Football: Motherwell ready for Dortmund

MOTHERWELL, who won a hard-earned point at Dundee United on Saturday, now face Borussia Dortmund tomorrow, in the first leg of their Uefa Cup first-round tie. The German side's observer at the match said: 'We'll need a lead from the first leg.'

Alex McLeish, manager of Motherwell, was pleased with the way his side recovered from a fifth-minute goal by Dragutin Ristic to level through Steve Kirk. 'We've answered a few questions today,' he said.

Scotland international Billy McKinlay, who missed the Scottish Cup final because of suspension last season, will be available for Dundee United's European Cup-Winners' Cup opener against Tatran Presov at Tannadice on Thursday. United will need to be more ruthless against Presov than they were against Motherwell, although they should also be lifted by the return of Dave Bowman and Craig Brewster.

Phil O'Donnell, Celtic's pounds 1.75m record buy from Motherwell, scored twice on his debut in a 2-1 win at Partick Thistle, which took them clear at the top of the Premier League.

Hibernian squandered the chance to stay joint top, going 2-0 up against Aberdeen through Michael O'Neill and Darren Jackson before conceding their first goals of the season. Kilmarnock and Falkirk drew 1-1 in a match which saw three red cards.

In the Third Division, newcomers Caledonian Thistle lead the table after a 3-1 win over Forfar in Inverness.