There was a huge improvement in Motherwell’s performance. The return of the mature trio of McManus, Lasley and Hammell was bolstered by the high tempo offered by the younger legs in the team. Grimshaw chased all game long and the running of Johnson was rewarded with a fine goal.
One up, one minute!
The start was spectacular. With barely a minute on the stadium clock Moult pounced on a slack pass back and Alexander managed only a half clearance. The ball was soon returned from the left and the pair rose at the back post. The ‘keeper failed to hold and Moult took advantage to give us the perfect start.
Hardly had the home crowd finished their celebration before hearts equalised. Kennedy failed to deal with the bulk of Sow and chance was created for Juanma. A delicate chip found the net.
The rest of the first half was played in breathless fashion with both teams in all out attack mode. There was plenty of passing and lots of hard physical tackles and it was a surprise that the break arrived without more goals.
Kenney, still to regain his usual composure, lost out to Sow for a second time but this time Riply block the goal bound shot. In front of the visiting support Pearson fashioned a shot from close range but defenders piled in for the stop. Swanson delivered a fine free kick and we were happy to see Rossi head wide from six yards. The raged from end to end. Moult got on the end of good work from Johnson to see the ball run across the face of goal.
The second half started in a windy deluge. Water was whipped over the O’Donnell stand and fans in the East stand retreated several rows in a valiant attempt to seek shelter.
Despite the awful conditions the game continued and McDonald had a couple of decent shots around the hour mark. Johnson put us into the lead in 66 minutes when he was sprung from the halfway line thanks to a good advantage played by the referee. He reached the penalty area with two defenders still to beat. A touch to his right was followed by a low drive beyond Alexander into the corner. The scorer was replaced by Ainsworth almost immediately and he seemed to be gripping a hamstring.
Again the reply was quick. Sow made the best of some space and the powerful wind to have a blast from thirty-odd yards and Ripley was beaten.
Hearts looked to be the more likely to score a winner and they pushed us deep into defence for sustained periods but we held on for a result that reflected the balance of play.
Given our faltering form of late it was a fine showing from the men in claret and amber and once again demonstrates that the team has the potential to move up the table. All we need is some consistency.
Motherwell 2 Hearts
Attendance 5,141 (1,776)
Team: Ripley, Hammell, Grimshaw, McManus, Pearson, Johnson (Ainsworth 68), Lasley, Kennedy, Law, moult, McDonald (Robinson 85)