Dundee kicked off facing the hardy band of travelling supporters. Humphrey was returned to the right wing and Higginbotham, despite his stunning strike against Hibs, was benched. The home side made one enforced change following their draw at Tannadice with Benedictus replacing Irvine.
Dundee looked lively for and for the opening five minutes we had some tough defending but the opener was soon to give some relief. In the ninth minute Humphrey delivered a fine cross to the far angle of the six yard box and Higdon had no difficulty heading home.
McFadden produced a few treats and following a run through the centre his strong shot was parried by Simonsen. Ojamaa was next to test the ‘keeper. Humphrey was the provider once more and after he skinned the full back he cut back to the Estonian 8 yards out. It seemed certain that he would score but his effort was straight at Simonsen.
Given that we had spurned the chance to take a commanding lead Dundee took heart and looked threatening up to the 18 yard line. Beyond that their poor finishing cost them. Their best chance ahead of the break followed a cracking shot from Harkins. Randolph kept it out but Baird followed up and just missed the far post with his low trundle.
Higdon engineered a chance from the edge of the box in the added minute but it flew high. Dundee would be disappointed that their efforts had produced nothing as they went for the half time team talk.
In contrast to the first half it was Motherwell that took the early initiative in the second period. Higdon tried an acrobatic overhead kick that raised a cheer from his fans behind the goal then a series of three corners piled on the pressure.
The difference between the teams was illustrated around the hour mark. Lasley floated a cross into the box and Nicky Law rose to glance a header into the corner of the goal to put us two up. Moments later Baird was given the same chance at the other end but his header never threatened.
Law had the away support on their feet when he delivered the goal of the game in 78 minutes. The ball came to him following a corner on the right. Hately picked him out in his isolated position and deleivered the parfet ball. He was twenty-odd yards out on the left and dispatched a beautiful curler to Simonsen’s left. He ran to his team bench, arm in the air in celebration.
In the end it was a comfortable day alt the office for Motherwell and the potential banana skin was avoided.