The Swiss admitted afterwards he had struggled with his return and lacked rhythm but despite facing a number of break points his back-hand and deft touch at the net remained his most potent weapons as he edged a nervy third set.
And Motherwell moved further ahead when Sutton and Marius Zaliukas rose to challenge for Tom Hateley's lofted free-kick and the striker claimed the last touch as the ball found its way into the net.