Last update on. From the section Scottish Premiership
After Jake Carroll was sent away, Motherwell had 10 men left
Graham Alexander said that Motherwell's win over Dundee in the Scottish Premiership was a triumph despite Jake Carroll being given a late red card.
Tony Watt was the one who headed Carroll's free kick into the net, against the flow of play in the first period. This gave the Fir Park side back to back victories.
With 11 minutes remaining, Carroll was disqualified for a challenge to Max Anderson.
Alexander said, "I thought it were a yellow." It's an honest challenge. He won some of the ball."
Paul McMullan of Dundee had shot against the bar just before they went behind, and Jason Cummings was close to levelling.
Motherwell held firm to climb to fourth place with seven points. Dundee remains ninth on just two points.
James McPake, Dundee's manager, stated that the Dens Park team were desperate to win their first league victory since the Premiership was reestablished. Their intent was evident in the early stages.
McMullan made a tremendous effort to reach the crossbar thanks to concerted pressure.
The visitors were frustrated when Charlie Adam was injured after half an hour, Paul McGowan following.
Motherwell suddenly became an attacking force in this game, Watt being released into the box and knocking down Adam Legzdins to the ball. Dundee was able to clear the field.
Watt was able to find the net moments later, with his clever header carrying Carroll's free-kick into left corner.
As the visitors tried to find parity in the first-half, Liam Fontaine looked wide in a corner. Jordan McGhee's header in the second period was a miss for the Dark Blues.
Cummings spun around on the edge to test Kelly just before the game's controversial moment.
Anderson was able to slip in on Carroll, and Alexander was clearly upset by Willie Collum’s decision not to give him a red card.
Dundee had another chance, but Lee Ashcroft was unable to hit Kelly with a single shot.
Tony Watt is the Man of the Match
Watt was able to keep the ball upright and win useful free kicks for his side.
What have we learned?
Dundee's dominance in the first half-hour gave way to only one McMullan shot, and their second-half efforts were lacking conviction.
Leigh Griffiths is heavily linked to a return from Celtic on loan to Dens Park. The experience and presence of a Scotland international would undoubtedly be a boon for their cause.
Motherwell could appeal Carroll's dismissal. The home team will be furious at the harsh punishment.
Sean Goss, a new signing, made his debut in the second-half as a substitute. He showed his talent with a dangerous cross and a free kick from wide on right that nearly caught Legzdins off guard.
What were they saying?
Graham Alexander, manager of Motherwell: "It's an amazing win for us. Jake Carroll played a great ball in. Tony Watts has had a fantastic run and little flick.
"I don't believe we played as well in this match as we did the previous weeks. We were more than happy to keep a clean sheet."
James McPake, Dundee manager: "We were a better team. We knew it was likely that we would lose this game.
"This season was our best and we came away empty handed, which is disappointing."
What's next?
Motherwell will be playing in a home league match against Aberdeen on September 11th (15:00), while Livingston hosts Dundee (15:00).
Watt Tony Watt was the player of the match with an average 8.15 Motherwell Motherwell Motherwell
Dundee Dundee Dundee Motherwell AVg Squad Number 32 Player Name Watt Average Rating 7.15 Squad Number 9 Player Name Mugabi Average Rating 6.41 Squad Number 17 Player Name Ojala Average Rating 6.37 Squad No. 4 Player Player McCowan Average Rating 6.42 Squad # 17 Player Player named McMullan Average ranking 6.42 Squad no. 4 Player Player player name Ojala Average ratings 6.42 Squad numbers 14 Player Player number McCowan Average rank 6.94 Squad amount 14 Player Player number McCowan Average 6.26 Squad name McDaid Squad rating of 6.26 Squad name McDaid Squad for 1 Squad rating 1.06 Squad size 1 Player number 1 Squad rating: 6.26 Squad.
