Motherwell claimed a big three points with a comeback 2-1 victory at Ross County.
Oli Shaw’s first-half opener sent Motherwell in at the break on a downer. But a rallying second half saw goals from Devante Cole and Bevis Mugabi seal the win.
Graham Alexander made two changes to the team defeated at Aberdeen on Saturday. The suspended Liam Polworth dropped out for Barry Maguire, with Sherwin Seedorf moving to the bench with Christopher Long preferred.
Motherwell had a succession of early corners, and plenty of early possession, but failed to test Ross Laidlaw before the opener came for the hosts.
With 13 minutes gone, a hopeful ball forward saw Hylton nick in beyond Gallagher. Bearing down on goal, his shot was at Kelly but squirmed away into the path of Shaw, who had the easy chance to slot the ball home from close range.
Motherwell continued to have bouts of possession but the first half petered out with neither side getting a shot on goal.
That switched early in the second period as Motherwell levelled the scores.
O’Donnell’s ball down the right allowed Long to spin his man down the right side. Feeding Watt on the edge of the box, the striker saw his shot parried by goalkeeper Laidlaw.
Cole read the situation, arriving round the back to nick in before the sprawling ‘keeper and steer the ball into the empty net.
The game opened up. Crawford and Watt went close for the visitors, while substitute Gardyne went agonisingly close to restoring County’s advantage, seeing a drive just go past the post.
‘Well would take the lead with 18 minutes left. Carroll’s corner from the left held up perfectly in the air, with Mugabi rising highest to steer his header into the top right corner.
McGinley and Lamie were sent on as the Steelmen defended for their lives at the end, holding on for a valuable three points.
Motherwell: Kelly, O’Donnell, Gallagher, Mugabi, Carroll, Campbell, Maguire, Crawford, Cole (McGinley), Long (Smith), Watt (Lamie).
Subs: Morrison, Cornelius, MacIver, Seedorf, Hastie, Lawless, Johnston.
