MFCL84

I have to agree. I was saying as much when leaving the ground. It isn’t a criticism of how well the team played tonight. They were a joy to watch at times. The move leading to the first penalty was superb. This was definitely the best performance that I have seen from a Motherwell team in quite some time. Great entertainment and hugely enjoyable. However, there were a good few chances squandered. If we are hoping to do well in the league, we'll have to finish more of those opportunities against tougher opposition than tonight's opponents.

He did indeed play well. Anther positive from the game tonight. Some very composed play, nice touches and the confidence to take on an opponent and draw a foul. Let's hope that he continues to develop and that we see him contribute to the team for a few seasons.

Like most on here, this isn't a signing that has me jumping for joy. Part of that is likely because he has been at Fir Park before and didn't set the Heather alight. However, SH will know what he is getting and will know how he will fit into the way that he wants his team to play. So, I'll push the reset and start with a clean slate for him, wish him all the best in his return to Fir Park and hope that things work out well for him.

We have issues all over the pitch, but they can't all be addressed in one or even two transfer windows. Hammell has recognised the problem at left back and done something about it. That will hopefully shore up that side of the defence. However, the midfield have to do more to prevent the opposition getting at our back line and also be more creative for the guys up top. So, that is where I'd be looking to strengthen. If we sort out the midfield, we'll protect the defence and so ship fewer goals and also give the forwards more opportunities by winning the ball higher up the pitch. If we can also get a forward in that can support Van Veen, that'll be a bonus.

I've just had a quick look at the stats for today. Motherwell allowed Kilmarnock 21 shots today. Allowing that many efforts on goal will almost always result in a defeat. We have to prevent teams from having so many chances.

The goals were soft, but Kilmarnock had plenty of opportunities earlier and failed to take them. A team with some half decent finishers would have embarrassed Motherwell today.

Deserved victory for Kilmarnock. Apart from the first 20mins, Motherwell were awful. No surprise that we blew that one. It is the Motherwell way. A lot of work ahead.

But on this showing, better than us.

TBH, I don't think that we have looked comfortable at all. Kilmarnock were getting at us very easily. It was only a matter of time before they scored and after the first one, I expected more.

Played OK in the first quarter of the game, but then overrun in the midfield again making it far too easy to get at the defence. We really need to do something different in the middle of the park. Far too easy to beat in that area.

And there it is. Killie take the lead.

Been gash since 20th minute.

Great work be Efford only to then play the ball 2 yards behind the supporting player. Our final ball needs work.

McGinn on his backside every time he touches the ball.

Amazed that we are still in front in this game. Killie finishing is thankfully dreadful.

I have to agree. The second half today was an improvement. It was good to see us moving in-field from the halfway line, get the ball central in the final third to give options of going wide, play a through ball or take take shot.

I think that the first round of fixtures has gone for us. The games that we'd hope to pick up points are mostly at the front end of the season. By the time the new manager is in place there will be very little time to improve the squad or to coach them into a cohesive team before we hit a tougher run of games. We have to hope that we can scrape enough points through August so that we don't get cut adrift and then I'm looking for us to do enough to turn over Inverness in the league Cup. I'm hoping we then show some gradual improvement in the league matches to show that we are a Premier League side. We will then need a good run of results in rounds 2 and 3 and post-break fixtures. Let's hope that whoever gets the job is up to the task.

Much better second half, but much work to be done if top flight status is to be retained this campaign.

Well that didn't last long. 2-1 saints

First period of the 2nd half has seen an improvement. A bit more energy and pace to us. Starting to look threatening.

Exactly this.

St Johnstone certainly looking the more composed and more dangerous side. Motherwell with the usual problem of doing nothing in the opposition half. Let's hope for something better in the 2nd 45.

Spot on. What is needed when the crowd comes in is energy, drive, passion, commitment and most of all entertainment. A win would be good, but entertain those that are not die-hard fans, you never know, they may come back. A non-football performance like tonight will not encourage any newcomers back and is in danger of driving frequent attendees away.

Unfortunately, that performance wasn't a surprise. All of the problems of last season persist. Looking at it optimistically, we are only 1-0 down, the task really hasn't changed, we just need to win the next leg. That should be well within the capabilities of the players. Looking at it pessimistically (maybe realistically) there was very little creativity, flair or skill on show that would suggest that we are capable of breaking down a well-drilled, energetic and committed defence. Our approach is very laboured and extremely predictable. I think we may still turn this one around, but if we do, I have the fear for the next round.

I like him, but I'll be looking for a bit more from him this season than he offered last time.