By Paul Marshall
March 1 2003

Hearts picked up all three points today after beating Motherwell 2 - 1 although the Motherwell players will be leaving Tynecastle tonight feeling they had been robbed after creating so many chances to win this match. 2 - 1



Line Up before the match


Motherwell created more chances than their hosts but it was Hearts who ran out winners. Hearts opened the scoring on the half hour mark, stand in forward Kevin McKenna latched on to a Gary Wales cross and blasted the ball past a helpless Dubourduea in the Motherwell goal.




Du Du Du Dubourduea

Motherwell almost equalised right after the Hearts opener, James McFadden rattled a shot destined for the top corner only for Hearts Keeper Moilanen to touch it over.



Motherwell started the second half better and were rewarded for their hard work when midfeilder Keith Lasley clevery flicked the ball over Hearts defender Stephane Mahe and drilled hom from 10 yards.




Celebrations !



The goal gave Motherwell a lift and created more chances, McFadden blasted a shot over from the edge of the box as the hearts defence beginned to crumble. Scotland international Steven Pressley who wasn't a his best had a shocking game, youngster David Clarkson tormented Pressley all day and on one occasion took the ball from him and set up McFadden who was brought down by Andy Webster in the penalty box but referee Mike McCurry who had a shocker waved away the appeals.



Corner !


It was a typical Motherwell performance creating chances but not converting them and they were punished in the 70th minute, Phil Stamp broke down the left after a Motherwell attack and his cut-back was rifled into the net by Substitute Simmons from two yards out.



Terry Butcher threw on Dirk Lehmann and on loan striker Richard Offiong replacing Shaun Fagan and David Clarkson in a bid to find an equaliser but it was too late in the day.





Final Whistle


Talking about the missed chances after the match manager Terry Butcher said " We were left to rue missed opportunities and we were punished by Hearts "


Referee Mike McCurry

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