Motherwell 0 Hearts 1

Maurice Malpas made three changes with Colin Meldrum Marc Fitzpatrick and Brian McLean coming in for Calum Elliot, Kevin McBride and Graeme Smith. Brian McLean`s return lasted only five minutes however; the defender was carried off after damaging medial ligament in his knee.

Well had a few decent efforts in the opening 45 which was full of bite and hard challenges but a bit lacking in terms of goal scoring opportunities.

Richie Foran was inches away from connecting with McDonald`s cross and McDonald himself also had a good chance when he found space but his weak chip was easily gathered by Gordon.

Well created their best chance of the match in injury time of the first half , Fitzpatrick released Richie Foran who somehow dragged his shot wide of the post from 10 yards.

A first half full of entertainment but little in the way of goalmouth action.

Half Time - Motherwell 0 - 0 Hearts

The second half started at a much slower pace , with Hearts beginning to get more into the game. It took until half way through the second half for the deadlock to be broken. Hearts cleared a Motherwell corner and broke away quickly. Paul Hartley found Neil McCann who released Jamie Mole who neatly rounded Meldrum and slotted home.

The lead could have been doubled when Steven Craigan`s clearance struck Jamie Mole and his own post and Meldrum had to react quickly to avoid losing a disastrous goal.

Motherwell weren`t finished though and pushed hard for an equaliser.
Craig Gordon was the hero for the "Jambos" though. He denied
Motherwell a deserved point with two fantastic saves. The first from Keith Lasley`s close range effort and the second a magnificent one handed save from Jim Paterson.

Maurice Malpas threw on Ross McCormack for the remaining two minutes but he was unable to make an impact and Hearts held on for the victory.

There is plenty of encouragement to be taken from today`s performance and hopefully the players will show the same sort of commitment in the upcoming games to help us move off the bottom of the S.P.L. table.

Well Side - Meldrum, Quinn, Craigan, McLean (McGarry 6), Reynolds, Paterson, Lasley, Fitzpatrick (McCormack 87), Kerr, McDonald, Foran.
Subs not used: Graeme Smith, McBride, Fagan, Robert Donnelly, Connolly.
Star Player
Jim Paterson - Forced to play at centre half for most of the game , coped very well.