James McFadden once again proved his worth to Motherwell when his opening goal helped them on their way to a win against Dundee United.

It is the third goal the youngster has scored for the Fir Park side this week following an impressive brace against Dundee in midweek.

Motherwell dominated for the best part of this game and the three points were sealed when Steven Hammell cracked home the second goal 11 minutes from time.

United manager Alex Smith had admitted the behind-the-scenes wrangles at the club - which eventually resulted in the board being ousted and Jim McLean returning to Tannadice as part of a four-man consortium - had had an effect on the team's performances.

And the Tangerines still seemed to be suffering the hangover from the recent unrest as they struggled against Motherwell.

Their only real chance in the first 45 minutes came courtesy of a Greg Strong blunder that allowed Jim Hamilton a free shot on goal - luckily for the home side he hit the side-netting.

The Fir Park side dominated the first half from the outset and were threatening as early as one minute into the game.

Keith Lasley swung a free-kick into the box and it was met at the far post by Karl Ready but the former QPR defender sent the ball wide.

Two minutes later Stephen Pearson played the ball to Steven Hammell and his 20-yard drive forced United goalkeeper Paul Gallacher into an impressive block to turn the ball past the upright.

James McFadden had been the goal hero for Motherwell when he grabbed two goals against Dundee midweek and he showed that his appetite for more goals had been whetted.

The impressive youngster took the ball to the edge of the 18-yard box before trying to curl the shot into the top corner of the net but the effort fell just wide of the post.

But McFadden remained undeterred and he should have opened the scoring after 20 minutes.

Lasley released McFadden who tried to chip the ball over Gallacher but he watched in agony as his effort just skimmed the crossbar.

Lilley had the chance to snatch the lead for United on the stroke of half-time when he met Hasney Aljofree's free-kick but his header was weak and never really troubled the Motherwell goalkeeper.

Motherwell continued to push forward after the re-start and they were finally rewarded for their hard work after 51 minutes. Stuart Elliott's free-kick from just outside the area sliced through the United defence and fell at the feet of McFadden who bulleted the shot low past Gallacher.

Only a superb save by United goalkeeper Gallacher prevented Motherwell from extending their lead after 57 minutes when he somehow managed to block Ready's half-volley.

Four minutes later Hammell was unlucky to see an opportunist 20-yard strike just go past the upright.

United tried to hit back through McIntyre after 67 minutes but the best the former Reading striker could manage was a shot that flew well over the crossbar.

Motherwell continued to search for the second goal and Lasley released Yan Soloy after 72 minutes but he blasted the ball well off target.

A minute later United had a decent penalty claim when Charlie Miller fed the ball through to Lilley and he appeared to be tripped in the box by Deloumeaux but the referee waved play on.

After 79 minutes Motherwell made the chances of a United comeback more difficult when they doubled their lead.

McFadden flighted a cross in from the right and Craig Easton tried to nod clear but the ball only got as far as Hammell who cracked a superb first-time effort into the back of the net.

Teams

Motherwell: Woods, Soloy, Hammell, Deloumeaux, Ready, Strong, Leitch (Martinez 83), Pearson, Lasley, McFadden (Nicholas 90), Elliott.

Subs Not Used: Brown, Forrest, Ramsey.

Booked: McFadden.

Goals: McFadden 51, Hammell 80.

Dundee Utd: Gallacher, Wright, Aljofree, Lauchlan, Hannah, McCunnie, Easton, Carson (Miller 60), Paterson (McIntyre 54), Lilley, Hamilton (Thompson 64).

Subs Not Used: Combe, Wilson.

Booked: Lilley, Miller.

Att: 4,631

Ref: T Brown (Scotland).