Motherwell ground out a 1-0 win at St Johnstone to go third in the Ladbrokes Premiership.
Devante Cole’s goal, and a penalty save from Mark Gillespie, made the difference in a dogged performance by the visitors.
Stephen Robinson made one enforced change from the team which lost to Ross County, with Richard Tait coming in for the suspended Jake Carroll.
After a scrappy start, Motherwell should have had the lead with 15 minutes played.
James Scott’s driving run to the byline saw him flash the ball across the face of goal, where Cole was waiting.
With the ball slightly behind him, he managed to scoop his shot over the bar.
He would make up for his error with two minutes left in the half. Liam Polworth’s corner was met brilliantly by Declan Gallagher at the back post, with his knock down met by Cole to sweep into the net.
St Johnstone came out in the second half determined to arrest a run which had seen them fail to win in their opening six league matches.
After big shouts for a penalty when Stevie May went down in the area, they would get one with 10 minutes gone in the second half.
Murray Davidson was taken out in the air by Richard Tait, presenting Scott Tanser with the chance to equalise from the spot.
Gilliespie had proved Tanser’s nemesis last season from 12 yards, and the goalkeeper would keep up his outstanding penalty save record, getting down to claw away the kick.
The hosts continued to push and push, as Motherwell had to dig in to ensure they didn’t surrender the lead.
Liam Donnelly’s stoppage-time red card for a stamp on Christopher Kane came too late to make a difference for the hosts, as Motherwell moved to third with the win.
Motherwell: Gillespie, Grimshaw, Hartley, Gallagher, Tait, Donnelly, Campbell, Polworth, Scott (Ilic) Seedorf (Hylton), Cole (Long).
Subs: Carson, Maguire, O’Hara, Mugabi.