FC Zlin 2-1 Motherwell

Jul 20 2008 Scott Mcdermott At Rif Sportzentrum

RED-HOT David Clarkson was on target against Czech opposition yet again - but Motherwell's pre-season tour ended in defeat to FC Zlin. The Scotland hitman - who scored against the Czech Republic on his international debut in June - was in fine form for Mark McGhee's side even though they couldn't win in Austria.

Clarkson proved he'll be a key player for the Lanarkshire club again this season as they try to maintain their status as Scotland's third force and launch an assault on the UEFA Cup.

Zlin scored two goals in 90 seconds when Baclk and Krolida smashed home headers in the second half before Clarkson pulled one back.

In the baking heat Well put in a good shift and McGhee gave run-outs to trialists Mark Le Rande, Jim O'Brien, Lenny Pidgeley and Angel Robles.

The Fir Park gaffer was pleased with the performance and feels his side are in decent shape ahead of the SPL kick-off.

He said: "We did okay, it was a good exercise for us. It was roasting in the first half and the pitch wasn't the best.

"The ground was dry so it made it difficult to pass the ball. But overall we've had a good week over here."

McGhee's men were looking for a less physical affair against Zlin after a meaty encounter with FCR Cluj on Thursday night. Brian McLean is facing a season on the sidelines after limping out after that game on crutches.

The Well boss started with an unusual 3-5-2 line-up.

German Le Rande started alongside Stephen Craigan and Mark Reynolds at the back with Stevie Hammell and young Kenny Connolly as wing-backs.

Bob Malcolm, Stephen Hughes and Steven McGarry made up the midfield with Chris Porter and teenager Jamie Murphy up front.

Zlin - who finished eighth in the Czech league last year - started well and began to pepper Graeme Smith's goal with long-range shots.

Striker Baca saw a cracking effort cannon off the bar in 12 minutes but neither side looked like breaking the deadlock.

Well made several changes at half-time with on-trial keeper Pidgeley going between the sticks and Keith Lasley, Clarkson, Marc Fitzpatrick and O'Brien replacing Hughes, Murphy, McGarry and Le Rande.

Former Chelsea and Millwall stopper Pidgeley is trying to win a deal at Fir Park but had barely touched the ball before he was picking it out of the net. Zlin took the lead when Baclk headed home from a Vyskocil cross then the same player set up Krolida to make it 2-0 within two minutes.

The changes at the break meant McGhee reverted back to a 4-4-2 formation but it upset their rhythm and they had been caught cold with both goals.

They got themselves back into it though in 53 minutes when Hammell produced a sublime cross for Clarkson to power home a header from close range.

Spaniard Robles was given a chance to impress when he came on for Malcolm as Well pushed for an equaliser.

Hammell almost scored with a free - kick and kid Mark Archdeacon should have done better with a volley towards the end but blasted over.

Both teams had chances late on and Porter's cutback was inches away from putting Clarkson in for his second but it wasn't to be for the Steelmen.