Motherwell FC News - 16 Dec 2000

Motherwell recorded a thoroughly deserved 2-0 victory over Hearts at Fir Park this afternoon. We made a number of changes from last's week's game at Ibrox, with Stevie McMillan replacing the injured Benito Kemble at centre-half, and Derek Towsnley and John Spencer replacing Stuart Elliott and Keith Lasley, who both dropped to the bench. Motherwell dominated the first half and passed up several opportunities to take the lead, the most clear cut of which were when Kevin Twaddle missed with a free header from around 6 years, and Lee McCulloch blasted against the bar with an open goal at his mercy.

However, we eventually went ahead in 56 mins when Derek Townsley headed past Niemi from a corner. The goal seemed to inspire Hearts and only a couple of brilliant saves from Andy Goram kept our lead intact. With the visitors pushing for an equaliser, gaps were always going to be left at the back and Motherwell missed several chances to kill the game off. However, with only 3 mins left Derek "Scholes" Townsley won the ball in midfield and set up substitute Derek Adams, who made no mistake with a close range shot. The win keeps us in touch with the teams above us in the race for a top six place.

More great pics of this afternoon's game are available here, courtesy of Graeme Bell.