Motherwell 3-0 Hamilton: David Turnbull double in Lanarkshire Derby

A devastating first-half performance earned Motherwell a comprehensive Lanarkshire derby win against Hamilton Academical at Fir Park.

The result was never in doubt, even at that stage, and Motherwell spurned further chances as they dominated against the disappointing visitors.

It was Motherwell's fourth home league win in a row - the first time they have achieved that feat since March 2014.

It also boosts Stephen Robinson's chances of leading his side into the top six, with the gap on Hibs now down to two points.

Hamilton still remain three points clear of the relegation play-off spot, thanks to Dundee's defeat by Hearts.

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Motherwell race out of the blocks

Hamilton head coach Brian Rice lauded the defensive performance of his team in the 2-0 win at Aberdeen last time out, but they were blown away by Motherwell.

The Fir Park side had ripped apart Livingston within 21 minutes last month. They had dismantled Aberdeen within half an hour in November. And after only 37 minutes they were leading by three and threatening to embarrass their local rivals on Saturday.

Gboly Ariyibi passed across the box to an unmarked Turnbull who slotted home unchallenged. Then Ariyibi drew a foul from Alex Gogic and earned a penalty. He needed little encouragement to go down, but referee Andrew Dallas had no doubts about the award. Turnbull knocked the spot-kick into the net to double Motherwell's lead before their visitors had even had a shot at goal.

Hastie and Ariyibi forced saves from Gary Woods, before the third arrived with some neat football from Robinson's side. Hastie took the ball past Lennard Sowah and crossed for Turnbull, who dummied his shot, moved the ball onto his left foot, then drove in low. A deflection took it into the path of Hastie, who had continued his run into the box, and he smashed home from close range.

It emphasised the confidence that was brimming through Motherwell by this point, and it could have been four had Turnbull kept his header under the bar from Liam Grimshaw's cross before the break.

The closest Hamilton came to a goal was a Tony Andreu's shot from distance that was not too far away. But although Motherwell lacked the same punch as they showed in the first half, they continued to be on top. Better timed runs from Ariyibi and Curtis Main would have seen them clean through and certain to add more to the scoreline.

Aribiyi also blasted over from the six-yard box as Hamilton were cut open again, but three was more than enough for the home side.

Ariyibi pivotal for Motherwell - analysis

BBC Scotland's Jane Lewis at Fir Park

This Motherwell side have pace in abundance and when they use it to full effect, as they did in the first half, it is very impressive. Hamilton just couldn't handle it.

Ariyibi was a joy to watch - pace, trickery and accuracy, too. What an asset he is to this Motherwell side. The American, on loan from Nottingham Forest, was at the centre of pretty much everything.

Motherwell's pace wasn't as effective in the second half. Maybe subconsciously they knew they'd done enough to seal all three points, although they still created chances to add to their tally.

As much as the front and wide men are attracting plaudits, Motherwell were solid in defence, too. Impressive all over the park and now only two points off sixth, with Hibs - who occupy that spot - up next.

'Performance is not acceptable' - reaction

Motherwell manager Steven Robinson: "It was comprehensive in the first half. I thought we played some super football, a lot of our play was excellent.

"The disappointing thing for me is that you take your foot off the gas in the second half, subconsciously, players don't intend to. But we're a young squad and that's a good learning curve for them."

Hamilton manager Brian Rice: "I think we shot ourselves in the foot, we didn't start the game properly. I'm lost for words for the start of the game for us today.

"I warned the players its a local derby, put the ball away, we've got to muck in get to second balls, win our headers, deal with it wide. That's not acceptable."