Motherwell have made a successful start to the new year. The wins over Hamilton and Ross County were not pretty but the team can be satisfied that the rot has ended. Next is a stiff test at Tynecastle. Can we cause an upset?
It is said that the mark of a good side is the ability to win while playing below their best. By that criteria Motherwell fans should be about to witness a spring revival.
Stevie Hammell's farewell appearance at Fir Park
But in fairness to the team they have had to adapt to a new striking pair and that duo combined well to produce the second half goal that closed out the match. For the first time this season the defence can enjoy consecutive clean sheets, a great save from Carson and a clearing header from Main backing up a solid showing from Kipré, Aldred and Dunne.
Both Tait and Hartley are now free of suspension ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Hearts and Stephen Robinson will have the luxury of selecting his team from an almost complete squad. Ciftci’s fitness level will be boosted with the week’s game time and it was pleasing to see Cadden able to deliver 90 minutes with no apparent problem.
The challenge posed by Hearts will be of a different order. Craig Levein seems to have found the spark needed to reinvigorate his team. They are on an eleven game unbeaten run that includes only two goals conceded. For all that they are currently one place above us in the table. They have played one more fixture and an away win would reduce their lead to three points.
A scrappy goal from Lafferty gave Hearts the game when we played in Gorgie in December. We had a much weakened team yet the home side were content to waste every possible moment and run down the clock for most of the second period.
We may offer stiffer resistance this time but on this occasion the bookies may have it right. A 2-0 loss may be on the cards.