Clarkson on the double as in-form Motherwell push on

DAVID CLARKSON’S double sealed victory for Motherwell in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, moving the third-placed Fir Parkers four points clear of nearest rivals Dundee United.

Clarkson and Chris Porter found the net in the opening nine minutes, and although Don Cowie soon reduced the deficit for the Highland visitors, Clarkson made it 3-1 with a sweetly-struck volley just before the interval.

Motherwell took a seventh-minute lead when Ross McCormack sent a crossfield pass to Clarkson on the right side of the box, and he lashed his effort into the roof of the net.

The Fir Park side doubled their lead less than three minutes later — McCormack laid the ball back to the left corner of the penalty area for the arriving Stevie Hammell, and he crossed to the far post where Porter sent a powerful downward header bouncing across the line.

Inverness had rarely threatened in the opening quarter, but reduced the deficit from their first real foray towards Graeme Smith’s goal.

And the hosts scored their third goal when a Hammell corner was headed out as far as Clarkson on the edge of the box — and he hit an impressive left-foot volley which flew past Fraser.