Glenn Middleton made an impressive return as St Johnstone were forced to settle for a Premiership point.
Perth players had not long jetted in from Istanbul after an impressive Europa League draw against Turkish giants Galatasaray.
There appeared no sign of any European hangover, especially when taking the lead thanks to Stephen O’Donnell’s first-half own goal.
But former Saint Tony Watt came off the bench to level for Motherwell with only 10 minutes remaining.
The arrival of familiar face Middleton back on loan from Rangers went down superbly well on Friday afternoon.
And manager Callum Davidson wasted no time in reintroducing the speedy winger to the McDiarmid Park turf.
He would be keen to make an early impression and it took him just one minute to show off his direct and powerful running. The Perth support should expect plenty of that in the months ahead.
On this occasion his cut-back from the byline was turned behind for a corner.
Saints had made five changes from their Turkish adventure and, along with Middleton, Hayden Muller, Callum Booth, Liam Craig and Stevie May were all given the nod.
The latter had a wonderful chance to opening the scoring on eight minutes after energetic pressing from Ali McCann. May was suddenly in the box and had a free shot at goal, but hesitated and was crowded out.
There had been a couple of hairy moments up the other end in the opening exchanges. Thankfully Zander Clark was very alert.
Early on he had pushed a powerful Kevin van Veen hit away from goal before later getting down superbly to save a Kaiyne Woolery header.
Saints, certainly showing no European hangover, continued to spray the ball around nicely and worked numerous promising openings.
Young centre-half Muller was keen to break forward when given the opportunity and on 21 minutes a clever one-two with Shaun Rooney carved out space for a shot. It was crisp but Liam Kelly saved.
There was nothing stopping the Perth opener in the 34th minute, though. It was Wotherspoon’s wicked delivery from the left flank that curled into the box. Motherwell defender O’Donnell turned into his own net.
The home support would head off for their half-time snack impressed with what Davidson’s side had offered up but would be keen to see the lead built on after the break.
It was the Steelmen, however, who almost levelled in the early minutes of the second half when Bevis Mugabi’s header hit the post and then Clark impressively stopped the follow-up from van Veen.
That served as a warning. But Saints should’ve had their second on the 54th minute after terrific work on the right by Middleton. He edged in along the byline and found May who could only guide over from a very promising position.
Middleton was enjoying his afternoon and, not long after, cut onto his left foot and forced Kelly to touch a low strike behind for a corner.
Fresh legs were introduced with Chris Kane and Michael O’Halloran entering the action.
But it was Motherwell substitute Watt who levelled the game with a crisp 80th minute volley. The former Saints striker was left in acres of space in the centre of the box.
Attention now turns to Thursday evening’s huge Europa League second leg against Galatasaray at McDiarmid Park.
