St Mirren 0 - 1 Motherwell: Tom Hateley applauds team ethic for latest clean sheet

Tom Hateley captured the headlines with the injury-time free-kick that handed Motherwell a 1-0 victory over St Mirren but the right-back was eager to stress the team ethic that has kept the Lanarkshire side at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League all season.

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall admitted his side were not at their best going forward at St Mirren Park but they still created by far the better chances.

St Mirren goalkeeper Craig Samson produced six saves worthy of mention while opposite number Darren Randolph only had one comfortable stop to make from Paul McGowan's long drive.

Samson parried Jamie Murphy's effort in the 15th minute after Saints had edged a tight opening spell before pushing wide from Nicky Law when the midfielder was clean through after Jim Goodwin had been caught in possession. Samson soon pulled off a stunning stop from Michael Higdon and made more decent saves from the former St Mirren striker plus Murphy and Ross Forbes after the break.

St Mirren had their fair share of possession and spells of superiority, notably at either end of the second half, but they found Motherwell's back four in top form. Hateley and left-back Stevie Hammell have both started the season well while Stephen Craigan and Shaun Hutchinson were immense in central defence. Motherwell have yet to concede a goal in four SPL games and Hateley believes their work ethic has been the key.

"We said before the game if we keep clean sheet we will more than likely win because we have goals in the team," said Hateley, who curled round the wall and into Samson's far corner from 20 yards for the match-winning strike. "Their keeper made some great saves, as did Darren to be fair. It was a good game."

Hateley believes the experience of Hammell and Craigan is vital.

"Crags never stops talking, which is perfect," the 21-year-old said. "The gaffer has a good blend of youth and experience in the team."

St Mirren felt aggrieved at the free-kick award that led to Hateley's winner - Gary Teale won the ball before bringing down Law, but referee Iain Brines had previously punished the likes of Hutchinson and Forbes for what appeared to be fair tackles.

Manager Danny Lennon admitted the blow rounded off a difficult week, which saw him lose Darren McGregor to a cruciate ligament injury before Nigel Hasselbaink lost his appeal against the red card he received against Dundee United.

Lennon then saw midfielder Steven Thomson struck down by tonsilitis and his team's unbeaten start to the season felled with virtually the last kick of the game. "I believe with the character we have we'll bounce back. We've just asked them that question - to come in bright and keep everything going - because if we keep believing in the manner and way we're playing we'll certainly pick up more points."