Well slip to defeat to Hearts

Motherwell’s return to action ended in a defeat to Hearts in a controversial game which saw them reduced to ten men as Hearts won 2-1.

The game started off poorly with both sides giving the ball away far too easily and it took until the half hour mark before we got any real goal mouth action. Hearts should’ve taken the lead but Stephen Elliot could only turn the ball over from a couple of yards out from a David Templeton cross.

Motherwell then created two great chances with Murphy pulling a shot wide and then sending in a great cross that Blackman just couldn’t get a touch on.

Hearts then took the lead in the 44^th minute when Kyle barged Reynolds off the ball allowing Elliot time to pick out Templeton. The winger’s over head kicked was well saved by Randolph buy somehow Reynolds forced the ball over the line.

Well responded with an equaliser immediately, Gow sent Lasley clear with a great through ball allowing the midfielder to slide the ball past the keeper for his first goal in three years.

Hearts started the better side in the second half and after Elliot had missed a double chance they took the lead with a controversial penalty on 59 minutes. Templeton slipped Hateley and tumbled over the leg of Craigan but a penalty was awarded immediately. Kyle took the kick and smashed the ball up the middle leaving Randolph with no chance.

The ref then made a succession of bizarre decisions, including missing a Hearts player blocking a free kick from only two yards away. This led to a booking for dissent for Blackman, even though all four officials seemed to have missed this blatant mistake.

The ref’s night was summed up with his sending off of Jennings with seven minutes left. Motherwell were denied a penalty and Jennings put his hand on the ref’s shoulder and was shown a straight red for this!

If the official thought this was a red card then we will end up with games of five a sides!

In the end it was a poor night for Motherwell against a physical Hearts side who were allowed to bully Motherwell all night, thanks to some of the weakest refereeing you will ever see.