Motherwell 1 St Johnstone 2: Stoppage time drama sees Saints snatch win

Steven Hammell hopes of landing the Motherwell job on a permanent basis took a potential dent as St Johnstone took all three points after a dramatic end to his first home game in interim charge.

The 40-year-old revealed yesterday he had a "positive meeting" with chief executive Alan Burrows and chairman Jim McMahon, as they consider who will succeed Graham Alexander in the Fir Park hotseat.

But Hammell and assistant Brian Kerr tasted a devastating stoppage time defeat, just as they looked to have earned a late point.

Jamie Murphy's first-half strike for Saints put them in front and 'Well looked to have earned a deserved point when Stephen O'Donnell nodded the ball home in the first minute of stoppage time.

But Stevie May pounced in the fourth minute of added-on time to break Motherwell hearts.

Connor Shields had hit the post for the Steelmen in the first half but Saints overcame a second-half barrage to get their Premiership season up and running.

Hammell made two changes from the 1-0 win at St Mirren last week, as injured Jake Carroll - who was seen on crutches before the game - and the suspended Ricki Lamie were replaced by Stephen O’Donnell and Bevis Mugabi.

Saints also had an enforced change through suspension. Cammy MacPherson came in for Murray Davidson after his red card in the 1-0 defeat at home to Hibernian, which was the only change for the visitors.

The Steelmen had an early oppportunity when Sean Goss was felled on the edge of the box by Ryan McGowan inside the second minute, but Kevin van Veen curled the resulting free-kick over the crossbar.

Down the other end, Melker Hallberg floated a corner to the edge of the box for Graham Carey to hit on the volley. The midfielder connected with it sweetly but,