17th February 2007	Fir Park, Motherwell
MOTHERWELL	1 (McDonald 45)
Team: Graeme Smith, Corrigan, Craigan, Reynolds, Murphy, Darren Lee Smith (McGarry 85), Kerr, Fitzpatrick, Paterson, Clarkson (McCormack 76), McDonald Subs: Keegan, Molloy, Quinn, Vadocz & Meldrum
INVERNESS CALEDONIAN THISTLE FC	0
Team: Fraser, Tokely, Dods, Munro, Hastings, Wilson, Duncan (Black 70), McBain, Rankin (Paatelainen 71), Bayne, McAllister (McSwegan 75) Subs: McCaffrey, Morgan, Soane & Ridgers
Referee	Mike Tumilty
Attendance	4258

Motherwell’s Fir Park has been a happy hunting ground for Caley Thistle since reaching the SPL but not today. A single Scott McDonald goal on the stroke of half time was enough to give the Steelmen victory despite a second half comeback by the visitors.

"There was a lack of composure with some of the chances missed and I think in games like today you really see the value of Craig Dargo and Dennis Wyness" - Charlie Christie speaking on Official Site. 

Christie retained the same starting eleven as last week which meant that, with Craig Dargo still injured – and Dennis Wyness out for the rest of the season – Rory McAllister partnered Graham Bayne up front. Mike Fraser continued to make the goalkeeping position his own in a display that saw him just pipped for the BBC ‘Man of the Match’ accolade by Mark Reynolds.

Motherwell’s David Clarkson had the first attempt on goal in the second minute but his header from Jim Paterson’s cross went past the post. At the other end Barry Wilson hit wide in eight minutes then Clarkson had a shot well blocked by Mike Fraser.

Scott McDonald fired wide in 14 minutes then in 23 minutes Clarkson went down in the Caley Thistle box while chasing a through ball with Fraser – Clarkson was booked for diving. Caley Thistle’s hopes of soaking up the pressure until half time were dashed just as the fourth official signalled one added minute of time. A high Danny Murphy free kick from the left edge of the box eluded the central defenders and McDonald headed home from six yards.

Half Time: 1-0

Despite this blow Caley Thistle came out in the second half in a determined mood but just could not find that accurate final touch. Rory McAllister hit off target in 50 and 56 minutes then in 64 minutes Graeme Smith took two attempts to gather a John Rankin volley.

In 70 minutes McAllister had another chance following a free kick but he hit just wide. With ten minutes left Mike Fraser did well to block a shot from substitute Ross McCormack and keep his side in the game. At the other end a Darren Dods header was cleared from the danger area by Stephen Craigan.

Eight minutes from time ICT substitutes Gary McSwegan and Markus Paatelainen combined but Graeme Smith did well to block the Finn’s shot. The visitors continued to press for an equaliser but it did not come and Motherwell took the points.

Full Time: 1-0

Eighth place was retained but on goal difference from Motherwell (who have two games in hand) and Dundee United who play Hibs on Sunday.

Dundee Utd V Hibs finished goalless so ICT slip to 9th and DUFC move up to eighth.