Motherwell reserves were held to a 1-1 draw, after visitors Hearts levelled the scoring with virtually the last kick of the ball.
Maurice Ross’ side had got themselves ahead courtesy of yet another goal from Ross MacIver. But despite several opportunities to extend that lead further, it remained at 1-0.
The sting in the tail would arrive in stoppage time, when Hearts forward Connor Smith leveled to earn his side a share of the spoils.
The Steelmen called upon the services of experienced duo Trevor Carson and Richard Tait for the match, with Barry Maguire, Jamie Semple, Christy Manzinga, David Devine and Dean Cornelius all able to call on first-team experience.
Hearts had the first opportunity of the half when Sean Ward scooped an effort over the bar after Leeroy Makovora had got himself in between Devine and Carson to create the chance.
Motherwell’s reply came just two minutes later in the form of Maguire. Semple’s diagonal pass had MacIver in space on the right flank. His squad pass was met by the onrushing Scotland Under 21 international, but he whipped a shot just inches over the crossbar.
The hosts were looking the more likely and Cole Starrs had the first effort on target shortly before the half hour mark. Latching onto a rebound, the young striker’s shot was comfortable stopped by Kevin Silva at his near post.
Hearts had their first effort on target six minutes later, Smith creating space for himself on the edge with a nice turn, but his low shot was well saved by Carson on the stretch.
It was end-to-end as the half-time interval approached. Semple had a low effort comfortably stopped by Silva after good work by Manzinga deep in opposition territory. At the other end, Carson was again on hand to save a long-range effort from Cameron Logan, beating away the shot at the expense of a corner.
The last effort of the half would fall to MacIver, who was again the recipient of an excellent cross field pass, this time from Maguire. The former Ross County man cut inside onto his left foot, but dragged a low shot wide.
It took 13 minutes for the second half to spark to life and only an excellent save by Silva kept the scores level.
Hearts had failed to deal with a corner and when Maguire hung up a cross to the back post, Devine’s header looked goalbound but the young American who turned it around. Manzinga headed the resulting Semple corner over the bar.
‘Well were getting close and closer and MacIver came within inches of putting his side ahead, headering a Semple cross off the top of the bar.
However, he wouldn’t be denied three minutes later. Tait found himself advanced on the right before hanging a neat cross towards the back post. Starrs header was bundled off the line, but MacIver was on hand to smash it home from close range.
‘Well could and should have extended that lead further. MacIver perhaps could and should have added to his tally, one chance flashing a shot wide of target, the next a free header straight at Silva.
Hearts weathered the storm and were getting back into the match, Carson having to save well from both Smith and substitute Charleston-King before eventually being beaten in stoppage time.
Smith collected a loose ball 25 yards from goal, danced past a couple of challenges before drilling the ball low and hard past Carson into the far corner to secure a point for the young Jambos.
Motherwell: Carson. Tait (MacDonald), Brown, Hussain, Devine, Maguire, MacIver, Cornelius (Hutchison), Manzinga, Starrs (Robertson), Semple
Not Used: Hemfrey, Hale, Kettings, Williamson
