Stephen Robinson seeks consistency from Motherwell hat-trick hero Elliott Frear

Posted Wednesday, July 18, 2018 by PA

Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson has called for more of the same from Elliott Frear after the player hit a hat-trick in their opening game of the season.

Frear was in sparkling form for Well, with three first-half goals as they kicked off their Betfred Cup campaign with a 5-0 win over Edinburgh City.

It means the winger has already equalled last season’s tally in front of goal, and Robinson has challenged him to maintain his high level of performance after admitting his disappointment with him last term.

“I had strong words with Elliott at the end of last season of what I expected from him and I didn’t feel I got that from him last season on enough occasions,” he said. “He has come back with the bit between his teeth and it is a great response.

“I want that from him every week and if he does that then he will be hard to take out of the team.”

Curtis Main and Richard Tait were also on target for last season’s runners-up but is was Frear who dominated, with three well-taken goals offering a glimpse of his potential.

Robinson said: “He has to have that consistency to his game and I do believe he has come back a different player.

“You see him in training and think there is so much talent with the boy.

“I have high expectations of him and I will keep driving him and I believe there is still more.”

After a poor start, Edinburgh recouped well after the break and kept Well quiet and manager James McDonaugh admitted his side were comfortably second best.

“You have got to take your medicine,” he admitted. “It’s a sore one but it’s probably the first time I’ve been delighted to be 5-0 down getting in at half-time.

“At that time we were thinking it could be anything because Motherwell were at it.

“But we didn’t disgrace ourselves.”