The manager made two changes in the line-up. Sutton and McGarry started instead of the injured Hughes and Murphy, who was on the bench.
We could consider ourselves fortunate to be level at the break despite scoring the opener in 34 minutes. Quinn crossed to the far post at the South Stand end, Lasley returned a header to give Sutton a simple finish from a yard.
United had failed in a couple of earlier chances. First, Bauben had a fine long range effort tipped away by Smith then Gomis struck the post when it looked like a goal was certain.
We had adopted an eleven man defence to set pieces and it seemed that the extra height which Sutton provided (at either end of the park) would help to prevent the loss of a goal from a crossed ball. But five minutes after we took the lead we lost the equaliser to a header from Wilkie.
Penalty save
We had defended a free kick but not cleared fully and when the ball was returned from the left the United defender found space to head downwards and under Smith.
We took control of the game in the second have and pushed United back for long spells. Zaluska kept them alive as it seemed likely that we would make the breakthrough.
Clarkson was clean through and lobbed the 'keeper. The ball was parried high and Clarkie got another chance but hit the bar under pressure. Porter's follow-up effort was saved.
Minutes later Porter's excellent first touch let him stride into the box only to be dumped by Kenneth. Referee McDonald pointed to the spot an Porter took the penalty. The 'keeper guessed correctly and made a good save.
Motherwell continued to press and several good chances were created. In the last minute the ball fell to Fitzpatrick on the six yard line. It seemed that any shot on target would find the net but he blasted high.
Craig Levein would have been the happier manager as the final whistle blew and Mark McGhee would only wish for better finishing.
At least we have broken our duck and have the first point in the bag. Let's hope for more at Easter Road next week.