I watched Motherwell vs Rangers from Hampden press box: 3 things I spotted as gutsy semi-final showing ends in defeat

Motherwell saw their Premier Sports Cup journey come to an agonising end at the semi-final stage following a late 2-1 defeat to holders Rangers at Hampden Park.

Stuart Kettlewell’s stubborn side carried out their game plan to a tee during the opening 45 minutes, managing to stifle the Gers attacking threat through a combination of strong defending and some excellent goalkeeping from Aston Oxborough. They were happy to allow the Ibrox men the majority of possession and look to hit on the counter-attack.

It worked to superb effect when midfielder Andy Halliday broke the deadlock on 25 minutes against his former employers after connecting with Steve Seddon’s pinpoint cross from the left to spark wild celebrations from the 8,000 strong Motherwell support in Mount Florida.

But eventually, Rangers persistence paid off early in the second half when Cyriel Dessers - who had earlier missed a close-range sitter - turned home Connor Barron’s cross at the front post after 49 minutes to end his eight-match goal drought.

Motherwell continued to frustrate Philippe Clement’s side, reverting to a back five in the closing stages and producing a number of important blocks. The woodwork also came to their rescue on more than one occasion as Jefte’s crisp volley was pushed onto the post by Oxborough.

But as legs began to tire, the Light Blues pounced. Nedim Bajrami popped up with the match-winner after 81 minutes, with his angled shot taking a slight deflection to wrong-foot Oxborough and end Motherwell’s hopes of securing a final showdown with Celtic back at the national stadium next month.

I was in the press box to take in the match. Here are three things I spotted from the game:

Resolute rearguard eventually worn down

Plenty of questions were asked of Motherwell's back five comprising of Steve Seddon, Liam Gordon, Dan Casey, Kofi Balmer and Marvin Kaleta during the first-half, but more often than not they came up trumps. The first-half saw Rangers dominate the ball inside the Steelmen's half of the park without seriously testing goalkeeper Aston Oxborough.

Efforts from Cerny, Barron, Lawrence and Bajrami were all comfortably saved before the Well No.1 made an outstanding fingertip save to deny Mohamed Diomande's curling shot from the edge of the box on the stroke of half-time. All their hard work eventually unravelled early in the second half when Cyriel Dessers found himself in the right place at the right time to slot home Barron's cross at the front post to equalise.

As Rangers started to lay siege on Oxborough’s goal, Motherwell were living dangerously as Tavernier sliced an effort over the bar at the back post. And Casey produced an excellent goal-saving block to deny Jefte’s ferocious strike before clenching his fists together in delight. The backline continued to throw their bodies in front of shots. This was a truly heroic defensive performance for 80 minutes.

Heroics from Halliday

Cometh the man, cometh the moment. At 33, the vastly experienced midfielder proved age is just a number by displaying some impressive reflexes to turn home Steve Seddon’s perfectly-weighted cross at full stretch to open the scoring against his former club and boyhood heroes. Respectful in his celebration right in front of the Rangers end, Halliday will have had a range of emotions surge through him after scoring such a crucial goal.

Kaleta rises to the occasion

Wolves loanee Kaleta had to wait patiently for his chance to impress in Claret and Amber, but the youngster really stepped up and showcased his talent in abundance here. Charging forward at every opportunity, the 20-year-old left-back was tasked with keeping Albanian international Nedim Bajrami quiet. He succeeded in doing so, making a number of important blocks and well-timed challenges, whilst offering a positive outlet. He trudged off after 74 minutes to be replaced by Shane Blaney, but this was arguably his best showing for Motherwell to date.

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