Dundee: Boss Paul Hartley full of praise for strike pairing

Dundee manager Paul Hartley hailed his strike duo of David Clarkson and Greg Stewart after both bagged goals in the 3-1 win over Motherwell.

Clarkson and Stewart scored either side of Gary Harkins' goal before Henrik Ojamaa pulled one back for 'Well.

"They worked well as a pair and it's something we worked on all week," Hartley told BBC Scotland.

"The front two got good service and their movement caused the Motherwell back four all sorts of problems."

And the 37-year-old added: "[Stewart] came from Cowdenbeath, where he was part time, and it took him about six weeks to get his fitness up because he wasn't used to full time football.

"He's got a great touch and great vision, he's a good team player and Clarkson has great experience - you saw that with his goal."

The Dens Park men had lost their last four games - three in the league and one in the League Cup - while struggling Motherwell had lost their last three ahead of this meeting.

David Clarkson hands Dundee the lead at Fir Park with a goal against his former employers

"It's a great three points for us after a sticky run," Hartley added. "We played really well today, we scored three great goals and I thought some of our play was great.

"I felt if we started the game well we could cause Motherwell problems and not let them get into their stride. They've been on a difficult run as well and we felt if we could start well the fans might get on their back. We did that and got an early goal.

"We've been playing well and we're pleasing on the eye as we try to pass the ball. I'm delighted with the way things are going so far."

Hartley was particularly pleased with the result given the fact James McPake was missing due to a family bereavement, Iain Davidson played despite a bereavement and goalkeeper Kyle Letheren was injured in the warm up.

"The players' response was great," added Hartley.