Motherwell's poor form in 2022 worsened at Dundee United as they lost 1-0 in Premiership action.
Ross Tierney and Kaiyne Woolery both hit the woodwork early on as the Steelmen came close to scoring early on their trip to Tayside.
Despite creating several clear chances to net first, Manchester United loanee Dylan Levitt's deflected effort handed the hosts a half-time advantage.
Their attacking momentum subsided after Levitt's goal but Tierney was close again to scoring in the closing stages.
It's now one win in 15 for manager Graham Alexander, who's Lanarkshire team haven't won away from home in the league since a win at Pittodrie against Aberdeen in early November.
'Well are in sixth and four points off Thomas Courts' men in fourth, while still remarkably only one away from fifth-placed Ross County and a European spot.
Joe Efford and Dean Cornelius exited the Motherwell team that lost 3-1 to Rangers last time out, with Woolery and Mark O'Hara brought in.
For United there were three changes after a 3-2 defeat to Hearts. Ilmari Niskanen, Chris Mochrie and Nicky Clark all dropped to the bench while Archie Meekison, Marc McNulty and Lewis Neilson came in.
'Well talisman Kevin Van Veen was still missing for Alexander and it left attacking midfielder Tierney to fill the void up front.
He netted against Rangers last week and caused problems for the Tangerines early on. Ross Graham did well to cut out his through ball that looked destined to send Woolery in on goal after four minutes.
A few moments later and he got in behind himself, Liam Smith left helpless before the Republic of Ireland youth international cannoned a shot off the post.
Tony Watt signed for the Tannadice side from Motherwell in January and was booed almost every time he touched the ball in front of a loud away end. He almost played Smith in for a pop at goal on 15 minutes, danger eventually averted.
Woolery was looking dangerous too and he rattled the bar after 19 minutes as Alexander's men came inches away from opening the scoring again.
Levitt scored from range last time the Lanarkshire side played at their hosts' home stadium - losing 2-0 on that occasion - and he was trying his luck again after the clock struck 21.
This time it trundled wide but it was a warning sign for Motherwell after cracking the woodwork twice. Callum Slattery was next to stride forward on 27 minutes but his pass was cut out as it looked like a chance was on.
It was all claret and amber in terms of chances and Lewis Neilson's slack pass allowed Woolery a first-time effort at goal, which keeper Benjamin Siegrist did well to stop just before the half-hour mark, as Tierney dragged a shot wide.
A lesson in not taking chances was handed to 'Well eight minutes before half-time, as after good interchange outside the box, Levitt struck a shot that deflected into the away net.
It was the 16th time in 18 matches across all competitions this had happened to Alexander's team in 2022 and again they were left needing a comeback.
Woolery and Tierney both had attempts within two minutes of coming back onto the pitch but Siegrist was alert to deal with both of them.
Juhani Ojala did well to deny Watt as the striker broke into the box a few moments later with Dundee United showing they were capable of adding to their lead.
Scott McMann really should have played in the striker for another crack but opted to go it alone with a tame effort which caused no trouble on 65 minutes.
Next to nothing was happening in attack for the travelling side, who had caused so many issues in the half previous.
Centre-back Bevis Mugabi found himself up front in a desperate roll of the dice by Alexander but it was his defensive partner, Ricki Lamie, who had a header go inches past the post with eight minutes to spare.
Graham almost doubled United's lead at minute from the end, but a huge match now awaits Motherwell next weekend at Ross County as they look to arrest an alarming slide of form.
Dundee United XI: Siegrist, Neilson, Graham, Mulgrew, Smith, Edwards, Meekison, Levitt, McMann (Niskasen, 74), Watt (Sporle, 88), McNulty (Clark, 77).
Subs: Eriksson, Freeman, Mochrie, O'Donnell, Macleod, Cudjoe-Anim.
Booked: Mulgrew, Smith., Sporle.
Motherwell XI: Kelly, Mugabi, Ojala (Efford, 61), Lamie, Carroll, O'Hara, Slattery, Goss, Tierney, Shields, Woolery (Donnelly, 80).
Booked: Mugabi, Goss, Slattery.
Subs: Connelly, Cornelius, Grimshaw, Nirennold, Mahon.
Attendance: 6520
Referee: Kevin Clancy
Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.
