Lasley and Murphy were back in the team and Carswell and Daley made way. The earlier result from Tannadice gave us a wee boost before kick off but that would have counted for nothing had we slipped up against the Saints.
The afternoon turned out to be a stroll in the spring sunshine for Motherwell. Humphrey was an obvious choice for Man of the Match. After a quiet opening fifteen minutes Jennings threaded a pass that set him off on the first of several runs that had the St Johnstone defence "terrified" as McCall suggested after the match. He cut into the box but was stopped by Anderson and the referee pointed to the spot.
Higdon sent Mannus the wrong way and we were one up. Humphrey provided Law with a simple tap in five minutes later and it seemed that we were on course for a good afternoon.
Higdon scores - one up!
St Johnstone hardly impressed and Randolph had some work to do as the break approached but he stood up well to block Robertson's attempt.
Murphy joined the score sheet when Humphrey and Hateley set him up nicely but Hutchinson conceded a penalty when he fouled Haber at the other end. It was Craig's turn to send the 'keeper the wrong way this time and the score was 3-1 on the hour.
Murphy claims the third
Humphrey continued to threaten every time he raced down the East Stand wing and he found a willing convert for his efforts when Ojamaa came on for the final ten minutes. After a fifty yard dash the winger squared and the substitute controlled and shot to the corner of the net. He added a second when the goalie fumbled a near post shot and the ball sneaked over the line.
It was an excellent afternoon and we now enjoy a comfortable five point buffer over United and third place (and its rewards) are tantalisingly close.