The only regret in the home stands was that the victory should have been more emphatic. Several fine goal scoring chances were spurned but with the Hearts’ team giving the impression that their minds were already by the seaside a home win was the correct result.
Samson made his debut appearance as Ripley has been unwell early last week and he can be proud of the clean sheet that he and his defenders produced. Ainsworth was given a start in place of the Hearts’ loanee Gomis and along with Johnson and Moult we set out in a positive mindset.
Lionel celebrates his second league goal of the season
It soon became clear that this was to be a day for the claret and amber side. For long spells we passed the ball confidently in the South Stand end with McDonald, Cadden and Lasley commanding the midfield. Hearts were restricted to a few half chances on the break before we opened our account.
A minute after Cadden held his head in his hands following a wasted chance, Ainsworth produced one of his trademark low drives from the edge of the box and Alexander was beaten at his left side.
Law hobbled off and Hall came on to partner the excellent McManus while Kennedy moved to right back. There as another change at the break when Leitch replaced Lasley.
We spurned three golden chances at the Cooper end. Johnson blew his chance when a defensive slip fell in our favour then Moult was robbed by a finger tip save from Alexander that deflected the ball off the post. It seemed certain that the second goal would arrive when McDonald robbed Bauben but with the goal gaping and only the ‘keeper to beat he launched the ball into the stand.
The tiring goal scorer made way for Chalmers as we shut up shop in the final stages. Hearts punted forward but with our defence defiant and Samson safe on the line we were rewarded with three points.
Motherwell 1 Hearts 0
Attendance 5,125
Team: Samson, Hammell, McManus, Kennedy, Law (Hall 39), Lasley (Leitch 45), Ainsworth (Chalmers 80), Cadden, Moult, McDonald, Johnson