Andy Ross at Fir Park
Jonathan Johansson’s first game in charge of the Motherwell U20’s ended in a 2-1 defeat against Hibernian at Fir Park.
Both sides demonstrated their fantastic potential in a thoroughly entertaining encounter.
Danny Handling slotted beyond Lee Hollis after 10 minutes and despite being awarded two penalties the hosts couldn’t force a leveller – Callum Antell denying Lee Erwin then Omar Daley.
With six minutes remaining Harry Monaghan bundled home Hibs’ second before Erwin rocketed home a late consolation goal.
Craig Moore passed up a glorious opportunity to break the deadlock after three minutes when he robbed David Gold on the edge of the Hibs penalty area, but the striker fired his effort straight at Antell.
The home side were dominating the early proceedings and Stuart Carswell was unfortunate to see his shot deflected wide by Robert Wilson three minutes later.
After a positive start Motherwell were dealt a blow when Hibs opened the scoring with their first opportunity of the match.
A deep cross caused problems for the ‘Well defence and when it was headed back into the box Handling slotted the ball past Hollis.
Antell did well to turn Erwin’s low shot away for a corner after 12 minutes as the hosts responded positively and Moore should have done better after when he met Steven Hetherington’s cross, however the striker failed to hit the target.
The hosts were handed the perfect opportunity to level the scoring when referee Steven Kirkland pointed to the spot after Brad Donaldson fouled Moore, Erwin stepped up to take the resulting kick but was denied by an excellent stop by the legs of Antell.
Handling passed up a fantastic chance to double his tally when he connected with Ross Caldwell’s cross but he somehow turned the ball past the post from two-yards with the goal gaping.
It was a big escape for Motherwell and they then had the frame of Hollis’ goal to thank when Caldwell thundered a header goalwards.
A fantastic piece of goalkeeping from Hollis denied Callum Crane on the half-hour mark and the former Airdrie stopper came to the rescue again two minutes before half-time when he parried away Caldwell’s side-footed effort.
Carswell was unable to profit from Erwin’s low driven cross in the early stages of the second half and Euan Murray saw his effort cleared off the line following Hetherington’s dangerous corner.
The chance continued to come for the hosts and after Daley stung the palms of Antell, Moore headed the rebound wide from close-range.
A lightening quick Hibs break-away just after the hour-mark ended with Crane forcing Hollis into an excellent stop.
Hetherington picked up the first booking of the match for a careless lunge on Donaldson.
Donaldson was involved again minutes later when his goal-line clearance denied Erwin of a leveller.
Kirkland pointed to the spot for the second time when Euan Smith was deemed to have fouled Moore on 83 minutes but again Motherwell were unable to take advantage – Daley blasting the ball against the legs of Antell.
After passing up yet another chance to level Motherwell found themselves 2-0 behind when Monaghan converted after Caldwell had struck the post.
In the dying stages of the match Erwin rocketed an effort into the roof of the net to provide some late hope, but despite a valiant effort the Steelmen couldn’t force an equaliser.
Motherwell: Hollis, Green (McCafferty – 75mins), Leitch, Murray, Asghar, Hetherington, Daley, Carswell (Johnstone – 86mins), Erwin, Watt Moore (Shirkie – 86mins)
Subs Not Used: Stewart, Thomas, Neill