Motherwell withstand St Johnstone fightback

Motherwell have leapfrogged Inverness Caledonian Thistle into second place in the Scottish Premier League courtesy of a 3-2 win over St Johnstone at Fir Park.

© PA Photos

Stuart McCall's men had to stave off a spirited fightback from the Saints, who scored two goals in two minutes to set up a nail-biting finish.

The deadlock was broken in the eighth minute by Michael Higdon, who fired beyond Alan Mannus from inside the box.

He then grabbed his second of the game in the 20th minute from just outside the box.

Darren Randolph was called into action either side of the break to deny Rowan Vine and Steven MacLean, before Higdon looked to have put the game beyond doubt by sealing his hat-trick.

However, there was to be a late twist, set in motion when Nigel Hasselbaink found the top corner from 20 yards out with around 13 minutes remaining.

Craig Lane then scored from a similar position just two minutes later, giving Steve Lomas's charges genuine hope of rescuing a point.

There was to be no late drama as the hosts steadied the ship to claim all three points.