A Scott McDonald header earned Motherwell their first home win over Inverness for almost 10 years.

David Clarkson and McDonald passed up good chances in the opening quarter of an hour but the Australian nodded home from close range on the stroke of half-time.

Inverness improved but missed a number of chances while both sides could have added to the scoring in a nerve-wracking finale.

The win keeps alive Well's outside hopes of reaching the top six of the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

Caley Thistle had won their last five games at Fir Park with their only defeat coming on penalties in a League Cup tie almost 10 years ago.

Motherwell brought back Darren Smith for Steven McGarry after the teenager grabbed the winner at Falkirk last week, while Inverness were unchanged.

David Clarkson had two half chances in the opening minutes, heading a yard wide and volleying towards the corner flag following crosses from either wing.

And the striker had a better chance after 10 minutes.

Brian Kerr burst forward after a good lay-off from Scott McDonald and slipped the ball through for the 21-year-old, whose stab towards goal was brilliantly blocked by the onrushing Michael Fraser.

Kerr then won the ball on the right wing and cleverly played McDonald through, but the Australian lifted the ball inches wide of the far post.

The visitors had some decent possession, mostly in the middle of the half, but Graeme Smith comfortably saved two Graham Bayne headers and John Rankin saw a 25-yard free-kick blocked.

Clarkson was booked for diving after hitting the deck when Fraser rushed out and jumped towards the striker following a long ball.

Mike Tumilty's decision seemed harsh but Clarkson was fortunate to get away without a second card moments later when he swung his arm at Grant Munro.

The determined Kerr was driving Well forward at every opportunity but the home side were struggling to break through a solid back four.

However, McDonald headed home from six yards following Danny Murphy's cross on the 45-minute mark after the Aussie had won a free-kick on the left edge of the box.

Inverness came out with far more urgency after the break but Rory McAllister blasted their best chance over from 12 yards after excellent build-up play down the left.

Motherwell forced a number of corners but Stephen Craigan headed off target from the best opening.

Inverness continued to attack and the unmarked Barry Wilson volleyed wide from the edge of the box.

John Rankin then volleyed towards goal from 25 yards but Smith gathered at the second attempt.

Bayne appeared to nudge Darren Smith in the box as he attacked a corner but no penalty was given.

The misfiring McAllister sliced the ball wide after a free-kick into the Well box caused panic.

Ross McCormack came on for Well and saw his left-foot shot blocked by Fraser from a narrow angle after a good pass by McDonald.

Darren Dods had a header cleared from the goalmouth by Craigan before Well keeper Smith made a superb block from Markus Paatelainen after linking up with fellow sub Gary McSwegan.

Well looked dangerous on the break and Richard Hastings made a perfect last-ditch tackle after McCormack had threaded the ball through for McDonald.

McCormack was caught late by Ross Tokely in the box after cutting the ball back from the byline but referee Tumilty seemed to miss the incident.

Inverness threw Tokely forward and caused Motherwell problems with hopeful balls into the box but the Steelmen stood strong for their long-awaited win.

Teams:

Motherwell Graeme Smith, Corrigan, Craigan, Reynolds, Murphy,Darren Lee Smith (McGarry 85), Kerr, Fitzpatrick, Paterson,Clarkson (McCormack 76), McDonald.

Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Keegan, Molloy, Quinn, Vadocz.

Booked: Clarkson, McDonald.

Goals: McDonald 45.

Inverness CT Fraser, Tokely, Dods, Munro, Hastings, Wilson,Duncan (Black 70), McBain, Rankin (Paatelainen 72),McAllister (McSwegan 75), Bayne.

Subs Not Used: Ridgers, McCaffrey, Morgan, Soane.

Booked: McAllister.

Att: 4,258

Ref: M Tumilty (Scotland).