Louis Moult praised by Motherwell Boss

Motherwell manager Ian Baraclough praised Louis Moult for his perseverance after the in-form striker snatched his side a late point against Ross County.

Moult made it four goals from four games when he converted Marvin Johnson's low cross in injury-time to earn a 1-1 draw from a scrappy Ladbrokes Premiership encounter at Fir Park.

The Englishman had missed a decent chance in the fourth minute which proved to be the best they had in the 90 minutes, which County shaded mainly because they were stronger and more purposeful.

But few players worked harder than Moult and the summer signing from Wrexham got his reward.

Baraclough said: 'I wouldn't have brought him to the club if I didn't think he could go and make the step-up. He's on a hot streak at the moment. He works so tirelessly for the team as well and the team knows that. I was pleased he was right in the middle of the goal on the spot for the ball that did come in from Marvin because his work-rate and endeavour deserved that.'

'He will probably be disappointed he didn't have one or two more strikes on goal because there were times when we worked a set-piece and he took an extra touch.'

'But I said to him that he has enough quality to manufacture a finish from anything, go and back yourself, and he is doing that. He is enjoying his football at the moment.''

Motherwell struggled to get going until the final quarter and still struggled for a final ball until Keith lasley released Johnson.

Baraclough said: 'We kept knocking on the door and kept asking questions. It wasn't the prettiest of games. It was two teams giving absolutely everything and the battle in the centre of midfield was always going to be a spicy one.'

'They got their break with the set-piece but with the character in the dressing room we didn't give up. I felt we deserved something from it.'

County had opened the scoring in the 33rd minute when Michael Gardyne turned the ball home from six yards after Motherwell failed to deal with Jamie Reckord's long free-kick into the box.

And manager Jim McIntyre thought they were well on course for a fourth consecutive win.

'It was two points chucked away,' McIntyre said. 'The first half was scrappy but I thought we were dominant in the second half. But we switched off at the crucial time and that's what you get when you don't put your chances away.'

'I didn't see Motherwell scoring, I thought we looked strong but we switched off and got punished. But I'm delighted with what we are getting from the players and I feel there is more to come.'