Motherwell ease to Gorgie victory
From Hearts News at Tynecastle Stadium

Motherwell cruised to victory against Hearts here at Tynecastle this afternoon.

Nick Blackman and John Sutton netted the goals to leapfrog the home side and climb into third place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Jim Jefferies, who served the first of a two-match touchline ban from the stand, made two changes to the side that went out of the Co-operative Insurance Cup. Suspended Craig Thomson was replaced by his namesake Jason, whilst Adrian Mrowiec stepped in for out-of-sorts Darren Barr at the back.

Motherwell arrived at Tynecastle on the back of another very good start to the season, having recorded a 2-0 win at Brechin on Tuesday night. Jonathon Page, Alan Gow and Robb Forbes dropped to the bench at the expense of Steve Jennings, Jamie Murphy and John Sutton.

Once again Hearts showed plenty going forward in the early stages, winger Suso impressing with his direct running style causing the Steelmen all sorts of problems. The Spaniard's power play and pass for Templeton inside the first three minutes put the youngster in to shoot from the edge of the area, but alas just wide.

Suso was central to Hearts best play, delivering several dangerous crosses for Kyle and Elliot, albeit Motherwell defended them resolutely.

Templeton carved a marvellous chance for Hearts after 12 minutes, picking up Palazuelos' headed clearance, dashing down the left, before beating two. His cross-field pass for Suso was perfect, but the former Tenerife man dragged wide. Great football.

Nick Blackman was first to threaten for Motherwell 16 minutes in, when he turned Adrian Mrowiec and hammered wide from 20 yards. Kello looked to have it covered, though.

David Templeton created out a pin-point opportunity for Hearts on the half-hour mark when he dribbled brilliantly to the by-line before curling a dangerous centre for Kyle. The former Sunderland man rose imperiously, his header just wide.

Motherwell's Jamie Murphy then produced a get-out-of-jail card for Hearts after Craig Brown's men countered sensationally. The forward, through in on the angle, should have scored, but clattered the post.

Moments later Lasley cracked in a shot which Kello gobbled with ease as the visitors continue to press.

And Motherwell maintained their efforts four minutes before half-time when Jamie Murphy, again involved, lashed at goal from 25 yards only to be denied by Kello who tipped round the post.

Calum Elliot felt he should have had a penalty three minutes before the interval when he appeared to be felled in the area by Mark Reynolds, but the referee turned down vociferous appeals from the home support - and Calum, himself.

Murphy started the second half as he ended the first, causing problems for Hearts. Kello, was equal to the challenge though, easily denying the Motherwell winger.

The wingers were playing a big part in this game, and Templeton was felled by Saunders as Hearts created a first chance of the second period. The Motherwell defender saw yellow but Calum Elliot curled his effort narrowly over the bar.

That was Calum's last involvement as it was David's, too, for Stephen Elliott and Rudi Skacel came on for them. It was no surprise to see the roof lifted off the old stadium at the introduction of the Czech international, second time around.

But that elation turned to despair moments later when Humphrey crossed for Blackman to turn home, unmarked from six yards.

Hearts attempted to edge their way back into the match when Kyle started and almost finished a smart move. The big striker headed into the path of Suso, who fed Thomson on the overlap. Jason's first time cross was nicked off Kyle's head by Reynolds, with a last ditch intervention.

Stephen Elliott nearly equalised a minute later. In fact he probably should have when fed by Kyle, he drew goalkeeper Randolph but dallied too long allowing the former Charlton stopper to deny Hearts.

The visitors should have doubled their advantage on 62 minutes when Motherwell took a quick free-kick which Lasley hammered at goal. Kello denied the midfielder, but save found Sutton who fired over from six yards.

But they would not be denied. John Sutton turned home from six yards only a few seconds later after Humphrey turned Jonsson and cut back the ball back into the path of the Motherwell forward. He didn't miss this time - he couldn't to be fair.

Things rather fizzled after that, understandably, and Motherwell battened down the hatches en route to securing a deserved victory.

Hearts: Kello; J Thomson, Bouzid, Mrowiec, Jonsson; Suso, Palazuelos, Stevenson, Templeton (Skacel, 57); C Elliot (S Elliott 57) , Kyle. Booked: Stevenson. Subs not used: Balogh, Black, Obua, McGowan, Glen.

Motherwell: Randolph; Saunders, Reynolds, Craigan, Hatley; Humphrey (McHugh, 83), Lasley (Forbes, 81), Jennings, Murphy; Sutton, Blackman (Gow, 88). Booked: Saunders. Subs not used: Hollis, Page, McKinnon, Carswell.

Referee: Mike Tumilty

Top man: Marian Kello

Hearts World