3.30pm

Yesterday's result: Hearts 2, Motherwell 1

Was at a 30th birthday party in Dumbarton's Celtic Club(!) last night, so this is the first chance I've had to update the site since yesterday's match at Tynecastle. Overall it was a much improved defensive display from the 'Well, and we had a couple of chances to grab a late equaliser, even though 2-2 would have flattered us a bit.

Graeme Smith was back between the sticks and Stephen Craigan returned to central defence, with Colin Meldrum and Bobby Donnelly dropping to the bench.

Hearts had the better of the first half and dominated posession for long spells, and we had Graeme Smith to thank for keeping us in the match with a few excellent saves. Our only real opportunuty came when Jim Hamilton's knock-down was met by Scott McDonald, but the Aussie striker's angled shot was blocked by Gordon. Just when it looked like we might survive until half time, Smith was finally beaten when poor defending by Hammell allowed Hartley to setup Skacel, and the midfielder shot home from around 12 yards.

The second half saw more of the same, with Hearts keeping us pegged back for long periods. The home side eventually made it 2-0 after 70 mins when Jankauskas turned Kinniburgh and blasted his shot in off the crossbar. However we were back in the game shortyly afterwards when Jim Hamiton was brought down in the box for a soft-ish penalty, and substitute Richie Foran made no mistake with his spot kick. We had two great chances to level the match in the closing stages. Firstly, Shaun Fagan mis-kicked right in front of goal and Hamilton put the loose ball wide of target (although I think he might have been given offside), then with the last kick of the game Hearts' goalkeeper Gordon made a brilliant save to deny Kinniburgh.

Although Hearts deserved to win, this was a much improved performance from Motherwell, with the defence (Hammell aside) looking far more secure than of late. Graeme Smith was outstanding, producing four or five quality saves to keep us in the game. However for 75 mins of the match we offered very little upfront, with both McDonald and Hamilton having off days.

Team (4-4-2): Graeme Smith, Paul Quinn, Craigan, Kinniburgh, Hammell, Kerr, Fagan (Fitzpatrick 86), O'Donnell (Foran 29), Andy Smith, McDonald (Clarkson 68), Hamilton.
Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Keogh, Robert Donnelly, Darren Lee Smith.

Motherwell scorer: Foran (76 pen).

Booked: Hammell.

Attendance:16,213.

Motherwell have been drawn away to St Mirren in the 3rd round of the CIS Cup. The tie will take place on September 20 or 21.