Jens Berthel Askou praised his substitutes for helping Motherwell through the tough moments in their 2-0 victory over Aberdeen.
Well stretched their unbeaten home run to 11 games courtesy of Elijah Just’s opener and an own goal from Tom McIntyre in added time.
Despite creating a host of chances, the Steelmen found themselves hanging on at times in the second half as the visitors pushed for a leveller.
Following two games in five days on a heavy Fir Park surface, it appeared some of Askou’s players were feeling the effects.
However, the boss is confident he can rely on his squad’s strength in depth as they head into a busy run of fixtures.
“It could and maybe should have been under a lot more control at half-time than it was,” Askou said.
“I can’t blame anyone for not trying to score that second goal, we invested a lot in that — at times maybe too much. We had to work as a team and individually to make sure the opposition don’t score.
“Big praise for the subs to come on and make a big difference. That’s what we need and have needed to be where we are.
“We have used most of the players in our squad and, now we’re entering that final phase, we need everyone to be ready and to step up.”
Fourth-placed Motherwell have won six and drawn two of their last eight fixtures, but Askou declined to discuss whether his side were in the title fight.
He said: “I don’t think anyone has won the championship yet, have they?
“The league is not over, whether we are a part of it is for you to discuss. I think we’re in the group of teams in the league that reach for the maximum potential.”
Aberdeen interim boss Peter Leven felt his team’s failure to take their chances cost them as they slumped to a fifth straight defeat away from home.
Liam Morrison and Toyosi Olusanya both spurned golden opportunities, while Kevin Nisbet struck a post in the first half.
The Dons are now 11 points outside the top six in the Scottish Premiership table, albeit with two games in hand.
They take on Motherwell again on Wednesday evening in the Scottish Cup.
“I’m disappointed, the chances we created, we have to take them,” Leven said.
“The first goal was a handball for me, I don’t know why the referee’s not given it straight away.
“It’s frustrating, but I did see signs that were positive. There’s not many teams come to Motherwell and have more possession.
“We’ll keep battling until it’s mathematically impossible, we’ll keep going and see where it takes us.
“It has to be a win on Wednesday evening, we’re the holders. We need a big performance at home to try and progress.”
Tony Docherty was in the away dugout at Fir Park after the former Dundee boss returned to Pittodrie in a move that Leven believes brings extra experience to his backroom team.
Leven added: “He’s added experience, knowledge of the league and another person to bounce ideas off — he’s been brilliant since he came in.”
