Ross County 1-2 Motherwell: Players’ courage ‘exceptional’, says Alexander

Motherwell manager Graham Alexander hailed his players’ courage as “exceptional” to fight back and earn a vital win over Scottish Premiership relegation rivals Ross County.

The victory is Alexander’s first as Fir Park boss and ends Motherwell’s 12-game winless league run.

“It’s an excellent night for everybody,” Alexander said.

“The courage they showed in the second half was exceptional. Every credit to the players. It’s a great confidence boost for them.”

After a positive start from Alexander’s side, it was the hosts who had the first sight of goal as Iain Vigurs lashed over a shot from the edge of the area.

Cole then did well to make a yard for himself before having a close-range finish smothered by Ross Laidlaw and it proved to be a crucial save with the opening goal coming just minutes later.

Declan Gallagher misjudged a long ball, which allowed Jermaine Hylton to get in behind the Scotland centre-half and the former Motherwell winger’s finish slipped through the hands of goalkeeper Liam Kelly, leaving Shaw to tap home into an empty net.

Hylton then passed up the chance to double County’s lead, failing to cushion a volley on target.

Motherwell pushed for a leveller as a deflected strike from Allan Campbell curled wide. However, like so often this season, the Lanarkshire side struggled to create anything of note.

Just six minutes into the second half, though, the visitors scored their first equaliser of the entire campaign as Laidlaw could only parry Tony Watt’s shot into the path of Cole, who converted his third goal in four games.

The goal sparked Motherwell into life as Robbie Crawford and Watt tried their luck before Jake Carroll’s outswinging corner was met by Mugabi, who rose highest to power home the winning goal.

The hosts pushed for an equaliser, as a deflected volley from Blair Spittal drifted just wide and Jason Naismith could only direct a header straight at Kelly.

However, Alexander’s men held firm to secure a vital three points and a first win since October.

Man of the match – Tony Watt

What did we learn?

So often this season, Motherwell have crumbled when going a goal behind.

The fight of the players has been questioned, but the turnaround in Dingwall should do wonders for the confidence and belief of the squad. It is the first time since March last year that they have come from behind to take points.

As for County, recent wins against Hibernian and Aberdeen show that the Highlanders are capable of getting results against the league’s tougher opposition.

However, they now have to show that they can get the job done against teams that are in the dogfight with them and John Hughes’ side will have the chance to put that right next week when they travel to Hamilton.

What they said

Ross County manager John Hughes: “The first half was even. I said at half time let’s not sit back, try and take the game to Motherwell.

“We conceded poor goals again. You can’t have free headers in your own box. The last 15 minutes there was real effort to get the equaliser but it was a little bit too late.”

Motherwell manager Graham Alexander: “The players have took criticism this season, and rightly so, and at half-time it wasn’t looking great.

“But it’s the first time we’ve won for a while and it’s the first time this season the team has come from behind to take points.”

What’s next?

Both sides return to action next Wednesday (18:00 GMT) as County travel to Hamilton Academical and Motherwell welcome Dundee United.