Winning 6-1 at home is always good but doing it against Hearts simply puts the cherry on top. It does not entirely erase the memory of all the 3-0’s, 4-1’s and particularly the 4-0 cup tie in 1990 that they have dished out to us but just for once it was nice to see them sit watching their team get taken apart. And, while people will rightly point out that it was a weakened Hearts team, how often have any of us witnessed Motherwell systematically dismantle a fellow top flight side? We created eight or nine scoring chances, usually down to McFadden or Pearson, and for once our finishing was spot on. Hearts did have their share of chances but some brave defending and magnificent goalkeeping denied them.
It is hard to say which particular player or area of the team was most important. Everyone did well and everything went perfectly. Frankie DuBourdeau is turning into a superb goalkeeper and he produced a couple of great saves at crucial times. Also pleasing is his new found confidence to come for crosses – this is what we have been lacking in a ‘Well goalie for years.
The defence handled Mark de Vries and Jean Louis Valois relatively well and any time either wriggled free, a blocking leg was quickly forced in front of the ball. Sengewald’s booking is a minor concern but overall he deserves credit for keeping Mark the Giant quiet. William Kinniburgh should also receive a mention for a stellar performance – he was so efficient, I’d forgotten he was playing when we were discussing the game in the pub!
Corrigan was not quite so outstanding at right wing back as he is in the middle but it was another good performance, capped with a great goal. The midfield worked hard all night and gave Hearts no time on the ball. Pearson was the gem in the middle but his running and passing was allowed to flourish because of the near constant supply of balls provided by Leitch and Adams.
Dirk Lehmann put in his usual shift and James McFadden was back to his stunning best. He played a played a part in five goals and showed the temperament and restraint will help him progress as a player. Stevie Ferguson even score another goal and his confidence must be sky high.
So, what is there to improve on? Well, the defence did allow Hearts to make a few chances and on another day, we could easily have conceded two or three more goals. It is all very well defending like that if we are going to score six on a regular basis but the chances of that happening are slim!
It was a 6-1 win over Hearts, the fans should not bother looking for minor flaws and enjoy the success. After all, it is not likely we will see the like again…