Motherwell go third in SPL
01/24/2012 11:25:14 PM
Ten-man Motherwell launched themselves back into the SPL's top three after an inspired 3-1 win over lowly Dunfermline.
Motherwell leap-frogged Hearts and St Johnstone into third having played for more than 70 minutes with 10 men after skipper Stephen Craigan was dismissed for an angry off-the-ball clash with Andrew Borrowman.
But despite their numerical disadvantage, recent signing Henrik Ojamaa's 29th-minute drive and Nicky Law's stinging strike early in the second half put the home side in control.
Andy Kirk gave bottom-placed Dunfermline hope ten minutes later with his volleyed goal but Chris Humphrey eased the tension for the home fans with a third nine minutes from time.
Dunfermline were looking for back-to-back wins after they had ended a 10-game losing streak with a 3-0 victory over Kilmarnock on Saturday, but never looked likely even with the extra man.
The visitors had a great chance to go ahead with an early penalty claim. Shaun Hutchinson's challenge sent Joe Cardle flying but the referee waved it away.
Craigan saw red while Borrowman got away with a yellow. Dunfermline almost scored immediately from a goalmouth scramble but failed to trouble Motherwell sufficiently thereafter.