Motherwell make strides towards the top six.

Motherwell’s comfortable 2-1 win over Aberdeen this afternoon sees them take a step closer to the top six.

Motherwell took the form of Wednesday night into the opening 15 minutes, with early chances for Murphy and Lasley but they both missed the target. Murphy hit a great strike minutes later when his bending shot from the edge of the box shaved Langfield’s left hand post.

The goal did come after 15 minutes, Lasley sent a great ball over the head of Steven Smith and sent Chris Humphrey clear and he ran on and smashed the ball low past the stranded Langfield.

It appeared that Well took their foot off the gas for the rest of the first half and allowed Aberdeen back into the game but they failed to trouble Randolph at any time.

Both sides had a great chance at the start of the second half with Steve Jones missing for Motherwell from only three yards out, and then at the other end Maguire force Randolph into a fine save at full length.

With minutes left a Humphrey cross reached sub McHugh but his effort was blocked by Langfield for a corner, and from the resultant kick Hutchinson swept home at the front post. At this stage it looked as though we were home and dry but this being Motherwell we had to make it hard for ourselves.

As the game move into five added minutes we allowed Vujadinovic to get a free header to plant a Maguire cross behind Randolph but in the end we won more comfortably than the score line suggests.

At the end there was a bit of a scuffle in the tunnel between Well Chairman John Boyle and his former manager Craig Brown. Police have taken statements but have confirmed no criminal charges will be brought.