Maswanhise fires Motherwell to crucial win at Livingston
Motherwell moved within striking distance of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership table after Tawanda Maswanhise struck a brace to seal a 2-0 victory away to Livingston. The Zimbabwe international forward delivered a calm, composed performance that kept the Steelmen breathing down the champions’ necks with a late-season push still very much on the agenda.
The first-half breakthrough arrived early as Maswanhise latched onto a looping header that found the back of the net in the sixth minute. The goal set the tone for a disciplined away performance by Motherwell, who controlled large portions of the match and stifled Livingston’s attempts to regain momentum. While the hosts crafted a few chances, the visitors’ defense held firm, ensuring the breakthrough would stand at the interval.
Second half: Maswanhise seals the points
As the second period progressed, Livingston pressed higher in search of an equaliser, but Motherwell’s shape remained compact, making it difficult for the home side to unlock the defence. With the game opening up slightly, Maswanhise delivered a clinical closer in the 29th minute, finding space at the edge of the box and drilling a precise shot past the goalkeeper to double the advantage.
The double from Maswanhise not only extended his personal tally but also highlighted his importance to Steve Robinson’s side as they chase a challenge for European football or at least a higher league finish. His pace, technique, and poise on the ball repeatedly questioned Livingston’s rearguard and gave Motherwell a platform to manage the remainder of the match with confidence.
Implications for the title race and standings
Although Celtic still hold a comfortable cushion at the summit, this result tightens the race for the coveted second-spot finish that brings Champions League qualifiers into play. With a number of teams jostling for position behind the leaders, every point counts, and Motherwell’s efficiency in front of goal is a welcome development for their ambitions.
Managerial decisions in the coming weeks could hinge on Maswanhise’s evolving form: his ability to link play, stretch defences, and finish clinically has become a recurring theme. If he sustains this level, Motherwell will feel confident of maintaining pressure on Celtic while simultaneously fending off challengers from the pack chasing European football opportunities.
Performance notes and standout moments
Key moments from the match included Maswanhise’s opener, a clever header that caught the Livingston defense off guard and set the tone for the night. His second, a composed strike from the edge of the box, demonstrated both his finishing instinct and his capacity to remain calm under pressure. Beyond the goals, the forward’s movement and willingness to drop deep in build-up play helped unlock Livingston’s presses, allowing Motherwell to maintain sustained pressure and control of the tempo.
Defensively, Motherwell were organised, with forwards/fell lines pressing when needed and the midfield pressing effectively to disrupt Livingston’s rhythm. The clean sheet was a testament to collective discipline as much as to individual heroics from Maswanhise and the back line.
What’s next for Motherwell?
With a pivotal run of fixtures ahead, Motherwell will be eyeing consistency against fellow title contenders and mid-table teams alike. The Maswanhise double adds a new layer of confidence within the squad and offers a blueprint for how they can approach the rest of the campaign: compact at the back, efficient in the final third, and relentless in pursuit of goals when the opportunity arises.
Scottish football fans will be watching closely to see how this momentum translates across the next few matches as the race for runners-up spot heats up and Celtic’s grip on the title continues to face a challenge from ambitious challengers.
