This seemed to affect the players on both sides in what turned out to be a game of few chances.
Motherwell dominated the early stages and created their first chance after only eight minutes. Marc Fitzpatrick's through ball released young Jamie Murphy, but his angled drive caused no problems for Jamie Langfield in the Dons' goal.
It took another 20 minutes before either side could muster another effort on goal. This time it was Aberdeen with Mark Kerr releasing Gary McDonald whose stinging effort was beaten out by Graeme Smith.
The home side almost ended the half on a high when following fine play between Stephen Hughes and Steven Hammell they set up Murphy once again. Unfortunately for the youngster his effort from close range fell kindly into the arms of Langfield.
Well boss Mark McGhee's words must have been ringing in his players' ears at the start of the second half as they immediately took the game to the visitors.
Within five minutes of the re-start Hughes bulleted a Hammell corner just wide of the front post and five minutes later another Hammell corner almost led to the opener.
His in-swinging ball was met by the head of Paul Quinn who was denied by a fine full length save from Langfield.
Despite dominating possession Well were almost punished for their profligacy with almost 20 minutes left.
A Charlie Mulgrew cross picked out unmarked sub Tommy Wright whose free header was well saved by Smith.
The Dons stole the points with five minutes left as Keith Lasley tripped Kerr 25 yards out and Mulgrew sent a left-foot curler around the wall and into Smith's bottom left-hand corner.
Aberdeen were delighted to have broken their duck for the season while Motherwell were left frustrated and couldn't take advantage of their possession and territorial advantage.