Trinidad striker Jason Scotland came off the bench to win Dundee United a valuable three points against Motherwell and extend their impressive home record.

The win also lifts the Tannadice men above Motherwell and into fifth place in the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

Scotland, on the mark in the midweek win over Livingston, replaced Andy McLaren in the 64th minute - and had an immediate impact by notching his second goal of the season after a bad blunder by Gordon Marshall.

The home side started the brighter, and created the first chance of the game four minutes in.

McLaren and Charlie Miller combined to produce a nice one-two on the edge of the area, slicing the Well defence wide open. Miller then got a sight of goal, 18-yards out, but Marshall pulled off a fine stop.

Jim McIntyre thought he had opened the scoring with a header after 12th minute, but his effort spun inches wide.

Veteran Well goalkeeper Marshall had to be alert on the half-hour mark to push away Barry Robson's dipping 25-yard free-kick.

The Steelmen had been under the cosh for much of the first-half, but ended the opening period the stronger side and had two glorious opportunities to go in ahead.

First Australian striker Scott McDonald turned Chris Innes inside the box and flashed a shot inches wide, with Paul Gallacher scrambling across his goal.

Then, in the final moments, Alex Burns peeled off the home defence and, having beaten the offside trap, sent a low pass through the six-yard box for David Clarkson.

Unfortunately for the visitors, the youngster could just not stretch far enough and get a toe on the ball.

Miller was to become the first player booked, in the 60th minute, after two rash tackles on Keith Lasley in the space of three minutes.

On the first occasion referee Stuart Dougal only saw fit to have a word in his ear, but when he committed an almost identical offence minutes later, the official had no option but to flash his yellow card.

It was to get another airing minutes later as McLaren once again demonstrated the weakness to his game by berating the far side assistant referee until he asked Dougal to take action.

Ian McCall was already planning to substitute the volatile winger, but his actions no doubt speeded the process up and he was replaced by Scotland. Billy Dodds also came on at the same time, for Miller.

Scotland was to have an immediate impact and added his second goal in as many games within two minutes of arriving on the field.

He intelligently followed in on Robson's shot and was well placed to fire into the net when Marshall made a hash of his save.

The Trinidadian has for so long been a bit-part player this season, but certainly proved his worth with a composed finish as the ex-Celtic goalkeeper floundered around on the floor trying to rectify his mistake.

Dundee United handed Craig Easton, who is out-of-contract in the summer, the opportunity to shine in the last 10 minutes. Easton, the club's longest serving player at only, was introduced for Robson.

Motherwell tried gamely to get back into the match and threw on Steven Craig for the tiring Clarkson.

But Scotland's strike was eventually enough to win the points for Dundee United and move them a place up the SPL table.

Teams

Dundee Utd Gallacher, Wilson, McCracken, Innes, Archibald, Kerr, McInnes, Miller (Dodds 62), Robson (Easton 77), McIntyre, McLaren (Scotland 62).

Subs Not Used: Jarvie, Samuel.

Booked: Miller, McLaren.

Goals: Scotland 66.

Motherwell Marshall, Corrigan, Craigan, Quinn, Dair, Lasley, Fagan, Hammell, Burns, Scott McDonald, Clarkson (Craig 74).

Subs Not Used: Corr, O'Donnell, Kevin McDonald, Kinniburgh.

Booked: Corrigan, Lasley.

Att: 7,585

Ref: S Dougal (Scotland).