Dundee United defender Mark Wilson netted his second goal of the season at Fir Park as the Tangerines leapfrogged Motherwell into fifth place in the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

The right-back thundered a superb strike past veteran goalkeeper Gordon Marshall seven minutes into the second half to secure the three points for Ian McCall's side.

But Motherwell striker David Clarkson had one of his more profligate days as he squandered a couple of chances to add to his 11-goal tally this season.

But it had been the home side who made the brighter start of the two teams with Derek Adams taking control of the midfield.

However, a lack of clear-cut chances for Well would cost dearly as United found their way back into the game.

After 11 minutes, Wilson's left-foot cross was narrowly missed by winger Stuart Duff in what was the visitors' best chance of the half.

Motherwell responded with a good run and cross from Clarkson, only for Shaun Fagan to lose his footing at the back post at the crucial moment.

Five minutes later, United midfielder Mark Kerr produced a crucial block inside his own box to defuse a blistering Jason Dair shot, which looked certain to trouble Paul Gallacher.

At the other end, referee Alan Freeland waved away strong United protests after Adams and Collin Samuel were involved in an unsightly wrestle in the Well box.

Just when the half looked to be petering out, Motherwell's midfield quartet put together the best move of the first period and Scott McDonald's fizzing cross only needed the merest of touches to give the home side the lead.

United cleared the danger though and Jason Scotland neatly made room for himself 25 yards out, but shot wildly over to end the first 45 on a low-key note.

The home side started the second period on top and Clarkson was unlucky not to add to his impressive goals tally after 48 minutes.

From Fagan's looping cross, his looping header was pushed out by Gallacher and his follow-up effort was cleared off the line by David McCracken.

But Wilson stunned the home crowd in the 52nd minute when he cut inside following a brilliant Charlie Miller cross-field pass and unleashed a wonderful curling shot past a stranded Marshall.

The home side almost drew level on 58 when McDonald had a goalbound effort blocked in the six-yard box by Kerr after Gallacher had fumbled a left-wing cross.

Motherwell continued to push for the equaliser but were being repelled with comfort by the United defence, while the visitors remained dangerous on the break.

The Tangerines brought on veteran Billy Dodds for Jason Scotland in the 70th minute to help hold the ball up front as Well pinned them back in their own half.

Butcher made his first change in the 80th minute, Steven Craig coming on for Burns.

A minute after the switch, Clarkson wriggled free of Alan Archibald down the left, but his low drive across goal was well parried by Gallacher, with McCracken on hand to chest the rebound back to his keeper and secure the victory for the visitors.

Teams

Motherwell Marshall, Quinn, Craigan, Corrigan, Hammell, Fagan, Adams, Burns (Craig 81), Dair, Clarkson, Scott McDonald.

Subs Not Used: Corr, Kevin McDonald, Wright, Higgins.

Booked: Scott McDonald, Fagan.

Dundee Utd Gallacher, Duff, Innes, McCracken, Archibald, Wilson, Kerr, Miller (Easton 85), McInnes, Samuel (Conway 79), Scotland (Dodds 70).

Subs Not Used: Bullock, Kenneth.

Goals: Wilson 52.

Att: 5,722

Ref: A Freeland (Scotland)