Match ends, Motherwell 2, Inverness CT 1.
MotherwellMotherwell2Inverness CTInverness Caledonian Thistle1
Motherwell ended an eight-game winless run with a valuable victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
The visitors had been unbeaten in their 10 previous games in 2015, but the contrast in form counted for nothing.
Louis Laing put the home side ahead only for debutant Edward Ofere to pull Caley Thistle level.
But substitute Lionel Ainsworth fired in a late winner at the end of a breathless second half, which included a red card for Simon Ramsden.
It is a result of great significance for Ian Baraclough, whose team remain deeply immersed in a relegation battle despite this long-awaited win.
The performance, though, will give him and the Motherwell supporters hope that they can turn things around.
For Inverness boss John Hughes, although it brings to an end an impressive streak, Dundee United's defeat means their quest for European football is not badly damaged.
They contributed hugely to an entertaining second period, but Motherwell dug in to take the points.
Laing's opening goal was well crafted, with Conor Grant whipping in a tremendous cross that was planted past goalkeeper Ryan Esson by the defender.
Ofere replied with a very similar effort, heading in from Graeme Shinnie's perfect cross.
Just as it looked as though both sides' runs would be prolonged, Ainsworth cut in from the left to fire a low shot past Esson, aided by a deflection off Ross Draper.
Ramsden was dismissed shortly afterwards for a second bookable offence, but Caley Thistle could not draw level again.
They had struck the woodwork twice earlier, Ofere and Danny Williams the players denied, while Williams was also brilliantly thwarted by Long as he ran through on goal in a rare bit of first-half excitement.
Scott McDonald also had a chance to score on his return to Motherwell but blasted over from a good position.
The striker caused a few problems though and could yet be a crucial acquisition as Motherwell battle to avoid relegation from Scottish Premiership.
Line-ups
Motherwell
Formation 4-4-2
- 1Long
- 5RamsdenBooked at 88mins
- 45Laing
- 6McManus
- 18Law
- 47Grant
- 14Lasley
- 24JohnsonSubstituted forAinsworthat 81'minutes
- 48PearsonBooked at 27mins
- 77McDonaldSubstituted forSuttonat 68'minutes
- 19ErwinSubstituted forMooreat 77'minutes
Substitutes
- 4Carswell
- 7Ainsworth
- 9Sutton
- 12Twardzik
- 20Kerr
- 22Moore
- 26Thomas
Inverness CT
Formation 4-4-2
- 1Esson
- 2Raven
- 14DevineBooked at 74mins
- 6Meekings
- 3Shinnie
- 19WilliamsSubstituted forFergusonat 58'minutes
- 8DraperBooked at 55mins
- 16TanseyBooked at 60mins
- 11RossSubstituted forDoranat 73'minutes
- 7Ofere
- 22Christie
Substitutes
- 10Doran
- 17Horner
- 18Tremarco
- 20Polworth
- 31Mackay
- 37Sutherland
- 39Ferguson
- Referee:
- Alan Muir
- Attendance:
- 3,508
Match Stats
Home TeamMotherwellAway TeamInverness CT
- Possession
- Home51%
- Away49%
- Shots
- Home14
- Away10
- Shots on Target
- Home4
- Away1
- Corners
- Home8
- Away4
- Fouls
- Home12
- Away11
Live Text
Post update
Full Time
Second Half ends, Motherwell 2, Inverness CT 1.
Post update
Corner, Inverness CT. Conceded by Stephen McManus.
Post update
Corner, Inverness CT. Conceded by Stephen McManus.
Post update
Attempt blocked. Aaron Doran (Inverness CT) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
Dismissal
Second yellow card to Simon Ramsden (Motherwell).
Post update
Attempt blocked. Ross Draper (Inverness CT) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
Goal!
Goal! Motherwell 2, Inverness CT 1. Lionel Ainsworth (Motherwell) right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom right corner.
Post update
Corner, Motherwell. Conceded by Ross Draper.
Substitution
Substitution, Motherwell. Lionel Ainsworth replaces Marvin Johnson.
Post update
Corner, Motherwell. Conceded by Graeme Shinnie.
Post update
Attempt blocked. Keith Lasley (Motherwell) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
Post update
Foul by Keith Lasley (Motherwell).
Post update
Ross Draper (Inverness CT) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Post update
Attempt missed. John Sutton (Motherwell) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left.
Substitution
Substitution, Motherwell. Craig Moore replaces Lee Erwin.
Goal!
Goal! Motherwell 1, Inverness CT 1. Edward Ofere (Inverness CT) header from the centre of the box to the high centre of the goal. Assisted by Graeme Shinnie.
Booking
Danny Devine (Inverness CT) is shown the yellow card.
Substitution
Substitution, Inverness CT. Aaron Doran replaces Nick Ross.
Post update
Foul by Keith Lasley (Motherwell).
