10-man Kilmarnock snatch unlikely draw at Motherwell

Liam Polworth's magnificent strike earned Kilmarnock an unlikely point

Two goals in two minutes earned 10-man Kilmarnock a potentially priceless Scottish Premiership point in an astonishing game at Motherwell.

That seemed even more certain when Kilmarnock's Alan Power was sent off as the game went into the final quarter for a rash tackle on Paul McGinn.

But McGinn's own goal, then a stunning Liam Polworth strike, snatched a point.

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Both sides entered this game in horrendous form - Motherwell at home and Kilmarnock away. The former had lost their last five on the spin at Fir Park, with the visitors still seeking an away victory in the league after nine attempts.

It was Motherwell who started better, shaking off any rust quickly after their extended break - last weekend's home game against Livingston was called off after the stadium was damaged by the bad weather.

Stuart McKinstry had two first-half chances, one well saved by Sam Walker and the other driven inches over the bar. Blair Spittal, too, tested the Kilmarnock defence, but had two back-post efforts desperately blocked.

Instead, it was Van Veen who opened the scoring. Slattery's quick throw allowed Spittal to cut back to the Dutchman, who kneed into the top corner.

It was a well-deserved lead, with Kilmarnock registering just one shot on target in the first half.

The second half started in similar fashion, and it was no surprise when Motherwell doubled their lead.

Van Veen was allowed space to gallop into the box and, although his shot was initially saved by Walker, the rebound was tucked home by Slattery.

Power's red card followed soon after, and the writing seemed to be on the wall. It was a horror challenge that McGinn was lucky to walk away from.

He wasn't so lucky moments later, deflecting Danny Armstrong's cross into his own net.

Then, the bolt from the dark blue, as Liam Polworth whizzed one in from 30 yards to cap off a Christmas miracle for Derek McInnes' side and move them out of the relegation places.

Player of the Match - Callum Slattery (Motherwell)

Set up the first with his quick-thinking before a well-deserved second. Was everywhere for Motherwell

Mixed feelings after remarkable contest - analysis

A red card from your club captain rarely becomes a tactical masterstroke, but that's exactly what happened when Power was dismissed.

And maybe he'd done his research. Since the 2013/14 season, Motherwell have won 15, drawn three and lost eight games against 10 men. A grim record.

Hammell will be furious. He talked pre-match about turning performances into points and they threw away the victory from what seemed an unsurmountable position.

McInnes might be a little happier. His side showed the spirit oft associated with one of his sides and make no mistake, they were lucky to get anything from this.

What next?

Motherwell travel to Ibrox on Wednesday, while Kilmarnock host McInnes' old side Aberdeen (both 19:45 GMT).