The importance of this game was evident right from the kick off with both sides having early chances. David Partridge for Motherwell after four minutes and James McFadden heading a clearance against his own bar after seven minutes.
It was no surprise when Motherwell took the lead after 11 minutes when a Derek Adams free-kick was headed on by David Clarkson into the path of Stephen Pearson who bundled the ball home from close range.
Following this explosive start the pace of the game dipped and we had to wait until the 34th minute for the next clear chance when Charlie Miller beat a couple of Motherwell defenders but his shot from 15 yards was easily saved by Stephen Woods.
United were pressing hard for an equaliser and had further chances from Miller and Danny Griffin, however they ended the half one down.
This scoreline changed on 49 minutes when Miller did well to make room for himself and fire high into the net from 10 yards.
This seemed to spur United on and they almost took the lead on 52 minutes when a mix up in the Motherwell defence allowed Paterson a chance but his shot was well saved by Woods.
Motherwell were finding it difficult at this point to create any chances with Steven Craig having the best effort on 54 minutes and should have done better when through on goalkeeper Alan Combe.
United took the lead on 81 minutes when a Miller clearance fell kindly to Jim McIntyre and he was allowed as much time as he needed by a hesitant Well defence to fire home from a very tight angle.
The lead however was short lived and Motherwell equalised on 85 minutes when Tony Vaughan connected with a Derek Adams corner to head home from close range.
There were no further chances and both sides had to settle for a point which was a fair reflection on the game, but did little to help either as they tried to avoid bottom spot in the league.