Motherwell and Hearts had to settle for a point apiece after
a tense thriller under the Fir Park lights.
The old stadium was packed (biggest crowd in 20 years) and with both sets of fans in full
voice there was a tremendous atmosphere as the players stood toe to toe. Motherwell had their best spell in the first
half while the visitors dominated the second.
Hearts kicked off but within 30 seconds Callum Slattery
forced Alexander Schwolow into a save from his header. Lawrence Shankland missed a sitter minutes later
when he had the ball at his feet a couple of yards from the goal line. Stephen O’Donnell produced a miraculous block
but the striker was left holding his head in his hands.
The game raged from end to end as both teams showed their
attacking intent. Passes were made,
missed and intercepted. Challenges were
tough at times and a few niggles raised the tension.
Motherwell took the lead midway through the first half when
good work on the left from Emmanuel Longelo and Tawanda Maswanhise ended with a
near post cross. Ibrahim Said and Stephen
Kingsley met the ball and it found the net off the defender. That made little difference to the home fans’
celebrations.
Hearts leveled the game just before the break. A deep cross found Michael Steinwender and
Callum Ward could only parry the ball to the lurking Shankland for a simple
finish. The break offered both sides
welcome relief.
The visitors made most of the running in the second period
though Motherwell did get the ball into the Hearts’ net. Maswahise fluffed a
decent opportunity but Stephen O’Donnell popped up to put the ball over the
line. A VAR check was to find him inches
offside.
The remote officials came into play in 66 minutes. A Hearts attacked was cleared with Alexandros
Kyziridis on the deck outside the penalty area.
Steven McLean allowed the play to continue but he was advised to halt
the action and was directed to the review screen. Maswanhise was alleged to have caused a trip
but the official stuck to his on-field decision and no penalty was awarded.
Motherwell were forced deep into defence for long spells but
Hearts manged to produce few clear chances.
Eight added minutes stretched the game but neither side could find a
winner.
Motherwell’s gap over Hibs is now four points with two
matches remaining. More nailbiting
minutes lie ahead.
Motherwell 1 Hearts 1
Attendance 12,306
Team: Ward,
O’Donnell, Gordon, Longelo, Welsh, Said (Koutroumbis 76), Watt, Priestman, Slattery,
Just (Charles-Cook 86), Maswanhise (Hendry 86)
Saturday 9 May
2026
