[tab:Match report]
Phil McGhee Fir Park
The horrendous conditions failed to dampen both Hearts and Motherwell’s enthusiasm as fans were treated to a highly competitive and entertaining 2-2 draw.
And although Motherwell might be disappointed at twice surrendering a lead through goals from Louis Moult and Marvin Johnson, the home fans will be encouraged from an all round improved performance and gritty spirit from the men in Claret and Amber.
Mark McGhee had arguably his strongest line-up with Stevie Hammell making his first appearance since September. Keith Lasley also returned from injury and with Stephen McManus free from suspension, the ‘Well side had a very experienced look about it.
That experience and determination showed from the kick-off as the home side pressed for an immediate advantage.
And it almost paid off within a minute when Moult latched onto Blazej Augustyn’s loose pass at the edge of the box but Neil Alexander raced out to block the ‘Well striker’s drive at goal.
The Hearts ‘keeper didn’t look as smart 30 seconds later when under pressure from Moult, he dropped the ball on his goal line leaving the ‘Well striker a simple tap-in for the easiest of his eight goals this season.
Motherwell looked hungry for more when Hearts pulled level in the ninth minute. Kieran Kennedy was caught in the middle of the home half when Osman Sow sent Juanna Delago in behind Stephen McManus. The Tyncastle side’s top scorer never looked like wasting the chance, calmly stroking the ball beyond the advancing Connor Ripley.
The ‘Well ‘keeper came to his side’s rescue three minutes later when Kennedy’s slack pass played in Sow but Ripley stood firm to block.
It was end-to-end stuff and two minutes later Marvin Johnson’s cut back picked out Stephen Pearson but his drive from eight-yards was blocked by Augustyn on its way to goal. Another Johnson run and cut back set up McDonald but his low drive rippled the net on the wrong side of the post.
Just before the half hour mark Ripley produced a stunning save to push away Callum Paterson’s powerful header and keep the scores level.
The Fir Parkers then created two openings to restore their lead. Firstly, a great burst from Johnson took him to the visitor’s goal line. His low cross found McDonald’s but his stab at goal was denied as Alexander pushed the ball across the face of his goal to safety.
Josh Law then worked his way to the box on the other side and his low cross found Johnson who took a touch before hammering the ball straight at Alexander.
After an action packed first half, the players faced horrendous conditions at the start of the second and it was fifteen minutes before either could muster an attempt at goal when McDonald’s attempt was blocked by Augustyn on the six-yard line.
A minute later the Aussie striker burst into the box and his low angled drive was sneaking inside the far post until Alexander threw himself full stretch to save.
After 65 minutes, as the rain finally subsided leaving a sodden pitch, Motherwell powered themselves back in front with a terrific goal.
Scott McDonald bravely won a tackle five yards into the opposition half to send Johnson off and running. And after carrying the ball to the Hearts’ box he confidently stepped inside Augustyn before slamming his shot across McDonald for a fabulous finish.
However, that was matched by Hearts’ equaliser four minutes later when Sow from fully 35-yards unleashed a drive which sent the ball whizzing past Ripley and make it 2-2.
On a wet and sticky surface both sides had half chances but it was left to Ripley to earn his side a deserved point eight minutes from time when he reacted superbly to block another thumping 12-yard effort from Sow.
[tab:As it happened]
Ally Reilly at Fir Park
FT: Motherwell 2 – 2 Hearts
91′ | 2-2
Pearson booked for trying to get the ball off Juanma. Hits the deck in dramatic fashion.
90′ | 2-2
Two minutes added on
84′ | 2-2
Motherwell sub, Robinson on for McDonald
81′ | 2-2
Close for Hearts! Juanma fires over the bar after a succession of blocked shots. Should really have scored.
79′ | 2-2
Grimshaw booked for a challenge on McGhee just inside the Motherwell half.
Young ‘Well fans can select their Man of the Match now. Simply use #MatchAttaxMOTM with their choice, name & age.
67′ | 2-2
Goal – Sow pulls Hearts level again with a long range strike.
67′ | 2-1
Motherwell sub, Johnson makes way for Ainsworth..
JOHNSON twists and turns and fires low past Alexander to deservedly put ‘Well 2-1 up!!!!
GGOOOOAALLLLL!!!!
61′ | 1-1
Another good chance for the Aussie but Alexander gets down well and makes the stop from his shot from just outside the box
60′ | 1-1
Grimshaw latches on to Law’s throw-in and cuts it back to McDonald but his shot is header clear by Augustyn.
57′ | 1-1
Not an awful lot to talk about in this half so far. Weather really not helping matters.
51′ | 1-1
Hearts sub, Oshaniwa off for McGhee
47′ | 1-1
‘Well cut Hearts open but at the final pass, Moult can only find Oshaniwa who takes no chances and knocks it out for a corner.
McDonald and Moult get the second 45 underway. It’s absolutely pouring here now!
HT: Motherwell 1 – 1 Hearts. An entertaining first 45…..
34′ | 1-1
Law puts it on a plate for Johnson but on his weaker foot, he fires straight into Alexander’s arms.
31′ | 1-1
Very nearly 2 for ‘Well but somehow Alexander gets a touch on McDonald’s close range shot from Johnson’s powerful low cross!
30′ | 1-1
From the free-kick Ripley is called into action, spectacularly palming away Augustyn’s header from close range!
29′ | 1-1
Hammell booked for a pull on Sow’s shirt as he broke clear down the wing.
22′ | 1-1
Pallardo booked for a challenge on Pearson in the middle of the park.
20′ | 1-1
Fine chance for McDonald after some neat interplay with Moult but from 12 yards fires into the side netting.
15′ | 1-1
Great play sets free Johnson who squares to Pearson but Rossi throws himself in the way of it to make a block!
13′ | 1-1
Slack back pass by Kennedy gives Sow a great chance on goal but Ripley spreads himself and saves with his foot!
9′ | 1-1
Goal – Juanma pulls Hearts level after a long ball up front wasn’t dealt with and Sow slid him in to chip over Ripley.
8′ | 1-0
Ouch! Johnson slides to try and keep the ball in play but almost end up going through the advertising board. Thankfully ok.
…decent delivery, headed clear by Paterson.
6′ | 1-0
Free-kick in a decent area on the right, to be taken by Hammell…..
What a start!!! The ball is hooked into the box, Moult out jumps Alexander and prods it into the empty net. 1-0!!!
GGGOOOAAALLLLL!!!!
Kick-off: Sow and Delgado get the game underway. COYW!!!!
[tab:Reaction]
Motherwell manager Mark McGhee:
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Hearts manager Robbie Neilson:
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[tab:Man-of-the-match]
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