Inverness CT 2 - 3 Motherwell: Butcher tries to remain positive as visitors nick points

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall conceded his side were fortunate to win after this victory at bottom-of-the-table Inverness kept them in second place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

The Steelmen twice had to come from behind, with Shaun Hutchinson and Keith Lasley cancelling out efforts by David Davis and Andrew Shinnie for Inverness.

Caley Thistle defender Chris Hogg was then shown a straight red card four minutes from time for what referee Crawford Allan perceived to be the denial of a goalscoring opportunity to Motherwell forward Jamie Murphy.

From the resultant free-kick, Tom Hateley curled home the winner, albeit with the aid of a slight deflection, to keep Motherwell three points clear of third-placed Celtic.

The Hoops are next up for Motherwell on Sunday at Fir Park, although the hosts may have to do without Steven Hammell, who came off worst following a robust challenge early in the first half by defender Josh Meekings.

McCall said: “It was a massive win for us, even if we didn’t deserve the three points.

“I feel for Terry Butcher and Inverness because they gave everything for their manager, but they do say it’s a sign of a good team when you don’t play well, yet still manage to win.

“It was a blow to firstly lose Steve Jennings to injury in the morning of the game, then we lost Steven Hammell early doors.

“Steven has a big gash on his shin, while it looks like he’s also done his ankle ligaments and has a cut to his head.

“The young lad for Inverness has perhaps just shown too much enthusiasm in trying to win the ball, but I’ve watched it again and it’s a bad one. He could have had no complaints if the referee had shown a straight red card.”

For Butcher, there were still plenty of positives to take from his side’s display, despite his overriding feeling being one of anger following Hogg’s dismissal.

He said: “I was really pleased with the players. They could not have given me much more.

“The fans gave the boys a standing ovation at the end and if the players can keep on giving performances like that then the rest of the season won’t be a problem.”

Butcher rang the changes, with Meekings and forward Shane Sutherland making their first SPL starts of the season.

In all, Inverness made four changes to the side which was held to a 1-1 against Dunfermline a week earlier.

Defenders Hogg and Kenny Gillet also came in, with Thomas Piermayr and Graeme Shinnie dropping to the bench, while David Proctor and Nick Ross failed to make the squad.

“It was also great to see Jonny Hayes back after injury and overall it was encouraging, especially the way we played in the second half where we had wave after wave of attack,” said Butcher.