St Mirren vs Motherwell. Scottish Premiership.
The SMiSA Stadium.
Match report as Devante Cole puts Motherwell ahead before Jamie McGrath's penalty levelled things up; Eamonn Brophy made his St Mirren debut after his move on Friday, coming off the bench in the second half
Sunday 10 January 2021 08:05, UK
Graham Alexander was denied a winning start to his Motherwell reign as St Mirren midfielder Jamie McGrath's penalty sealed a 1-1 draw in Paisley.
The ex-Fleetwood, Scunthorpe and Salford boss was called in to replace Stephen Robinson and Devante Cole fired Well in front midway through the opening half to raise hopes of a new manager bounce.
But the Steelmen's hopes of a first win since Halloween turned into another sob story as McGrath tucked home from the spot with 12 minutes remaining.
The point is enough, however, to see Alexander's new side climb above Hamilton and out of the bottom two while Saints fall to eighth, a point behind Kilmarnock.
On Friday, former Scotland defender Alexander insisted there was no need for major surgery despite inheriting a team without a win in their last 10 games.
But he did make a couple of changes as Liam Kelly came in for his debut in goal while Liam Grimshaw was replaced by Mark O'Hara following last week's 3-0 Lanarkshire Derby defeat to Accies.
Striker Eamonn Brophy started on the bench for Saints after completing his move from Kilmarnock on the eve of the game but fellow new recruit Collin Quaner will have to wait until next week to join the Buddies' Covid bubble.
Saints started the brighter and should have netted the opener 12 minutes in when Declan Gallagher's misplaced clearance fell straight to Marcus Fraser, but it was a defender's finish as the right-back dragged wide on the volley.
Jim Goodwin's team had a couple of other half-chances go astray and having failed to capitalise when on top, they were punished at the other end.
And they were warned before the goal came. Tony Watt should have done better than head straight at Jak Alnwick from a superb Liam Polworth cross, while Cole rifled wide of the target after his instant control opened up space just outside the box.
But Well did convert on 27 minutes as Saints failed to deal with another menacing Polworth delivery. Connor McCarthy's header barely made it 10 yards before Watt nodded it back into the danger zone, where Cole rammed home.
Stephen O'Donnell's last-ditch tackle on Dylan Connolly just before half-time ensured the Steelmen kept their lead at the break.
But Saints were wasteful again with their finishing just after the hour mark as Fraser's throw-in found Jamie McGrath in the box. The Irishman span well before cutting back for Ethan Erhahon but the midfielder's low shot squirmed wide to leave Goodwin cursing on the touchline.
However, the Saints boss' prayers were answered with 12 minutes left as Bobby Madden pointed to the spot when Erwin was felled in the box after a tangle with Gallagher and Bevis Mugabe.
Brophy was on the pitch by this point but it was McGrath who stepped up to slot down the middle.
Kelly did get hands to Ilkay Durmus' free-kick as he prevented Saints grabbing the winner. Well had their own set-piece chance moments later but Alnwick's save.
St Mirren manager Jim Goodwin said: "Bobby Madden is a top referee, hence he was chosen for the Old Firm a couple of weeks ago. In my opinion, he's one of the best in the country. I thought he had a decent game.
"If he hasn't made the right decision on this occasion, I'm sure he will be the first one to hold his hands up.
"I certainly felt Lee Erwin had himself between the ball and the defender. It sounded like the defender kicked through the back of his calf. You could hear the boot making contact. At the time, I thought it was a penalty."
Motherwell manager Graham Alexander said: "I think we've been harshly dealt with at the penalty. I thought it was coming a little bit because there was an influence, I felt. There was a lot of noise on virtually every challenge - and I mean every challenge.
"I've seen it back and it's a limited touch, if any at all. I feel for the guys in there because I don't feel they deserved to score against us.
"I don't know where the noise was coming from but there seemed to be a lot on every challenge. Listen, I know it goes on and I understand it.
"I have to be honest, I felt it was coming a little bit if there was going to be one around the box. It seemed that there was a lot of pressure.
"I am not going to talk about the referee. He managed the game well and did what he could. They have a split decision to make but as a very experienced manager who has been in the game a long time you can feel these things coming.
"It was brilliant to be back out there but then you get the anguish of conceding too. But there is a lot for us to take on. We need to improve in a couple of positions but there is a group here that can win games."
St Mirren travel to St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership next Saturday; kick-off 3pm. Motherwell host league leaders Rangers on Sunday 17 January, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 12pm.
