Motherwell made it a double dose of misery for Hearts with a well-earned win
at Tynecastle.
Six days after dumping the Edinburgh side from the Scottish cup, goals from
Lee McCulloch and substitute Derek Adams ensured another fine win for Billy
Davies men.
The result was no more than they deserved and leaves Hearts with the dreadful
record of having claimed just two points from their last 21.
Tynecastle boss Jim Jefferies made wholesale changes with five top stars -
Gilles Rousset, Rob McKinnon, Gary Locke, Steve Fulton, and Derek Lilley - all
axed from the starting 11.
Robbie McKenzie, Gary Naysmith, Vincent Guerin, Stefano Salvatori and Leigh
Jenkinson all returned as Jefferies bid to kick-start their sorry season.
And they almost forced an opener inside the first two minutes when Andy Goram
had to hack clear after a Jenkinson cross deflected off Shaun Teale.
Hearts clearly looked determined to make up for last week's loss and Guerin
had a shot blocked after he had tricked his way inside the area.
The visitors quick midfield passing, inspired by John Spencer, was the main
route to goal and Owen Coyle was only halted by a well-timed challenge from
Steven Pressley.
Then in the 18th minute a quick Ged Brannan freekick found midfielder Simo
Valakari, but his dipping 25-yard drive was well held by McKenzie.
Seven minutes later, Brannan's through ball released Coyle, but he decided to
shoot from an acute angle and posed McKenzie no problems.
The Fir Park side's defence was looking its most composed at times and a mix
up between Tony Thomas and Goram almost let in Stephane Adam before Teale
cleared behind.
Then Jenkinson found space on the left to cross for Jim Hamilton and the
striker's header bounced just wide of the target.
Three minutes into the second period Motherwell went ahead thanks to a
powerful strike from young front man McCulloch.
Finnish international Valakari had a shot blocked by the Hearts defence but
the ball spun to McCulloch and he volleyed a shot in beyond the stranded
McKenzie from 20 yards.
And he almost carved out a second in the 57th minute when Spencer broke free
on the right, but his low cross just evaded Coyle.
However, the Fir Park fans had only to wait until the 71st minute to see their
side increase their lead after a clever move.
Spencer was the architect of the goal with a sweeping pass to pick out Coyle
wide on the right flank.
He looked up and measured a quick low cross for Adams, on for Rob Matthei, to
slam home at the near post.
And with nine minutes to go, Spencer was denied a dream goal on his full
Motherwell debut when his looping shot hit the bar.
Referee Willie Young was in a card-happy mood throughout and booked seven
players - Salvatori, Paul Ritchie and Guerin for Hearts, McCulloch, Spencer,
Valakari and Thomas for the visitors.
Teams:
Hearts: McKenzie, Pressley, Weir, Ritchie, Naysmith,
Jenkinson (O'Neill 79), Salvatori, Guerin (Makel 79), Flogel,
Adam (Lilley 69), Hamilton.
Subs Not Used: Murray, Strang.
Booked: Salvatori, Ritchie, Guerin.
Motherwell: Goram, Thomas, Teale, McGowan, Doesburg (Craigen 62),
Brannan, Valakari, Matthaei (Adams 64), Spencer, Coyle,
McCulloch.
Subs Not Used: Michels, Ramsey, Bannister.
Booked: Spencer, McCulloch, Valakari, Thomas.
Goals: McCulloch 48, Adams 71.
Att: 12,821
Ref: W Young (Clarkston).
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