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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

Motherwell hero Trevor Carson prevents Europa League disaster in Coleraine shoot-out - here is what we learned

Motherwell earned their place in the next round of the Europa League with a penalty shoot-out win over Coleraine.

Stephen Robinson's side cruised into a two-goal lead at half-time over the Northern Irish club.

However, a second half fight-back, a red card and two controversial penalties allowed the hosts back into the game at The Showgrounds.

Three penalty saves from Trevor Carson kept the European adventure alive.

Trevor Carson saves his third penalty (Tony Nicoletti Daily Record)

What did we learn from the game? Lanarkshire Live Sport takes a look:

He's a keeper

Trevor Carson once again showed he is a top goalkeeper last night with three stunning saves in the penalty shoot-out win.

Each save acted as a reminder of the star man who was waiting in the wings behind Mark Gillespie last season.

With Motherwell's backline leaking goals his contribution could be vital for helping The Steelmen climb the Premiership table.

Defence in question

While both Coleraine's goals came from controversial penalties, it is hard to ignore the amount of times they managed to waltz through the visitors backline.

(Tony Nicoletti/Daily Record)

On far too many occasions were defenders being forced to cover for the mistakes of teammates while Oran Kearney's side had time and space to take up dangerous positions.

Most alarmingly, set-pieces caused Stephen Robinson's side numerous problems throughout the night and will be cause of serious concerns for the gaffer.

Too many striking options?

Last night on the pitch at various points attackers Tony Watt, Callum Lang, Sherwin Seedorf, Jake Hastie and Chris Long all wore the claret and amber.

An injured Jordan White didn't make the trip, and Ross MacIver remained on the bench.

(Tony Nicoletti Daily Record)

The depth of talent going forward is there, but it's becoming tough to see how everyone fits into the team.

A change in formation and a use of pace on the counter attack seemed to stem the bleeding against a tiring Coleraine side, however a more permanent solution has to be found to use all the tools at Stephen Robinson's disposal.

Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on  Facebook or find us on  Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.

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