Motherwell 1-1 Kilmarnock: Kevin van Veen makes brief return in Scottish Premiership draw
- Published
Lewis Mayo's first Kilmarnock goal was one to remember but his side could not hold on to their lead
Kilmarnock lost ground in the race for European qualification after being held by Motherwell at Fir Park.
Lewis Mayo put the visitors ahead with a fine volley from the edge of the area, drilling into the bottom corner after Danny Armstrong's cross was headed away.
But Motherwell struck back through Theo Bair, who finished coolly when put one-on-one by Blair Spittal before half-time.
Kevin van Veen was a late substitute for Kilmarnock, but could not return to haunt his former side, who drop to 10th despite the draw.
Kilmarnock stay fourth, but are now 12 points behind Hearts in third and just one point clear of St Mirren.
Although the visitors had the better of the opening stages, they only had one shot in the first half. It was, seemingly, the only one they needed.
Mayo watched the ball fall out of the sky and onto the laces of his left-foot, flashing it in off a post for his first Kilmarnock goal.
The visitors struggled to impose themselves after that, though, and Motherwell were eventually allowed a route back in.
Blair Spittal's defence splitting pass put Bair clean through, and the big Canadian showed good composure to slot under the keeper.
The second-half followed a similar pattern. Motherwell enjoyed spells in the Kilmarnock half but they rarely troubled the visitors' goal.
Will Dennis was tested when Spittal picked out Andy Halliday at a free-kick with the former Hearts midfielder powering a header at goal which the keeper parried away.
The on-loan Bournemouth goalkeeper also denied a late Georgie Gent effort, but it was mostly a quiet day in both boxes.
Player of the match - Theo Bair (Motherwell)
St Johnstone fans must think we're pulling their leg, but Theo Bair looks like a different player compared to last season. Who needs Kevin van Veen?
Stodgy Kilmarnock hold off Motherwell challenge - analysis
Van Veen clearly didn't read his script. He was supposed to come on and do something dramatic, not get booked for dissent in the few minutes he was on the pitch.
Back to reality and the overall quality of play from both was disappointing, to say the least. Although there were two moments of brilliance, large swathes of this game left a lot to be desired.
That said, Stuart Kettlewell may be happy with the mentality his side showed. They looked more like the team pushing for Europe, rather than fighting relegation play-off fears.
Derek McInnes needs to get Van Veen up to speed quickly. Three shots, only one on target. Kyle Vassell needs a rest desperately and Danny Armstrong can't be expected to do everything.
He was quiet at Fir Park, but that was largely due to Gent keeping him extremely quiet.
What the manager said
Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell: "Both teams went at it. We started well, and the goal Kilmarnock got was completely against the run of play. They stepped of us, let us into the game, but they carry such a physical threat.
"Thereafter, we showed a good reaction. Kilmarnock only had one shot on our goal, and I thought my team were better today so I'm frustrated we didn't take all three points."
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes: "The game was untidy and scrappy. The conditions, the wind, the pitch, didn't help but we made a terrific start.
"We were good after that, we had a decent element of assurance. Everything was kept away from our goal. We spoke long and hard about Motherwell's transitions and Theo Bair - he's such an important player for them."
What's next?
Kilmarnock host Livingston on Wednesday, while Motherwell welcome Ross County on Tuesday (both 19:45 GMT).