Jens Berthel Askou wants Motherwell to exert more control against Stenhousemuir

Jens Berthel Askou is looking for Motherwell to exert more control when they travel to Stenhousemuir in the Premier Sport Cup on Saturday.

The Steelmen drew 2-2 at Clyde in their group opener last weekend before winning the penalty shoot-out, and there was another test against part-timers Peterhead at Fir Park on Tuesday night when they fell behind eight minutes to a Jack Brown goal.

Full-back Emmanuel Longelo, making his first start since signing from West Ham, levelled in the 29th minute and Austrian striker Lukas Fadinger scored a stoppage-time winner – his first goal for the Lanarkshire side since joining from SC Rheindorf Altach – but manager Askou is looking for more from his side this weekend.

The Dane told the club’s X account: “Its’s always a question of how high a tempo we can we play, but it’s not just about speed.

“It’s about control as well, because there were some moments where we actually tried to play a little bit too fast in terms of what we are capable of, and then we lost control of the ball or we gave it away too easily.

“A little bit too direct at times, which gives them the ball, they get throw-ins, goal-kicks, and then they could spend 30, 45 seconds every time, which was to their advantage.

“So sometimes it’s also about just slowing it down a bit, but keep the ball moving and keep moving the ball from side to side, tiring them and then open up space to explode.

“So it’s about finding that perfect balance and then being able to, when we raise the tempo, to do that at a higher and higher intensity and higher tempo.”

Meanwhile, summer signing Jordan McGhee is set to spend six to eight weeks on the sidelines with a thigh problem sustained ahead of Motherwell’s Scottish League Cup clash against Clyde.

“It’s very unfortunate that we lose Jordan for this period of time,” Askou said. “He’s made a very good impression in my time here.

“He brings experience and versatility to the squad, so he will be missed. However, he is already on the road to recovery and we look forward to him getting back soon.”