Johnson scores in 'Well loss at Cowdenbeath

Marvin Johnson scored his second pre-season goal for Motherwell at Cowdenbeath (Pic by Alan Watson)

Aussie striker Scott McDonald – starting the match after agreeing a new one-year contract with ’Well – missed the target with two early efforts.

Motherwell dominated the first period and deservedly went ahead on 43 minutes when Marvin Johnson sent a left footed shot into the corner after Kieran Kennedy’s long through ball.

Goalscorer Johnson and Chris Cadden were replaced by Louis Moult and Dom Thomas for a second half which was to turn into a nightmare.

A controversial penalty was awarded to the Blue Brazil on 54 minutes when Kennedy was harshly adjudged to have committed a foul.

The resultant spot kick was duly converted by Dean Brett.

McDonald set up strike partner Lucas Blyth at the other end but his effort from a tight angle just missed.

A McDonald free-kick was saved before the hosts went down the other end to take the lead when the luckless Kennedy headed the ball into his own net following a corner.

’Well keeper Craig Samson denied Kyle Miller from eight yards but he could do nothing to stop Cowdenbeath’s third goal when a trialist bundled home a volleyed cross.

The Steelmen will be hoping for a better result when they visit Dumbarton in their next pre-season friendly on Saturday.