BBC SPORT | Football | Scottish Premier (original) (raw)

Motherwell's Steven McGarry was on target in a comfortable win

A blistering first-half display from Ross McCormack put Motherwell on easy street against a lacklustre Aberdeen.

Well went ahead through a McCormack penalty after Richie Byrne brought down Stephen Hughes in the box.

Steven McGarry doubled the lead with a diving header before McCormack grabbed his second just before the break.

The Dons improved after the break, but despite pressing, they could not find a way through an impressive Motherwell side who claimed all three points.

Motherwell applied all the early pressure and took the lead in the fifth minute after Aberdeen defender Richie Byrne hauled down Stephen Hughes and Ross McCormack lashed home the penalty.

McCormack almost scored again shortly after when he rounded Langfield after a great run into the box, but the young striker could only hit the side netting.

The Well fans didn't have to wait long for a second however, as Steven McGarry doubled their advantage with a diving header from a Paul Quinn cross.

Aberdeen finally settled into the match and Lee Miller tested Graeme Smith with an effort the Well keeper could only parry out as far as Steve Lovell, but the Dons striker put his headed effort wide.

Byrne then tried to get the Dons back into the game, but his long-range drive sizzled past the post.

Miller again put Smith under pressure as Aberdeen floated the ball into the box, but the referee awarded the home side a free-kick as Smith flapped at the ball.

Chris Porter then went close for the home side but he failed to connect with McCormack's cut-back in the visitors' box.

The impressive McCormack then grabbed his second for Well just before the break, as he ran on to a defence-splitting pass, rounded the keeper and lofted the ball into the net.

Aberdeen were clearly feeling the effects of Jimmy Calderwood's half-time team talk, as Miller went close early in the second period, his header flashing over the bar.

Smith then had to look smart to collect a Lee Miller shot as Aberdeen enjoyed a spell of dominance.

Motherwell then carved out their first real effort of the second half, but Clarkson dragged his shot wide.

Clarkson then went close as he flicked on a corner but his effort skimmed on to the top of the bar.

The home side were now back on top and McCormack tried a cheeky chip from the edge of the box, only to watch his shot sail narrowly over.

McCormack had one last chance to claim his hat-trick, but blazed his shot over from the edge of the box.

Motherwell: Graeme Smith, Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds, Paterson, McGarry (Fitzpatrick 79), O'Donnell (Lasley 79), Hughes, Clarkson (Darren Smith 85), Porter, McCormack. Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Brian McLean, Corrigan, Murphy.

Booked: Hughes, Craigan.

Goals: McCormack 8 pen, McGarry 12, McCormack 45.

Aberdeen: Langfield, Hart, Diamond, Touzani (Aluko 46), Byrne, Young (Foster 38), Nicholson, Severin (Maguire 83), Clark, Lovell, Miller. Subs Not Used: Soutar, Daniel Smith, Mair, Considine.

Att: 5,326

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