The Sunday afternoon game attracted only 3,649 spectators but the end to end football delivered plenty of entertainment to offer a distraction from the freezing temperature.
McHugh was given a well earned starting place and the defence was bolstered with a fine showing from Hutchinson. It was evident within minutes that both sides were intent on pushing forward at every opportunity. There were few examples of studied build ups or back fours having long spells of unproductive possession. The ball was moved forward quickly.
St Johnstone kick off in front of the new look South Stand
Motherwell were two up after 20 minutes. The first goal followed neat work from McHugh and Higdon in front of the dugouts and Humphrey was released down the wing. The forwards raced into position and Higdon swept the crossed ball to Mannus' left corner.
The big man's next had a wee bit of fortune. Ojamaa was provider cutting in from the left before delivering it to Higdon. His shot was blocked but the rebound landed at his feet and from the edge of the box he fired low, this tome to the goalkeeper's right hand corner. Suddenly we were in control.
St Johnstone had plenty of possession but Randolph had made no testing saves by the break. The Saints must have felt aggrieved at the two goal deficit.
Higgy completed his hat-trick with 20minutes remaining. Hateley's corner from the East Stand side was headed by Hutchinson and blocked. We got a break when it fell to Higdon seven yards from the line and he prodded home. 3-0 inside the last quarter of the match - game over. Well, not quite.
Francis-Angol replaced McHugh then Randolph had to come off with as seemed to be a tweaked hamstring. Hollis came on for what was expected to be an easy fifteen minutes. The visitors stuck to their task and with the replacement 'keeper still adjusting to his surprise call up, Hasselbaink fired a fizzer from the 18 yard line and claimed a consolation.
The few Perth fans were on their feet two minutes later when Craig added a second for the Saints. We held on and deserved the win though the shine was taken off by the frantic last fifteen minutes.
Still, three goals and another home win is just the tonic needed after the loss at Parkhead. We're still up there!