David Clarkson (right) set up Motherwell's goal

Only three minutes had elapsed at St Mirren Park when McGarry fired home after being set up by David Clarkson.

Clarkson sent a header crashing against the crossbar from a McGarry cross.

And Jim Paterson missed from the spot after McGarry won a penalty, but one goal was enough against a St Mirren side unable to create clearcut chances.

Interview: Motherwell manager Mark McGhee

Interview: St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson

The Paisley outfit had gone into the game without new signing Craig Dargo through a knee injury, but they had Will Haining and Gary Mason making their debuts.

Motherwell striker Ross McCormack was missing with an elbow problem.

And defenders Martyn Corrigan and Danny Murphy were left on the bench along with new signing Simon Mensing.

But Phil O'Donnell and Keith Lasley made their first competitive starts of 2007 after recovering from serious injury and Chris Porter made his debut.

McGarry and Clarkson supported Porter in a three-pronged attack and they linked up brilliantly to give McGhee a flying start.

After a one-two with Porter, Clarkson squared the ball for McGarry to sweep home from 10 yards with just over two minutes gone.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your reaction to the game at St Mirren Park

Saints responded with a series of corners, but Well came so close to a second with a brilliant counter attack in the 10th minute.

Porter set McGarry free down the right and he showed good speed before his superb cross was headed off the bar by Clarkson from just inside the box.

Motherwell had a great chance to go further ahead after Billy Mehmet blocked McGarry's free-kick with his arm to concede a penalty.

But, after the striker was booked for his indiscretion, Jim Paterson pulled the 40th-minute spot-kick wide of the post.

McGarry had a chance to put Motherwell ahead after the break when one-on-one with Chris Smith.

But the goalkeeper forced the forward wide and the opportunity was lost.

Chris Smith also did well to turn a Clarkson effort wide.

Meanwhile, his opposite number, Graeme Smith was rarely tested, despite St Mirren finishing the game with three up front.

St Mirren: Smith, van Zanten, Reid, Haining, Potter (McGinn 83), Mason, Murray, Brady (Brittain 57), Corcoran, Mehmet (Burke 64), Kean.
Subs Not Used: Howard, O'Donnell, McCay, Barron.

Booked: Murray, Mason, Haining, Mehmet, Potter.

Motherwell: Graeme Smith, Quinn, Paterson, Reynolds, Craigan, Lasley, O'Donnell (Mensing 55), Fitzpatrick, McGarry (Darren Smith 55), Porter, Clarkson (Danny Murphy 90).
Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Corrigan, Brian McLean, Molloy.

Booked: Lasley, Quinn, Mensing, Craigan.

Goals: McGarry 3.

Att: 5,257