Motherwell v Heart of Midlothian
From Hearts Media at Fir Park Stadium
Hearts battled their way to yet another three points in tonight's rearranged fixture against Motherwell at Fir Park.

A Mark Reynolds own goal was swiftly cancelled out by Keith Lasley in a frantic few minutes before half time. However, Kevin Kyle's second half penalty ensured Hearts remain unbeaten in their last six matches.

Jim Jefferies made two changes to the side that won so comprehensively at the weekend. Darren Barr came in for Jonsson at right back, whilst Ryan Stevenson slotted in to midfield in place of Ian Black, both of whom fell victim to sickness before the game.

A scrappy opening 15 minutes produced little in the way of goalmouth action. Ryan Stevenson's right footed drive from around 25 yards flashed just over Darren Randolph's bar.

Stephen Elliott then spurned the clearest chance of the match so far just before the half hour mark. Templeton showed trickery on the left before fizzing the ball in to the six yard box. The Irishman managed to connect but the pace on the ball made it difficult to keep the ball down.

Jamie Murphy came closest for the hosts ten minutes before the break. Zaliukas managed to prevent Jennings' through ball in to the Hearts' area, although Murphy seized on the loose ball before firing wide of Kello's right-hand post.

The Motherwell No. 9 came close again three minutes later. He jinked past three Hearts defenders before sending a cross-come-shot towards Kello's goal. Blackman would have surely have tapped his side in to the lead had he stretched to make contact.

Kevin Kyle created a chance for himself three minutes before the interval. The big striker pulled a high ball out of the air on his chest on the angle of the box, before spinning and shooting with his left foot. It was an effort that had Radolph throwing himself to his left to see it wide,

Jim Jefferies' men were ahead just two minutes later. Elliott's chipped cross from the by-line picked out Templeton, whose spectacular overhead kick squirmed under Randolph, and eventually crossed the line with via one or two of the 'Well defenders. The stadium announcer credited Temps with his seventh of the season, although it appeared to be a Mark Reynolds own goal.

The joy was short lived however, as Motherwell levelled almost immediately. Keith Lasley found himself through on goal and calmly slotted beyond Kello to restore parity. It was the first goal the Jambos had conceded since the 31st of October.

Stephen Elliott was inches away from restoring Hearts' lead 15 minutes after the break. He was fed in the area by Stevenson, before turning brilliantly and cracking a left foot shot off the cross bar. His follow up header landed on top of the Motherwell net.

Hearts regained the lead from the penalty spot just after the hour. Yet more skill from Temps took him in to the area before he was felled by Craigan. Stevie O'Reilly showed no hesitation in awarding the pen. Kevin Kyle stepped up to confidently thump home his sixth Hearts goal of the campaign.

Ryan Stevenson strode forward with purpose with 15 minutes left, although he dragged his shot wide of goal from the edge of the area.

John Sutton had a clear sight of goal on 78 minutes, although the substitute was unable to keep Hateley's cross down.

The Motherwell No. 6 was given his marching orders shortly after. The fullback was incensed that his side weren't given a penalty after Sutton went down. His protests were clearly too strong for Stevie O' Reilly's liking, who showed him a straight red.

Craig Thomson's free kick dipped just over Randolph's cross bar as Hearts sought to see the game out moving in to stoppage time,

The Gorgie men utilised the extra man well, and were relatively comfortable during the three minutes time added on by the officials. This result made nit eight wins from nine for Hearts, strengthening their position in third position.
Motherwell: Randolph; Hammell; Reynolds; Craigan; Hateley; Humphrey (Sutton 78); Jennings; Murphy; Lasley; Blackman; Gow (Forbes 88). Subs not used: Hollis; Saunders; Fitzpatrick; Page; Casagolda.

Hearts: Kello; Barr; Bouzid; Zaliukas; Palazuelos; Mrowiec; Stevenson; Templeton (Elliot 90); Skacel; Elliott (C Thomson 83); Kyle. Subs not used: MacDonald; Obua; McGowan; Novikovas; Glen;

Referee: Stevie O' Reilly

Top man: David Templeton

Hearts World