Motherwell all but guaranteed their Premiership safety with a hard-fought win over St Mirren.
Devante Cole's tenth goal of the season on 62 minutes secured all three points for Graham Alexander's side.
Liam Kelly's first half penalty save from Jamie McGrath was the pivotal moment in the Steelmen's win but they were dealt a blow when Jordan Roberts was stretchered off after the interval.
Graham Alexander named just one change from last weekend's comprehensive Scottish Cup win over Formartine.
Tyler Magloire dropped out to be replaced by Ricki Lamie who partnered Declan Gallagher at the heart of Motherwell's defence.
St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin also made one change from their win over Hamilton Accies with Ryan Flynn replacing Jon Obika.
The Steelmen started on the front foot and created an early opportunity after just two minutes but Cole headed Nathan McGinley's cross just wide.
The Saints responded well and McGrath, who scored a double against Hamilton last weekend, spurned a great chance on seven minutes.
The Irishman raced clear on goal but Kelly was alert off his line to make a fine stop to deny the visitors the opener.
Although it was fairly even during the opening twenty minutes, the 'Well struggled to get their front three involved in the action.
Alexander was incensed that Kevin Clancy failed to award the hosts a penalty on 20 minutes but Jak Alnwick appeared to beat Roberts to the ball before clattering the Hearts loanee.
Cole was Motherwell's most dangerous player in the first half and he set up a glorious chance for Christopher Long on 25 minutes.
The former Manchester City youngster showed great feet to spin his marker and the ball fell invitingly for Long but he fired straight at Alnwick who palmed clear.
Just minutes after St Mirren had a strong claim for a penalty for handball waived away, referee Clancy awarded the visitors a spot kick for Stephen O'Donnell's challenge on a rampaging Dylan Connolly.
It was the correct decision but Kelly made an excellent save to deny McGrath from the spot - the 24 year-old had converted his previous eight penalties for St Mirren.
'Well boss Alexander introduced Barry Maguire for Steven Lawless at the break as he tired to gain a foothold in the game.
The Steelmen threated just after the break when Long burst down the left and drilled a ball across the box but Alnwick gathered at the feet of a sliding Cole.
Moments later, Motherwell were dealt a major blow when Roberts suffered a serious looking injury after landing awkwardly in an innocuous aerial challenge with Marcus Fraser.
The Steelmen were much improved after the interval and they grabbed the lead courtesy of Cole's tenth of the season on 62 minutes.
Long persevered down the right and his fizzing drive was palmed by Alnwick into the 25 year-old's path and he bundled the ball home from close range.
Former Everton youngster Long was a constant threat in the second half with his direct running behind the Buddies' defence.
He raced clear down the right on 69 minutes before picking out Allan Campbell with a clever cut back but his shot was turned behind by Alnwick.
St Mirren applied some late pressure but Motherwell defended resolutely to claim a crucial win ahead of next weekend's Scottish Cup tie against Morton.
Motherwell: Kelly, O'Donnell, Gallagher, Lamie, McGinley, Crawford, Campbell, Lawless(Maguire 46'), Roberts (O'Hara 54'), Cole, Long(Mugabi 81')
Subs: Chapman, Dunne,Carroll, Cornelius, Foley, Hastie.
Goal: Cole 62'
Booked: Campbell 67'
St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, Shaughnessy (Henderson 85'), McCarthy, Connolly, Flynn(MacPherson 46'), Doyle-Hayes, Erhahon(McAllister 73'), Durmus, McGrath, Erwin(Dennis 73')
Subs: Lyness, Finlayson, Tait, Reid.
Booked: Erhahon 48'. Shaughnessy 81'
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