Baraclough hails Well work-rate

John Sutton's goal on 72 minutes was enough for Motherwell to defeat the Saints who had captain Steven Thompson sent-off after just 18 minutes.

The win moves Motherwell six points clear of the Paisley side who remained bottom of the table.

Baraclough said: "It's credit to the concentration and the work-rate of the players that they have gone and got themselves the three points.

"It's never easy against 10 men, and speaking to a few people from St Mirren, they probably raised their game and it shows you that when the odds are against you just what a team can do.

"But we had to move the ball quickly, smartly and be patient as well until we found a chink in their armour with a fantastic goal.

"I don't think there will be too many better goals scored this weekend. It was a great team goal and I'm delighted for the players."

Motherwell were far from their best in the 90 minutes, with St Mirren, despite their man-disadvantage, having the majority of the play.

And Baraclough admitted he will be looking for an improvement from his new charges.

"I want to see us doing things that we are capable of as a team, and not shy away from that," he added.

"We could have been better with the ball at times as we gave it away far too often for my liking. I want us to be more confident and play simple passes that are positive as well.

"I thought we were a little timid - and that's why we made a couple of changes at half-time to try and put them on the back foot a little more, and we managed to get the crucial goal."

St Mirren caretaker manager Gary Teale meanwhile admitted to being proud of his players despite slipping six points behind Motherwell in the battle to beat the drop.

He said: "I said to the boys last week that I wanted them to be a bit more dogged and resolute, and I can't be more proud of the players after what they gave me today."

Teale also revealed his surprise at Thompson's first half dismissal.

He added: "I haven't seen it back, so I can't comment too much on it, but at the time I thought it was a coming together between the two players [Thompson and O'Brien] and both of them did exactly the same thing.

"If the referee has called it right, then well played. If not, it's really cost us big time."