New Dundee United boss Ian McCall celebrated a debut victory as his side leapfrogged off the bottom of the Scottish Premier League despite playing much of the game with 10 men.

United took an early lead through defender Andy Tod, who was making his first start on loan from Bradford City, as they sought their first home win since April.

But goalkeeper Alan Combe, making his return to the side since being ordered off two years ago, was sent packing for conceding a penalty after 17 minutes.

Derek Adams scored from the spot, but 10-man United dominated after that and deservedly took the points through a winner from Charlie Miller to leave Well at the bottom of the SPL.

United keeper Alan Combe was sent off

McCall did not have time to make any signings of his own, but he immediately made his mark on the shape of the side.

Combe was recalled at the expense of Scotland international Paul Gallacher, former Watford striker Allan Smart was in the side for the first time since October and Tod was given his first start since arriving on loan.

Motherwell were forced to make a change in goal following Francois Dubourdeau's midweek red card and was replaced by the experienced Stevie Woods.

McCall only had five minutes to wait until his new charges scored their first goal.

Tod broke free of his marker and stroked a Charlie Miller corner through a ruck of players and into the net from eight yards.

Smart missed a chance to make it two when he stumbled inside the six-yard box.

The match was plunged into controversy after 19 minutes, when Tod was short with a back pass, striker David Clarkson rounded Combe but had his heels clipped by the goalkeeper.

It looked like Gary Bollan's run to the goal-line had prevented Combe being the last man, but referee David Somers still showed the goalkeeper the red card.

Gallacher replaced Smart but was unable to prevent Adams stroking the spot kick into the corner of the net.

Utd boss Ian McCall was given a winning start

Motherwell had a wonderful chance to go in front in the first minute of the second half, Leitch rounding former Dunfermline team-mate Tod only to pull his shot wide from 10-yards.

United's 10 men applied most of the pressure and Lilley's header at the back post produced a brilliant diving save from Woods.

United restored their lead after 67 minutes when the impressive Miller spotted that Woods had left the far corner of his net exposed and sent a delicate chip over the goalkeeper's head.

Clarkson squandered a couple of chances to equalise, while United striker Billy Dodds shot just wide when clean through on goal as Well threw every man forward in search of a goal.

Dundee Utd: Combe, McCraken (Wilson 45), Daniel Chiarini, Tod (Lilley 53), Bollan, Duff, Easton, Miller, McIntyre, Smart (Gallacher 19), Dodds.
Subs Not Used: Hamilton, O'Donnell.

Sent Off: Combe (18).

Booked: Dodds, Bollan, Miller.

Goals: Tod 5, Miller 68.

Motherwell: Woods, Kinniburgh, Corrigan, Partridge, Vaughan, Adams (Fagan 73), Leitch (Lasley 83), Pearson, Hammell, Clarkson, Craig (Offiong 67).
Subs Not Used: Ewings, Cowan.

Booked: Leitch, Partridge, Craig.

Goal: Adams 20 pen.

Attendance: 6,672

Referee: D Somers.