Motherwell slipped to defeat in a frustrating afternoon away to Aberdeen.
Goals from Tommie Hoban and Andy Considine in either half secured a 2-0 victory for the hosts, with the Steelmen being reduced to 10 men early in the second half when Liam Polworth was dismissed.
Manager Graham Alexander named an unchanged starting team from the side which drew 1-1 against Rangers last weekend. New signing Harry Smith came in on the bench, with the returning Christopher Long and Jake Hastie also taking their place among the substitutes.
An even start saw both sides trade early blows but it would be the visitors who would strike first.
O’Donnell was punished for handball on the right side and the resulting free-kick found the unmarked Hoban, who headed into the net from 12 yards.
Ryan Hedges twice went close with fizzing efforts from the edge of the box, before the visitors started to stamp authority on the match.
The first potential blow came when the team in blue should have been awarded a penalty.
Watt’s shot was blocked and fell into the path of Sherwin Seedorf, who fired for goal but saw Ojo’s arm raise to block the goalbound shot. But with few appeals, the referee played on.
Tony Watt then worked space well 30 yards from goal. Driving forward, his low drive looked goalbound all the way, but his shot cannoned back off the left-hand post and into Joe Lewis’ grateful grasp.
Motherwell set out at the interval looking to get back on terms, with Christopher Long replacing Seedorf.
But they would suffer a blow four minutes in. With Polworth down awaiting treatment for a shoulder injury, referee Craig Napier flashed a red card for foul and abusive language.
The Steelmen brought Harry Smith on for his debut soon after but Aberdeen continued to push their numerical advantage, with Liam Kelly called into action on numerous occasions as Motherwell tried to weather the storm.
Ash Taylor looked to have netted the second in the 65th minute from a corner, but a push on Devante Cole as the ball came in saw it ruled out.
Cole would see a header from Smith’s chipped cross claimed by Lewis as the visitors sought an equaliser but the sucker punch would come in the 77th minute.
With Ferguson’s shot blocked on the edge of the box, the ball spun kindly to Considine sneaking in round the back to make it 2-0 from close range.
Motherwell: Kelly, O’Donnell, Mugabi, Gallagher, Carroll (McGinley), Campbell, Crawford (Maguire), Polworth, Watt (Smith), Seedorf (Long), Cole (Hastie).
Subs not used: Morrison, Johnston, Lamie, MacIver.