Maswanhise at the double as Motherwell beat Livingston
Scottish Premiership action provided a timely reminder that the title race has plenty of life left, even with Celtic sitting at the summit. Tawanda Maswanhise struck twice to secure a 2-0 win for Motherwell at Livingston, a result that keeps the Fir Park club within striking distance of the league leaders.
Early breakthrough and a composed finish
The Zimbabwe international wasted little time in making an impact, opening the scoring in the sixth minute with a looping header that found the back of the net after a precise cross from the left flank. The goal set the tone for an afternoon in which Motherwell controlled much of the play, using width and pace to stretch a defensively-organised Livingston side.
Maswanhise’s early opener not only gave Motherwell a lead but also demonstrated the forward’s evolving game intelligence. He positioned himself to pounce on any loose balls in the box and showed a willingness to time his run to perfection, which repeatedly disrupted Livingston’s defensive shape.
Second-half resilience seals the win
As the first half gave way to the second, Livingston pressed in search of an equaliser, but Motherwell held firm. The visitors capitalised on the momentum, with Maswanhise sealing the points in the 58th minute. He pounced on a defensive miscue and calmly executed a composed finish past the keeper, placing the ball low to the left corner of the net.
That second strike extended his personal tally for the day and underscored his night-to-night importance to Stephen Robinson’s side. The forward’s ability to convert chances while maintaining work-rate in both attacking zones epitomises the balance the club has struggled to maintain in recent seasons.
What this means for Celtic and the title race
Motherwell’s victory has implications beyond three points. It narrows the gap to a Celtic side who, despite accumulating points, have faced occasional slumps in performance and consistency. The result is a reminder that the Scottish Premiership title race can remain open deeper into the season if other teams maintain momentum and convert opportunities when they arise.
For Celtic, the weekend offered a checkpoint rather than a verdict. Contenders will study Motherwell’s approach: compact defensively, sharp on the counter, and willing to take chances when Maswanhise is in the mood. If the champions allow similar margins, there could be additional pressure on their squad depth as fixtures pile up in the run-in.
Maswanhise: form, contract and future prospects
Across the campaign, Maswanhise has shown flashes of potential that suggest he is more than a one-match contributor. He has combined pace with a growing sense of timing in the final third, something that could earn him more minutes and perhaps even new responsibilities within the Motherwell attack. For his part, the brace against Livingston will do wonders for his confidence, reinforcing the belief that he can influence outcomes even away from home parks where the surface and atmosphere aren’t always friendly to attackers.
Looking ahead
Motherwell now turn attention to their upcoming fixtures, where consistency will be crucial if they are to sustain a genuine challenge for European qualification and domestic honours. The team’s supporters will hope Maswanhise can maintain this level, delivering decisive moments as the season reaches its most intense phase.
Bottom line
Maswanhise’s double not only earned three points but also sent a strong signal about Motherwell’s intent. With Celtic within sight but not entirely out of reach, the race for Scotland’s top spots promises to stay competitive—and exciting—for the rest of the campaign.
