Motherwell and Hearts will meet at Fir Park on Sunday with a semi-final spot in the Scottish Cup as the prize. A huge effort from 'Well staff and volunteers has produced a snow free zone and an exciting contest is expected.
The week's blizzards forced the postponement of Motherwell's Wednesday fixture with Aberdeen but Hearts v Kilmarnock survived on Tuesday. Fears for the cup tie eased on Friday and with little snow expected over the weekend we can concentrate on the football.
Motherwell won the last cup meeting with Hearts. A draw in Edinburgh was followed by a Ross McCormack penalty win in the replay ten years ago. There has been little between the teams this season. With two home wins and a draw at Tynecastle, three points apiece has helped secure mid-table positions.
Kyle Lafferty failed to convert an injury time penalty on Tuesday, a miss that his manager described as sloppy. Steven Naismith started in that game and headed the equalising goal. He’ll be one to watch.
The visitors have sold their allocation and the South Stand will be full for this televised tie.
Stephen Robinson spoke on Friday, "It's got the makings of a great game" and he suggested that the interruption to normal preparations would not affect his team. "There will be no lack of fitness or organisation ".
Phil remembered as we knocked Hearts out the cup in 2008
The home squad suffered no damage in the win at Dens Park and, apart from the few long term injuries, the manager will have no problem selecting his starting eleven. Curtis Main has already proven his worth to the team in the five games since the winter break but the jury is still withholding judgement on Nadir Ciftci. Perhaps he is waiting for a big stage before demonstrating his talent - no better time than Sunday!
Motherwell have played at Hampden three times already this season. There is every reason to hope that the prospect of a fourth will drive us to the semi-final. A 2-0 win will deliver.