The ‘Well carved out the first opportunity with some good interplay. Higdon looked in but opted for a cut back to Law. Sadly the effort was high and wide.
In eight minutes we took the lead. Hammell's ball to Humphrey was delicious. His cross ended up between Higdon and Murphy. Our players were hungrier and Murphy bundled it home.
Minutes later Hollis made a superb save after a cutting move opened up the rearguard.
A spell of Brazilian-esque passing let Lasley in on goal but he had crept so close to the keeper he had a simple block.
Motherwell almost doubled the lead with a Craigan rasper but the goalie saved it. A succession of corners saw the second goal after a Higdon header which appeared to be turned in by Murphy though the stadium announcer credited the goal to Craigan.
The hosts almost pulled one back immediately. A tasty cross just eluded the forward and Hateley's headed clearance shaved our post before going for The Sons' first corner.
How it wasn't three on half an hour only Murphy can tell you. One on one with the keeper, he tried to showboat it round him but the keeper came out on top. He looked pleadingly at ref Alan Muir for a spot kick but it looked like it was in hope more than expectation.
The third looked like it was coming and Lasley and Humphrey had good chances but the ball was diverted over by the Dumbarton head on the line.
A Hutchinson header was our next opportunity but the impressive keeper clawed it away for yet another Well corner.
We held a two goal cushion at the break which could and should have been a lot more.
The same eleven took to the field in the second half in the claret and grey training strip for Motherwell.
After ten minutes of toil, we carved out the first opening of the second half but again the goalie came out on top with a clip round the post to save from the impressive Nicky Law.
But he wasn't to be denied for long as he chipped in the third after a delightful one two with Murphy. It was no more than the classy midfielder deserved.
Hutchinson rattled the post after connecting sweetly with Craigan's skew wiff header. It was the parting shot for five players as McCall rung the changes. Another three left the arena shortly afterwards.
A Dumbarton free kick was intercepted and played on to sub McHugh who curled a lovely finish to give us a 4-0 lead.
The Dumbarton goalie prevented a fifth with an outstanding stop from McHugh but it was a temporary blessing for the Sons as the corner was nodded in by Saunders so it ended 5-0.
The first half was better than the second but the breeze coming from the Leven probably the biggest factor. But our domination was total.