’Well break cynical Hearts to march on in the Scottish Cup

Jan 25 2008

A ROSS McCormack penalty was enough to book Motherwell a Scottish Cup fifth-round tie against Dundee next month, as they sent Hearts spinning out of the competition.

The former Rangers striker struck in 23 minutes after Eggert Jonsson was judged to have handled McCormack’s netbound shot.

Motherwell probably just edged the match on possession, and played by far the better football, especially in a sparkling first-half performance, but Andrius Velicka passed up a gilt-edged chance to level in the second half.

’Well threatened first in eight minutes when McCormack floated in a free-kick from the left and Chris Porter evaded marker Jose Goncalves to get in front of keeper Steve Banks, but he disappointingly sent his effort past the right post.

Five minutes later Michael Stewart’s corner from the right was met with a low shot by Deividas Cesnauskis that beat Graeme Smith too easily, but was cleared by Marc Fitzpatrick.

Motherwell broke forward in 21 minutes, with McCormack sending a shot that looked to be rising towards the top left corner, only to be beaten down by Jonsson’s arm.

A two-minute delay allowed time for Porter to receive treatment, after the striker had been injured in the build-up.

McCormack stepped up and sent his spot-kick high to the left, while Banks dived to the right.

Porter didn’t last through the interval, with Darren Smith thrown on to replace him in the second half.

Hearts came out with much more purpose and, in 62 minutes, Jonsson’s cross from the right was missed by Mark Reynolds, allowing Velicka to pounce.

But, after drawing Smith off his line, he drilled the ball off the inside of the right post, with Ruben Palazuelos unable to capitalise on the rebound.

Referee Stuart Dougal had been replaced by fourth official Craig Thomson 60 seconds before, after complaining about a calf strain.

Hearts had another chance in 81 minutes when sub Christian Nade pounced after the ball had broken off a defender in front of goal, but Smith bravely raced off his line to gather at the Hearts star’s feet.

Nade and Velicka then had shots blocked in quick succession as Hearts tried in vain, and with increasing cynicism, for a way back into the game.

With four minutes remaining Saulius Mikoliunas was extremely fortunate not to be sent off for aiming a clear punch at Paul Quinn, after taking exception to the Motherwell defender’s challenge.

However, referee Thomson decided that a booking each would suffice.

MOTHERWELL: G. Smith, Quinn, Paterson, Reynolds, Craigan, Lasley, Hughes, Fitzpatrick, Porter (D. Smith, 44), Clarkson, McCormack. Subs (not used): Meldrum, McLean, Archdeacon, Murphy.

Referee: Stuart Dougal/Craig Thomson.

Attendance: 8300.