McGrillen clinches victory

21 Apr 1993

Motherwell 2, Hearts 1

MOTHERWELL eased their relegation worries with their first victory in 18 matches -- spanning four years -- against Hearts at Fir Park last night.

Tommy McLean's men got off to a tremendous start with a goal after just five minutes.

Derek Ferguson fouled Davie Cooper on the left and when the winger swung over his free kick, it was knocked out only as far as Phil O'Donnell, who hit a superb 14-yard shot past Henry Smith.

The Hearts keeper almost lost a second goal in 16 minutes.

His attempted clearance hit Cooper, but Graeme Hogg was on hand to clear.

Minutes before that, Hearts had their first attack but Dutch keeper Sieb Dykstra pulled off a fine save to block John Robertson's shot.

The Edinburgh side were gradually fighting back, but their forwards were being given little space against a resolute defence.

Hearts defender Hogg was the game's first booking when he brought Paul McGrillen tumbling on the halfway line, and Motherwell added a second goal in 44 minutes.

Luc Nijholt started the move with a superb pass on the left to Rob McKinnon and when his cross came over, McGrillen rose to head powerfully past Smith.

Hearts made a storming start to the second half and twice the woodwork saved Motherwell.

Glynn Snodin teed up the ball for Derek Ferguson but the midfield man's shot scraped the top of the bar.

And it was Ferguson who was denied for a second time when his powerful header came rattling back off Dykstra's bar.

Inspired by under-21 international O'Donnell in midfield, Motherwell continued to look dangerous, and Smith had to punch a fierce drive from Rob McKinnon behind for a corner.

But Hearts pulled a goal back after 67 minutes when Ian Baird rose unchallenged to head an Eamonn Bannon cross past Dykstra.

MOTHERWELL -- Dykstra, Nijholt, McKinnon, Martin, Philliben, McCart, Angus, Griffin, McGrillen, O'Donnell, Cooper.

Substitutes -- Kirk, Dolan.

HEARTS -- Smith, McLaren, Snodin, Levein, Mackay, Hogg, Robertson, D Ferguson, Baird, Millar, Bannon.

Substitutes -- I Ferguson, Berry.

Referee -- J McCluskey (Stewarton).

Taken from the Herald