Kilmarnock 1-2 Motherwell

Lee Erwin's second goal of the season capped a Motherwell come-back against Kilmarnock that takes the Steelmen seven points clear of St Mirren.

The 21-year-old remained cool under pressure to hit a left-footed shot past Craig Samson.

Youngster David Syme headed in to get the first day of regime change at Kilmarnock off to a positive start.

But Stephen Pearson tucked home an equaliser for Motherwell, who defended bravely after Erwin's winner.

It was a day of firsts at Rugby Park; Gary Locke in the dug-out as manager now in an official capacity and Jim Mann beginning his rule as Killie chairman.

But it didn't stop there. The hosts' 17-year-old centre-back Syme scored his first senior goal in his home debut, which was duly cancelled out by Pearson's notching his first Motherwell goal since returning to the club for a second stint.

And, crucially, Erwin scored for the first time since the opening day of the season, twisting and turning in the box to puncture the hosts' day.

Both clubs were eager for positives in Ayrshire. Kilmarnock desperate to mark regime change with a crowd-pleasing win, while Ian Baraclough's Steelmen knew three points would increase the gap between them and basement side St Mirren to seven.

Teenager David Syme (left) gave Kilmarnock an early lead after being handed a surprise start

Josh Magennis had already stung the palms of Motherwell goalkeeper George Long with a shot before the on-loan Sheffield United man blundered to help Killie take the lead.

The Englishman flapped when Paul Cairney's free-kick arrived from the left, allowing Syme to head home firmly - the youngster's goal a perfect way to start afresh for Kilmarnock.

Long's lack of confidence continued between the Motherwell sticks and so did the home side's attacking intentions; referee Euan Anderson not of the view that a reinvigorated Chris Johnston had been fouled as he slalomed into the box.

Syme and his 21-year-old central defensive partner Lee Ashcroft - captain in Manuel Pascali's absence - were eventually breached after some good approach play from a useful looking Erwin.

Lionel Ainsworth's low angled drive would probably have been gathered but Pearson sneaked in on the six-yard box to re-direct it into the bottom corner - a nice way for the man with 10 Scotland caps to celebrate his new two-year deal at Fir Park.

Ashcroft missed a glorious headed chance to restore Kilmarnock's lead on the stroke of half-time and Motherwell's McDonald was denied by the crossbar from 18 yards on the hour-mark.

Ainsworth made use of his fierce right-foot to test Samson again before Erwin got what he deserved; showing composure in the box to drill low into the goal behind which a healthy Motherwell band of supporters celebrated.