It started as a picturesque night in Greenock that ended with thunder.
Motherwell have enjoyed a bountiful spell against tonight’s rivals but there is one night that will stick in the mind of every Motherwell supporter who dares to already dream of Stranraer or Hibernian in the Scottish Cup quarter-final.
On 22 September 2015, Ian Baraclough’s side, who just about managed to see off East Fife in the previous round, faltered spectacularly at Cappielow as the home side claimed a 3-2 victory.
It was clear skies overhead at kick off, but as the game descended all you could hear was a storm brewing in the away dressing room, with Baraclough leaving the club the following day.
Ricki Lamie needs no reminding of that evening, but for quite different reasons. The big defender starred for Ton that night, and he is mindful to be on his guard for a potential repeat happening almost six years on.
“The old cliché is not to get too far ahead, that can be the downfall of already knowing who you might get in the next round if you win,” he said.
“It’s massive for us, though. It gives you that incentive, you know a tie is sitting waiting for us if we progress. But we need to be massively focused.
“Morton have had a few good results themselves and are in a competitive league. They’ll be up for it.
“When I was there, we knocked Motherwell out of the League Cup in extra-time. At every level, if you play someone a league below you then you are the scalp they’re trying to take. That sharpens our focus.
“The cups can throw you, and they’ll be looking for a chance to progress. I’ve got personal experience of that.
“It was a lovely night that night. We came out really quickly and we knew Motherwell were in a sticky patch. It was a massive result for us, but to be fair we had a good few cup runs under Jim Duffy.
“But we need to remember we are in a different place right now. We are on a decent run in what has been a disappointing season at times, we want to do well.”
Victory over St Mirren at the weekend offered some peace of mind for Motherwell fans.
While arithmetically a faint fear of relegation may linger in the background, the primary focus rests on gazing upwards and onwards. The Scottish Cup offers such an opportunity.
Much has been and will be made of the 30-year anniversary since the club’s last triumph in the tournament. Kirk, Maxwell, Cooper, O’Donnell immediately springs to mind. But for the class of Lamie, Gallagher, Cole and Watt, finishing a tumultuous season, which began with European football, on a high.
“It’s been a wee bit of uncertainty here and there but it’s good we can go ahead. The fixtures will come thick and fast,” said Lamie about the season run-in.
“It’s all about ending a season, which has had highs and lows, with a positive. And what better chance to do that than a good cup run?
“It would be massive for the club. They’ve had some great ones in recent years, so we want to replicate that.
“The season has been filled with stops and starts. Thinking back to the European games, it feels like a lifetime ago. But to me it only feels like Christmas was yesterday, it’s strange. So much has gone on this season it’s hard to think of it getting fitted into one campaign.
“In terms of pride and a bit of confidence for next season, we want to finish on that high.”
Lamie took a moment of contemplation earlier this week to reflect on a season like no other.
After joining from Livingston in the summer, the closest the defender has got to playing in front of Motherwell fans came with a handful standing on top of a storage container outside the ground in Formartine. It emerged last week that no fans would be in the Scottish Cup final this season, a sad note if Well were to reach that far.
But Lamie is already thinking of better times ahead at Fir Park with the old girl in the middle of a facelift.
“It’s been really strange given everything that’s gone on,” said the 27-year-old.
“I was thinking that the other day. I was walking down from the gym in the South Stand and you could see the stadium getting a revamp with the seats and a lick of paint.
“I was thinking to myself it’s so strange I’ve been here for a full season and not once have I played in front of any fans. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing that will never happen again.
“Luckily, I’m contracted for another year and the signs are positive that we’ll be able to get everyone through the door to get the crowds back in games.
“As a collective, this season has been filled with ups and downs. Progressing in Europe was amazing, but it would have been nicer to keep at the right end of the table and maybe finish a bit higher.
“But we’re on a positive run just now. The club is filled with great people, and I just want to end this season on a high and kick on after the summer.”
