Motherwell 0 Dundee 0

Motherwell and Dundee lacked attacking inspiration in a goalless Premiership contest at Fir Park.

The hosts dominated the first half without getting a shot on target and neither side carved out a real clear-cut chance during a more even second period.

Both sides have failed to win since the opening day of the season and neither did enough in the opposition box to justify victory.

Motherwell were again without injured summer signing Jacob Blyth but at least have last season's top goalscorer Louis Moult back after the international break, while Dundee are still to rediscover their attacking verve following the departure of Greg Stewart and Kane Hemmings.

Motherwell got on top from the start though and came close from Joe Chalmers, who hooked over from close range after keeping his place at left-back ahead of the fit-again Steven Hammell following an impressive display in last weekend's narrow defeat at Ibrox.

The hosts were producing some neat play in front of a Dundee back four which included debutant Kevin Gomis. Recent signing Craig Clay was looking smart on the ball and had a couple of efforts blocked.

But Motherwell could not capitalise on their possession or a number of corners and the closest they came in the opening half was when Scott McDonald beat a man 25 yards out and fired just over.

Despite being outplayed in the first period, Dundee came closest on a rare attack in the 20th minute when lone central striker Faissal El Bakhtaoui latched on to a long ball down the right channel and fired a shot that Craig Samson could not hold. Motherwell were grateful to Ben Heneghan for sliding in to block the follow-up.

Motherwell finally tested Scott Bain 10 minutes into the second half when McDonald shot from long range. The visiting goalkeeper elected to punch clear but the stop was comfortable enough.

Dundee had improved instantly after the restart though and were trying their luck from distance, Michael Duffy and Paul McGowan coming closest.

Dees boss Paul Hartley brought on striker Rory Loy for Danny Williams as they sensed the points were there for the taking and Samson made two saves from El Bakhtaoui after decent skill inside the box.

Bain dived to save McDonald's curling effort in between and got down to hold Marvin Johnson's stabbed effort after a one-two with Clay. But Motherwell were generally struggling to support the Australian striker and manager Mark McGhee brought on his assistant, James McFadden, for his first appearance of the season with 10 minutes left.

Well looked the likelier team to snatch a late victory but again failed to trouble Bain following some promising moves.