Heart of Midlothian 2-0 Motherwell
From Hearts Media at Tynecastle.

Hearts carved up a festive treat for their fans as they comfortably disposed of third place Motherwell at Tynecastle.

First half goals from Ian Black and Stephen Elliott proved to be the icing on the Christmas cake in a team performance that will leave the Jambos fans with plenty to be optimistic about over the holiday period.

Star performances from David Templeton and Elliott put a poor Motherwell side to the sword in a result that keeps Paulo's men in the race for third place.

Prior to this Christmas fixture Hearts hadn't won a home game against Motherwell at Tynecastle since December 2009 and with Stuart McCall's side flying high in the SPL it was never going to be a gift of a game for the Jambos.

But coming off the back of a morale boosting 4-0 win over Dunfermline last week, there was a clear sense of optimism in this unchanged Hearts side and the urgency of their opening play proved as much.

Templeton was first to threaten when he jinxed past Tom Hateley and fired at goals within the first three minutes. Unfortunately for the youngster 'Well keeper Randolph was well alert and parried the ball away to safety.

However, it didn't take long for Hearts to inject some festive cheer into the Tynecastle stands. A darting run from Templeton on 16 minutes was cut out by the Well defence who could only clear out as far as Black who - at 20 yards out - unleashed a powerful drive at goals. Randolph made a stretching effort but could only watch on as it nestled into the back of the net.

Ten minutes after Black's opener Hearts had further reason to celebrate when some Templeton magic set up Elliott for a second goal of the game. Taking the ball past two 'Well players, the young winger proceeded to play a fantastically timed ball across the Motherwell goal. First to the cross was Elliott who tapped in for his third goal of the season.

The muted response from the Motherwell support seemed to extend to the players who struggled to get a foothold in the game. A probing cross from Omar Daley five minutes from time that parried back off the post was the only source of Christmas cheer for the visitors.

With the cushion of a two goal lead, Hearts could afford to play a patient game in the second half although Templeton was still eager to venture into to the opposing half. Unfortunately fatigue put an end to the winger's involvement in the game and he was replaced with Andrew Driver on 61 minutes.

A nasty injury to Jamie Hamill on 70 minutes forced Paulo into a further change with Darren Barr coming off the bench for his second appearance of the season.

Some Moroccan magic from Taouil left the Motherwell defence frozen on 80 minutes and he was unfortunate to see his shot from distance fly just over. Substitute Driver also went close moments later with a bursting run and shot from the right channel.
With minutes remaining Rudi Skacel had the ball in the net but the Czech's half-volley was quickly ruled out for offside.

In the end it was to be a Merry Christmas for the boys in Maroon who drive home for Christmas with a vital three points in the bag.

Hearts: Kello; Hamill (Barr 66) Webster, Zaliukas, McGowan; Mrowiec, Black (Skacel 75), Robinson, Taouil, Templeton (Driver 61); Elliott. Subs not used: MacDonald, Obua, Novikovas, Stewart.

Motherwell: Randolph; Hammell, Craigan, Hutchinson, Hateley; Law, Lasley, Hughes (Carswell 65), Daley; Murphy (McHugh 65), Higdon. Subs not used: Bradley, Humphrey, McHugh, Forbs, Page, Clancy.

Referee: Crawford Allan

Top man: Stephen Elliott

Hearts World