Motherwell 2 Celtic 1James McFadden celebrated his first Motherwell start for 10 years by helping Stuart McCall's men to victory over Premier League leaders Celtic.

Michael Higdon volleyed the winner in the 73rd minute as Motherwell beat Celtic for the first time in exactly two years.

Chris Humphrey had opened the scoring prior to the break, before Georgios Samaras headed an equaliser for the visitors. It was Nicky Law who proved the key player as the midfielder’s forward runs and composure set up both goals.

Visiting boss Neil Lennon made five changes ahead of Celtic’s cup ties against St Mirren and Juventus with Adam Matthews, Tomas Rogic, Victor Wanyama, Kris Commons and Samaras all coming in.

Motherwell lead

Motherwell took the lead in the 31st minute. The goal originated from Darren Randolph’s goal-kick with McFadden heading the ball on for Henrik Ojamaa who laid it off to Keith Lasley who threaded the ball to Law. The midfielder’s effort beat Fraser Forster but would have gone wide had Humphrey not run in and finished off at the back post. Motherwell were almost caught out after their own corner when Anthony Stokes played Kris Commons through but Randolph pushed him wide and Law came back to clear.

Celtic soon silenced the home support with a goal in the 63rd minute. James Forrestcrossed and Samaras seemed to catch out Randolph as he raced in to head inside the near post.

Wanyama was booked for hauling down McFadden, who was replaced by Stuart Carswell in the 71st minute while Gary Hooper replaced Stokes, and Motherwell were back in front two minutes later. Efe Ambrose and Matthews got in each other’s way at a high ball and Law broke down the left again following Ojamaa’s pass.

Law turned Ambrose and stood up a left-footed cross to the back post where Higdon arrived to cushion a volley into the roof of the net.