Motherwell 2 Inverness CT 1

Lionel Ainsworth's late strike earned 10-man Motherwell their first victory of 2015 as the Scottish Premiership's bottom side upset Inverness 2-1. The substitute drove home from 20 yards with the aid of a slight deflection as Motherwell rediscovered their fighting spirit following a run of eight games in which they collected just one point. Ian Baraclough's side opened the scoring four minutes after the break when Louis Laing headed home, but Caley Thistle hit the frame of the goal twice before Edward Ofere headed a debut goal in the 76th minute. But Motherwell showed the character they will need to get out of relegation danger when defended Ainsworth's winner after Simon Ramsden was sent off. A banner in the East Stand implored Motherwell to 'Get up, stand up, don't give up the fight' - Bob Marley-penned sentiments that were sorely lacking when Motherwell meekly slumped to the foot of the table with a 1-0 home defeat by Dundee seven days earlier. Motherwell had failed to register a meaningful effort on goal that day and took steps to remedy their lack of goal threat on Thursday by re-signing Scott McDonald. He was joined by Stephen Pearson in making his Fir Park return after the January signing recovered from a broken rib, while Josh Law came into the back four for Anthony Straker. The difference was huge and evident from the start as the hosts forced a series of set-pieces in the final third. Motherwell had rediscovered their bite, energy and willingness to attack as they pressed Caley Thistle inside their own half and the home fans responded with vocal encouragement. Marvin Johnson shot just wide from 20 yards after a sharp move and McDonald had a good chance after a long ball but volleyed over after waiting for the ball to fall. Pearson and Simon Ramsden were booked following committed challenges as Inverness recovered from their slow start but the only threat they could pose was from off-target Greg Tansey long-range strikes. The visitors should have taken a half-time lead when Danny Williams ran onto Law's short headed back-pass but George Long foiled the wide player as he tried to round him. Conor Grant had a low free-kick saved just before the interval but his left foot was soon employed to better use as he curled the ball invitingly back into the goalmouth following a half-cleared corner for Laing to thunder a header into the roof of the net from six yards. Motherwell then had a double let-off when Williams floated a 25-yard strike off the top of the bar before Nigerian striker Ofere headed a Nick Ross cross off the inside of the post. Grant had a decent effort saved and Johnson looked threatening on the counter-attack but Inverness hit back with a straightforward goal. Motherwell had plenty of numbers in the box when Graeme Shinnie collected the ball 18 yards out on the left but Ofere outjumped everyone and kept his header underneath the bar. Home fans feared the worst as Caley Thistle pressed but their side responded well and John Sutton and Craig Moore both had chances before their fellow substitute Ainsworth stole the show. The goal again came from the second phase of a Motherwell corner and there appeared little danger when the ball came to the winger on the left, but he had only one thought on his mind and cut inside before drilling a shot through a crowd of bodies and into the far bottom corner. There was more drama as Ramsden was shown a second yellow card for a late tackle on Ryan Christie and Motherwell were briefly down to nine men with Grant off the park with cramp when Laing made a last-gasp challenge to seal the win and Caley Thistle's first defeat of the year.