Cries of 'Well, 'Well Superwell echoed from the away stand as the players took a well earned ovation after a hard fought match. The game came to life in the second half with a busy referee issuing cautions. Moult popped up in the final minutes to grab all three points.
McGhee had hinted during the week that he would mix up the starting eleven and the result was three changes, one enforced. Lasley, and the striking pair of Moult and Fletcher made way for Ainsworth, McDonald and Robinson and he sent out an attacking line up.
Kilmarnock had the best of the early stage and their possession led to a few shots but none troubled Ripley. McDonald entered proceedings on our behalf with a weaving midfield run before Johnson joined in with an 80 yard run down the left wing to earn our first corner.
Magennis proved to be the expected handful and our defenders had a hard time coping with his strength. On our part Johnson's pace seemed likely to be a key factor.
We had to wait until minute 36 for the first shot on target when McDonald gave MacDonald an easy save. McKenzie's effort at the other end close to the break caused our 'keeper more work but the half ended goalless.
We began the second period with some drive and penetration into the Killie box and Robinson's header from an Ainsworth corner was well saved. Finlay and Robinson entertained the main stand with an exchange of handbags as the game warmed up. Moult replaced Robinson on the hour.
Higginbotham tested Ripley with a strong low shot and there followed a spell of pressure that were fortunate to survive. The opposition strikers had several chances to score but failed to hit the target. The home crowd were on their feet when referee Madden booked Magennis for a dive and flashed his sixth yellow card of the match.
The winner came with only three minutes left on the stadium clock. We had possession in the opposition box but it looked as though we could not get a shot set up until the ball was rolled back for Moult and our man drilled low beyond MacDonald.
An excellent win from a team that kept it's shape and stuck to its task.
Kilmarnock 0 Motherwell 1
Attendance 3,931(637)
Team: Ripley, Law, Kennedy, McManus, Chalmers, Ainsworth(Taylor 91), Pearson Grimshaw, Johnson, McDonald (Fletcher 84), Robinson (Moult 62)