Slack Steelmen

Things almost got worse for the Fir Park faithful as soon as the second period got under way, as Jamie Lindsay broke into the area only for goalkeeper Mark Gillespie to make himself big and block the effort away.

He made an even better stop moments later as Declan McManus tried to slide a side-foot effort into the bottom corner, getting down low to his left to tip wide.

Motherwell failed to heed the warning, though, and County deservedly took the lead as McManus whipped a cross into the area and Graham rose highest to nod home.

The same combination saw County double their advantage on the hour, but in highly controversial circumstances. The Motherwell players and fans were screaming for a foul for a clear bodycheck in the middle of the park, but the visitors played on and McManus drove at Charles Dunne on the right before firing low across goal for Graham to slide home.

The County striker almost had a hat-trick as he took advantage of more slack Motherwell defending to pick up a loose ball and hammer off the bar from close range.

There was a belated reaction from Motherwell at least as youngster Jake Hastie headed home at the back post after a good stand-up by Elliott Frear, but it was too little, too late after a dreadful display.

“We’re delighted,” said County co-manager Stuart Kettlewell. “Today proved a point of what we’re about and is a confidence booster for the next part of the season.”