Both managers made a point of saying pre-match that the Firhill pitch, which is in poor condition, would be the same for both sides.

But it's the hosts who are definitely dealing with it the better so far. United are really struggling to put any moves together.

Image source, SNS

The game has hit a bit of a lull since St Mirren took the lead.

It wasn't the liveliest of contests beforehand, but League 2 leaders Kelty are holding their own against the Premiership hosts still despite trailing.

There are players sliding around everywhere on the soggy surface, with the ball holding up a bit on heavy patches of the pitch.

Then we have a nervous moment for Liam Kelly as the Motherwell goalkeeper's scuffed clearance is almost intercepted by Christian Ramirez on the edge of the penalty box.

Thistle are beginning to dominate - and Brian Graham has a goalbound shot deflected wide.

The former United striker is on form at the moment, having scored a hat-trick in midweek.

Scott Tiffoney causes problems for United down the left and goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist has to tip his effort over the bar after the winger does well to cut back and send a right-foot shot towards the roof of the net.

Aberdeen fail to clear their lines from the corner and the ball pings back and forth in the visitors' penalty area before forward Connor Shields steers a header narrowly wide.

Ellis Simms has made a big impression on loan to Hearts from Everton.

The striker powers past his marker, but his powerful drive from 14 yards is straight at Max Stryjek and the goalkeeper manages to block it wide for a corner.

The torrential rain has eased off now at Fir Park, but the wind is still up and Motherwell have it at their backs.

Kevin van Veen lines up a free-kick from 30-yards, but the striker's shot clips a head in the defensive wall and loops high over the target for a corner.

Good work from the home side, who float a ball into the box through Marcus Fraser.

Fellow defender Richard Tait goes for the ball with an acrobatic effort that is saved well, but Alex Greive is in the perfect position to nod it home from close range.

That's two goals in two games for the New Zealand forward.

Image source, BBC Sport

Big chance for Kelty to take an early lead.

Kallum Higginbotham drives into the box and cuts it back for fellow winger Joe Cardle.

The Englishman tries one too many touches and fails to get his shot off quick enough and it is blocked from close range.

A fantastic challenge from Calum Butcher denies Thistle striker Alex Jakubiak when he would have been one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

This game has been a slow burner so far with nothing for either goalkeeper to do, but it's just beginning to bubble up.

Almost a second goal for Christian Ramirez as the Aberdeen striker outmuscles Juhani Ojala and pings a lob over exposed goalkeeper Liam Kelly, but the ball drops just wide of the post.

Kelty have a free-kick in a perfect position on the edge of the Buddies box.

Former Morton midfielder Michael Tidser, who scored a similar free-kick last week, blazes this one high over the bar.

First glimpse of goal for Thistle. Scott Tiffoney wriggles away from his man, but the winger's dangerous low cross is cut out.