Motherwell produced a sparkling performance to dismantle Hibs by half-time.
There were almost 7,000 fans in Fir Park and they were treated to a superb show of controlled passing from Jens Berthel Askou’s side. Even the supporters in the South Stand must have recognised, despite frustration at their own team’s efforts, that Motherwell put on an exhibition.
There were five changes to the Steelmen eleven from the winning side at Rugby Park and Tawanda Maswanhise was tasked with the leading role. In his forty five minutes on the pitch he tested and tormented the Hibs defence. The manager’s alteration to the normal shape denied Hibs any success on the flanks and when the two goal lead was established after 20 minutes the game was secured by long spells of possession.
Tawanda Scores
After a cagey opening fifteen minutes the action started in earnest when, following VAR check Grant Hanley was adjudged to have handled. Maswanhise fired the spot kick high beyond Raphael Sallinger. A killer second quickly followed. Eli Just took a misplaced pass and found the ball back at his feet after a rebound. He fired home to double the lead.
Hibs seemed unable to cope with the control that Motherwell had of the game. They chased the slick passes but even when they had rare opportunities to advance they were unable to fashion any threat. Their hope of a comeback disappeared on the half hour. Hanley clipped Maswanhise at the edge of the box to deny the scoring chance and after a VAR check to negate an offside flag he walked. Elliot Watt fired the resulting free kick low and just wide.
David Gray responded with a couple of substitutions before the break but by this time the pattern of the game was set. Motherwell lorded possession and enjoyed the extra space by racking up the pass rate. Hibs did have a real opportunity when Boyle burst through. He rounded Callum Ward and rolled the ball to the open goal only to see Johnny Koutroumbis appear for a brave goal line clearance.
Callum Hendry replaced Maswanhise at the interval, the manager possibly having an eye on the arrival of Hearts on Saturday.
The visitors made more of a show after the break but Motherwell still looked comfortable. They held the ball awaiting an opening and most of the game was in the Hibs last third. Oscar Priestman, on his first start, fitted well and he was denied by the woodwork.
Motherwell used all five substitutions and continued to command. The manager had spoken before the match about the depth of his squad and tonight was a demonstration.
No doubt we’ll see more changes when the other half of Edinburgh arrives on Saturday but they will know that a tough test awaits.
Motherwell 2 Hibs 0
Attendance 6,858
Team: Ward, Koutroumbis (Slattery 62), Welsh, McGinn, Gordon, Sparrow, Watt, Priestman (Ross 83) , Charles-Cook (Osong 89), Just (Said 62), Maswanhise (Hendry 45)
Tuesday 25 November 2025
