aberdeen vs motherwell: Motherwell extend unbeaten run with 2-0 win at Fir Park
Motherwell moved to an eight-game unbeaten run after a 2-0 victory over a managerless Aberdeen at Fir Park. Elijah Just struck in the 27th minute and a late own goal from Jordan McGhee, deflecting Sam Nicholson's cross in added time, wrapped up three points for the hosts in testing conditions.
Key moments and match flow
The match opened under heavy rain and a slippery pitch that shaped much of the first half. Motherwell started strongly and forced an early save from the visiting goalkeeper, signalling intent. The breakthrough arrived in the 27th minute when Stephen Welsh fed Elijah Just with a deft pass and the New Zealand international finished calmly past the keeper to give the Steelmen the lead.
Motherwell squandered several chances to double their advantage as the contest continued. Moments of pressure from the home side were balanced by dangerous counters from Aberdeen; the visitors struck the woodwork twice in the first half, with Kevin Nisbet and Toyosi Olusanya both coming agonisingly close.
Aberdeen showed more urgency in the second half and had a significant chance to level when Liam Morrison miscued a diving header from close range. Despite periods of sustained pressure, the Dons were unable to convert opportunities into goals; the scoreboard advantage remained with Motherwell as the clock wound down.
In stoppage time a well-worked move down the right between Emmanuel Longelo and Sam Nicholson produced a dangerous cross. The ball deflected off Jordan McGhee and into the net, sealing a 2-0 result and ensuring the home crowd left satisfied.
Personnel, debuts and discipline
Motherwell were without Lukas Fadinger, who served the first match of a two-game suspension after a sending-off in a previous fixture. Oscar Priestman replaced him in the starting XI, while Tom Sparrow returned in place of Stephen O'Donnell.
Aberdeen returned to action after a break of more than a fortnight and handed first starts to all four of their January signings. Goalkeeper Per Kristian Bratveit, defenders Tom McIntyre, and midfielders Dennis Geiger and Afeez Aremu were all introduced, a clear signal of squad refreshment amid the club’s ongoing managerial transition.
The conditions underfoot and the high-tempo play contributed to a stretched match where both sides had to adapt quickly. The visitors' two woodwork strikes will be viewed as missed opportunities, while the hosts will take confidence from an efficient attacking display and defensive resilience when called upon.
What the result means going forward
For Motherwell, the victory consolidates a positive run of form and provides momentum heading into the next block of fixtures. The side showed attacking verve and patience, and the late goal underscored their persistence in seeking a second before the final whistle.
Aberdeen will leave Fir Park frustrated. The changes made during the January window were visible on the pitch, but the visitors must convert promising spells into tangible results. Hitting the post twice is a reminder that fine margins are decisive and that sharpening the final ball and finishing will be priorities in training.
Both teams have reasons for belief: Motherwell for their unbeaten sequence and ability to close out matches, Aberdeen for the intensity and chances created despite instability off the pitch. The next fixtures will tell whether this match is a launchpad for the Steelmen or a missed opportunity for the Dons to arrest a difficult run of results.
