Jennings. Tom Hateley takes the direct free kick.

1′ Nick Blackman challenges Darren McGregor unfairly and gives away a free kick. Craig Samson restarts play with the free kick.

1′ Gareth Wardlaw takes a shot. Darren Randolph makes a save.

1′ KICK-OFF The match gets underway.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell boss Craig Brown:

“We scored two good goals out of the three, a good opening goal and a good second goal and in-between, we didn’t play at all.

“I thought we were very poor today in relation to the way we can play. The second-half performance was very poor in spite of the way we scored two goals at the end.

“I would’ve taken a draw and when we scored at the end, it was a little fortunate for us to win the match, which I think St Mirren deserved a point from.

“St Mirren scored a fine goal and they were back in the game. I felt they were up for it and they competed very, very well and they’re far from the poorest team that have been here this season.

“We genuinely were fortunate but we have good players and they know and I know they can play better than they played this afternoon.”

St Mirren manager Danny Lennon:

“I’m very frustrated. The players’ application, desire and willingness to make things happen was great. We tried to frustrate Motherwell and then hit on the break.

“We started to come into it and were very unfortunate not to come in level at half-time after hitting the bar.

“In the second-half I couldn’t have asked for any more, other than end product, as Michael Higdon and Gareth Wardlaw really competed well and caused problems.

“Gareth took his goal well and it was well-deserved; that gives us something to take away and build upon.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Since our match against Aberdeen two weeks ago we’ve had two successful away games in which we have not conceded a goal.

It was pleasing to get through the Co-operative Insurance Cup match against Brechin, although I must concede that Jim Weir’s side made it difficult for us. Last week, at Tynecastle, we played very efficiently and it was pleasing to beat Hearts for the third time in succession since Archie and I have been in charge at Motherwell.

A particularly positive aspect of our two performances was the superb support we had from our loyal band of travelling fans. Particularly last week in the Capital, the encouragement of our young team was superb and all of us are extremely grateful.

It has always been a bone of contention of mine that injured players get mentioned more than those who turn out every single week. However, I do have sympathy for our long-term injured guys like Marc Fitzpatrick and Shaun Hutchinson. They have been working extremely hard to get themselves back in contention.

More recently, Stevie Hammell has missed the last couple of matches but we hope all three will be ready, if not today, then very soon indeed. To add to that, Esteban Casagolda had a knee operation just when he was beginning to show the exciting potential he undoubtedly has. We’ll need a full strength pool in the forthcoming weeks because we have an away match at Ibrox after the International break followed by three important home games, two against Dundee United and, of course, against our local rivals Hamilton Accies.

With arguably the smallest playing squad in the SPL; we have had to promote young lads very quickly. For our last two league matches we have had nine players, in our eighteen-man squad, who qualify for the Under 21 rule.

It is, of course, mandatory that three Under 21 players are listed and I’ve noticed that many teams are being forced to list relatively unknown youngsters to fulfil this requirement. We are fortunate that we can dip into an excellent Under 19 resource, as we did last week when adding Ross McKinnon and Stuart Carswell to the squad. In addition, young Tom Bradley gives us goalkeeping cover and last week we took sixteen-year-old Lee Erwin with us to Tynecastle.

I watched with pride as our Under 17s/Under 19s squad played in a memorial match in East Kilbride last Sunday for the late David Linning. The healthy crowd at the Showgrounds got a glimpse of the exciting young talent here at Motherwell.

Archie and I went to watch the Under 19s take on Kilmarnock at Kilwinning last Friday; again it was an exceptional performance with a 3-0 away victory. We are delighted to see Gordon Young has more promising talent in the pipeline.

Congratulations are due to a few of the lads, notably Chris Humphrey who has become a dad for the first time following the birth of his daughter Amelea. In addition, we all congratulate both Stevie Saunders and Jamie Murphy for the inclusion in the Scotland Under 21 squad for the play-off clash with Iceland; the second leg of which will take place at Easter Road a week on Monday. Stephen Craigan, as usual, will be a stalwart in the Northern Ireland defence in the qualification matches against Italy and the Faroe Islands.

A bit belatedly in this column, but very sincerely, I welcome Danny Lennon, the coaches and players, directors and supporters of St Mirren to Fir Park. In the evidence of what I have seen so far, Saints are in a false position with virtually nothing between the teams in the SPL.

I know, and have emphasised to the players, that we will have to be at our best to win the three points which we very much desire before the International break. It would be extremely pleasing to watch the European and World Champions at Hampden with the assurance of a comfortable league position!

Finally, I think it would be remiss of me not to refer to the criticism we have had for failing to attend the Co-operative Insurance Cup draw. Whilst it could be argued that someone from Motherwell should have been there, it has never been mentioned that I was only one of three managers, from sixteen, who attended the draw from the previous round.

I can assure you it is embarrassing to pose for picture after picture holding a Cup that hasn’t been won. But this I did too, at the request of the sponsors and, in addition, spent a couple of hours responding to media questions. There was no mention of that in any of the criticism which accompanied the more recent draw for the Quarter Finals.

As it turns out, we were drawn against Dundee United here at Fir Park and we do wish to make a positive impression in the competition and will continue to do our best to please our loyal, and on the evidence of last week, very vocal support.

Thank you and enjoy the match

Craig Brown

A last minute goal from Jordan Brown denied the youth team a superb away win at Aberdeen today.

In a fairly even encounter, Motherwell took the lead with nine minutes remaining when Lee Erwin got on the end of a Josh Watt cross from the right to knock home in off the post.

That looked as if it was going to be enough to secure a win and, at the same time, inflict the Dons’ first defeat of the 2010/11 campaign.

However, a late strike from Brown gave the home side a share of the spoils and sent a dejected Motherwell side back to Lanarkshire wondering what might have been.

Aberdeen started the game well and after Joe Shaughnessy narrowly failed to connect from a corner on the right, Anthony Bolger went close with an excellent header from distance that prompted an equally tidy save from ‘Well keeper Tom Bradley.

However, as the half wore on, Motherwell began to get a firm grip on the game and Erwin came within inches of putting the Steelmen in front but Keiran McGachie’s cross, after a brilliant solo run, was just too far in front.

Neither side was able to break the deadlock before the interval though but it was Aberdeen again who got out the traps in the second-half and had a number of opportunities to take the lead.

Conor Devaney and Nico Gibson both had efforts but neither could trouble Bradley in the visiting goal. Defender Shaughnessy also had another header well saved by Bradley but ‘Well never really looked like they were going to concede.

Indeed, Erwin was causing problems for the home defence, seeing a header well saved by Lukasik in the home goal before curling a beautiful effort that scraped the outside as it went past.

However, the Scotland U17 hitman wasn’t to be denied and in the 81st minute he grabbed what looked like the winning goal. Josh Watt was the architect, causing mayhem down the right before hooking in a cracking cross that was turned in by the 16-year-old.

That looked to be that but late in injury time, Ryan Fraser managed to get to the byline before cutting it across the face for Brown, who equalised from clsoe range.

It was a sucker punch for the young Steelmen but a draw on reflection was probably a fair result.

Motherwell: Bradley, Sloan, Murray, Lynch, McKinnon, Carswell, Watt, McGachie (Trialist 75), Erwin, Pollock, Scanlan (Brown 86). Subs not used: Muir, Connor, Griffin.

Manager Craig Brown has pleaded with fans to halt the growing trend of bringing flares and smoke devises to Motherwell matches.

Following three consecutive SPL delegate reports highlighting the issue, the club are under threat of sanctions if it continues, not to mention the very real safety risk they pose to fellow fans, particularly those with breathing and respiratory problems.

Brown said: “I must first put on record my extreme thanks to all our supporters who have backed Archie and me, along with the team, so enthusiastically since we arrived at the club last December.

“However, in recent weeks, we have seen a steady and consistent rise in the number of flares and smoke devises at our games, both at Fir Park and on our travels.

“This has given the club a real headache with the authorities, not to mention the potential safety risks it poses to people inside the stadium.

“I would ask our fans not to bring anything like this with them to games and, instead, concentrate all energies on singing, chanting and clapping for the team which will have a much more positive impact.”

The club will once again be holding its annual October Holiday Soccer School between Monday 11th – Friday 15th October.

Boys and girls between the age of 3 and 16 can develop their football skills in a fun and safe environment.

The October Holiday Week Programme provides a full day of soccer skills including:

• Warm Ups and Reaction Games
• Technique training skills covering heading, dribbling, passing, tackling and turning
• Fun games to practice techniques
• Small sided matches
• Penalty competitions
• Skills Competitions
• Expert coaching from our Motherwell Soccer School coaches and ‘Well legend Stevie Kirk
• Supervision for the day including lunch and toilet breaks
• Promotion of healthy eating
• Promotion of fair play, respect, and anti bullying

Prices for the October Holiday Soccer School start from as little as £5 per half day or £10 for a full day, and there is also 10% discount for two or more children from the same family attending.

Grassroots Sports Manager Stevie Kirk commented, “Our holiday soccer schools have been very popular this year, and we look forward to another successful programme in October.

“During their week with us the young people will have a great time and will be able to improve their skills by working with our coaches.

For more information please go to our booking web site at www.motherwellsoccerschools.com or phone 01698 239 926 or email stevie.kirk@motherwellfc.co.uk.

In-form Chris Humphrey admits he is enjoying every minute of life both on and off the pitch at the moment.

The flying winger celebrated the birth of his new baby daughter Amele with a man-of-the-match display in the 2-0 victory over Hearts.

That was despite missing training after his partner Kerry gave birth in the early hours of Friday morning.

“I’ve not had much sleep over the last couple of nights but I’m just absolutely buzzing at the moment,” he said.

“The gaffer asked me if I would be OK to play and I told him that I wanted to. I don’t want to miss any games.”

Humphrey’s decision to play turned out to be a good one. The 23-year old turned in a dazzling performance in the capital, setting up both goals as the Steelmen recorded their third away victory of the campaign.

It was just the latest in a long line of impressive displays from one of the most improved players in the Motherwell squad.

“Last season was tough at for me at times. Jim O’Brien was playing extremely well and it was difficult to fit me in to the team,” he said.

“I had no complaints because you can’t drop someone who is playing well, but this season – with Jim moving on – I’m trying to make the position my own.”

Perhaps the most notable improvement in his game this season has been his end product, with two pinpoint assists at Tynecastle underlining the point.

Humphrey revealed he has been putting in extra hours during training and is glad to see his hard work pay off.

“Archie Knox works with me and the other wingers a lot in training and we do a lot of crossing drills and passing drills,” he said.

“I get a lot of practice with the delivery aspect of my game, and it seems to be paying off.

“I was happy to get the assists. All I want to do is set goals up for my team mates and maybe get a couple myself, but I get as much of a thrill setting up the strikers like John and Nick.”

Motherwell boss Craig Brown lavished praise on Chris Humphrey following his man-of-the-match performance against Hearts.

The 23-year-old set up both goals in the 2-0 win at Tynecatle just a day after becoming a father for the first time.

Brown was delighted with the impact made by the former Shrewsbury Town man, who didn’t even train in the build up to the game.

“Chris’ partner Kerry had a wee baby daughter on Friday and he didn’t actually train before the match,” the manager said. “It was touch and go whether we would play him, but he was very keen.

“He gives us fantastic pace and width down the right flank and his crossing prowess is improving as the weeks go by.

“His delivery from wide was excellent today; sometimes he can be a little rash, but he was picking out men today.

“Now Chris is considered to be a first choice player he is much more confident – you can see that.”

Humphrey’s new-born wasn’t the only youngster giving Brown cause for delight as there were nine of them in the Motherwell line-up at Tynecastle.

The Steelmen have long been considered one of the top clubs in the SPL for bringing through young talent and that trend shows no sign of changing as the current crop continue to mature under the experienced guidance Brown and Archie Knox.

“It is compulsory to have three U21 players in the match-day squad in the SPL,” he said. “We had nine today.

“Four of them were starting and we had another four on the bench. Saunders and Murphy are even regulars in the Scotland U21 squad, so we have real talent among the young players at the club.

“A lot of teams struggle to even make three U21 players and sometimes they have to bring in boys from the youth team.”

Brown also paid tribute to one of the more experienced members of his ‘Well side, Stephen Craigan, as his skipper undoubtedly won his key battle of the afternoon against Kevin Kyle.

“Touch wood – because we still have to play Hearts this season – Stephen Craigan always deals with Kevin Kyle brilliantly,” The manager praised.

“Kyle is a tough customer and it is always a physical battle – but Stephen likes those. He and Mark Reynolds both played very well.”

The 2-0 win at Tynecastle extended Motherwell’s excellent record away from home and the team have yet to concede on their travels this season.

“We’re equipped to play away from home because we have terrific pace in the team with Humphrey, Blackman and Murphy.

“We can play on the counter attack – and we do. But our keeper only had one save to make, that shows we’re doing the right stuff at the back too.

“I feel a home win is not far away. With the way we played against Hibs and Aberdeen we have deserved to have a win at home.”

Pictures from the 2-0 victory over Hearts in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Tynecastle. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

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