Last updated on .From the section Scottish Premiership

Tom Aldred scored twice in a crucial Lanarkshire derby as Motherwell ensured Hamilton Academical's winless run was extended to six games.

The hosts, without a victory since 1 December, took the lead with a rare foray forward through Dougie Imrie.

But centre-back Aldred levelled with a fine volley four minutes later, before striking again 13 minutes from time.

The result moves Motherwell 11 points clear of bottom side Dundee and seven of 10th-placed Hamilton.

Stephen Robinson's side had lost just once in their previous five visits to their Lanarkshire rivals, and their latest positive result at the Hope Stadium was deserved.

For Hamilton, there was little to cheer about as the pressure increases on manager Martin Canning.

Motherwell finally find their feet

For all Motherwell's positive record at the home of their rivals, the large travelling support would have come in hope rather than expectation.

On a three-game losing streak, Robinson went into the game with 11 injuries to contend with and without Ryan Bowman, who moves closer to signing for Exeter City.

To avoid being dragged into a relegation battle, a result was needed desperately but those Robinson put his trust in rewarded his faith with a performance that has not been there over the festive period.

With Elliott Frear starting, midfielder Andy Rose making his last appearance before moving to Vancouver and Conor Sammon joining Danny Johnson in attack, there was a dynamism about Motherwell.

Having said that, it was Hamilton who struck first. It was a simple ball over the top caught a high-lying Motherwell defence sleeping and although Imrie's low shot looked to have been saved by Mark Gillespie, the ball snuck in at the far post.

Four minutes later Motherwell were level. The hosts struggled with balls into the box all afternoon and when a deep corner was flicked on by Peter Hartley, Aldred was unmarked to volley high into the net.

Despite losing Richard Tait to injury moments later, the goal sparked the visitors into life and they would go close again through Frear and Sammon either side of the break.

It did look like time would run out for Motherwell as they continued to push, but Aldred would again be the unlikely hero.

A David Turnbull ball into the box was flapped at by Gary Woods, and Aldred was there again to provide another instinctive finish to claim a much-needed three points.

Dougie Imrie's goal gave Hamilton the lead

'Big January ahead for both' - analysis

BBC Scotland's Jane Lewis at Hope Stadium

A massive win for Motherwell, but an equally big loss for Hamilton, and the demeanours of both managers post match were telling. For Canning, it's about picking himself and his players up. Robinson was full of relief.

For both, the winter break will be about trying to bring in fresh faces, but that may be easer said than done.

The Motherwell manager says players will have to leave before he can bring in and Hamilton find themselves in a similar position. Canning wants players who can hit the ground running, but will clubs want to let that type go in January?

'We'll still look over our shoulder' - reaction

Hamilton manager Martin Canning: "To take the lead and not hold it for more than five minutes is crucial. I thought we were comfortable and we've lost it from two set-pieces into the box.

"We have given ourselves a mountain to climb in terms of catching Motherwell. It's really disappointing."

Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson: "I thought the boys showed real composure. We kept believing in what we were doing, we were brave off the ball and composed on it.

"It was an important to win. Until we are actually safe mathematically, then we will be looking over our shoulders."