Jens Berthel Askou admitted Motherwell had been fired up by the prospect of revenge after defeating St Mirren 2-0 at Fir Park.
Goals from Tawanda Maswanhise and Elliot Watt saw Well ease to a comfortable victory as they atoned for their Premier Sports Cup semi-final defeat to Saints.
Unlike that day, Well dominated here to leave their manager feeling very satisfied come the end.
He said: “This was one of our biggest games because there was a special feeling leading up to it that we really wanted to get back at them after how they hurt us last time.
“But we also knew that it would take a massive performance. The way we were able to deal with (St Mirren’s early set-plays), plus produce the quality in possession on the ball to create chances and opportunities that hurt them all the way through the game, I think that was absolutely magnificent. It was a top, top, focused, concentrated, disciplined performance.
“We knew that if they scored in the 90th minute, chaos could happen, so I didn’t feel totally comfortable until the 92nd, 93rd minute. But it was a fantastic performance.”
Maswanhise started the match despite only returning this week from representing Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup of Nations and Askou felt the striker had made a solid impact on his return.
He added: “Obviously we’ve missed him the last couple of games. We were able to win against Celtic without him and against Dundee.
“But had we had him as an extra threat in behind when the game opened up against Rangers maybe he could have made the difference there. Today he did it again and it was no coincidence that he was able to score a goal like that. It’s something we’ve been working on.”
St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson admitted his team has been dragged into a relegation battle after succumbing to a second defeat in a week.
He said: “Collectively as a group, we were poor. I don’t think Motherwell had to work too hard to win the game.
“They put on some very, very good performances, Motherwell, but they didn’t have to do that today. They put the ball over the top of us. They landed on second balls.
“They were clinical when they had their opportunities. When we had to defend, we didn’t. We’re trying to play offside in our own half instead of going with runners.
“I’ve said we are in a relegation battle, I’ve said that for weeks. We have to have people stand up and be counted now. Any criticism that comes our way after today, we deserve.”
