Lasley wants more cutting edge

Keith Lasley was frustrated by Motherwell's lack of a threat in front of goal in Saturday's season-opening goalless draw with Ross County.

Motherwell dominated possession for most of the contest but rarely got in behind the First Division champions, who stretched their unbeaten league record to 35 games as a result.

Michael Higdon had the best of Motherwell's chances when he headed over from close range following Tom Hateley's corner just before the break but the visitors struggled to break down County's 4-5-1 formation and physical defence.

Motherwell wingers Omar Daley and Chris Humphrey were unable to get in behind on a tight pitch at the revamped and renamed Global Energy Stadium and the latter went off with a hamstring injury that makes him a doubt for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Panathinaikos.

"The first half we had plenty of possession, I thought we moved the ball pretty well at times," Lasley told MFCTV.

"We had half-chances in terms of getting round the sides but they were compact and organised, and it was difficult to get clear-cut chances.

"We had a couple of opportunities where we never picked the right pass or the weight of pass was wrong, but we never tested the Ross County keeper enough and that's the frustrating aspect.

"It's up to us to work on that and hopefully as the season goes on we will be creating more chances."

Despite his frustration, Lasley conceded that the draw could prove to be a point gained rather than two dropped.

The hosts did not threaten through open play but they were dangerous at set-pieces.

Richard Brittain and Iain Vigurs produced consistently challenging deliveries and defenders Ross Tokely, Grant Munro and Scott Boyd posed genuine aerial threat.

"They will be hard to beat here, they had a great record in the First Division and I don't think many teams will come here and get it easy," Lasley said.

"So it might turn out to be a good point."

County boss Derek Adams was "delighted" to end their SPL debut with a point on the board.

"I thought we coped with Motherwell very well, a team that came off a Champions League game with Panathinaikos," he added.

"They are quick on the wings and direct. I'm delighted to keep our 35-game unbeaten run going. "They didn't open us up and that was important.

"It was a difficult occasion for us, our first game in the SPL, but we coped well and we are delighted to get the day over and done with and a point on the board."

The tastefully upgraded ground, formerly Victoria Park, hosted 4,828 fans and Adams savoured the occasion.

"It was good vocal backing and it was good to see a good number of Motherwell fans here too," he said.