Motherwell and Hamilton development team played out a competitive 2-2 draw at K-Park.
Stuart Kettlewell’s side were a goal down in the opening minute, but a Corey O’Donnell brace had the hosts ahead at the interval. However, a second half penalty was enough to earn Accies a point.
‘Well named a young starting eleven for the Lanarkshire derby, with only Kian Spiers, Lennon Miller and Robbie Mahon having very limited experience of first-team football. Corey O’Donnell was making his first appearance in 2022 whilst Mo Adam was named amongst the subs after an injury-plagued eight months.
Accies made the best possible start, punishing the hosts with a clinical counter-attack. Adam McGowan collected on the edge of his area and quickly sent Ryan One galloping down the left flank. He cut inside and curled a shot that was palmed away by Matty Connelly, only to fall perfectly for Ellis Brown who shot high into the net.
Motherwell equalised with their first shot on target on 25 minutes. Miller nutmegged Fergus Owens to play in Danny Hunter, his cut-back was perfect for O’Donnell who swept home into the far corner from the penalty spot.
The Steelmen got their noses in front five minutes before the break and it was a really well-worked goal. Great interplay between Wilson and O’Donnell down the left flank had the full-back in an advanced area. Instead of sweeping it across the box, he calmly pulled it back for the striker, who had carried his run forward, and he smashed a first-time shot low into the net for his second.
Hamilton got the game’s second equaliser 12 minutes into the second half. Ally Gould was adjudged to have fouled One inside the area, with referee Ryan Kennedy pointing to the spot. Sub Ben Black stepped up to squeeze the ball under Connelly who had gone the right way.
Both teams had chances to win it, with McGowan going close for Accies and Reece Murray producing good saves to deny substitutes Mark Ferrie and Adam late in the game, but it ended honours even.
Motherwell: Connelly, Max Ross, Ewan Wilson, Ally Gould, Logan Dunachie, Danny Hunter, Robbie Mahon (Adam), Lennon Miller, Corey O’Donnell (Ferrie), Kian Spiers (Wells), Luca Ross (Nevans).
Subs Not Used: Aitken, Bone