Motherwell showed their battling qualities but couldn’t find the goal to win in a 0-0 draw with St Mirren.
‘Well made three changes from the team defeated by St Johnstone at the weekend. O’Donnell returned from suspension at right back, with Campbell fit again to replace Polworth in midfield.
Roberts made his first start in claret and amber, replacing Long in the starting side.
The visitors started in a positive fashion, frequently trying to pin their hosts back and get the ball in forward areas.
Maguire saw a great shot from 25 yards deflected just past the post as ‘Well increased the pressure. Neither goalkeeper, though, was seriously tested in the opening 45.
‘Well though should have had a penalty with five minutes left in the half. Watt was tripped as he broke inside the box, but his decision to stay on his feet led to referee Kevin Clancy not blowing his whistle.
Motherwell started the second half with great intent. Campbell saw an early shot from close range blocked, before firing over from just inside the box soon after.
Roberts was on the end of a brilliant, one-touch flowing move which saw Alnwick get down well at his feet to deny.
Cole was taken out in the box on the hour mark, before getting to his feet and firing a shot straight at the goalkeeper.
Motherwell upped their pressure. Cole again got free on the right inside the box, with Alnwick spreading himself big to block.
Cole again would go agonisingly close as the game wore on. Roberts’ corner from the left was flicked on by the forward acrobatically, but his effort clipped the inside of the left post and found the grateful hands of the goalkeeper.
The visitors would continue to press but couldn’t carve out their final chance, while also putting in a solid defensive showing to limit the hosts to virtually no clear chances.
Motherwell: Kelly, O’Donnell, Magloire, Lamie, Carroll, Maguire, Campbell, Crawford, Cole, Roberts, Watt.
Subs not used: Morrison, Devine, McGinley, Johnston, Cornelius, Polworth, Lawless, Hastie, Long.