Motherwell 3 Hearts 2

Motherwell's impressive run under new manager Billy Davies continued with an exciting if narrow victory over Hearts.

A goal from John Spencer and two from Owen Coyle put Hearts in the driving seat at 3-1 with six minutes left.

But 90 seconds later, Hearts ensured an exciting finish when Vincent Guerin pulled a goal back.

After some early pressure Motherwell were rewarded with the opening goal five minutes before half-time.

Ex-Manchester City midfielder Jed Brannan swung over a cross which found its way to John Spencer who despite tumbling to the ground managed to squeeze the ball inside the post and make it 1-0.

Hearts were generally disappointing and did not spark into life until just after the hour mark with a double substitution bringing Jose Quitongo and Jim Hamilton into the action.

It almost paid off immediately when Hamilton struck the post with a curling left-foot shot but it was Motherwell who extended their lead after 68 minutes.

Once again Brannan was the provider picking out Owen Coyle who was completely unmarked on the six-yard line and he easily headed the ball past the exposed Hearts keeper Gilles Rousset.

Before the fans could catch their breath play raced to the other end and Stephane Adam headed goalwards goal before taking a tumble under the threat of Jamie McGowan and Hearts were awarded a penalty.

Hamilton, on the park only eight minutes, confidently struck the spot-kick away to reduce the leeway and bring the Edinburgh side back into the game.

In the closing stages play raced from end to end and after Stephen McMillan had driven into the side-net at one end and Quitongo headed over the bar from two yards at the other.

Then with the minutes racing away Rousset produced a fabulous block to deny Ian Ross a stunning goal.

But just when everyone thought the action was over it started all over again six minutes from time.

A glorious pass from McGowan found Coyle sweeping in from the left and he calmly took his time before squeezing the ball between keeper and post to make it 3-1.

Once again, though, the home fans had their celebrations cut short as within 90 seconds Hearts yet again pulled one back.

Motherwell failed to clear inside their own penalty box and when Vincent Guerin gained possession he weaved past a couple of players before stroking the ball into the net and set up a nerve-tingling finish.

Teams:

Motherwell: Kaven, May (Ross 65), McMillan, McGowan, Brannan, Valakari, Coyle, Doesburg, Teale, Nevin (Adams 86), Spencer.

Subs Not Used: Craigen, Ramsey, Bannister.

Goals: Spencer 40, Coyle 68, 84.

Hearts: Rousset, McPherson, Naysmith, Weir, Fulton, Adam, Locke (Carricomdo 79), Pressley, Murray (Quitongo 61), Guerin, McSwegan (Hamilton 61).

Subs Not Used: Ritchie, Strang.

Goals: Hamilton 69 pen, Guerin 85.

Att: 8,912

Ref: M Clark (Edinburgh).


Taken from sportinglife.com