John McGlynn blasts decision not to send off Well No.1

By Scott McDermott
25 Nov 2012 00:01

MOTHERWELL keeper Darren Randolph avoided a red card after catching Jambos kid Callum Paterson and McGlynn insists the decision changed the game.

JOHN McGLYNN last night claimed referee Crawford Allan BOTTLED a critical decision by not sending off Well keeper Darren Randolph.

The big No.1 appeared to kick kid striker Callum Paterson in the head – but the whistler ignored the Jambos’ protests.

Afterwards the Hearts boss questioned what was in the ref’s mind as he let off Randoph without even a yellow.

He said: “Callum’s been caught by the trailing foot. It could have had a big impact in the game if the keeper had have been sent off and we’d got a penalty.

“Without being mischievous, you wonder if that was in the referee’s mind. Rules are rules but sometimes there is a bit of sentiment in the ref’s make-up that makes him think ‘Do I really want to do that’?”

The flashpoint came after 13 minutes of yesterday’s televised clash when the Well No.1 raced off his line as Paterson chased a long high ball.

The keeper leapt to catch the ball with a knee pulled up to his chest for protection and ploughed into the youngster as he ran past.

The teenager needed attention and McGlynn revealed his young star was still in pain after the clash.
Motherwell boss Stuart McCall: We've got lucky for first time this season after Darren Randolph avoided red card

He said: “Randolph’s foot was in a place where it shouldn’t have been.

“He wasn’t malicious but it could have been more serious.

“I think the keeper got lucky but he didn’t have to make a challenge.

“Callum has a sore head and has taken some tablets. He was fine to play on but he’s still got a headache.”

In truth, the controversy was the only talking point of a dire goalless draw. Motherwell have won just once at Fir Park all season, and were nervy from the start.

In a sub-standard opening spell, Hearts got an early foothold in the game and looked the more likely to break the deadlock. What a pity for the Jambos players that only 586 supporters bothered to make the journey from Edinburgh to Fir Park.

The Gorgie punters should be praised to the hilt for raising over £600,000 through a share issue designed to keep the ailing club afloat.

But McGlynn’s men deserved a more vociferous backing yesterday – even though keeper Jamie MacDonald insists fans are entitled to stay away after the club’s recent turmoil.

He said: “It’s hard for the fans just now to purchase away tickets too.

“They are putting so much into attending home games and doing lots of fund-raising.

“They’ve thought about themselves for once – and quite rightly so. They’ve done a lot for the club in the last few weeks. I can’t praise them enough and we can let them off for not turning out in force away from home.”

Teen winger Jamie Walker created the visitors’ first chance when he drove at the home defence and was tripped by Shaun Hutchinson.

Ryan Stevenson struck the free-kick low and hard from 20-yards but Randolph made a brilliant save down at his left-hand post.

Then came the flashpoint when the Well keeper caught Paterson in the box.

But like shirt pulling inside the 18-yard area, refs rarely rules in favour of the attacking side.

Gradually Well got a grip of the game and their main threat came from flying winger Chris Humphrey.

In 26 minutes, he crossed for Michael Higdon – but the big striker’s header was parried wide by MacDonald.

Clear-cut chances were rare in the second half too.

Randolph smothered a Walker drive in the 54th minute then his throw out started an attack that almost led to the opener.

Jamie Murphy picked up the ball and pierced the Hearts defence before teeing up Higdon.

Thwarted in his attempt to get round MacDonald, Higdon laid it off for Murphy – but his shot was deflected for a corner.

Next Humphrey’s cross deceived MacDonald and clipped the top of the bar. Then the wing wizard waltzed
past Ryan McGowan and tested the keeper with a fierce shot that was turned round the post.

McGlynn’s men had barely threatened in the second half – but almost stole the points at the death.

Arvydas Novikovas’ corner was met by Ryan McGowan but his header flew inches wide of target.

McGlynn was content with a point and keeping a cleansheet.

He said: “If your opponent’s scoreline reads zero then you’ve obviously got a chance of winning.

“It was a hard-earned point for us. We had to ensure we didn’t open up and give early ammunition to Well.

“There wasn’t much goalmouth action but defensively we were good and stifled them well. We’ve found it difficult here in the past so a point’s not a disaster.”

Taken from the Daily Record