Next chance and Dundee nearly took the lead when a curling shot from Paul McMullen came off the bar and bounced down on the line and the well defence managed to clear.
Just before the 30 minute mark Dundee suffered a blow when Charlie Adam had to be replaced by Paul McGowan. The midfielder seemed to be limping.
Motherwell came into the game and it took a good block from Cammy Kerr to deny Watt, but a minute later the same player glanced a header towards the goal and it went in close to the post.
A poor goal to lose and after having so much of the ball it was hard to take.
Second half and Dundee had a few chance but Liam Fontaine and Jason Cumming failed to really test the Motherwell keeper.
After 60 minutes Dundee sent on Cillian Sheridan in the place of Shaun Byrne. It looked a bold move, but the holding midfielder was hardly missed against a home side that was sitting so deep.
A lovely quick turn and pass by Max Anderson allowed Jason Cummings to spin past his marker and shoot from the edge of the penalty area, but Sean Kelly saved.
With 10 minutes to go Motherwell were reduced to 10 men when Carrol was sent off for a poor tackle on Max Anderson. Dundee pushed forward but failed to get the vital goal to earn a point.
Time ran out and although they were the better team over the 90 minutes, they did not do enough to merit a win.
Dundee: Legzdins, Kerr, Ashcroft, Fontaine, McGhee, Anderson, Byrne (Sheridan 60), Adam (c) (McGowan 28), McMullan, Cummings, McCowan (McDaid 78) Unused Subs: Lawlor (gk), Sweeney, Robertson, Panter.
Att: 4,998
Referee: Willie Collum
