By Euan Wood
Motherwell earned their first Scottish Premiership win of the campaign as Liam Grimshaw’s maiden career goal sealed a 2-1 comeback away to Livingston.
Alan Forrest opened the scoring minutes from half-time before Tony Watt’s well-placed header brought Motherwell level minutes into the second half. Grimshaw fired home the winner from close range late on to move Graham Alexander’s side into the top half. Livingston are bottom and winless with zero points after three games.
Keen for redemption following their Premier Sports Cup exit to Dundee, visitors Motherwell started brightly with several early opportunities. Watt’s cross fell kindly to Kaiyne Woolery at the back post. However, the forward’s close-range effort was easily stopped by goalkeeper Max Stryjek in the Livingston goal.
The hosts had an early opener ruled out. Forrest’s well-worked free kick fell to Ayo Obileye a few yards from goal, and the defender comfortably placed his effort past ‘Well keeper Liam Kelly. However, referee Craig Napier ruled it out.
David Martindale’s side would eventually break the deadlock on the stroke of half-time Forrest was left unmarked at the edge of the box. The winger skillfully danced past several Motherwell challenges before coolly slotting his strike into the bottom-right corner.
Motherwell would equalise a couple of minutes into the second half. Jake Carroll’s corner was knocked on by Juhani Ojala before Watt headed home from close range into the top left corner.
‘Well would score the winner ten minutes from full-time. Watt’s powerful effort was parried to the feet of Grimshaw who confidently followed up into an empty net. Livingston captain Nicky Devlin missed an open goal just moments beforehand in a painful blow. Here are the three things we learned.
Delight for Grimshaw
Fans’ favourite Grimshaw will savour his late contribution having missed only returned from an eight-month illness lay-off last week. The Burnley-born player will be delighted with his first goal for the club in five seasons. He will now look to cement his starting place in Alexander’s squad.
A tough result
Martindale will feel aggrieved that his side did not earn at least a point from the game. His side clearly have attacking capabilities with Forrest, Odin Bailey and Bruce Anderson working well as a front three. Hibs come next as Livingston hunt a first league win of the term.
Recruitment’s shine
Motherwell manager Alexander has admitted his side still nee additions to bolster his options this season. However, new signings Callum Slattery, Woolery and Justin Amaluzor created several opportunities, causing Livingston problems throughout.
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