Two early goals from Billy Dodds gave Aberdeen a comfortable win after the striker cashed in on a nightmare spell.

Motherwell defender Steve McMillan incredibly armed out an Eion Jess cross and Dodds rifled home the spot-kick.

Then, in 22 minutes, Dodds added a second when he turned on a Mike Newell pass to side-step keeper Scott Thompson to hammer in the second.

Motherwell pulled one back through Ian Ross midway through the second-half but they could not get the equaliser.

The Dons were presented with a golden chance a few minutes after taking the lead through the spot-kick but Newell had an incredible miss in front of goal as he turned a Jess cross over from 10-yards.

The second goal from Dodds killed the game.

Motherwell tried hard to get level but a Tommy Coyne chip was punched out by Jim Leighton. Then, Derek Whyte turned a Ross low drive round the post and Lee McCulloch sent an Owen Coyle pass goalwards to produce a first-class save from the Scotland keeper.

Ross' goal came in 67 minutes after good work from Coyne and Coyle and the young midfielder finished it off in style.

Leighton produced a superb close-in save to deny Coyne and in the closing seconds Coyle lobbed the ball over from the edge of the box.

Three players were booked - McMillan for handling the ball that cost his side a first minute goal and Aberdeen youngsters Russell Anderson and Darren Young.

Teams

Motherwell: Thompson, May (Craigan 65), McMillan, Denham, Martin (Philliben 70), Ross, Valakari, Shivute, Coyne, Davies (McCulloch 63), Coyle. Booked: McMillan.

Goals: Ross 67.

Aberdeen: Leighton, Anderson, Whyte, Buchan, Inglis, Smith, Young (O'Neil 83), Jess, Newell, Dodds, Gillies (Rowson 67).

Subs Not Used: Wyness.

Booked: Anderson, Young.

Goals: Dodds 2 pen, 22.

Att: 5,861

Ref: J Fleming (Glasgow).