We did try to get forward, we simply lacked a cutting edge when we arrived in the final third. All too often the final ball was lacking and St Mirren's intensive pressure high up the pitch meant the emergency out ball to the head of Higdon was adopted with alarming regularity. He battled well in his thankless task but had a mixed day in front of goal - missing a sitter in the first half and heading home the opener just after the break.
Indeed, Higdon had been the beneficiary of our two brightest moments of the game. Murphy's wonderful control and run, beating three or four players, had created a glorious chance which he spurned but he would do better with his next attempt. A delicious flick from Hammell created space for Law and though he initially hesitated, he eventually produced a great cross which was easily nodded over the line from close range.
This goal, just moments after the re-start, should have settled us down after an edgy first half. In an eventful 45 minutes, St Mirren had briefly been awarded a penalty for Hutchison's clumsy challenge only for the referee to change his mind because of the offside flag. They also went agonisingly close when a brilliant shot from McLean cannoned off the bar with Randolph well beaten.
But rather than dominating from a goal up, Motherwell were forced back and St Mirren deservedly levelled with a 30-yard thunderbolt by Goodwin. McGowan waltzed past Randolph only to miss the open goal and the 'keeper tipped over a glorious overheard kick from McLean as the guests pushed for a winner. At the other end Murphy should probably have directed a free header into the net with just three minutes remaining but Samson parried and the rebound cleared from the foot of Higdon.
St Mirren blazed one last chance over the bar in injury time and it was probably us rather than the Buddies who were more grateful to hear the full time whistle. An improvement will be needed at Tynecastle next weekend if we are to take anything.