Motherwell failed to break down an organised Ross County as all three points made the long journey back to the Highlands.
After the stirring fightback at Ibrox on Sunday, the ‘Well fans anticipated an inspired performance from the Fir Park men.
But it never materialised in a match with few highlights where a stubborn and County were the more determined to win.
A lacklustre first half cost the Fir Park men as Joseph Hungbo’s goal from a 15th minute penalty gave the Dingwall side an advantage they seldom looked like surrendering.
Although Graham Alexander’s men showed some urgency and improvement in the second 45, it was not enough to save his side from extending its dismal winless run to nine league games.
With three crucial home games in the next 11 days, Graham Alexander rotated his playing squad once again making four changes to the side that bravely fought back for a well-earned point against Rangers.
Sondre Solholm returned to the heart of the ‘Well defence alongside Ricki Lamie, at the expense of Bevis Mugabi,, with Sean Goss starting in front of them in midfield.
The biggest alteration was up front with Kevin van Veen and Connor Shields reunited to lead the home attack alongside an on-form Kaiyne Woolery.
After fighting back from being a goal down in their last three games, the Steelmen were looking for a more positive start against Malky Mackay’s side.
However, it didn’t turn out that way as the home side fell behind after only 15 minutes.
Jake Carroll got caught on the wrong side of Kayne Ramsay as they approached the corner of the ‘Well box. Although the replays showed the foul was outside the box, referee John Beaton had no hesitation pointing to the penalty spot.
That was enough to allow Hungbo to send Liam Kelly the wrong way and claim his 14th goal of the season.
Providing the Dingwall side with something to defend they conceded most of the possession to the Fir Park men, who found it difficult to get behind a solid, no-nonsense blue line.
Woolery’s occasional burst of pace down the right brought an air of excitement and promise but little else as the first half progressed towards the break with Ross Laidlaw’s goal largely unthreatened.
The lack of cohesion in ‘Well’s play, with far too many passes going astray, was acknowledged by the frustrated home fans as they voiced their disapproval at the half-time whistle.
On the evidence of the first half, the ‘Well boss had plenty of options to make any number of changes at half-time. But the ‘Well boss was content to standby the same eleven hoping for a vast improvement.
His faith was almost repaid within 90 seconds. Woolery sent Van Veen into the box on the right and his low cross found Shields lurking four yards out but only able to side foot the ball narrowly past.
That bright start was appreciated by the home crowd and a couple of minutes later there was further applause when Van Veen’s drive from 30 yards gave Laidlaw his first serious save of the game.
Despite the more promising start to the second half, Alexander made his first change after 56 minutes swapping Joe Efford for Shields.
That triggered a procession of substitutions from County as their delaying tactics added to the home side’s frustrations.
A quick turn from Van Veen after 65 minutes sent Woolery racing into the box but – from a tight angle – his solid strike on goal was blocked by the ‘keeper’s right boot.
However, as the Highlanders dug in for a precious three points, Motherwell were devoid of ideas and the ability to create clear cut chances.
In attempt to make the breakthrough, Jordan Roberts was brought on for the final 18 minutes.
A final threat saw Carroll’s inswinging corner finding Van Veen in the six-yard box but his flashing header sent the ball wide of goal.
Virtually all the of excitement was contained in the last five minutes when ‘Well spent the entire time in the County box.
In the final minute ‘Well were denied an equaliser they might have just deserved, when Roberts’ bullet header from five yards was palmed over the bar by the quick reactions of Laidlaw.
But – in truth – it was too little from a ‘Well side which will want to put a hugely disappointing 90 minutes behind them.
