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Dundee emerged with three points from a largely forgettable affair at Fir Park as Motherwell sank to the foot of the Scottish Premiership.

The only goal came from a mis-hit Paul McGinn cross, which sailed over goalkeeper George Long into the net.

Well were a blunt force in attack throughout, creating barely a clear chance worthy of the name.

The Steelmen are now without a win in eight matches, while Dundee's top-six challenge remains in rude health.

The home crowd responded to manager Ian Barraclough's pre-match rallying call to get behind the side, but they were dealt a blow 12 minutes in when Dundee took the lead in bizarre fashion.

McGinn advanced down the right flank and looked to deliver into the box, but his cross was horribly miscued, so much so that it dropped over Long and the goal-line.

If that was fortunate then Paul McGowan was unlucky a few minutes later to see a wonderful 25-yard drive fly just past the top corner.

Motherwell offered very little as an attacking force in the first half, with Craig Moore's wayward effort from the edge of the box one of the few attempts on the Dundee goal.

The Premiership's leading goalscorer Greg Stewart had his first sight of goal after Anthony Straker was dispossessed in a dangerous area, but the forward's shot was comfortably saved by Long.

Stewart tested Long again early in the second period, the keeper getting down to save his volley from 10 yards after a good cross from Jim McAlister.

Motherwell tried to shake things up with the introduction of Dom Thomas and Lionel Ainsworth, but Dundee keeper Scott Bain continued to be a virtual spectator.

McGowan and Alex Harris were lively throughout for the Dark Blues, with the latter working a yard of space in the penalty area only to fire straight at Long.

The home side managed to force a succession of corners but never truly threatened to equalise, and they will need to find more attacking impetus if they are to climb away from the relegation battle.