A double from Theo Bair and a Blair Spittal strike secured Motherwell’s first win since September.
The three first-half strikes ensured a 3-1 win and three points for the Steelmen to round off 2023.
Stuart Kettlewell’s faith in his players and especially Thoe Bair was repaid in some style.
A superb first half and opening spell found the Steelmen two up inside the first 20 minutes with goals from Blair Spittal and Theo Bair. And although Scott Pittman pulled one back, a sensational solo effort from Bair restored ‘Well’s two goal advantage at the interval.
While Livingston had the bulk of the chances in the second half, for once the Fir Park men’s impressive first forty-five and solid second half were enough to secure a long over due win.
The ‘Well boss made two attack minded changes, providing Bair and Oli Shaw with a starting place along side Mika Biereth. At the heart of the home defence Paul McGinn, after coming on as a substitute last week, was deemed fit enough, minus his protective face mask, to make a full return since dislocating his jaw against Kilmarnock in early November.
It took only 20 seconds for the home side show their intent.
Straight from the kick-off Shane Blaney fired the ball towards the Livi box and after Biereth cut the ball back, Bair’ shot was deflected just wide of the post.
A few minutes later Georgie Gent cross from the left found Bair but his shot was parried clear by Shamal George.
Another burst down the left and cross from Gent forced Ayo Obileye to head clear from almost under his own cross bar as the visitor’s goal came under incessant attack.
And the home side were duly rewarded after 14 minutes.
Biereth stole possession at the edge of the box to set up Bair 12 yards from goal. But rather than shot he passed the ball inside to Spittal who slide the ball beyond the stranded ‘keeper.
Five minutes later the favour was reciprocated. Spittal sent the ball towards the Livi box and as George raced from his line Bair dinked the ball past the ‘keeper and into the empty net for a fine finish.
Nothing was seen of Livingston in the home penalty area until they pulled a goal back after 23 minutes. Christian Montano floated the ball towards the penalty spot and Pittman swivelled to volley the ball past Liam Kelly for another impressive finish.
That gave the West Lothian a boost as the confidently gained possession in the Motherwell half.
However, it was short lived as Bair conjured up a wonderful third goal. Biereth sent a low ball down the right channel inviting the ‘Well striker to race into the box with Mickey Devlin. A quick turn left the Livi defender on his backside before Bair with a sublime touch clipped the ball past George.
It might have been a fabulous, if fortuitous, first half hat-trick for Bair after Oli Shaw’s downward header rebounded from his heel before trundling over the line, but on this occasion, VAR wasn’t required to confirm that Bair was offside.
Bevis Mugabi replaced Blaney just in time to see the ‘Well goal have a narrow escape. Bruce Anderson cut in from the left holding off Stephen O’Donnell and squeeze his shot past Kelly, only for the ball to rebound off the post and back to the grounded ‘keeper.
Shaw’s injury after 57 minutes gave Callum Slattery a solid half hour to make an impression on the game.
Instead, though, it was the Lions who looked more likely to reduce the leeway as a couple of headed efforts sent the ball racing wide of Kelly’s goal.
With 15 minutes remaining David Martindale’s men appeared to have lost their momentum as the Steelmen regained their attacking threat.
Another run and layoff from Biereth gave Bair a chance of claiming a deserved hat-trick for hi overall performance, inleading the line. Once again he held the ball up for Slattery who lost possession at the edge of the box before he could get his shot away.
The failure to make it four and even the torrential downpour couldn’t dampen the appreciation of the ‘Well fans as they stood to applaud the players at full time.
