Motherwell 1-1 Kilmarnock

Motherwell's Scott McDonald scored a superb free-kick to peg back Kilmarnock, who played the whole of the second half with 10 men.

The Australian striker had drawn saves from the impressive Craig Samson but it was Killie who took the lead in 20 minutes when their top scorer Tope Obadeyi cracked a shot into the net.

Kilmarnock's Darryl Westlake was sent off for a second yellow card offence and McDonald curled in the free-kick.

But Killie battled hard to win a point.

The home side were in confident mood after last week's win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle and began the match well with both McDonald and Lee Erwin coming close to scoring the opening goal.

The visitors took the lead slightly against the run of play with a move that started in their own half.

Westlake sent Nathan Eccleston on his way down the right and he combined with Josh Magennis to set up Obadeyi who danced his way past Josh Law before firing his shot high into the roof of the net.

The goal shook Motherwell but they continued to push forward at every opportunity and it took terrific saves from Samson to deny Conor Grant and McDonald an equaliser.

With less than a minute until the break came the turning point.

Kilmarnock were reduced to 10 men when Westlake received his second yellow of the afternoon from referee John Beaton and they were further punished when Motherwell equalised from the free kick as McDonald curled the ball over the wall and beyond Samson for his first goal since returning to the club 10 days ago.

Killie readjusted at the break with Ross Barbour coming into the defence at the expense of Chris Johnston.

Motherwell were looking to make full use of their extra man and Marvin Johnson was next to warm the palms of Killie keeper Samson who was able to parry the winger's strike away from goal.

It was not, though, one-way traffic as Eccleston caused all sorts of problems for the home defence and a Craig Slater corner was only inches away from creeping in at the back post.

Motherwell were pushing forward looking for all three points and John Sutton had a volley from close range that was straight into the goalie's arms.

Tope Obadeyi is congratulated by Kilmarnock team-mate Chris Chantler for scoring the opening goal

Kilmarnock's Darryl Westlake is sent off just before half-time for a second yellow card offence

Scott McDonald curls in the leveller for Motherwell with the last piece of action in the first half