Motherwell 2 Partick Thistle 0

Motherwell won 2-0 against Partick Thistle in the Ladbrokes Premiership to extend the Jags' 20-year wait for a win at Fir Park.

Louis Moult starred in a dominant Motherwell performance, scoring one goal and setting up the other.

The visitors' defence could not cope with the striker's pace and movement throughout while Partick's attack rarely troubled the Well rearguard.

Jags goalkeeper Thorsten Stuckmann will rue his costly error which allowed the hosts to take the lead.

After a tame start to the game, Moult tapped into an open net on 14 minutes following a mix-up in the Partick defence. Goalkeeper Stuckmann flapped at a Scott McDonald cross and dropped the ball, allowing Moult an easy opportunity to open the scoring.

Moments later, Richard Tait should have added Motherwell's second. The full-back connected with a deep cross to lob the keeper with a header, only for the ball to sail inches wide of the post.

The Jags soon had an opportunity to equalise, however Sean Welsh's low drive was blocked following a weaving run from Ade Azeez.

Stuckmann then tried to redeem himself with a double save at his near post denying Moult a second goal.

The goalkeeper had to react smartly moments later to block Moult's shot as the striker homed in on goal once more.

Motherwell players claimed for a penalty as McDonald tumbled in the box, however referee Andrew Dallas was unmoved.

As play continued, Moult teed up strike-partner McDonald on the edge of the box and the Australian neatly swept the ball into the corner of the net on 39 minutes.

Thistle started the second half with renewed intent. Liam Lindsay strode forward from the back and unleashed a low drive which flew narrowly past the post.

As the Jags pressed, they were left vulnerable to the counter-attack and Tait almost finished off a free-flowing Motherwell move.

It was then the turn of Chris Cadden to try his luck with a long range effort which clipped the bar.

Azeez almost pulled a goal back for Thistle as he diverted his header onto the roof of Craig Samson's net.

The forward then wasted another opportunity, swivelling on the penalty spot before shooting high and wide.

Despite the visitors' late efforts, it was a game in which Partick never looked like scoring.