Our home record shows just one win from eight attempts and there were few moments in this lunchtime match to suggest that the pattern would improve.
We fielded the same eleven that knocked in five at Inverness but the strong visiting defence kept us out. Hearts probably won the first half as far as possession was concerned though their only scoring chance came from a Stevenson free kick that produced the best save of the afternoon from Randolph.
Randolph produced a fine save to stop this effort
Our 'keeper was the focus of much debate when he collected a high ball having flattened Paterson as he rose. It is often said the goalies are given too much protection and that they escape punishment too easily - our man can be grateful of that policy on this occasion.
Motherwell's first half chances were restricted to a couple of Higdon headers from Humphrey crosses and a fine low drive from Ojamaa that missed the target.
The second period belonged for the most part to Motherwell. Murphy produced an excellent forty yard run though the middle of the Hearts half and released Higdon on the right hand side of the box with only MacDonald to beat. His attempted side step failed and the follow-up effort from Murphy was blocked.
Time and time again Humphrey provided our attacking threat and he almost had his reward when he cut inside and fired a fierce left footed shot on target. Out best chance followed from the corner. Hutchinson knocked the ball down and it eventually sat up for Higdon around 14 yards from the goal. A more powerful strike might have found its way through the ruck but he failed to take it cleanly and the opportunity disappeared.
The visitors were playing on the break and caused a few mild scares but Randolph was always in command.
Neither team deserved more than a point and the managers will claim satisfaction that their defences had clean sheets. We travel to Tannadice on Tuesday.