A fabulous goal from David Turnbull three minutes from half time was enough to give Motherwell a hard earned but thoroughly deserved win over Hibs.
And not for the first time this season the Fir Park side bounced back from a disappointing result to produce a terrific performance and upset the odds.
After the poor show and cup exit at the hands of Ross County on Saturday, Stephen Robinson made five changes for the first Ladbrokes Premiership game of the new year., from the side which was knocked out of the cup by Ross County on Saturday.
Jake Hastie made the most of his first start of the season with a wonderful performance on the right, with Gboly Ariyibi on the other wing supporting Curtis Main through the centre.
And both of them featured in an impressive opening spell from the home side as they pressed and closed down Hibs from the kick-off.
Hastie showed plenty of confidence and energy twice driving to the goal-line and forcing crosses which were blocked before Main could get a vital touch.
David Turnbull was also a provider, setting up Ariyibi but his angled drive was comfortably saved by Ofir Marciano.
The Edinburgh side were kept well out of the home danger area until 15 minutes when an overhead effort from Florian Kamberi provided Mark Gillespie with a routine save.
At the other end, though, the Fir Park men were creating a number of decent openings.
The best arrived after 22 minutes when an exquisite pass from Turnbull sent Main towards the Hibs box. But after cleverly cutting inside Darren McGregor his finishing effort was straight at the ‘keeper.
Seven minutes later and ‘Well’s pressure should have been rewarded with the opening goal. Ariyibi worked his way to the bye-line before driving the ball hard and low across the goal face and just a step in front of the inrushing Main.
Just when it seemed that the half would finish level, the Steelmen deservedly broke the deadlock with a terrific goal. Once again Hastie was involved dragging the ball past a couple of opponents before playing the ball into the path of Turnbull, who from around 20 yards swept the ball past the helpless Marciano.
The second half began similar to the first with Ariyibi’s corner nodded over the bar by Hastie.
In a rare threat on the home goal Gillespie was quick to dive in front of McGregor and smother any danger.
A fabulous 80 yard run from Grimshaw carried him to the edge of the Hibs’ box only to lose possession but Turnbull latched on to the loose ball and drive a shot over the bar.
Hibs best chance arrived 59 minutes when a through ball sent Daryl Horgan racing into the box but with Gillespie racing from his line to narrow the angle, the Hibs’ winger hoisted his shot well off target.
After 63 minutes Ariyibi made way for Ross McCormack as ‘Well aimed to grab a second goal and wrap up the points.
The Fir Parker’s came close in the 72 minute when Turnbull burst into the box and drove the ball across the six yard line but despite throwing himself at the ball Main could direct it towards goal.
That was the last action for the tireless Main who was replaced by Conor Sammon 14 minutes from time.
And the move almost paid off within a couple of minutes. The influential Turnbull sent Sammon in behind the visitor’s defence. And when his first effort was partially blocked by the ‘keeper, from a tight angle the on loan Hearts’ striker clipped the ball against the outside of the post.
With three minutes of regulation time remaining Gillespie produced an instinctive block to beat away Olly Shaw’s drive to maintain ‘Well’s narrow lead.
Then at the other end Motherwell were denied a second goal. Another bursting run from Turnbull was halted at the edge of the box before Campbell’s snapshot was blocked by Marciano’a legs.
After dictating most of the game, though, one goal was enough to reward Motherwell with a very welcome three points.
