Hearts 0 - 0 Motherwell

The sun shone on Tynecastle as Hearts celebrated 125 years at the magnificent stadium, unfortunately there was no celebrations on the park as the match against Motherwell finished goal-less.

There were chances for both sides but neither could find the killer touch to put the ball into the net.

Hearts made two changes to the side that drew with Hibs last week - Andrew Driver dropped to the bench and Marius Zaliukus was suspended so Jason Thompson and Rudi Skacel were brought into the starting 11.

The Jambos had a great chance to take the lead in the 9th minute when Rudi Skacel played a cross into the box from out on the left, it fell perfectly for Stephen Elliott but his side-footed volley went over the bar.

Both sides were trying to create chances in the match but it was Hearts again who came close to taking the lead. Jason Thomson played the ball in from the right to the feet if Ryan Stevenson, his shot looked to be going into the bottom right of the Motherwell goal but Well keeper Randolph go this fingers to it for a good save.

There wasn't too much action during the first 25 minutes, both sides were trying to create chances but neither keeper had too much to do.

Hearts were the side looking more likely to score, Skacel and Templeton were pushing forward and Stephen Elliott was trying to cause problems amongst the Motherwell defence but they just couldn't get the break they needed to put the ball into the net.

Just before the half-time break it was Motherwell who came close to scoring, firstly Casagolda thought he should have been given a penalty after being brought down in the box, but referee Craig Thomson waved play on. The ball fell to Steven Saunders who was out on the far right off the box, he unleashed a powerful low shot which beat Jamie MacDonald - luckily for Hearts it bounced back off the post and the danger was cleared.

Hearts came out in the second half with more urgency about the side, David Templeton looked keen to make an impact and he almost did in the 47th minute when he forced Randolph into a double save.

Hearts were continuing to push toward the Motherwell goal but just couldn't get the final touch they needed. In the 51st minute David Templeton chased a long ball to win Hearts a corner. Rudi Skacel swung in a dangerous cross into the box but it by-passed everyone to go out for a goal kick.

A few minutes later it was Motherwell who were pushing forward and Tom Hateley showed some quick foot-work to make his way through the Hearts defence, fortunately for the Jambos his final touch was too hard and Jamie MacDonald collected the ball.

Although Hearts appeared to be playing better in the second half boss Jim Jefferies obviously wanted to freshen things up and made a triple substitution. Black, Elliott and Templeton all left the field to be replaced by Driver, Suso and Robinson.

Hearts continued to push forward and Skacel was next to come close in the 71st minute when his long range effort went just wide of the post.

The home side looked the most likely to score, though many in the crowd were probably starting to think it was a game where both teams could play all afternoon and nobody would get a goal.

The game was a fair battle between the sides, Motherwell weren't just sitting back and soaking up the pressure they looked dangerous on the break and were trying to get all three points from the match as they tried to ensure top six status.

It was the visitor's who had the next chance at scoring; Ross Forbes' powerful shot left Jamie MacDonald with no chance but it came crashing off the top of the bar.

Again it was Motherwell who had the next good chance of the match and if this had gone in it could have a contender for goal of the month.

Ross Forbes stepped up to take a free kick mid-way inside the Hearts half, it didn't look as if he was within scoring distance, but his curling effort troubled Jamie MacDonald and went just wide of the top corner.

Hearts fans were out their seats and celebrating in the 85th minute as they thought they had snatched victory. Craig Thomson fired in a free kick and Skacel got on the end of it right in front of goal. Although the net was shaking, that was from players scrambling to clear and the ball didn't actually cross the line.

Although the game was almost up neither side was giving up on the chance to take all three points right at the death, Andrew Driver chased a long ball down the right and cut it back but nobody was in the box.

Motherwell went up the park and John Sutton found himself with the ball in the box, but his back was to goal and Bouzid was marking him tightly so his effort went out for a corner.

Hearts: MacDonald, J Thomson, Webster, Bouzid, C Thomson; Templeton (Suso, 60), Black (Driver, 60), Palazuelos; Elliott (Robinson, 60), Skacel, Stevenson. Subs not used: Balogh, Glen, Mrowiec, McGowan.

Motherwell: Randolph, Saunders (Hammell, 45), Ross, Craigan, Hateley, Humphrey (Murphy, 79), Jones, Forbes, Hutchinson, Casagolda (Sutton, 73), Carswell. Subs not used: Hollis, Lasley, McHugh, Page

Referee: Craig Thomson

Top Man: Andy Webster

Hearts World