Hearts left it late before breaking down a well-organised Motherwell defence to claim their first victory in six games.

David Weir's header and a Neil McCann double sealed the points for the Tynecastle men.

But for long periods it looked as if a combination of a lack of ideas and off-form players would contribute to more disappointment for the Scottish Cup holders.

Weir made the breakthrough in the 71st minute when he glanced Lee Makel's freekick into the net.

A slightly flattering reflection was put on the scoreline when McCann slotted home a late penalty - and then grabbed a third in injury-time when he ran half the length of the pitch before shooting home.

Hearts sprang a surprise before the kick-off by giving young goalkeeper Roddie McKenzie a rare outing after Gilles Rousset missed out because of a back injury.

Motherwell boss Harri Kampman opted to axe Brian McClair, his summer signing from Manchester United after a series of poor displays.

Hearts almost grabbed the perfect start when a deflected Stephane Adam effort almost soared into the top corner.

Adam then linked up with Neil McCann with a fast exchange of passes, but Mikko Kaven raced from his line to thwart the Frenchman.

Motherwell's best effort came in the 27th minute when a Rob Matthaei volley flew over the bar.

However, the Lanarkshire side came closest to opening the scoring in the 34th minute when Ian Ross cracked a marvellous left-foot drive that rebounded off the post from 25 yards.

Ross again caused mayhem in the Hearts' defence when he slipped past two defenders before dragging a weak effort wide of target.

Hearts striker Stephane Adam was having a night he would rather forget and this was illustrated when he sliced a good opportunity in the box wide after 63 minutes.

It was all too much for the Hearts fans who howled their displeasure.

But that was all forgotten when the Tynecastle men grabbed a 71st minute lead.

A long free-kick by Makel glanced off the head of Weir, who beat Kaven to the ball and opened the scoring.

Hearts were then awarded an 87th-minute penalty when Kaven hauled down McCann who was going round him.

McCann easily scored the penalty and wrapped things up in injury-time with a brilliant run that took him past the Motherwell defence before he hit a great drive into the net.

Teams:

Hearts: McKenzie, Naysmith, Weir, Salvatori, Ritchie, McCann, Adam, Hamilton, Locke (Murie 76), Makel, Pressley.

Subs Not Used: McPherson, Murray, Holmes, Strang.

Booked: Salvatori.

Goals: Weir 71, McCann 87 pen, 90.

Motherwell: Kaven, McMillan, McGowan, Ross (McClair 86), Valakari, Coyle, Michels (Nevin 58), Doesburg, Matthaei, Teale, Adams (McCulloch 69).

Subs Not Used: Stirling, Bannister.

Booked: Coyle, Michels.

Att: 12,323

Ref: K Clark (Paisley).

Taken from sportinglife.com