Motherwell's poor type in 2022 worsened at Dundee United as they misplaced 1-0 in Premiership motion.
Ross Tierney and Kaiyne Woolery each hit the woodwork early on because the Steelmen got here near scoring early on their journey to Tayside.
Regardless of creating a number of clear probabilities to internet first, Manchester United loanee Dylan Levitt's deflected effort handed the hosts a half-time benefit.
Their attacking momentum subsided after Levitt's objective however Tierney was shut once more to scoring within the closing phases.
It is now one win in 15 for supervisor Graham Alexander, who's Lanarkshire staff have not gained away from dwelling within the league since a win at Pittodrie in opposition to Aberdeen in early November.
'Nicely are in sixth and 4 factors off Thomas Courts' males in fourth, whereas nonetheless remarkably just one away from fifth-placed Ross County and a European spot.
Joe Efford and Dean Cornelius exited the Motherwell staff that misplaced 3-1 to Rangers final outing, with Woolery and Mark O'Hara introduced in.
For United there have been three modifications after a 3-2 defeat to Hearts. Ilmari Niskanen, Chris Mochrie and Nicky Clark all dropped to the bench whereas Archie Meekison, Marc McNulty and Lewis Neilson got here in.
'Nicely talisman Kevin Van Veen was nonetheless lacking for Alexander and it left attacking midfielder Tierney to fill the void up entrance.
He netted in opposition to Rangers final week and triggered issues for the Tangerines early on. Ross Graham did nicely to chop out his by ball that regarded destined to ship Woolery in on objective after 4 minutes.
A number of moments later and he obtained in behind himself, Liam Smith left helpless earlier than the Republic of Eire youth worldwide cannoned a shot off the submit.
Tony Watt signed for the Tannadice facet from Motherwell in January and was booed nearly each time he touched the ball in entrance of a loud away finish. He nearly performed Smith in for a pop at objective on quarter-hour, hazard ultimately averted.
Woolery was wanting harmful too and he rattled the bar after 19 minutes as Alexander's males got here inches away from opening the scoring once more.
Levitt scored from vary final time the Lanarkshire facet performed at their hosts' dwelling stadium - dropping 2-0 on that event - and he was making an attempt his luck once more after the clock struck 21.
This time it trundled broad but it surely was a warning signal for Motherwell after cracking the woodwork twice. Callum Slattery was subsequent to stride ahead on 27 minutes however his go was reduce out because it regarded like an opportunity was on.
It was all claret and amber by way of probabilities and Lewis Neilson's slack go allowed Woolery a first-time effort at objective, which keeper Benjamin Siegrist did nicely to cease simply earlier than the half-hour mark, as Tierney dragged a shot broad.
A lesson in not taking probabilities was handed to 'Nicely eight minutes earlier than half-time, as after good interchange exterior the field, Levitt struck a shot that deflected into the away internet.
It was the sixteenth time in 18 matches throughout all competitions this had occurred to Alexander's staff in 2022 and once more they have been left needing a comeback.
Woolery and Tierney each had makes an attempt inside two minutes of coming again onto the pitch however Siegrist was alert to take care of each of them.
Juhani Ojala did nicely to disclaim Watt because the striker broke into the field just a few moments later with Dundee United displaying they have been able to including to their lead.
Scott McMann actually ought to have performed within the striker for an additional crack however opted to go it alone with a tame effort which triggered no hassle on 65 minutes.
Subsequent to nothing was occurring in assault for the travelling facet, who had triggered so many points within the half earlier.
Centre-back Bevis Mugabi discovered himself up entrance in a determined roll of the cube by Alexander but it surely was his defensive associate, Ricki Lamie, who had a header go inches previous the submit with eight minutes to spare.
Ross Graham nearly doubled United's lead at minute from the tip, however an enormous match now awaits Motherwell subsequent weekend at Ross County as they give the impression of being to arrest an alarming slide of type.
Dundee United XI: Siegrist, Neilson, Graham, Mulgrew, Smith, Edwards, Meekison, Levitt, McMann (Niskasen, 74), Watt (Sporle, 88), McNulty (Clark, 77).
Subs: Eriksson, Freeman, Mochrie, O'Donnell, Macleod, Cudjoe-Anim.
Booked: Mulgrew, Smith., Sporle.
Motherwell XI: Kelly, Mugabi, Ojala (Efford, 61), Lamie, Carroll, O'Hara, Slattery, Goss, Tierney, Shields, Woolery (Donnelly, 80).
Booked: Mugabi, Goss, Slattery.
Subs: Connelly, Cornelius, Grimshaw, Nirennold, Mahon.
Attendance: 6520
Referee: Kevin Clancy
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