Motherwell assistant boss Stevie Frail hailed the character of his side’s players after they jumped to fourth in the Premiership with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Dundee United.
Apostolos Stamatelopoulos netted a brace, while Andy Halliday and Tom Sparrow were also on target for the hosts.
Sam Dalby’s double and a late Louis Moult header gave Dundee United hope but they ultimately fell short.
Well boss Stuart Kettlewell had to settle for watching the game from the stands, having accumulated five bookings over the course of the season so far.
Frail admits he is looking forward to the return of the gaffer for Motherwell’s next game against Kilmarnock on Friday evening, but was keen to savour a second successive win, which saw the Steelmen leapfrog their rivals in the table.
“It was a bit of a sweat (when it went 4-3) because Dundee United are a good team and put you under a lot of pressure,” Frail said.
“I’m sure it was an exciting game for the neutral, we’re just glad we came out on top.
“I think the players showed tremendous character, to go up 1-0 so early and then lose a goal so quickly – they recovered from that and I think it’s three well deserved points.”
The enthralling victory also allowed the Steelmen to go into their Christmas night out on in a merry mood.
Frail added: “They’ve earned it. Last year, we were 11 points worse off and probably sitting ninth or 10th on the table.
“To be sitting where we are, fourth, they’ll go and enjoy their day but it’s back to work on Monday to make sure that we keep this run going.”
The former Hearts boss also singled out Stamatelopoulos for praise following an impressive showing from the Australia international.
As well as bagging a brace, he also teed up Sparrow for Well’s fourth goal.
Frail said: “He goes and gets the two goals which is fantastic for him – I did fancy him to score today.
“He’ll take immense confidence from his performance.
“I think you’ve seen today, with his work rate and effort, the way he manipulates his body to put defenders under pressure.”
United boss Jim Goodwin said his players were convinced that Motherwell’s fourth goal should have been ruled out following a handball by Stamatelopoulos in the build-up.
He said: “The boys are adamant there’s a handball prior to the fourth goal going in.
“I’ve not had a good enough angle to see it back, but we’ll see what comes of that.”