Motherwell battered at Tannadice

A much changed Motherwell side were torn apart by a Dundee United side clinging on to hopes of finishing third

The Motherwell side included five changes in it with Stuart McCall clearly having an eye on the Cup Final in two weeks time, while United were at full strength knowing Hearts had lost earlier in the day.

From the start it was United who pushed forward with their dominance in midfield allowing them on to the Well defence all too easily. This created chances for Johnny Russell but he sent one effort well wide and a weak header over the bar.

There were further chances for Keith Watson, Margaro Gomis and Craig Conway before they took the lead on 36 minutes. Ross Forbes fouled Gomis 40 yards out and the Paul Dixon bent the kick to the far post where the unmarked Jon Daly sent a downward header past Randolph.

It was 2-0 before the break with Daly scoring again, Gary Kenneth was given too much space to thread a ball through to the striker, who also had too much time to turn and pick his spot in Randolph’s bottom corner.

United kept up the pressure at the start of the second half by scoring again four minutes in. Daly completed his hat trick with another easy strike, a ball into the box was missed by Gavin Gunning allowing Daly to take his time before beating Randolph once again.

Motherwell finally managed to have some decent efforts on goal, with sub Gary Smith heading a Tom Hateley corner wide, Chris Humphrey forcing Dusan Pernis into his first save of the afternoon.

But there was no consolation for Well as United added a fourth in the final minute. Randolph pulled off a fine save from David Goodwillie, but from the corner Motherwell allowed Watson too much space to roll the ball into the net from about 15 yards out.

We need to hope the strategy of resting players will be the right one ahead of the Cup Final, as losing 12 goals in the last three games can’t be good for confidence ahead of the big day.