It was the home team who started brightest in the opening moments, and Stephen Craigan was on hand to knock an Ian Black drive off the line from a Craig Dargo cross.
Well hit back, though, and Richie Foran's shot was diverted wide for a corner. Goalkeeper Colin Meldrum then handed a chance to Dargo when he mis-kicked a clearance, but the striker's effort went over the top.
Motherwell were soon knocking the ball with pace and accuracy, and keeping their well-drilled opponents on the toes.
The Highlanders lost David Proctor after 23 minutes when he was challenged by Brian McLean. He was replaced by Alan Morgan.
A terrific piece of skill from Dennis Wyness ended when hise searing drive flashed inches wide.
Dargo was denied when his wonder strike from a Wyness cut-back was brilliantly saved by Meldrum. The same player was met by the same resistance just before the break when he hit an overhead kick.
Five minutes into the second half, Well took the lead. They were awarded a penalty after Ross Tokely felled Alan McCormack in the box, and Foran stepped up and tucked it away.
After 65 minutes, David Clarkson should have buried another when he was sent through by Martyn Corrigan, but he drilled the ball over the top.
Time ran out after this with very few chances for either side, and the result pushes Motherwell into top six contention.