Motherwell scored a goal in each half to beat St Mirren and secure a fifth win in six. James Scott and Chris Long hit the net while fine work from Mark Gillespie ensured the clean sheet.
The form book suggested that this game would deliver a home win but Motherwell had to show composure and patience to overcome the stuffy ranks of black and white defenders. Scott delivered a wonderful goal six minutes before the break before the clincher from Long arrived late in the second half.
Another clean sheet - well done
Barry Maguire slotted seamlessly into the vacant spot in front of the back four as Liam Donnelly served the first of a two match suspension. St Mirren got the game started and immediately formed their defensive shell.
The visitors seemed content to allow Motherwell possession and take their chance on the break. We were patient in the build up and earned a few chances. Liam Polworth, Devante Cole and Scott all came close before a moment of brilliance gave us the lead.
Scott had made a few incursions from the right across the 18 yard line one such produced the opener. Eventually the ball was at his feet 20 yards out right of centre and he delivered a curling shot into the postage stamp corner.
Stephen Robinson was to conclude in his post match BBC interview that his team should have been out of sight as a result of the first half performance but we had to settle for the narrow advantage. The Saints had a few corners to their credit but little to trouble Gillespie. The ‘keeper was busier in the second half.
It was no surprise that the visitors took in initialtive as they faced their travelling fans. Gillespie produced the first a several flying saves within a minute but Sherwin Seedorf immediately responded with a fizzer that stung Hladky’s hands.
It was a scrappy second spell but the contest ended when Long fired across goal from a very tight angle to score..
There were several notable performances on show. Liam Polworth looked good as did Liam Grimshaw and the irrepressible Allan Campbell. The central defensive pair offered another fine show to send the team into the international break on a high.
The team have earned few days rest before we return for the arrival of Aberdeen in a fortnight.
Motherwell 2 St Mirren 0
Attendance 5,101 (896)
Team: Gillespie, Hartley, Gallagher, Tait, Grimshaw, Maguire, Campbell, Polworth, Cole (Ilic 79), Scott (Hylton 56), Seedorf (Long 69)