Motherwell B lost on penalties to Tranent in the SPFL Trust Trophy.
Nathan McGinley and Barry Maguire started the match as our two ‘over age’ players. Luca Ross and Ewan Wilson were also in the starting 11 as Motherwell looked to go one step further in the competition last year.
The first chance of the game came after just five minutes. Euan Greig found the ball at his feet on the edge of the area, but he blasted over the bar.
Motherwell’s first chance came after eight minutes. Luca Ross worked the angle on the left wing, before cutting inside and his cross was drifting towards the back post before Mason palmed it away.
Connelly was called into action on a number of occasions.
The first of which came on 12 minutes when he tipped Ben Miller’s effort round the post. He then got behind Jones’ free-kick after 23 mins, which was from the edge of the box.
The big moment of the first half came on 40 minutes. Tranent worked the ball on the right hand side and the cross was sent towards Ben Miller at the back post. He connected and seemed to have all but scored, however Connelly spread his body well to prevent the opening.
Tranent’s right full-back Ross had a go with a driven shot on 49 minutes, however it was comfortably saved.
On the hour mark, Brannan McDermott’s cross caused all sorts of confusion after Mo Adam stole possession, however Tranent survived.
A couple of tame efforts came from Tranent with 10 minutes to go, as the game edged closer to a penalty shootout.
However, with 90 minutes played, neither side could find the breakthrough and the tie would be decided on penalties.
Nathan McGinley stepped up first and found the bet but Barry Maguire, Mo Adam and Luca Ross all failed to convert from 12 yards and Tranent progressed, winning 3-1 on penalties
