Motherwell 2-1 Inverness CT

Motherwell ended an eight-game winless run with a valuable victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

The visitors had been unbeaten in their 10 previous games in 2015, but the contrast in form counted for nothing.

Louis Laing put the home side ahead only for debutant Edward Ofere to pull Caley Thistle level.

But substitute Lionel Ainsworth fired in a late winner at the end of a breathless second half, which included a red card for Simon Ramsden.

It is a result of great significance for Ian Baraclough, whose team remain deeply immersed in a relegation battle despite this long-awaited win.

The performance, though, will give him and the Motherwell supporters hope that they can turn things around.

For Inverness boss John Hughes, although it brings to an end an impressive streak, Dundee United's defeat means their quest for European football is not badly damaged.

Laing broke the deadlock at Fir Park

They contributed hugely to an entertaining second period, but Motherwell dug in to take the points.

Laing's opening goal was well crafted, with Conor Grant whipping in a tremendous cross that was planted past goalkeeper Ryan Esson by the defender.

Ofere replied with a very similar effort, heading in from Graeme Shinnie's perfect cross.

Just as it looked as though both sides' runs would be prolonged, Ainsworth cut in from the left to fire a low shot past Esson, aided by a deflection off Ross Draper.

Ramsden was dismissed shortly afterwards for a second bookable offence, but Caley Thistle could not draw level again.

They had struck the woodwork twice earlier, Ofere and Danny Williams the players denied, while Williams was also brilliantly thwarted by Long as he ran through on goal in a rare bit of first-half excitement.

Scott McDonald also had a chance to score on his return to Motherwell but blasted over from a good position.

The striker caused a few problems though and could yet be a crucial acquisition as Motherwell battle to avoid relegation from Scottish Premiership.