Motherwell took on Kilmarnock in their final match before the September international break on Saturday afternoon at Fir Park, with the Steelmen drawing 2-2 on the day.
Tawanda Maswanise and Emmanuel Longelo continued their fine goalscoring runs.
Following last week’s near miss against Hearts, there were two changes to the team. Liam Gordon returned to the starting 11 following his injury layoff, with Ibrahim Said also stepping in. Callum Slattery dropped out of the squad, with Kofi Balmer moving to the bench.
New signings Regan Charles-Cook and Oscar Priestman were named amongst the substitutes, as they waited in the wings to make their debuts.
Former Well manager Stuart Kettlewell returned to Fir Park for the first time since his shock departure in January and was boosted by the matchdaysigning of former Ross County defender James Brown.
His side were yet to taste defeat in the Premiership this season also and started the game confidently.
As anticipated, the home side dominated possession for the opening 10 minutes, with Maksymilian Stryjek forced into action blocking Maswanhise’s drive before the ‘keeper eventually claimed Stephen O’Donnell’s dangerous cross.
With so many ‘Well players committed to getting forward, there was always a risk of being caught out at the back.
Former midfielder Liam Polworth posted a warning when he drove narrowly wide, before Killie grabbed the initiative after 19 minutes. A deep run and cross from Brad Lyons sent a teasing ball across the home box, and the unmarked Daniels swept the ball home to give the Ayrshire side the lead.
Motherwell refused to panic or change their approach and almost found an equaliser minutes later. O’Donnell did well to hook the ball back across the box, and Maswanhise’s volley sent the ball narrowly wide.
With Lukas Fadinger and Elliot Watt dominating the midfield, the Fir Park players’ exchanges with the ball were smart and appreciated by the fans without any end product until the final minute of the first half.
A swift and direct breakdownleft involving Emmanuel Longelo, Said and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos.
Ended with his cutbackfinding Said. And when his low shot was partially blocked, Maswanhise was on hand to curl the loose ball high into the net from 12 yards for a deserved equaliser.
The ‘Well fans were still on their feet celebrating the goal and an enterprising first half as the teams headed for the dressing rooms.
Despite being level at the break, Kettlewell made two changes to his side as Killie made a positive start to the second half.
After five minutes, though, they were back to their neat passing game, and a fine move across the box ended with Maswahise having another shot towards goal blocked.
The home side’s perseverance paid off after 62 finally grabbed a second goal.
Elijah Just a decisive pass sent Apostolos Stamatelopoulos racing through. And after his two attempts to test Stryjek were blocked, the ball fell for Longelo, who waited for the ball to drop before lashing home his third goal of the season.
Another two changes from the Killie bench 70 minutes in, desperate to change the pattern of play.
The response was to make a triple change, adding Callum Hendry to the attack while giving new signings Oscar Priestman and Regan Charles-Cook their debut.
However, despite Well’s possession and creative play, the Rugby Park men were still only a goal away from rescuing a point – and the equaliser arrived in the 81st minute.
Lewis Mayo’s high punt towards the home goal was dropped by Ward under his crossbar, and Stanger knocked the ball over the line to make it 2-2.
The Steelmen had one final chance to claim their first league win and all three points, but Hendry blasted his free kick high over, and once again ‘Well were left frustrated.
It could have been worse in the final minute when Ward had to push Marcus Dackers’ header away and deny Kilmarnock stealing all three points.
Motherwell Team: Ward, O’Donnell (88′), Gordon, McGinn, Longelo, Fadinger, Watt (74′), Just (90′), Said (74′), Maswanhise (74′), Stamatelopoulos.
Motherwell Subs: Oxborough, Balmer (90′), Koutroumbis (88′), Halliday, Priestman (74′), Osong, Hendry (74′), Charles-Cook (74′), Ross.
