Motherwell go level on points at top with win over Hearts

Callum Slattery finished off a wonderful move to clinch the points for Motherwell

Unbeaten Motherwell surged level on points with Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership after a narrow, but well-deserved, victory over Hearts at Tynecastle.

Despite Paul McGinn's second-half red - after yellow cards for challenges on Alex Cochrane and Liam Boyce - the Fir Park side held on for all three points amid growing pressure in the final moments.

Hearts, meanwhile, have lost four in a row and a very disgruntled home support made their feelings known both at half-time and the end of the match.

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Despite Hearts' magnificent home record against Motherwell - losing one of their last 11 - there was an air of trepidation around Tynecastle before kick-off. This was a support lacking in belief.

Compare that to the buoyant Motherwell mood, and it came as no surprise when they took the lead just shy of the half hour. A one-two between Blair Spittal and Slattery sent the latter through, and he finished with composure.

It was a counter-punch that most saw coming, including Hearts' technical director Steven Naismith, who highlighted exactly what Motherwell could and would do before the game.

The hosts made two changes and changed shape, and it seemed to work. Going back to the formation they played last season allowed Nathaniel Atkinson to bomb forward, but nothing was breaking for Hearts.

That was epitomised when Cammy Devlin laid off to Liam Boyce in the area, only for Bevis Mugabi to block and send the ball inches wide.

McGinn's sending-off threatened to derail Motherwell's ascent to the summit, but the visitors were able to hold on despite the mounting pressure.

Player of the Match - Bevis Mugabi (Motherwell)

A colossus at the back for Motherwell, throwing himself desperately in front of the ball both on the deck and in the air.

Steelmen show Hearts what they're missing - analysis

Here are two teams in very different places.

The mood in Lanarkshire is high. Despite a mounting injury list, they look confident and every single player is absolutely clear on what their role is in Stuart Kettlewell's game plan.

They absorbed the pressure, they picked off the ball at the right time, and they broke with real threat. When they got into the box, they linked up brilliantly.

That coherency and conviction was completely missing from the hosts. There was a total lack of urgency in the first half, with little idea of what to do when they got into the Motherwell box.

It was better after the break as Liam Kelly was called into action here and there, but now when they got into dangerous areas, they lacked any composure. Atkinson did his utmost, but no one else was on the same wavelength.

What's next?

Hearts host Aberdeen on Saturday 16th after the break, while Motherwell welcome St Mirren to Fir Park (both 15:00 BST).