For the fourth successive game Motherwell fielded the same starting eleven as the manager resisted a temptation to select McHugh, Daley and possibly Forbes. His judgement was vindicated after 14 minutes when Keith Lasley fired the opening goal high beyond Pernis. Jennings had set the move up with a fine delivery that released Hateley down the right wing. His cut back found Lasley lurking inside the box and the midfielder racked up his third of the season from twelve yards.
The goal settled us and we grew in confidence and persisted with the ball on the deck. Apart from a couple of early headers from Daly there were few thrills for the home support.
Such was the discomfort in Houston's dugout that he made a change after half an hour and Dow was withdrawn as he sent on Dalla Valle to increase their scoring chances. It seemed that the break would arrive without further scoring until a blunder from Pernis gifted us the chance of a second goal. His clearance travelled only as far as a surprised Higdon. The striker got the ball under control and delivered a left footed trundler across the face of goal. The 'keeper compounded his mistake, failed to save, and the ball went across the line off the post.
Michael Higdon produced his second goal of the game from the penalty spot in 69 minutes. Law was hauled down by Kenneth at the bye line and the big striker silenced his critics in the best possible way. With three goals in the back the game was won.
United came close when Gunning came close with a long range effort but the crowd of 6073 knew that the visitors were taking three valuable points to Fir Park.
The United fans who left early missed their consolation when Daly pulled one back. The goal was not one the defence would be proud of as they failed to clear a cross that the striker finished from close range.
Inside the final ten minutes we put on fresh legs with Carswell and Daley replacing Murphy and Humphrey but we survived five added minutes to seal a cracking afternoon's work.