Stuart McCall could not hide his delight after seeing his side move six points clear in third place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League table.
Henrik Ojamaa struck twice as Motherwell defeated St Johnstone 3-2 at Fir Park, opening the scoring midway through the first half before Jody Morris levelled on the stroke of half-time.
The Estonian restored the hosts' lead on 65 minutes and Keith Lasley doubled their advantage 10 minutes later with a fantastic drive from 25-yards, before Francisco Sandaza netted from the penalty spot with 10 minutes remaining.
However, Motherwell held out for an important three points and McCall said: "We played well and scored three really good goals.
"I felt we were the better team in the first half but the second was much closer. Overall I felt we edged a very close-fought encounter.
"That was a big three points today, I was a bit fearful with the suspensions of Michael (Higdon) and Stephen (Craigan) that we were left with only two players over six feet tall - but the players stuck to their task manfully.
"I am really pleased for the supporters as we have been poor at home and up until today were the lowest scorers at home.
"I am also delighted for the lads in the dressing room, they will enjoy themselves tonight and then turn their focus to the cup tie with Morton next Saturday."
McCall hopes to tie down Ojamaa on a long-term contract after the striker hit the net for the third time in two matches following talks between the club's chief executive and the player's agent earlier this week.
The manager continued: "He's hit a purple patch just now and scored two great goals, he will take the plaudits and rightly so.
"Leanne Dempster spoke to his agent during the week and hopefully we can get him tied up on a longer deal."
Steve Lomas was understandably disappointed after watching his team fall to what he felt was an ill-deserved defeat.
Saints were the better side for long spells at Fir Park but failed to take advantage of their superiority.
"We made a change after 30 minutes as Motherwell were controlling the game," said Lomas.
"I thought we totally dominated the game after that, unfortunately Motherwell got their goal and then scored again shortly after.
"I have to give full credit to the players for coming to a good team like Motherwell and dominating the game.
"Sometimes you say that you want a performance and the result will take care of itself but I think today we can consider ourselves very unlucky not to have taken something from the game."
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