Hearts 0 Motherwell 0

Apr 11 2011 By Gary Ralston

MOTHERWELL keeper Darren Randolph was never going to let the chance of a top-six finish slip through his fingers after keeping a record number of shut-outs this season.

The only time the Fir Park defence are likely to be at sixes and sevens between now and the end of the campaign is when they tot up the matches they still have to play.

Well have another five games in the SPL, plus next weekend's Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone, and on this performance you would bank on them booking another Hampden date on May 21.

Stuart McCall's men will have the rest of the week to focus on Saints after picking up a priceless point that will severely test Randolph's ability to extend his run beyond 18 clean sheets after the split.

However, the Republic of Ireland star is relishing twin challenges in the Cup and SPL after claiming Well should be even higher up the table.

He said: "We knew from our start to the season under Craig Brown and Archie Knox that the top six was achievable. Now Stuart McCall is in charge and everyone has also bought into his way of thinking.

"We were told not to think about the semi-final before the game at Tynecastle and no one in the squad spoke about it. We talked only about finishing in the top six and now that goal has been achieved we can focus on St Johnstone.

"We feel we're better than sixth. The big two apart, we haven't really been outplayed by anyone this season and on our day we're one of the best SPL teams.

"I'm really pleased with another clean sheet. My main aim was to beat John Ruddy's club record of 15 from last season but I'm determined to add to my total so no one else gets close to it in the future.

"It will also be great to play a part in how things work out at the top of the table. It adds to the excitement when you are playing against the best sides in the league.

"I've heard all about Helicopter Sunday and how it was shaped at Fir Park a few seasons ago. I wouldn't mind playing a part in something like that again. I'm not bothered who wins the title."

Stephen Craigan is now so old he could have served the drinks at the Last Supper, but he and Shaun Hutchinson were immense as they held the Jambos at bay in a barnstorming opening.

Tom Hateley, patrolling in front of the back four, also came into his own as the match progressed and Hearts, still desperate to clinch third, found him the rock on which so many of their attacks foundered.

Stephen Elliott went close early on for the Jambos with a volley he skied over and Randolph also pushed a Ryan Stevenson volley around the post, but it was Well who looked most likely on the counter.

Steven Saunders cracked a low shot against the post on the stroke of half-time and Ross Forbes also lobbed an outstanding effort against the bar then knocked a drive inches wide in the second half.

The pace of Chris Humphrey, Stephen Jones and sub Jamie Murphy began to tell for the visitors after the break but Well still had to rely on their keeper to shovel a Craig Thomson free-kick away from his line. Maurice Ross completed the clearance as Hearts yelled in vain for a goal to be given.

That late incident would have handed the Jambos a victory neither side deserved from a game that was as compelling as a goalless draw could hope to have been.

Randolph said: "I thought the free-kick was going in but I managed to claw it out and Mo helped me with the clearance.

"The strikers have popped up with goals at vital times this season so it is always good to help them out in return.

"We have a small squad but it was encouraging that we rested a few players and the lads who came in did a good job.

"We gave a debut to Stewart Carswell and he impressed everyone with the way he slotted into the midfield and stamped his authority on the game."

It is churlish to criticise Hearts, who are eight points ahead of Dundee United yet still need points in the bag to confirm third spot.

However, they have won only once in their last six SPL games and the absence of frontman Kevin Kyle, in particular, is beginning to hurt as they have failed to score in four of those matches.

Boss Jim Jefferies said: "We started well and I bet Kevin wished he had been out there to get on the end of some of the great balls.

"A bit of frustration creptin.

We could have won but could have lost it as well."

Well boss McCall hasn't just steadied the ship since arriving in December but is now chartering it towards waters not seen at Fir Park since Steve Kirk and Co inspired them to the Cup in 1991.

He said: "I'm really proud of the boys for securing their top-six place. I've never been involved in the split before but I imagine your season could possibly peter out if you're not in the top half.

"It's great we'll be involved in games that have an influence on the championship and there are also financial add-ons that come with finishing in the top six.

"We rested a few players here and it was an outstanding achievement to secure a point.

"I have a lot of tough decisions to make now ahead of the semi-final against St Johnstone."

Player ratings: Hearts v Motherwell

Apr 11 2011

HEARTS

Jamie MacDonald 6 Few direct stops to make but coped well at crosses.

Andy Webster 6 Found time to defend and make forward forays.

Ismael Bouzid 6 Honours even in physical duel with Casagolda.

Craig thomson 6 Humphrey kept his play more cautious than usual.

Ian Black 5 Couldn't find the pace and direction in his passes.

Jason Thomson 7 Showed a real appetite to fire up and down wing.

Ruben Palazuelos 6 A sturdy shift on the left side of midfield.

Ryan Stevenson 6 Pressed hard and used physical presence well.

Rudi Skacel 5 Flitted in and out of action from middle to front.

Stephen Elliott 6 Industrious and lively contributor around the box.

David Templeton 6 Some wonderful deliveries early on but faded.

Subs: Suso Santana - struggled to break down Well rearguard, 2. Scott Robinson - lively half hour, 3. Andrew Driver - struggled to find his touch, 2.

MOTHERWELL

Darren Randolph 7 Confident and assured display from keeper.

Steven Saunders 5 Toiled against invention of Templeton before injury.

Shaun Hutchinson 7 Commanding display in centre of defence.

Stephen Craigan 7 Old warhorse continues to lead by example.

Maurice Ross 6 Mr Versatile equally comfortable at left back as right.

Ross Forbes 7 Decent passer and always danger breaking forward.

Stuart Carswell 7 The kid strolled his debut with mature display.

Tom Hateley 8 Quelled Skacel threat and gave Well solid base.

Chris Humphrey 5 Never broke free of Jambos' defensive shackles.

Stephen Jones 5 Decent in possession but struggled to penetrate.

Esteban Casagolda 6 Put himself about well to keep Hearts on their toes.

Subs: Steven Hammell - on after Saunders injury, 5. Jamie Murphy - a danger breaking forward, 5. John Sutton - added power and poise to frontline, 3.

Men Who Matter

Jim Jefferies The Tynecastle manager had to cope with injuries to key players which forced his hand to some extent. However, his side were very positive and energetic throughout and set out to entertain the fans. 7

Stuart McCall MOTHERWELL manager used his full squad to good effect ahead of their Scottish Cup semi-final with St Johnstone at the weekend and their play on the counter attack was always good towatch. 8

VERDICT BOTH teams could make solid arguments for winning the match but draw was a fair result in a game that held the attention, despite the absence of goals.

Man In Black Craig Thomson waved aside a couple of penalty appeals as he refereed with the sort of strong authority to which the players on both sides responded. 7

Taken from the Daily Record