St Johnstone staged a magnificent fightback against Motherwell at McDiarmid Park but were unfortunate to find Andy Goram at his very best as they lost to Motherwell.

John Spencer, Derek Adams and Derek Townsley gave the visitors a commanding three-goal half-time lead.

But, after the dismissal of goalscorer Adams early in the second half, Keigan Parker and Momo Sylla struck back to ensure a nail-biting finale in a thrilling pre-Christmas game - although only 3,489 were there to witness it in Saints' lowest league crowd of the season.

It was former Scotland international Goram who stole the plaudits and the points for the visitors with a number of excellent saves for the visitors.

Most notably, his terrific save from a blistering Gary Bollan free-kick from 20 yards which he tipped over.

But, while Goram was turning back the tide at one end, Spencer broke down the Saints defence with a brilliant opener.

After dummying Paul Kane in midfield to offer himself space after just five minutes from Townsley's pass, Spencer looked up to see Alan Main off his line and sent his shot over the bemused keeper.

Saints were still threatening with John Paul McBride and Parker looking lively up front.

But Motherwell refused to allow the home side back into the match and increased their lead five minutes before the break.

Spencer played the ball down the right for Townsley, who struck it back into the danger area where Adams picked his spot for the second.

However the visitors were not finished and all but sealed the game two minutes before the interval.

Adams turned provider after 43 minutes with a perfectly-placed corner which Townsley headed home.

But tempers frayed in the final minute of the half when Momo Sylla and Adams earned cautions after a touchline bust-up.

The ill-feeling did not remain in the dressing rooms at half-time and goalscorer Adams was soon heading back in the second half.

The Well midfielder was involved in a challenge with Bollan and appeared to raise a hand leaving referee David Somers no option but to dismiss him.

The sending off galvanised the home side and, moments later, they had pulled a goal back when Parker slotted home at the far post after Paddy Connolly had flicked on Sylla's corner.

The visitors were again grateful to Goram in the 61st minute when he twice denied Connolly.

Saints manager Sandy Clark needed to inject more urgency into the team and switched Nick Dasovic for Tommy Lovenkrands and the effect was immediate.

The Dane weaved his way into the Motherwell area after 72 minutes and forced Goram to save his drive with the legs.

But the ball squirmed clear to allow Sylla to follow up and make the score 2-3.

Both managers were now out of their dugouts with Well boss Billy Davies clearly concerned that his side had let their half-time lead slip so badly.

A nerve-wrecking final few moments for the visitors was enhanced when Townsley somehow got his body in the way of Weir's strike to allow Motherwell to hold out.

St Johnstone: Main, Dods, Bollan, Dasovic (Lovenkrands 63), Weir, Kane, Connolly (Russell 80), Sylla, McCluskey, McBride, Parker.

Subs Not Used: Cuthbert, O'Neill., McCulloch.

Booked: Dods, Sylla.

Goals: Parker 52, Sylla 72.

Motherwell: Goram, Corrigan, McMillan, Strong, Spencer (McClen 52), McCulloch (Oueifio 83), Adams, Twaddle, Hammell, Townsley, Leitch.

Subs Not Used: Woods, Nicholas, Elliott.

Sent Off: Adams (49).

Booked: Adams, Hammell.

Goals: Spencer 6, Adams 40, Townsley 43.

Att: 3,489

Ref: D Somers (Scotland).