Late Sutton goal wins it for Motherwell against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.

Mar 11 2010 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

A LATE John Sutton strike gave Motherwell a good win over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on Saturday.

Sutton now wants Motherwell to push for a Europa League slot saying: “Third or fourth place is realistic for us but to begin with we want to make sure we are in the top six.”

Motherwell took the lead in 12 minutes. Stevie Hammell released Jamie Murphy down the left and keeper Graeme Smith inexplicably came flying out of his box, leaving the young striker almost an open goal. His first effort was blocked, but the rebound fell for Murphy to score.

St Johnstone levelled in 26 minutes. A neat backheel by Murray Davidson caused panic and Steven Milne swept home.

The second half was more cautious but Michael Duberry cleared a Murphy effort off the line before Kenny Deuchar headed over for Saints.

With four minutes remaining Hammell played the ball into the box and sub Lukas Jutkiewicz’s shot was parried into the path of Sutton, who gleefully steered it into the net.

MOTHERWELL: Ruddy, Hammell, Reynolds, Craigan, Humphrey, Jennings, Sutton, Lasley (Forbes, 69), Murphy (Jutkiewicz, 81), O’Brien (Coke, 69), Hateley. Subs (not used): Fraser, McGlinchey, McHugh, Saunders.