Motherwell scored three without loss to beat Hibs at Fir Park. Sherwin Seedorf scored in the first half followed by Liam Donnelly and Jermaine Hylton in the second to send the home fans home in happy mood.
The win comes ahead of the first international break of the season and places Stephen Robinson’s side comfortably in the top half of the table after four games.
Jake Carroll returned to left back as Charles Dunne was benched. The central pairing of Peter Hartley and Declan Gallagher retained their places and, along with the reliable Mark Gillespie in goal, an excellent clean sheet was secured.
We should have taken the lead after two minutes when James Scott pounced on a short back pass to present Chris Long with a great chance but our number nine was unable to convert. He was presented with another golden opportunity in the second half but failed to beat Marciano.
Mallon tested Gillespie before we built a fine move in 15 minutes. Scott showed an excellent first touch before he passed to Liam Polworth. The ball ended up at the feet of Sherwin Seedorf at the edge of the box but he was unable to convert.
The winger did not have to wait long before success came his way. Midway through the half he cut in from the left leaving Whittaker in his wake and fired across the ‘keeper and into the net. He then supplied Scott with a cut back on the six yard line but the shot flew high over the bar.
The visitors tried to pick up the pace in the second period and Gillespie had to make a few stops. But we made several decent chances. Gallagher hit the post with a header and Long lifted the rebound high.
Robinson choose to make a double substitution just after the hour and on came Devante Cole and Jermaine Hylton for Long and Seedorf.
The game was over as a contest when Adam Jackson handled in the box following a corner. Liam Donnelly placed his spot kick in Marciano’s right hand corner to score his eighth of the season.
Hylton made it three within five minutes when he benefited from Liam Grimshaw’s midfield run. The pass was accurate and Hylton’s execution had us in easy street.
The players have earned a few days relaxation before the focus has to be on the next game at Tynecastle. Is the Edinburgh double on?
Motherwell 3 Hibs 0
Team: Gillespie, Hartley, Gallagher, Grimshaw, Carroll, Donnelly, Campbell, Polworth, Long (Cole 64), Scott (Maguire 87), Seedorf (Hylton 64)
Attendance 5.964 (1,660)