Motherwell fell to a 1-0 defeat on Saturday against Dundee at Fir Park.
A first-half goal from Lyall Cameron was enough to separate the two sides, on what was a disappointing day for the Steelmen.
Manager Stuart Kettlewell made one change from the side that won in Edinburgh two weeks ago, and it was an enforced one. Dan Casey returned from his suspension to replace the injured Paul McGinn.
Motherwell made a bright start to proceedings, with Zach Robinson unfortunate not to get on the end of Andy Halliday’s through ball. Dundee defender Clark Robertson managed to get a toe on the ball to slide it away to safety.
But after the opening ten minutes, the visitors grew into the game. Lennon Miller’s pass was blocked and Simon Murray managed to get a shot away, however it was comfortably dealt with by Aston Oxborough.
Apostolos Stamatelopoulos saw his header go past the post, in what was Motherwell’s best chance of the first-half.
Murray would go close again for Dundee, with Billy Koumetio also going close. But the breakthrough eventually came on 38 minutes. Ewan Wilson managed to block Murray’s effort on goal but the follow up was knocked home by Cameron. 0-1.
Moses Ebiye and Tony Watt were introduced at half-time as Motherwell looked to spring into life. Former Motherwell man Curtis Main had the first clear chance of the second period, forcing a strong stop from Oxborough at his near post.
As Motherwell threw the kitchen sink, their next big chance came from Miller, who blasted an effort from 25 yards that stung the palms of Trevor Carson with 17 minutes to go.
The Steelmen’s big opportunity fell to substitute Jair Tavares, with the Portuguese winger hitting over the bar after the ball dropped to him on the edge of the box.
Stoppage time came and went in the game, with Motherwell unable to draw level in their typical late fashion. The result leaves the Steelmen fifth in the table, with Celtic visiting North Lanarkshire next Sunday.
