By Tichaona Katsvamutima
Zimbabwe international Tawanda Maswanhise scored a superb second-half goal to put Motherwell on course for a much-needed Scottish Premiership victory, only for St Johnstone to snatch a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser in a thrilling 2-2 draw at McDiarmid Park on Wednesday night.
The 23-year-old Warriors forward demonstrated exceptional composure in the 54th minute, controlling a long pass from Jake Girdwood-Reich before racing through the St Johnstone defence and drilling a left-footed finish into the net.
His goal completed an impressive Motherwell comeback after the visitors had fallen behind in the opening half, raising hopes of ending a difficult run of six consecutive league defeats.
However, substitute Josh Campbell broke Motherwell hearts in the dying seconds, heading home Logan Chalmers’ cross to rescue a point for the hosts.
St Johnstone had taken the lead through Taylor Steven in the 19th minute, capitalising on their first meaningful attack despite Motherwell’s promising start.
Nigerian winger Ibrahim Said restored parity in the 34th minute with an outstanding individual effort, weaving past defenders before firing into the roof of the net.
Motherwell emerged strongly after the interval, with Maswanhise increasingly threatening the home defence.
The Zimbabwean eventually made his breakthrough nine minutes into the second half, exploiting a defensive misunderstanding between Dan Finlayson and Enes Alic to race clear and finish clinically.
It was Maswanhise’s second league goal of the campaign, offering another reminder of the attacking qualities that made him the Scottish Premiership’s leading goalscorer last season.
The Warriors international, who was replaced in the 80th minute, had earlier forced several saves from St Johnstone goalkeeper Toby Steward.
Despite creating opportunities to extend their advantage, Motherwell failed to secure the decisive third goal, leaving themselves vulnerable to a late response.
Their fears materialised in stoppage time when Campbell rose unmarked inside a crowded penalty area to head past goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, denying the visitors what would have been a morale-boosting victory.
