The Ibrox nightmare of two weeks ago was erased, as Motherwell responded superbly to beat Aberdeen 3-0.
A quickly -aken double from the returning Danny Johnson – and yet another goal for David Turnbull early in the second half – earned ‘Well three points and back-to-back home wins.
Stephen Robinson was forced into a number of changes. With Trevor Carson undergoing hospital treatment for deep vein thrombosis, Chris Cadden sidelined with a tendon injury, and Carl McHugh serving first of a two match suspension, it a gave few players a chance to impress.
That allowed Mark Gillespie to make only his second appearance in goal since joining from Walsall in the summer, while Christian Mbulu, after impressive performances in the reserves, earned his first senior start.
However, it was the manager’s tactical change, bringing in Johnson for his first start since the teams met at Pittodrie in September, which had the biggest impact.
The former Gateshead striker was keen to make an impression and it took him just over a minute to get his first attempt at goal, taking a pass from Liam Grimshaw, before sweeping a left shot wide of goal.
At the other end Gillespie produced an early save beating away Stevie May’s angled shot.
In truth the game offered little in the way of excitement until the 25th minute when the Fir Park nicked the opening goal.
Niall McGinn’s intended pass back found Johnson getting in front of Logan in the centre circle. The ‘Well striker held off the Dons defender all the way into the box before cutting inside and driving the ball beyond Lewis for a terrific solo effort.
Four minutes later, ‘Well doubled their lead but only after Gael Bigirimana’s disguised free kick was pushed round the post by the Dons ‘keeper. However, from the resultant corner the Lewis was beaten again.
Bigirimana’s flag kick was nudged on by Main and from a couple of yards out Johnson nodded the ball high into the net to make it 2-0.
The Dons’ only reply came six minutes from time in the half, when Max Lowe’s drive from 18 yards was pushed away by Gillespie at full stretch.
While a response was expected from the Dons in the second half, it was ‘Well who tied up the points with a third but within 10 minutes of the restart.
Johnson was again at the heart of it and when his cut back deflected off Main, the ball fell kindly for David Turnbull, who took a touch before drilling the ball into the corner of the net to claim his third goal from four games.
Motherwell then took complete control of the game and should have added to their tally. Ten minutes from time a sweeping move finished with Grimshaw cutting in from the right and his 20-yard effort forced a full length save from Lewis to prevent a heavier defeat.
At the other end the “Well goal, with Mbulu having a commanding debut, was well protected until Gillespie pulled off a fine diving save to deny Lewis Ferguson’s a late consolation goal for the Dons.
