Louis Moult's penalty seals win for Motherwell over Kilmarnock
Louis Moult's early penalty was enough to end a four-match losing run in the Ladbrokes Premiership for Motherwell and leave Kilmarnock stuck on the bottom of the table.
Moult picked himself up to slot home in the 13th minute and seal a 1-0 win after a tangle with Mark O'Hara led to a soft spot-kick award.
Moult had a goal disallowed and Dom Thomas impressed for Motherwell but there was a general shortage of goalmouth action at Fir Park.
Motherwell handed Kieran Kennedy a start in place of Louis Laing, while Thomas made his first start of the season. The 20-year-old left-winger immediately signalled his promise with a run that forced a first-minute corner and was a consistent threat.
Killie brought back Josh Magennis and Kallum Higginbotham following their League Cup win over Berwick but they were unable to get the ball up to them as Motherwell pressed them in the opening stages.
Scott McDonald shot wide of the near post after a positive run and then threaded the ball inside O'Hara to Thomas, whose shot was touched over by Killie goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald.
The breakthrough came as a result of the pressing as Moult got across O'Hara as he tried to clear and referee Steven McLean pointed to the spot after the striker fell in a heap.
Killie were struggling to create chances but Connor Ripley saved well from Magennis after Rory McKenzie had forced the ball towards the near-post area.
The visitors were forced into a change in the 22nd minute when Steven Smith pulled up with a groin injury. Darryl Westlake came on.
Motherwell lost some of their early urgency but were denied a second goal by a tight offside decision in the 34th minute. Thomas found Moult with a great through ball but the flag went up as the former Wrexham striker slotted home.
Lionel Ainsworth hit a left-footed strike just over the top corner but Motherwell were playing with just Moult up front, with McDonald in a midfield role, and chances became scarce.
Tope Obadeyi and Greg Kiltie came on to inject some life into Killie's attacking play and the former had two half-chances but failed to trouble Ripley.
Kris Boyd had a brief sight of goal 10 yards out but could not get a shot away before Joe Chalmers stepped in to block.
Thomas continued to look dangerous but Motherwell did not trouble MacDonald after the break, the keeper's one save coming from McDonald after more good work from the winger.
New signing Theo Robinson replaced Moult midway through the half but the former Derby and Doncaster player looked short of match practice.
Killie had some late half-chances but Obadeyi headed over and Boyd was too high with an ambitious chip.
Source: PA
