A late Curtis Main goal proved to be a consolation as Motherwell lost 2-1 to Hibs at Easter Road.
It was a case of too little too late as Motherwell did not get fired up until the game was lost. There was to be no repeat of the comeback from two down earlier in the season and we probably did not deserve it.
Motherwell lined up in the away strip with Ciftci and Cadden on the bench as Grimshaw and Tanner were given starting spots.
Grimshaw mounted our first attack with a fine 30 yard run that ended when Main failed to control inside the box. Tanner caused a panic when he messed up a free kick thirty yards from the Hibs goal. He tried a short pass but to a green shirt. Panic followed and the breakaway threat should have delivered the opener. A heroic Kipre clearance saved us before the post was brought into play from the resulting corner.
We almost lost a goal from this position
We had a corner of our own and Tanner found Main in space at the far post. His header caused a scramble in the six yard box but nothing more.
Hibs took the lead in 28 minutes. New signing Kamberi was in the right place when a half cleared ball fell to him in the 'D'. He lashed it in giving Carson no chance.
Campbell had a chance of the leveller but he dragged his shot wide from 15 yards.
Hibs were the more dangerous in attack and showed it a couple of minutes into the second half. While the crumbs of half-time pies were still being wiped Boyle squared to Barker and we were two down. It was not the start we needed.
On the hour Cadden and Bigirimana replaced Rose and Grimshaw and the pair almost produced a goal when Bigi's attempted conversion of Cadden's cross shaved Marciano's post.
Ciftci was given the last 15 mInutes as McHugh came off and we began to throw everything forward. Cadden had a shot on target but we made a contest of it when Main's strength allowed him to get a low drive away despite close attention. 2-1
We had a thrill in the third minute of added time when Carson and all packed the Hibs box for a last gasp corner but there was to be no fairytale celebration.
Attention now turns to the next three fixtures at Fir Park.
Hibs 2 Motherwell 1
Attendance 16,920
Team: Carson, Tait, Grimshaw (Cadden 60), McHugh (Ciftci 74), Main, Rose (Bigirimana 60), Dunne, Aldred, Kipre, Campbell, Tanner