Motherwell failed to make the best of good play and paid the price as Hearts scored twice to take the points at a windy Fir Park.
The losing run continued despite Motherwell fashioning more goal scoring chances than the visitors. Claudio Braga and Calvin Miller demonstrated the art of finishing to the frustration of their hosts.
With Alex Lowry injured, Lukas Fadinger unwell and Stephen O’Donnell on the bench room was made for Dylan Levitt, Jake Girdwood-Reich and a first start for long time absentee Jordan McGhee.
The Steelmen started on the front foot and Emmanuel Longelo and McGhee both tested Beau Reus in front of the travelling support but the opening goal came at the other end after half an hour.
Sabah Kerjota delivered a pinpoint cross from the right and Braga produced an accurate header to give Alex Paulsen no chance of the save.
Levitt saw his powerful drive push away for a corner and Seb Palmer-Holden attempted to hook from a corner but the ball landed on the roof of the net.
Hearts were one up after a fairly even first half.
Motherwell outplayed Hearts in the second half. The visitors were pushed back in deep defence for long spells but the half chances were not converted. Changes were made to add to the attack. Jardell Kanga combined well with Longelo and the pair presented Eythor Bjorgolfsson with several opportunities. The big striker’s came close when his goal-bound header was palmed away.
Against the flow of the game the second goal arrived to kill the contest. Calvin Miller had space on the right and made no mistake with an accurate low drive to secure the win.
The sixth consecutive loss raises fans’ concerns further. Alfred Johansson’s post match comments concentrated of the lack of conversions in the opposition box and the weakness shown in Paulsen’s area.
The players have an early chance to turn the tide in Perth on Wednesday and against St Mirren at home next weekend. Failure to see an upturn will deepen the slump.
Motherwell 0 Hearts 2
Attendance: 9,911
Team: Paulsen, Sparrow (O’Donnell 82), Girdwood-Reich, Moorman (Knight-Lebel 60), Hodge, Longelo, McGhee (Kanga 64), Levitt, Said, Maswanhise, Palmer-Houlden (Bjorgolfsson 64)
Sunday 25 October 2026
