Stuart Kettlewell had set his team the task of reaching 19 points by the November international break. To do this, they would have to overcome St Johnstone at Fir Park in their final match before the break. With the Perthshire side under the new guidance of former Motherwell player Simo Valakari, the Steelmen needed a fast start. Showing energy and a clinical edge, Motherwell blew the visitors away in the first half and held a 2-0 lead going into the interval thanks to goals from Tawanda Maswanhise and Tom Sparrow. St Johnstone were aided by a VAR intervention to give a handball against Andy Halliday, which saw Nicky Clark convert to half the deficit. They thought they got the game level in stoppage time from a corner, but VAR spotted a handball in the area to rule the goal out. That meant 19 points have been achieved in 11 league outings for the Steelmen, with a trip to Ross County waiting for when they return to domestic action.
Kick off Thursday 26th December 15:00
Starts Thursday 26th December 14:15
