Motherwell U20s made it back-to-back wins after edging out Dunfermline 2-1 at Fir Park this evening.
The Pars went ahead after just nine minutes when Ross Millen curled home a beautiful free kick from 20 yards.
‘Well passed up the chance to level when Dylan Mackin was thwarted from the penalty spot, but Cadden did eventually equalise on the hour mark, slotting home after great build-up play from Dom Thomas.
It stayed that way until Steven Higgins won it for ‘Well, the striker capitalising on a goalkeeping error to win it with just seven minutes left to play.
Jonatan Johansson kept faith in the side that dismantled Hearts six days ago with just one change, goalkeeper Max Currie coming in to replace Ross Stewart having to be content with a place on the bench.
Although Dunfermline made the better start, it was ‘Well who had the first chance but Dylan Mackin’s volley did little to trouble Jamie Wilson in the visitor’s goal.
Pars wasted no time in replying, immediately going on the attack and were unlucky not to take the lead when Allan Smith’s shot whistled just past Currie’s post.
However, it wasn’t long until John Potter’s men were in front and it was a goal of some quality.
Thomas gave away a free kick on the edge of the area, allowing Millen to step up. He curled an effort high into the top corner, leaving a full stretch Max Currie absolutely helpless.
‘Well went on the search for an equaliser and Cadden tested Wilson from distance, before Higgins had a shot deflected wide and from the resulting corner, David Ferguson’s effort was straight at the Pars stopper.
Higgins had another shot for ‘Well before Dunfermline had a great chance to double their advantage, Smith racing away one on one with Currie, but the keeper came out on top, blocking with his foot.
At the other end, Wilson looked smart to deny both Cadden and Higgins before making another great from the penalty spot. Higgins was brought down in the area by Cammy McClair, with referee Grant Irvine quick to point to the spot.
Dylan Mackin stepped forward, but again Wilson made the save, diving low to his left.
Motherwell started the second half on the front foot, Higgins firing just wide after cutting in from the flank before Morgyn Neill flashed a header just wide.
However, with their next attack, Motherwell drew level and it was all down to the creativity of Dom Thomas. The little winger beat three players before squaring it for Cadden who coolly slotted past Wilson for 1-1.
‘Well sensed blood and went looking for a second and it was Cadden again, this time his low shot was again saved by the visiting keeper.
There then followed two penalty claims, one at either end but neither were given. ‘Well were claiming first, Higgins’ cross appeared to hit a hand, but the officials were having none of it.
Two minutes later, Smith went over in the area and was booked for simulation. It looked harsh as there did appear to be some contact, but enough for a spot kick is certainly up for debate.
Both teams traded chances, Stuart Urquhart’s long range free-kick was tipped onto the bar by Currie before Thomas pulled a shot wide when the goal was at his mercy.
However, with seven minutes left, ‘Well grabbed the winner. Cadden’s long ball was uncharacteristically missed by the outrushing Wilson, allowing Higgins in for a open goal and he tapped home into an empty net to take all three points.
Motherwell U20s: Currie: McMillan, Ferguson, Hall, Neill, McCall, Mackin, Cadden (R.Leitch – 84mins), Higgins, Thomas, McLean
Subs: Stewart, Watt, Campbell, Watters, McNulty