Stuart Kettlewell hoping Motherwell get ‘just rewards’ for dominant displays

Stuart Kettlewell is looking for Motherwell to start turning draws into victories as he aims to steer his side clear of danger at the foot of the cinch Premiership table.

Motherwell have drawn their last three league fixtures and have accumulated 10 draws in 23 Premiership matches this season.

The Steelmen lacked the cutting edge required to claim three points in a 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock at Fir Park.

After Theo Bair levelled proceedings, they would pass up a number of good chances to complete the turnaround.

“We now sit five unbeaten and I think a lot of those games, St Johnstone, Hibernian, and today against Kilmarnock, I thought we should have won,” Kettlewell said.

“It’s a good performance from the players, it really is – Kilmarnock are so difficult to play against and carry so many threats.

“It’s a little bit of disappointment, but at this stage of the season with big games coming up, I’d rather be in this position where we are being competitive and dominating large parts of games – you normally then get your just rewards.”

Motherwell are facing a busy February in which they will be in action seven times.

The stalemate with Kilmarnock was the first of four games in the space of 12 days, with league fixtures against Ross County and Aberdeen, as well as a Scottish Cup clash with Morton on the horizon.

“It’s going to be tough, it’s going to be physically demanding but we’re playing well,” he added.

“I believe your next win is round the corner win you are playing well, if you are playing poorly then you’ll probably get what you deserve.

“There were more options on the bench. I only made two changes as I felt we were in control and making chances.

“Going into that busy schedule, I’d rather be playing well and have those options on the bench because I think that’ll stand us in good stead for what comes next.”

Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes felt his side failed to do enough to clinch victory at Fir Park.

Lewis Mayo’s wonder-strike had Killie in the driving seat, but they would be pegged back for the second successive week when Bair found the net with eight minutes remaining in the first half.

“It was a wee bit untidy with the pitch and the wind getting up but it was a fantastic goal from Lewis,” McInnes said.

“A lot has been said about our away form, especially early in the season but in recent months we’ve been picking up points and it’s another point today.

“I didn’t think we looked like going on and winning the game but I did feel pretty comfortable.

“I did think if anyone was going to win it, it was Motherwell as they played more of the game in our half but a draw was a good result.”