Motherwell 1-2 Dundee United

Dundee United withstood a battling Motherwell comeback to take all three points from Fir Park.

Jim Hamilton put United ahead in the first minute and he added a second midway through the first half.

Motherwell battled valiantly to get back into the game, but a late Dirk Lehmann goal was all they had to show for their efforts.

The recalled Hamilton made an immediate impact when he opened the scoring in the first minute.

Charlie Miller crossed towards the near post and Hamilton outjumped Martyn Corrigan to head into the corner of the net.

Jim Hamilton wheels away in delight

Khaled Khemas fired a shot across the United goal which needed only a touch as Motherwell looked for a quick equaliser.

Injury forced Miller off, to be replaced by Arnar Gunnlaugsson, and the Icelander was involved in United's second goal after 24 minutes.

Jim Paterson sent a cross in from the left, Gunnlaugsson flicked it on and the ball fell to Hamilton at the back post from where he steered the ball past Dubourdeau.

Motherwell looked dispirited and the fans were vocal in their criticism.

Luck continued to evade Well - Dirk Lehmann had the ball in the net in the 41st minute from a Steven Hammell free-kick but the German was ruled offside.

As the second half began, Paterson looked in confident mood, but fortunately for Well, no United player could get on the end of his fine run and cross from the left.

United seemed content to play a containing game but still looked more likely to get the next goal on an occasional foray forward.

In the 61st minute, the lively Gunnlaugsson curled a 25-yard free-kick wide of Dubourdeau's post.

The visitors looked totally in control, but the home side continued to battle on and gave themselves a fighting chance in the 81st minute when Lehmann powered a Steven Hammell corner into the net to set up a storming finale.

United were on the ropes for the first time in the game but they held on for the victory.

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Motherwell: Dubourdeau, Ramsey (Russell 59), Corrigan, Partridge, Hammell, Cowan, Adams, Ferguson, Pearson, Lehmann, Khemas (Fagan 36).

Subs Not Used: Woods, McDonald, Kinniburgh.

Dundee Utd: Gallacher, Lauchlan, McCraken, Wilson, McCunnie, Easton, Miller (Gunnlaugsson 23), McIntyre, Paterson, Lilley, Hamilton, Gunnlaugsson (Duff 68).

Subs Not Used: Cummings, Combe, O'Donnell.

Att: 5,381

Ref: I Brines