Five-star display by Motherwell in Highlands earns place in fourth round of Scottish Cup

Motherwell's Allan Campbell celebrates his goal with team-mates during their Scottish Cup third-round game against Formartine United in Pitmedden today (Photo by Dave Cowe)

Graham Alexander manager of the Premiership side, said he was pleased by the professionalism shown by his players as they racked up a 5-0 victory over the Scottish Highland Football League side in Aberdeenshire.

Getting on the scoresheet for the Steelmen at Pitmedden’s North Lodge Park were Jordan Roberts twice, Chris Long, Devante Cole and Allan Campbell.

Alexander said: "Everything we hoped and expected happened.

Motherwell's Devante Cole being chased by Formartine United's Graeme Roger during their Scottish Cup game today at North Lodge Park in Pitmedden (Photo by Dave Cowe)

“I thought we started in good fashion.

“You could see Formartine were well organised and they were hard to break down early doors.

“We had to be patient and work the ball as quickly as possible to get the opening goal and make sure we did not give anything away.

“They did have an opportunity early on, which was disappointing because it can change the direction of the game, but I thought once we got the first goal, we took control of our attacking play, scored some good goals, kept a clean sheet and we are in the next round, so I am delighted."

Motherwell's Jake Hastie battles for the ball during his side's Scottish Cup game versus Formartine United at North Lodge Park in Pitmedden today ( Photo by Dave Cowe )

Declan Gallagher was handed the captain’s armband after being restored to ’Well’s starting line-up.

The 30-year-old is out of contract in the summer, meaning that he is now free to talk to other clubs about a possible pre-contract agreement, but that’s not a worry for Alexander.

“The situation is the same as it was at the end of January, start of February,” said his boss.

“I have not had any further conversations with Dec. I think we said we would speak at the end of the season and just let him concentrate on his football.

Motherwell's Allan Campbell battles for the ball with Formartine United's Garry Wood during their side's Scottish Cup game today at North Lodge Park in Pitmedden (Photo by Dave Cowe)

“I think it was good for him to come back into the team after a spell out on the sidelines and then going away with Scotland.

“He was determined to show what a good player he is and a good centre-half and I think he did that and led the team really well, but, yeah, his contract situation is probably a conversation for the end of the season."