‘Well fans take a special pleasure in celebrating victories over Hearts and the manner of this triumph will do nothing to lessen the experience. The first half was a fairly even, if unspectacular, affair but Motherwell lit up the second period with two cracking goals. The home team were haning on at the end and we could easily have added to the tally.
Craig Brown fielded the same eleven as played against Aberdeen a week ago and so Gow was on the bench. Templeton was first to show a threat but he dragged the ball wide in the first minute. It took some time for us to give the home defence some concern and Blackman had a half chance in fifteen minutes but again the shot was pulled wide.
Saunders had a pile driver blocked and at the other end Kyle was proving awkward although Reynolds and Craigan were vigilant. The best move before the break was started by an accurate long ball from Randolph. He found Humphrey in the Hearts’ half and the winger beat Jonsson (as he did all game long) to deliver an in-field pass. Blackman shuttled the ball along the 18 yard line and Lasley delivered a perfect back flick to Murphy for a rifled a shot against the post.
There were no changes in personnel at the restart though we did alter some positions. Sutton and Murphy swapped positions and we benefited from increased possession in midfield almost immediately as Murphy set off on a 25 yard run that resulted in a fierce shot well held by Kello.
Just before the hour Hateley, in his left back position, won the ball and strode forward. From the centre circle he passed to Humphrey and with Jonsson in his wake he delivered to Blackman at the corner if the six yard box. One touch was enough and the ball flew into the far side of the net.
Lasley produced a strong effort which was spilled by Kello. Sutton pounced and won the race. It seemed certain that he would score but the ball flew high. It looked like the keeper got a touch but no corner was given.
The home crowd erupted with anticipation when Skacel made his reappearance in the maroon of Hearts but the same Gorgie faithful fell silent a minute later when we scored the second. On this occasion Humphrey skinned a couple of defenders and earned the freedom of the byline. He looked up and saw Sutton in the centre of goal and made the pass. Sutton will never have an easier tap in.
Hearts were unable to make any sort of comeback and their toothless attack soon had the home fans seeking the exits. Meanwhile the travelling support gave Humphrey a standing ovation when he was subbed late on and the whole squad was applauded at the end.
This wonderful win moves us clear in third place. Can we play all our games away from home?