Ross Forbes scored the winner but John Ruddy was the real hero as Motherwell maintained their unbeaten start to the Clydesdale Bank Premier League season with a 1-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice.

Forbes netted his sixth goal of the campaign from the spot after Jim O'Brien had mesmerised Sean Dillon into bringing him down in the box with 24 minutes remaining.

On-loan Everton goalkeeper Ruddy then pulled off a simply unbelievable triple-save to deny Darren Dods, Danny Cadamarteri and Andy Webster, all from point-blank range, as United blew the chance to go level with Rangers at the summit.

Defences were well on top early on and a goal only looked like coming on the break, with Cadamarteri's right-wing cross just too high for the unmarked Craig Conway after a swift United counter.

But 24 minutes in, the home side almost scored a comical own goal when a mix-up between Dillon and goalkeeper Nicky Weaver almost saw the defender's header back end up in the net.

Weaver was finally called into meaningful action, matching Lukas Jutkiewicz's stunning 20-yard half-volley with a save high to his left.

Both teams' final passes continued to let them down and United shot themselves in the foot in the 66th minute when Dillon tripped O'Brien in the area.

O'Brien missed a late penalty to beat Rangers last week, but this time regular taker Forbes stepped up and beat Weaver low to his left.

Dods, Webster and Cadamarteri all looked certain to level with 20 minutes remaining, but Ruddy had other ideas.

Ruddy fittingly had the final say, palming over Prince Buaben's 30-yard strike which was heading for the top corner.