Motherwell player ratings vs Montrose: Trio of 7s impress as Steelmen take bonus point after draw

Motherwell won 5-4 on penalties against Montrose in their latest Premier Sports Cup group stage clash, after a 1-1 draw in normal time.

The Steelmen headed into the game seven figures richer but with the news that talisman Theo Bair has moved on to French club Auxerre. A passive opening 25 minutes played out with Motherwell controlling possession, Kettlewell keen for his side to play quick against their League One opposition.

Andy Halliday and Harry Paton had half-chances before a well-worked corner routine allowed Shane Blaney to head home just after the half-hour mark, leaving them a goal ahead at the break.

Zach Robinson was inches away from doubling the lead after half-time, Paton muscling his way into the box and setting up a tap-in the striker narrowly failed to connect with. Wilson then had a blast from long-range that was denied, as pressure and control for those in claret and amber grew.

Montrose seemed to take encouragement from Motherwell who dropped slightly deeper as the game entered it’s final stages. Ben MacIver-Harewood forced a tremendous save from away goalkeeper Aston Oxborough, his looping header meeting the fingertips of the shot-stopper before being scrambled away to safety.

Aaron Shrive would make sure the hosts got their goal, turning his man and firing low beyond Oxborough to send the game to penalties. The ‘Well keeper saved Terry Masson’s shot from 12 yards, and Moses Ebiye’s penalty secured a shootout win.

Next up is Clyde before the group section finishes at home to Partick Thistle, with it now up to the Premiership side to win their remaining games if they want to finish top, as the Jags sit on three points with a game in hand. Here’s how we rated the Motherwell players at Links Park.