This season has produced three wins from the four meetings with Hearts and delivered a healthy total of nine points to our tally. Much has been written of the collapse of the Edinburgh team but recognition is also due to the skill and determination of the Motherwell players under two managers in 2009/10.
We started with a win at Fir Park on Halloween while we were on the Jim Gannon honeymoon when a Forbes’ strike won the game. The only loss followed in the last game of 2009 when Craig and Archie were preparing to take charge. 2010 has delivered two wins, the first was a sparkling 3-1 home win in March and, of course, Saturday’s well deserved triumph that finished off Jeffries’ hopes of a Europa League. Good enough to resurrect the ‘Hearts on the mantelpiece’ image!
The recent four game dip was put aside as we took control of this weekend’s game from the off. Coke and Jennings insisted on midfield superiority and with both backs pushing forward we hemmed the opposition into defence for long periods. There was delight that Saunders earned his first goal and the bonus of Sutton’s header at the end of the first half effectively won the game.
Jeffries, while berating his own team, at least had the grace to admit that the margin of the victory flattered his side. "We can't have any complaints. The two goals are set-plays again but I think overall Motherwell were worthy of being a couple of goals up. They were better than us at passing, they were better at holding the ball, they worked harder than us. They didn't make it as easy for us as we made it for them. They had two strikers who were prepared to battle for everything and give our defenders a torrid time”.
In season 2004/5 our record against Hearts amounted to four wins and a draw but we finished sixth in the table. We are sure to better that this time. Well done lads!
More from the Tifo display at Tynie in April 2005 here and here.
Remember the Hearts' bashing season in 2004/2005?
Sat 30 Apr Hearts 0 - 0 Motherwell Scottish Premier
Sat 19 Feb Motherwell 2 - 0 Hearts Scottish Premier
Tue 01 Feb Motherwell 3 - 2 Hearts Scottish League Cup
after extra time, 90 minutes 2-2; played at Easter Road
Sat 20 Nov Hearts 0 - 1 Motherwell Scottish Premier
Sat 28 Aug Motherwell 2 - 0 Hearts Scottish Premier