Devante Cole was the Motherwell hero as rock-bottom St Johnstone were left to pay the penalty at McDiarmid Park.
The on-loan Wigan star claimed his first Premiership goal to send the Steelmen back up to the dizzy heights of third.
It saw the Lanarkshire side bounce back from their defeat against Ross County to claim just their second victory in just 12 games to Perth,
It was another afternoon of disappointment for Saints, as Scott Tanser had a second half penalty saved by Mark Gillespie.
Motherwell, however, managed to hold on despite Liam Donnelly being sent off for a wild one on Chris Kane in stoppage time.
It was another defeat that leaves Tommy Wright’s side looking for their first win.
3 talking points
Saints are sinners
St Johnstone have fallen behind in every league game this season and it happened again this afternoon. Saints generosity continually gives them a mountain to climb and is something they need to cut out if Tommy Wright 's side want to get off the bottom of the table.
Paying the penalty
St Johnstone had penalty woes as they missed six last season and Tanser added another one to that dismal record. Another aspect of the game that could prove costly to Saints’ hopes.
Moment of madness
Liam Donnelly’s stoppage time sending off. There was no need for it with his team 1-0 up and he caught Chris Kane off the ball and saw a straight red card. Stephen Robinson won't be happy.
