The home team kicked off facing the few hundred Motherwell fans who shivered behind Randolph’s goal. Lasley was restored to midfield and Daley started on the left wing, Hughes and Humphrey made way.
We had a chance inside the first minute when Law burst into the box but the close attentions of Mackay forced him to shoot wide. It was clear that both teams had attack in mind and there was action in both boxes from the outset. Hateley took a head knock while defending but resumed after the team doctor gave him the all clear.
Daley scored his second in Motherwell colours in the 16th minute. Law drilled in a low cross from the left and some hesitation between Anderson and Enckleman ended with the ball at Daley’s feet a couple of feet from the line. He won’t score an easier goal.
It was to get better and before the half hour and we were two up. Hateley delivered a cracking cross from the left wing toward Murphy who was marshalled by a couple of defenders. The blue shirts failed to make contact and Jamie rose to head to Enckleman’s right. Two up and cruising!
There was a decent penalty shout before the break when Enckleman ended Daley’s run near the dead ball line. The ball ran for a corner but the ‘keeper had the benefit of the doubt.
St Johnstone had the first opportunity of the second half. Jennings was penalised at the ‘D’ but Mackay’s effort flew harmlessly over the top. Lasley received a harsh yellow card on the hour and the home team’s efforts to claw their way back into the game pressed us back into defence. We found it difficult to make passes and were forced to attack on the break.
The third came following a short corner. Hateley tapped to Law and the ball was fed to Daley just beyond the angle of the box. He was in space and fired to ball goalward. Murphy got a touch and it found the net. That ended any hope of a St Johnstone come-back.
It was a comprehensive pay back for the loss St Johnstone handed us at Fir Park and it gives us a generous seven point cushion over the chasing pack.