John Sutton's late goal for Motherwell stops Hearts in their tracks

Scottish Premier League
Hearts 3

* Thomson 26,
* Skacel 36,
* Stevenson 52

Motherwell 3

* Sutton 55,
* Hateley 59,
* Sutton 88

* Ewan Murray at Tynecastle Stadium
* guardian.co.uk, Saturday 23 April 2011 21.37 BST

If Hearts do finish this Scottish Premier League season as the best of the rest outside of the Old Firm, they seem determined to crawl rather than sprint over the finishing line. Which, given their eye-catching form until January, represents an anticlimax.

A record of one win in seven matches before this game emphasised the Hearts struggles, which have been due to injuries and a loss of form for key players. Against Motherwell, mental weakness also played a part.

Dundee United's dismissal of Kilmarnock in the lunchtime kick-off moved the Tannadice side to within six points of Hearts. That sense of danger jolted Hearts into action, but – fatally – only for an hour. John Sutton's second headed goal of the afternoon topped off a superb Motherwell comeback from a position of 3-0 behind, which leaves Hearts still looking over their shoulders.

The prospect of going to Dundee United on the final day of the campaign with something to play for will not sit well with a Hearts support that watched their team challenge Rangers and Celtic for half of the season.

As Ryan Stevenson sent the hosts three goals in front, even the most optimistic Motherwell fan could not have predicted what was to follow. At full-time, the previously comfortable Hearts were booed from the pitch.

Jim Jefferies, the Hearts manager, is not renowned for his quiet touchline approach. As his team were pinned back by a stirring second half Motherwell display, Jefferies's antics were something to behold.

Heavy rain and a slippy pitch contributed to the spectacle which, for any neutrals were among the 13,039 crowd, was well worth an entrance fee. And to think these two teams played out a dour scoreless draw at Tynecastle a fortnight ago.

The home support had received a pre-match boost with news that Marian Kello would return to the Hearts goal. The Slovakian had recently been declared unavailable for selection by the club's owner, Vladimir Romanov, with the story behind that stance typically bizarre.

The other notable name on the team-sheet was Willie Collum. In the referee's previous two outings, he had awarded five penalties and sent four players off. The official maintained at least part of that record here. After a flat opening to the game, Collum pointed to the spot as Steven Saunders bundled over Stevenson at a Hearts corner. Craig Thomson duly sent the hosts in front from 12 yards.

That strike roused Hearts. Rudi Skacel doubled their advantage with a fine goal and high finish, having played a one-two with Stephen Elliott.

Saunders summoned Motherwell's best reply, Kello proving why Romanov should have no cause to question his worth with a point-blank save.

When Stevenson nodded Hearts three in front, the points looked secure. The former Ayr United player – who had earlier blasted a shot off both Motherwell posts – met a Suso Santana cross.

Motherwell's league season may be over but what followed means nobody can question the Scottish Cup finalists' motivation levels. Sutton, understandably a target for other clubs as he moves into the final weeks of his contract, headed Motherwell's first goal from Steve Jones's pass. It would be no shock if Hearts were among those who court Sutton before this season ends.When Tom Hateley's free-kick from wide eluded everyone and bounced straight into the Hearts net, home panic set in. Suddenly, this was gripping fare.

Hearts' loss at half-time of Andy Webster supplied at least some excuse for their defensive generosity. Francis Jeffers should have capitalised on that, but blazed high and wide. Sutton showed his strike partner how to find the net. Gavin Gunning was the supplier, which Sutton ably converted.

Jefferies could only turn around and shake his head. Hearts' part in one of the most entertaining matches of the season will matter little to their manager.

Taken from the Guardian/Observer