Stephen Craigan lauds his Motherwell Colts for making Irn-Bru Cup history

Motherwell Colts defender Christian Mbulu strikes home his wonder goal against Sligo (Pic by Ian McFadyen)

But Crags said he was happier that his young troops had proved they were capable of playing at a high level in the 2-0 win over Sligo Rovers on Saturday. Craigan said his young troops had been “chomping at the bit” to play against Sligo; he said he knew they were ready to produce that level of performance, step up and be men and he was chuffed for them.

On Christian Mbulu’s stunning second goal for Motherwell, Crags said: “The goal was different, some goal. If you’re asking me have I ever watched him do that before, no. Will he ever do it again? Probably not.

“But it was probably a time in the game when we needed something.

“We were almost gasping for a little bit of air. Some of the lads haven’t played at that kind of tempo of game for a long time.

“We play reserve games that are maybe not as intense as that; they (Sligo) are a full-time team who’ve just finished their season.

“We changed the shape just slightly before to match up with a 3-5-2 and the goal came at the perfect time.”