Motherwell continued their excellent start under new manager Alfred Johansson with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Hibernian in their opening Scottish Premiership match, thanks to a late winner from Ibrahim Said.
Fresh from back-to-back Conference League qualifying wins over HB Torshavn, Motherwell carried their momentum into the league and claimed all three points with an impressive late attacking move.
The visitors took the lead just before half-time when Lukas Fadinger calmly converted a penalty after Josh Mulligan fouled Oscar Priestman following a well-worked attacking move.
Hibernian looked much sharper after the restart and deservedly levelled from the penalty spot.
Martin Boyle intercepted a short backpass before being brought down by Priestman, and the Australian forward confidently dispatched the spot-kick into the bottom corner.
The hosts then dominated proceedings and created several clear opportunities.
Alex Paulsen denied Owen Elding with a fine save, while Martin Moormann twice produced crucial goal-line clearances to keep Motherwell level.
Nathan Lowe also squandered a golden chance, firing wide with the goal at his mercy.
Hibs were left to rue those missed opportunities when Motherwell struck five minutes from time.
Debutant Alex Lowry combined neatly with Said before Dylan Williams raced down the left and squared for Said, who calmly finished past Raphael Sallinger to seal the victory.
The result extends Hibernian's disappointing home form, with four consecutive defeats at Easter Road stretching back to last season.
Despite a much-improved second-half display, David Gray's side were punished for their wastefulness in front of goal.
For Motherwell, however, it was another encouraging performance under Johansson.
Solid defending, led by an outstanding display from Moormann, combined with clinical finishing ensured the visitors made a winning start to their Premiership campaign, continuing the positive momentum built during their European qualifying run.
Hibernian head coach David Gray to Sky Sports: "I thought there was only one team that was going to win the game with the chances we created.
"We lose it through naivety. The goal we lose is really poor. Yes, people make mistakes, but don't make two or three. We also need to be more clinical. You need to take your chances when you're on top."
Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson to BBC Scotland: "It was a game of ups and downs for both teams and obviously I'm really pleased to come out with the three points.
"In the first half we showed some good stuff on the ball, but more than tactics we have to praise the spirit of the team because at time we had to ride out storms."
