Having conceded midway through the opening half we were fortunate to draw level with the stadium scoreboard (looking better for a long needed overhaul!) showing 45 minutes. A much improved second half swung the game our way and our third consecutive win was secured.
Law filled the right back slot with Laing injured and he had a testing time in the opening minutes. Both teams had great early chances. Dixon seemed to have the freedom of our penalty area and he struck the side net when a ball to the centre might have caused more danger. McDonald had a couple of great chances following good work from Cadden, then Johnston.
The game was evenly poised until our old friend Anier reminded us of his skill. Rankin set him up and from just outside the box and he drove into the net. Ripley probably heard the whoosh as it flew.
The visitors had the best of the rest of the first half. Pearson has to be replaced by Gomis after half an hour and we struggled to hold the ball. Law chipped a free kick into the mix and Johnston floated a heard beyond Szromnick. We had a lifeline.
McGhee worked some magic during the break and we appeared with more determination to compete. As series of corners had the United defence tested but no breakthrough came. Lasley and Morris charged for a loose ball and the thunderous clash almost burst it. Both players needed treatment before they hobbled off. Thomas and Durnan were the replacements. McDonald dropped deeper and we pushed forward.
Johnson was rewarded for his tireless running when he supplied the winning goal. A deep run from the left was followed by a low cross to Moult. Our top scorer will never have a easier task as he was unmarked for the simple tap in.
We saw out the rest of the game without too many scares. Even the added five minutes were handled without panic.
Motherwell 2 Dundee United 1
Attendance 4,210 (953)
team: Ripley, Hammell, McManus, Hall, Law (Kennedy 86), Pearson (Gomis 33), Lasley (Thomas 62), Johnson, Cadden, Moult, McDonald