Caley spoil McCall's big day

Stuart McCall had to settle for a draw on his Fir Park debut as Motherwell manager as Inverness secured a battling 0-0 draw in their SPL clash.

Last Updated: 15/01/11 at 17:27 Post Comment

McCall: Saw Well held to a draw

McCall: Saw Well held to a draw

With Mark Reynolds in Sheffield discussing a move after Wednesday had a second bid accepted for the defender, Shaun Hutchinson stepped up for an impressive first start for 13 months.

Motherwell needed some excellent first-half saves from Darren Randolph to ensure the shut-out but they had the better of the second period without working Inverness goalkeeper Ryan Esson.

The half-time shift in power was entirely predictable given the fierce wind which, accompanied by a steady downpour rain and a heavy pitch, were a perfect advertisement for a winter break as the SPL clubs prepare to discuss changes to the calendar and league structure on Monday.

With Nick Blackman, Alan Gow and Marc Fitzpatrick having left already this month, McCall was left with just eight players over the age of 21 but his side kept the third clean sheet in his four games as he prepares to rebuild.

Motherwell started off playing into the wind and were gradually pushed back during a quiet opening half hour with several inswinging corners from Graeme Shinnie causing some problems.

The hosts had a narrow escape in the 31st minute when Ross Forbes stopped Shinnie's cross with both hands in front of his face right on the edge of the box. Referee Euan Norris gave a free-kick with some degree of uncertainty as the visitors claimed for a penalty.

Inverness soon created the first clear chance when Richie Foran knocked the ball through for Adam Rooney. The striker took the shot quickly but it bounced into the ground and up, allowing Randolph to make an impressive flying save.

Motherwell struggled to clear the resulting corner and Randolph saved well from close range from Rooney, who looked suspiciously offside, before blocking Shinnie's powerful follow-up.

The hosts had a penalty appeal rejected when they accused Foran of handball and they survived until half-time.

Jamie Murphy got Motherwell's first shot on goal in the 52nd minute after turning inside well and firing a long-range effort that was held by Esson.

Motherwell were now enjoying the territorial advantage and Chris Humphrey almost cut the visitors open when he got beyond Shinnie and pulled the ball across the face of goal, but Ross Tokely cleared. Murphy was next to threaten when he turned Chris Innes brilliantly on the left flank and burst towards the penalty area, but dragged his shot wide of the near post.

Another Humphrey cross caused panic but Ross Forbes could not get a strong enough connection to convert at the back post.

John Sutton then played Murphy through but the angle was tight and the ball would not fall kindly for the striker, who shot wide. Motherwell lost Keith Lasley in the 75th minute to what looked like a hamstring injury with 19-year-old Steven Meechan coming on.

Hutchinson made his first mistake made when he failed to control a difficult Forbes pass, to allow Foran a clear run on goal, but the former Motherwell striker shot just wide with only Randolph to beat.

Foran saw a shot saved from further out but Motherwell continued to look the more likely team to notch a winner and McCall brought on striker Esteban Casasgolda for midfielder Forbes.

Inverness also went for the three points by bringing on Dani Sanchez and Eric Odhiambo but neither side could carve out a late opportunity.

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

More Match Results

Sunday, 19 May 2013
12:45
Dundee Utd 0-4 Celtic  
Ross Co 1-0 Inverness  
St J'stone 2-0 Motherwell  
Saturday, 18 May 2013
15:00
Aberdeen 1-1 Hearts Report
Hibernian 1-0 Dundee Report
Kilmarnock 1-3 St Mirren Report
Wednesday, 15 May 2013
19:45
Kilmarnock 1-3 Hibernian  
Sunday, 12 May 2013
16:05
Motherwell 2-0 Ross Co Report
12:00
Hearts 1-2 Hibernian Report
Saturday, 11 May 2013
15:00
Dundee 2-3 Kilmarnock  

Clydesdale Bank Premier League

Position Team P GD PTS
1 Celtic 38 57 79
2 Motherwell 38 16 63
3 St J'stone 38 1 56
4 Inverness 38 4 54
5 Ross Co 38 -1 53
6 Dundee Utd 38 -11 47
7 Hibernian 38 -3 51
8 Aberdeen 38 -2 48
9 Kilmarnock 38 -1 45
10 Hearts 38 -9 44
11 St Mirren 38 -13 41
12 Dundee 38 -38 30

Updated Sun, 19 May 2013

Footer 365

Pulis' Stoke exit confirmed

Stoke have confirmed the end of Tony Pulis' seven-year reign as manager, announcing that the parting of ways has been "mutually agreed".

Hammers hoping Carroll commits

West Ham's chances of signing Andy Carroll on a permanent deal appear to now rest solely with the player after a fee was agreed with Liverpool.

Transfer news: Carlton Cole confirms West Ham departure

West Ham United striker Carlton Cole has confirmed he is leaving Upton Park after seven years with the club.

Mail Box

Mourinho Isn't Short-Term, Football Is

There's more in the afternoon Mailbox about Jose Mourinho and his potential return to Chelsea, while there's also a link to some pictures of eagles that look like Arsene Wenger...

Should Chelsea Be Worried About Jose Return?

After a disappointing end to his three years at Real Madrid, could Jose Mourinho struggle to bring immediate success if he completes his anticipated return to Chelsea?

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved