Motherwell manager Graham Alexander is pleased with how things are going at Fir Park – but he’s telling his players not to let up in their pursuit of success.
The Steelmen won again under their new boss, picking up a massive 1-0 away win over Kilmarnock during Tommy Wright’s first game as Rugby Park boss. Allan Campbell scored the winning goal 20 minutes from time to put Motherwell four points outside the top six.
Campbell scored a big goal. (Photo by Craig Foy/SNS Group via Getty Images)
It also puts them five clear of the relegation zone ahead of a huge Lanarkshire derby with Hamilton this weekend but Alexander isn’t looking either way: “There is no breathing space at the minute. We can’t think like that.
“We cannot allow ourselves to drop down a gear. We must keep our pedal to the floor. I’m not looking down or up. I’m just looking to Hamilton on Saturday. It was a brilliant three points and I’m delighted with a clean sheet for the first time in a while.
“It was disappointing to lose against Celtic on Saturday but the players have shown great character to bounce back. It was a grind at times with both teams really competing. Kilmarnock were very well organised and they were hard to break down. We had to do all the basics well and I thought we did that.
Big result. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group via Getty Images)
“The players have displayed their professionalism and their fitness levels to keep competing. We know we’ve got some good players who aren’t in the team at the minute who can come on and help us.”
Alexander wasn’t claiming an assist, but his decision to prompt a quick throw resulted in Tony Watt clipping a lovely ball through to Campbell, who scored his second goal in as many games to seal a crucial victory.
The Well boss was pleased with the goal, acknowledging how important Campbell is to the team: “We were just striving to find that bit of quality and thankfully Allan Campbell found it. It was a great turn and pass from Tony Watt but what a finish from Allan. He was the best player on the park against Celtic at the weekend and he deserved it.
Delighted for Motherwell star Campbell. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
“I threw the ball to Jake Carroll and he’s took a quick throw to Tony, who held it up well, and it was a great finish from Allan Campbell. We know all about what he can do all around the pitch but he can certainly score goals. That’s two in his last two games and I’m delighted for him.
“This was a brilliant result. It was a great three points and a clean sheet which is our first in a while.”
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