The match started with Motherwell dominating and we were soon pushing forward. McHugh sent a stinging effort from distance just wide but moments later the striker did get on the scoresheet with a fine goal. Higdon flicked on to Daley and his pass split the home defence for McHugh to finish well with a cool shot into the corner.
Hamilton offered very little going forward in the first quarter of the game and Higdon had a couple of shots well saved. The Accies did begin to challenge a little with a few good hits from distance but Randolph, once, at full stretch was more than a match for the hosts. On the stroke of half time Motherwell then doubled the lead with another excellent strike as Higdon held up the ball for Law to charge into the box and he cut inside his defender before squaring for McHugh to bag his brace.
Hateley picked himself up to score a penalty later
Half time saw changes as we made two substitutions and switched from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2. The former formation saw Daley drop back into a deeper role and though he did well here, it is doubtful we could afford to play him there against more credible opposition. In truth we were somewhat flat in the second period and Hamilton were a little more dangerous without managing to beat Randolph. Our 'keeper had an excellent display with the exception of one cross which he missed and had a let-off as a header grazed the top of the bar on the way over.
Motherwell finished the game on a high with Daley having a shot blocked by Cuthbert before he was pulled back on the edge of the box having turned his defender. The referee erred in awarding a free kick but made up for this by immediately pointing to the spot following the set piece. Daley and Erwin had eyes on the ball but Hateley claimed seniority and scuffed a rather average kick under the diving 'keeper.
This was a good victory in a game which had enough edge to be considered a meaningful contest. Hamilton are a long way below the level we will face next mid-week but at least we enter our big day on a high having finally won a match again!