Two goals from Gary Wales consolidated Kilmarnock's position in the top six of the Scottish Premier League after a hard-fought win over Motherwell.

Killie goalkeeper Alan Combe saved superbly from Brian McLean before being forced off injured.

But Killie took the lead when Colin Nish put Wales clear to finish and the ex-Hearts striker volleyed home the second after the break.

New Well signing Abel Thermeus was sent off late on for violent conduct.

And it left Well without a win in 2006 and in their last six games against their hosts.

Kilmarnock had brought in on-loan PSV Eindhoven defender Lindsay Wilson for his debut in place of the injured David Lilley.

And he was tested early, unchanged Well starting briskly as they looking to put their CIS Cup semi-final defeat behind them.

Richie Foran played in Scott McDonald, but Combe rushed off his line to force the striker to stab the ball wide.

Foran headed straight at Combe then set up Brian McLean for a close-range header that was thwarted by a superb save from the goalkeeper.

Combe was forced off with an injury, with Graeme Smith taking over.

Kevin McBride cleared a Frazer Wright header off the Motherwell line, but when Killie took the lead it was somewhat against the run of play.

Colin Nish played Gary Wales through and the striker slipped the ball past Motherwell goalkeeper Graeme Smith from 15 yards.

Steven Hammell curled a free kick against the outside of the post as the visitors tried to recover.

Nish came close to adding a second, but Smith turned his powerful 25-yard shot round the post.

The big striker's challenge on Smith after a Wilson cross led to the second goal.

Gary Wales (left) then smashed home the loose ball with the goalkeeper claiming in vain for a foul, after 51 min's.

McDonald headiing over from six yards then hooked an 18-yard shot against the inside of the post as the visitors began to take control.

McLean won another header from a Hammell corner, but his header from six yards was saved by Smith and then headed clear from the line.

Thermeus' SPL debut ended in the 83rd minute, when he was shown a straight red card after an off-the-ball incident with Wright.

And the dismissal effectively ended Motherwell's hopes of a revival.

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