Motherwell 2, Kilmarnock 0: Van Veen seals win as Well close in on seventh

Motherwell took a major step towards securing a seventh placed Premiership finish with a solid 2-0 win over relegation-haunted Kilmarnock at Fir Park.

Blair Spittal sent them on their way to victory after just four minutes, with Kevin van Veen having a 'second' goal disallowed for offside, but the Dutchman got his goal in the last minute.

The win leaves Motherwell in eighth place, two points behind Livingston, following their surprise defeat to basement side Ross County, which is a remarkable turnaround from only a few months ago when they and Dundee United were bottom of the table.

It also leaves Kilmarnock in real trouble, with results going against them today, while they simply didn't pose much of a threat up front.

Blair Spittal sent Motherwell on their way after just four minutes and it was no more than they deserved.

Kevin van Veen had the ball in the back of the net as well, but fell foul of an offside flag in the first half.

Kilmarnock didn't offer much up front, and more or less displayed why they have found themselves in trouble at the bottom end of the table.

The second half was actually an improvement, with Killie forced to come out and attack their hosts, while Motherwell were content to hit on the counter-attack, but still created the better chances.

That took its toll in 90 minutes when van Veen was sent through on goal and he blasted his shot low into the left corner.

Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell made one change from their 1-1 draw at Celtic a fortnight ago, with Mikael Mandron in for Harry Paton, who dropped down to the bench.

Killie gaffer Derek McInnes made two changes from the side that won at St Mirren last time out, as Joe Wright and Scott Robinson came in for Lewis Mayo and Kyle Vassell.

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