Motherwell boss Stevie Hammell says penalty was the right call

Motherwell boss Stevie Hammell insists referee Nick Walsh was right to give his side a penalty in their 1-0 Fir Park win over Livingston – even though he hasn’t seen it.

After some deliberation, Walsh pointed to the spot in 67 minutes after Blair Spittal’s corner was headed by Ricki Lamie off Christian Montano’s arm.

Livingston are adamant that it shouldn’t have been given, but Hammell says striker Kevin van Veen who netted the spot-kick is convinced, as are Motherwell’s ‘video guys’.

Hammell said: “I’ve not seen it, but our video guys have and they say it is a penalty.

“It’s going out of play – this is them talking – his arm is up and out, and they said it is a penalty.

“Kevin van Veen is convinced it’s a penalty and I’m delighted we got it.

“I can understand maybe why they weren’t happy with it, but it came at a good time for us and you’re always confident with Kev and his finishing.”

Hammell says attention immediately turns to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park next weekend, as they meet last season’s Championship winners.

He said: “There’s no target apart from trying to do well again next week against Kilmarnock.

“We’ve already spoken about it, what we can do, and every game is difficult here.

“I’m going to give you that one where we’re taking it one game at a time, because that’s genuine.

“That’s a good Livi team we’ve beat, who have started the season well.

“With their style they’re going to cause teams problems, so to come away with 1-0 is massive, and if you had offered me that before the game I absolutely would have taken it.

“Every three points is massive and I’m absolutely delighted.

“Were we playing 100 per cent of what we want? No, but winning games is hard, and it makes it more enjoyable for sure.

“We’ll enjoy that,