Motherwell notched their first victory of the season with a 1-0 win over St Mirren at Love Street.

A second-half goal from Lee McCulloch, tapping into an open goal from a Kevin Twaddle pass, was enough to give the visitors all three points.

The game was never a classic but the Lanarkshire side did enough to merit the victory which takes the pressure of their under-fire boss Billy Davies.

Both teams went into the game desperate for points to improve their lowly League positions but it was the visitors who started the better and had their first effort on goal after only two minutes.

Defender Benito Kemble tried his luck with a 30-yard drive but the Dutchman's effort was high and wide and Saints goalkeeper Ludovic Roy watched untroubled.

In the fifth minute there was a blow for Motherwell when striker John Spencer had to withdraw, being replaced by Don Goodman.

Minutes later Saints might have scored when Jose Quitongo put Ricky Gillies in but the ex-Dons player shot wide.

At the other end substitute Goodman's header from six yards out was well saved by Roy as the game began to swing from end-to-end.

As the first-half wore on there was little to choose between the teams although the visitors looked more composed and assured when in possession.

On the half-hour mark Motherwell nearly carved an opening when Twaddle's cut back fell to the unmarked McCulloch 10-yards out. But the Well striker's shot was weak and Roy easily saved.

Minutes later Goodman was unfortunate to block a goal-bound shot from team-made Ged Brannan as Motherwell began to exert some pressure.

Just before the break the visitors should have taken the lead when Stuart Elliott broke through the Saints defence but the young winger shot straight at Roy from close in with his team-mates screaming for a pass.

The visitors started the second-half in similar confident style and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 53rd minute.

Scott Leitch released Twaddle down the right-hand side and when the winger's cross came in Lee McCulloch was on hand to slot in from close range.

It was a goal of stunning simplicity from which the visitors took further confidence.

Minutes later McCulloch should have made it 2-0 when Leitch picked him out with a great through ball which cut through the Saints defence.

McCulloch evaded Saints defender Scott Walker's attentions but blasted wide from close in when it appeared easier to score.

As the game entered its closing stages the home side through caution to the wind in their quest for the equaliser.

However Motherwell were looking composed in defence while still threatening on the break.

Elliot came close with an angled drive which just slipped past Roy's left-hand post with the home defence in disarray.

With minutes remaining Andy Goram pulled off a great save from Saints substitute Mark Yardley with the ball seemingly heading for the top right-hand corner.