Motherwell open with 3-0 win over Edinburgh City

Last updated: July 13, 2024 By John Wilson

Motherwell kicked off their League Cup campaign with a 3-0 win over Edinburgh City.

Headers from Kofi Balmer and Dan Casey and a goal from Stephen O’Donnell were enough to secure a comfortable victory against the Division Two side. Stubborn resistance from the visitors delayed the opener until a few minutes before half-time, but the result was never in doubt.

Kofi Balmer’s header hits the post

Stuart Kettlewell has assembled his team with a mix of last season’s regulars, new faces and Well Academy players Dylan Wells and Ewan Wilson. He has used five second-half substitutes and introduced more pre-season signings.

As expected, Motherwell dominated possession and the white-shirted opposition were stuck in defence for most of the afternoon. Krysztian Hegyi made his competitive debut and will never have an easier afternoon, his goal never being threatened.

Moses Ebiye asked the City keeper the first question with a floating header before Dan Casey had a pop from 30 yards. The stuffed defence did well to hold out until the 43rd^º minute without a foul. Balmer opened the home account with a powerful conversion from Andy Halliday’s corner to ease any frustration ahead of the half-time team talk.

The visitors were vulnerable at corners and Balmer and Casey combined with headers after the restart to test the post. The second goal came from another Halliday corner. Casey’s header beat Weir to put the contest beyond the visitors.

The home crowd were treated to a rare treat just after the hour mark. Ewan Wilson made a fine run down the left of midfield and the ball fell to the captain on the right, just outside the box. The defender unleashed a low shot and, with the help of a clumsy effort from the goalkeeper, the ball went into the net. A bewildered O’Donnell was congratulated by his delighted team-mates. It was his first goal in four seasons.

Kettlewell made the changes but although a few half chances were created, none resulted in a goal.

The next group game takes place on Tuesday, when the champions take the opportunity to travel to Montrose.

Motherwell 3 Edinburgh City 0

Attendance 2,587 (99)

Team: Hegyi, O’Donnell (McDermott 73), Casey, Balmer, Blaney, Wilson, Zdarvkovski (Miller 64), Halliday (Sparrow 64), Paton (Stuparevic 73), Well (Robinson 64), Ebiye

Saturday 13 July 2024

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