Motherwell 2, Falkirk 2

STEVE Kirk, who scored many vital goals during his time at Fir Park,

was the hero for his new club last night, equalising after the home team

had twice taken the lead.

Football wanderer Mo Johnston was overshadowed in his debut for his

eighth senior club by new Motherwell star Eddie May.

Former Falkirk man May made a superb home debut as he set up the Fir

Parkers' opener and then slammed in their second.

'Well boss Alex McLeish gave Steve Kirk and Paul McGrillen, plus

#100,000, to Falkirk for the 27-year-old and is already reaping a return

for his money.

Motherwell had looked set to gain a victory that would have gone a

long way to securing second position in the premier division and the

UEFA Cup spot it guarantees.

But former hero Kirk came back to haunt them when he tucked away

Falkirk's equaliser in 75 minutes.

There was more drama just a minute later, when Falkirk were reduced to

10 men. Dougie Arnott went down clutching his jaw, and after consulting

his linesman, referee John Rowbotham sent off defender David Weir.

It was then backs to the wall for Falkirk, who somehow managed to hold

out as Motherwell went all-out for a winner.

May had his former side in trouble after just six minutes when he set

up the opening goal. He ran menacingly from inside his own half and

caught the visitors' defence cold as he slipped the ball through to Alex

Burns.

John Hughes attempted to clear, but the ball broke to Paul Lambert

and, with Tony Parks off his line, the midfielder easily side-footed

home his first goal of the season.

But it took Falkirk just five minutes to get back on level terms.

Keeper Steve Woods was given no chance when Joe McLaughlin met John

Clark's free kick and sent a glancing header flashing past him.

Arnott headed a Rab McKinnon corner behind the far post on the

half-hour mark, but it was Falkirk who finished the half strongly.

Their three new boys almost produced a goal when McGrillen found

Johnston who set up Kirk, but the former 'Well man's shot flew wide.

Motherwell stepped up a gear in the second half and deservedly

regained their lead in 54 minutes.

A strong run forward by McKinnon looked like bringing a penalty when

he was brought down by Hughes, but the ball ran to May and he shot home

from eight yards.

Apart from the red card there were four bookings -- Falkirk's Jamie

McGowan, Clark, and McGrillen, and Motherwell's John Philliben.

Motherwell -- Woods, Philliben, McKinnon, Krivokapic, Martin, McCart,

Lambert, Dolan, Burns, Arnott, May. Substitutes -- Shannon, Roddie,

Howie.

Falkirk -- Parks, Weir, McGowan, Hughes, McLaughlin, Clark, Kirk,

Fulton, McGrillen, Johnston, McKenzie. Substitutes -- Rice, Henderson,

Lamont.

Referee -- J Rowbotham (Kirkcaldy).