It was almost a win or bust affair. A draw would have been of little advantage with only a couple of games remaining and so we set out looking for the three points. Our team is more inclined to attack rather than defend and the reward came after half an hour.
Let the celebration begin
Lasley's midfield challenge won the ball and within half a dozen passes Murphy had possession on the left wing. He cut inside and let loose a speculative effort from the corner of the box. A helpful spill by the 'keeper delivered the ball to Higdon and he calmly stroked the ball with his left foot to the corner of the net.
The big man had a magnificent game - at times he was clearing with defensive headers but his ability to act as a target when no simple pass was available was crucial in relieving the pressure that Hearts applied as they piled forward in search of an equaliser.
The TV shack happened to be in the same corner of the ground as the happy Motherwell support and as Higdon made his way to the post match interview his celebrations with the support sealed a brilliant Edinburgh evening.
We are now in the happy position that Dundee United have to beat Rangers, Celtic and the Mighty 'Well if they are to overtake us - and we can foil that unlikely scenario by winning at Ibrox on Saturday. Surely an investment in a few bottles of bubbly is not tempting fate?