Jim Hamilton was the Motherwell saviour as they came from behind to earn a share of the spoils in an entertaining match with Dunfermline.

Darren Young gave the Pars an early first half lead and the East End Park outfit managed to hold on until half-time despite being put under unrelenting pressure.

Hamilton equalised shortly after the restart before Scott McDonald saw a superb effort strike the bar.

However, it is a point that Dunfermline well be content with as they move two points clear of Livingston at the basement.

Despite the Fir Park side having the better of the early chances, it was the hosts that broke the deadlock in the 12th minute.

The lively Noel Hunt raced to the goal-line before cutting a pass back to the supporting Darren Young who struck a low shot through a crowd of players beyond Colin Meldrum.

Pars midfielder Simon Donnelly came close to doubling the home outfit's lead four minutes later after being teed up by Hunt but his venomous effort was palmed away by Meldrum before being hauled clear of the box.

It was Terry Butcher's side who began to stamp their authority on the game despite being a goal down and Richie Foran was guilty of missing a great chance in the 29th minute.

The marksman rose high at the back post to meet Kevin McBride's cross but he bulleted a header wide of goal.

Moments later Foran ran at the Pars rearguard before unleashing a long-range shot that was well held by McGregor.

Foran could have been forgiven for thinking it was not going to be his day as the post then denied him an equaliser in the 37th minute.

McDonald squared a neat pass for the striker but, with just the goalkeeper standing between him and the goal, he hit the ball on the bounce against the post.

McGregor again came to Dunfermline's rescue five minutes before the interval as he brilliantly tied Jim Hamilton's powerful header past the post from Steven Hammell's corner.

Following the amount of chances created by Motherwell during the first period it was not surprising that it took them just six minutes after the restart to restore parity.

McDonald's cross was struck back across goal by Kevin McBride and Jim Hamilton raced onto the loose ball to slide it into the empty net.

The flow of the game left supporters from both clubs on the edge of their seats as attacks swung from end to end.

Burchill and McDonald then both went close for their respective sides.

With the home defence resolute, McDonald was forced to shoot from long range but his effort from 18 yards caused McGregor all sorts of problems.

The keeper failed to hold onto the ball but, with Hamilton rushing in to pounce, Yannick Zambernardi intercepted.

Simmons was introduced in what was a last throw of the dice for Jim Leishman and he missed a chance at the death as his attempted lob was too weak.

Teams

Dunfermline McGregor, McCunnie (Thomson 70), Scott Wilson,Shields, Zambernardi, Mason, Darren Young,Donnelly (Andy Campbell 58), Muirhead (Simmons 82), Burchill,Hunt.

Subs Not Used: Halliwell, Iain Campbell, Ross, Craig Wilson.

Goals: Darren Young 11.

Motherwell Meldrum, Corrigan, Craigan, McCormack, Hammell,McLean, Kerr, McBride, Foran, Hamilton,Scott McDonald (McGarry 88).

Subs Not Used: Martin, Fagan, Fitzpatrick, Coakley,

Darren Lee Smith, Reynolds.

Booked: Hammell.

Goals: Hamilton 52.

Att: 4,961

Ref: K Clark (Scotland).