Motherwell U20s shared the spoils in a fairly uneventful 0-0 draw with Dundee United this evening.
The Fir Parkers were looking for their seventh consecutive win but were denied by a stubborn United side.
In truth, it was a fair result with both Ross Stewart and Joe McGovern rarely troubled between the sticks at Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium.
Jonatan Johansson made two changes to the starting eleven that put five past Falkirk a fortnight ago. Steven Higgins and Adam Cummins dropped out, replaced by Morgyn Neill and Bob McHugh.
United were the first to threaten via Ali Coute but his long-range effort was fired straight at Stewart in the home goal. Eight minutes later, Aiden Connolly created a chance for Scott Fraser but he swept his shot over the bar after a decent pullback.
It took ‘Well sixteen minutes to get a shot off at the United goal but McHugh’s free-kick sailed high into the stand. Shortly after, Euan Murray almost broke the deadlock but his header from a Leitch corner was hooked off the line.
‘Well were starting to get the upper hand but it was Stevie Campbell’s side who almost took the lead.
Connolly collected twenty-five yards out after the Arabs had quickly turned defence into attack. He smashed a stinging effort off the post with Stewart at full stretch.
Down the other end, Motherwell quickly replied with their best effort of the half when Paul McCafferty got on the end of Dom Thomas’ hung up cross to the back post but his header cannoned into the ground and was comfortable for McGovern to clutch.
Just before the interval, Morgyn Neill almost turned a cross into his own net but was relieved to see his header drop just over the bar for a corner.
Six minutes into the second half and the Terrors passed up their best chance of the match. Euan Spark found space on the right flank and delivered a great ball into the middle for Mark Russell who could only head wide when a goal seemed certain.
Craig Moore, who has been in red-hot form for the Under 20s, might think he should have hit the target just before the hour as ‘Well cut United open.
Thomas and David Ferguson combined down the left. The former crossed it for McHugh whose shot hit Moore on route to goal. As it bounced loose, the little striker was on it in a flash, but could only turn his shot wide of the post.
As the game drew to a close, Dale Shirkie fired over when he perhaps had a better option in McHugh to his left. Shortly after, McHugh himself almost opened the scoring with a curling shot from distance but it dropped just over the bar with McGovern scrambling to get back.
The game eventually finished 0-0, ending Motherwell’s winning run but keeps the unbeaten streak going for at least another week.
Motherwell: Stewart, Cadden, Ferguson, Murray, Neill, Leitch, McCafferty (Higgins – 75mins), Shirkie, McHugh, Moore, Thomas
Subs Not Used: Currie, Hall, Kellock, Mackin, Anderson
