Kilmarnock took a huge step towards securing a top-six place in the Bank of Scotland Premier League with victory over Motherwell at Rugby Park.

Gary Wales proved the difference between the sides as two clinical finishes settled an even contest.

Motherwell's misery was compounded in the closing stages when striker Abel Thermeus was shown a red card for an off-the-ball incident with Killie defender Frazer Wright.

On-loan PSV Eindhoven defender Lindsay Wilson made his Killie debut, taking the place of the injured David Lilley, with Eric Skora on the bench.

Well boss Terry Butcher kept faith with the team which impressed at Hampden Park before suffering a shattering late defeat in the CIS Cup semi-final against Celtic last week.

In the seventh minute, Richie Foran chipped the ball forward and set Scott McDonald racing through on goal.

But Alan Combe rushed off his line and forced the Australian to stab the ball harmlessly wide.

Foran got the first effort on target three minutes later but his header from Kevin McBride's right-wing cross was comfortably saved.

Foran caused problems at the back post again when he headed Brian Kerr's free-kick across goal before Combe made a superb reflex save to push Brian McLean's close-range header over.

But Combe was forced off injured in the 19th minute with Graeme Smith taking his place.

Kilmarnock almost took the lead moments later when Frazer Wright rose to head a corner on but McBride headed off the line.

Stephen Craigan was the first man booked when he took out Steven Naismith after the youngster skimmed him on the left wing.

But Killie took the lead in the 34th minute when Nish played Wales through and he slipped the ball past Motherwell keeper Smith from 15 yards.

The hosts took the initiative and forced Well back as they looked for a second with the visitors desperately pleading a corner.

But they came back into it and won a free-kick 20 yards out when McDonald was fouled.

Steven Hammell curled it round the wall but it struck the outside of the post.

Nish came close to adding a second in the 50th minute but Smith turned his powerful 25-yard shot round the post.

But the big striker played a massive part in Killie's second goal a minute later.

Wilson launched a high cross towards the six-yard box and Nish's challenge forced Smith to flap with Wales smashing home the loose ball.

The Well keeper claimed a free-kick but referee Stuart Dougal gave the goal.

McDonald missed a great chance in the 62nd minute when he headed over from six yards after a corner was headed on.

Motherwell started to control possession again, but the Killie defence held firm.

And the home side almost made it three after more great work from Wales.

The striker's cross from the right found Naismith at the back post, but the ball would not come down and his volley bounced into the crowd and was cleared.

Motherwell brought on French striker Thermeus for Hamilton with 20 minutes left.

McDonald almost scored from nothing in the 72nd minute when he hooked the ball over his shoulder from 18 yards but saw it hit off the inside of the post and away from goal.

Moments later, McLean had a free header from eight yards after a corner but headed wide.

Gary Locke came on for Wilson while Motherwell brought on Phil O'Donnell and Steven McGarry for McDonald and McBride.

McLean won another header after Hammell's corner but his header from six yards was saved by Smith and then headed clear from the line.

Thermeus' SPL debut ended in the 83rd minute when he was shown a straight red card after an off-the-ball incident with Wright.

Corrigan beat two men before trying to chip Smith from 20 yards but his shot was just low enough for the keeper to hold on to.

Teams

Kilmarnock Combe (Smith 19), Wilson (Locke 74), Hay, Wright,Ford, Fowler, Johnston, Invincibile, Naismith, Nish,Wales (McDonald 85).

Subs Not Used: Skora, Di Giacomo, Campbell, O'Leary.

Goals: Wales 34, 51.

Motherwell Graeme Smith, Corrigan, Hammell, Craigan, McLean,McBride (O'Donnell 78), McCormack, Kerr, Foran,Scott McDonald (McGarry 78), Hamilton (Thermeus 68).

Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Fagan, Darren Lee Smith, Reynolds.

Sent Off: Thermeus (83).

Booked: Craigan.

Att: 5,169

Ref: S Dougal (Scotland).