Stephen McMillan and Ged Brannan grabbed two goals in two second half minutes to secure Motherwell's victory at Fir Park

McMillan broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with a superb curling free kick which beat keeper Alan Combe and crept inside his left-hand post.

After the restart and almost before United could recover John Spencer fired in a cross from the right and Brannan rose unchallenged to powerfully head home his first goal for the club.

United, who had played well and created numerous chances, plugged away but eight minutes from time their luck was summed up.

Darren Patterson drove the ball from 15 yards and it rebounded from the underside of the crossbar onto the line. Motherwell keeper Stevie Woods clawed the ball away as Billy Dodds raced in looking to force it over the line.

United boss Paul Sturrock said the match was a disappointment for those fans who had made the trip.

"It was so frustrating that I can't put it into words, but basically the players are wanting a performance to happen rather than work for it," he said.

However, the game produced some good football despite horrendous conditions and after 10 minutes keeper Combe almost paid heavily for a poor clearance

The ball landed at Spencer's feet but his attempted lob was blocked by the keeper as he made amends.

Dodds, inventive throughout, set off on a solo run after 29 minutes before unleashing a tremendous 25-yard drive. Woods was his equal though diving full stretch to palm the ball round the post.

Four minutes after the break Dodds was denied again when after good work from Alex Mathie. His sweet strike looked destined for the top left hand corner but Woods leapt high to his left and tipped the ball on to the crossbar and behind to safety.

United paid for that miss when they lost the two goals in two minutes.

But the Tannadice side never gave up the fight and Dodds turned provider after 70 minutes unselfishly passing to young Craig Easton but his shot from six yards was brilliantly blocked by Motherwell substitute Kevin Christie.

United continued to press but were almost caught by sucker punches but two good strikes from Simo Valakari and Derek Adams were well blocked by Combe as United rallied to the end before falling to yet another defeat.

Motherwell: Woods, McMillan, Brannan, Valakari, Coyle, Thomas, McCulloch, Doesburg, Teale, Nevin, Spencer. Subs: May, Christie, Ramsey, Adams, Bannister.