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).
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