Motherwell have moved level on points with second-placed Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership with a 2-0 victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle tonight.
Motherwell started the game brightly and almost took the lead in the sixth minute when Steven Hammell flashed a low cross across the face of goal, but John Sutton couldn't apply a strong enough touch to divert it goalwards.
It was the away side's turn to threaten in the 12th minute, when Billy McKay sent a left-footed volley towards goal which Gunnar Nielsen did well to parry away.
However, Motherwell came back strongly and Lionel Ainsworth almost put his side ahead after 25 minutes, only for Dean Brill to make a sharp reflex save to deny him, but a minute later the winger scored the opener.
The 26-year-old burst away from the opposition defence before drilling a low shot beyond the reach of Brill.
In the 34th minute, Sutton made it 2-0 with a simple header from a teasing Hammell cross.
James McFadden and Shaun Hutchinson then went close in the second period as the home side continued to dominate proceedings.
The visitors did threaten 20 minutes from time when substitute Ryan Christie dragged a long-range shot just wide of the far post, but Motherwell held on to secure a comfortable victory which ensured they kept pace with League Cup winners Aberdeen.
Kristian Johnson
