Steelmen Add to Woes of Toothless Dons – Motherwell vs St Johnstone F.C. (18/01/2025)
Motherwell delivered a commanding performance on 18th January 2025, defeating St Johnstone in a clash that further deepened the struggles of the visitors. The Steelmen’s 3-0 triumph at Fir Park highlighted their resurgence under manager Stuart Kettlewell, while St Johnstone’s continued lack of attacking bite raised concerns about their relegation battle.
First Half: Motherwell’s Dominance Begins
From the opening whistle, Motherwell showcased their intent, pressing high and dominating possession. The home side’s midfield trio, led by Callum Slattery, controlled the tempo, leaving St Johnstone struggling to find any rhythm.
The breakthrough came in the 18th minute when striker Connor Wilkinson latched onto a precise through-ball from Blair Spittal. Wilkinson’s clinical finish past Remi Matthews underscored his growing confidence in front of goal.
St Johnstone’s attempts to respond were lackluster. Their midfield, lacking creativity and cohesion, failed to supply adequate service to lone striker Nicky Clark. Meanwhile, Motherwell’s defensive pairing of Dan Casey and Bevis Mugabi comfortably dealt with any aerial threats.
Just before halftime, Motherwell doubled their lead. A well-worked corner routine saw Slattery’s delivery met by Mugabi, who rose highest to head home. The Steelmen entered the break with a commanding 2-0 advantage, leaving St Johnstone facing an uphill battle.
Second Half: St Johnstone’s Struggles Continue
Despite manager Steven MacLean’s halftime adjustments, St Johnstone’s fortunes did not improve. Their toothless attack and defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed by Motherwell’s disciplined and dynamic approach.
Motherwell’s third goal arrived in the 57th minute, sealing the victory. James Furlong, a standout performer at left-back, embarked on a marauding run down the flank before delivering a pinpoint cross to Wilkinson, who volleyed in his second of the afternoon. The goal encapsulated Motherwell’s confidence and cohesion.
St Johnstone, on the other hand, looked bereft of ideas. Misplaced passes and poor decision-making plagued their attempts to build momentum. Their only notable chance came in the 70th minute, when substitute Graham Carey’s long-range effort forced a diving save from Liam Kelly.
Key Takeaways: Motherwell’s Resurgence
Motherwell’s victory was a testament to their growing belief under Stuart Kettlewell. The Steelmen have now extended their unbeaten run to five matches, climbing to sixth in the Scottish Premiership table.
Key to their success has been the resurgence of players like Wilkinson and Slattery, who have embraced Kettlewell’s philosophy. The team’s defensive solidity, combined with their ability to transition quickly into attack, has made them a formidable opponent.
Kettlewell praised his side’s performance in his post-match interview, saying:
“The lads were outstanding today. We played with intensity and purpose, and our goals were a reflection of the hard work we’ve been putting in on the training ground.”
St Johnstone’s Plight Deepens
For St Johnstone, the defeat marked their fourth consecutive loss, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the Premiership table. The Dons’ inability to score has become a glaring issue, with just 12 goals in 23 league matches – the lowest in the division.
Manager Steven MacLean faces mounting pressure as his side struggles to find solutions. Injuries to key players such as Stevie May and Chris Kane have compounded their woes, but the lack of creativity and leadership on the pitch is a broader concern.
In his post-match remarks, MacLean acknowledged the difficulties but expressed determination:
“It’s a tough result to take, but we have to keep fighting. The players know what’s at stake, and we’ll work hard to turn this around.”
Fan Reactions
The contrasting moods of the two sets of fans were palpable. Motherwell supporters celebrated a dominant performance that reaffirmed their hopes for a strong finish to the season. Chants of “Steelmen on the rise” echoed through Fir Park as the team applauded their fans post-match.
St Johnstone fans, however, voiced their frustrations. The traveling support displayed banners calling for change, reflecting their growing dissatisfaction with the team’s performances.
What’s Next?
Motherwell will look to continue their upward trajectory as they prepare for a midweek clash against Hibernian. Confidence is high, and another victory could cement their status as dark horses for a European spot.
For St Johnstone, the path ahead looks arduous. A crucial relegation battle against Ross County looms next weekend, and anything less than three points could spell disaster for their survival hopes. The January transfer window also presents an opportunity for reinforcements, but whether the club can act decisively remains to be seen.
Conclusion
Motherwell’s emphatic win over St Johnstone was a showcase of a team on the rise against one in turmoil. The Steelmen’s cohesion and attacking flair were in stark contrast to the Dons’ lack of confidence and direction.
As the Scottish Premiership season unfolds, the trajectories of these two clubs appear headed in opposite directions. Motherwell is building momentum, while St Johnstone faces an urgent need to rediscover their fighting spirit before it’s too late.
