Aberdeen's dreadful run extended to 11 without a win despite taking a two-goal Lead over Motherwell on Saturday.

The club's poor record looked to have ended after former Blackburn Rovers striker Mike Newell snatched the first after 31 minutes when, after a neat one-two with Eion Jess, his left-foot shot sneaked just inside the post.

The score was a shock to Motherwell who had hoped to build on their midweek shock victory over Rangers, but worse was to follow.

Only two minutes into the second-half a long flighted pass from Illie Kiriakov was met at the edge of the six-yard box by Robbie Winters who out-jumped the home defence to nod home number two.

New Motherwell boss Billy Davies then made a double substitution, sending on striker Derek Adams and veteran Pat Nevin in the hope of rescuing something from the game.

Almost immediately Motherwell pulled one back when a pass from Shaun Teale was nodded down by McGowan into the path of on-loan John Spencer who rattled the loose ball home from 12 yards.

Then after 69 minutes a reckless challenge from Derek Whyte gave Motherwell a free-kick which new signing Ged Brannan floated onto the head of McGowan who headed past Jim Leighton to make it 2-2 and set up a grandstand finish.

Leighton had to make a brilliant save to deny Spencer. Aberdeen had a large slice of luck to save them a point.

With only seven minutes remaining Nevin cut along the byline only to be tripped but as the referee waved play on amidst cries for a penalty the ball found its way to young substitute Lee McCulloch.

His thundering shot from six yards was blocked on the goalline and finally scrambled clear as Aberdeen grimly held on.