8.50pm

Last night's result: Motherwell 1, Hearts 0 (Scottish Cup 4th Round Replay).

Dragged myself out of my sickbed to attend last night's match, and although I didn't think it wasn't much of a game or performance, we're safely through to the next round.  Guess that's all that matters really.

After joining the ridiculous queue for the East Stand down past the Fir Park Club, I was beginning to wish I hadn't bothered. However, the kick off was delayed and I made it inside in time.  The official attendance was given as 8,300, however I have no idea where the 5,000 empty seats were as all four stands looked pretty well full to me.

Motherwell were well on top in the first half, and took the lead after 23 mins when McCormack converted from the penalty spot after a Hearts defender clearly handled in the box.  That apart, goalmouth incidents were few and far between.

The second half was backs to the wall stuff at times, but the visitors only created one clear cut chance (and how they missed it I will never know). Motherwell were rarely seen as at attacking force after the break, but we dug in for a victory we probably just about deserved over the two games.

There weren't many great performances last night, but Hughes did well in the first half and the sometimes maligned Stephen Craigan put in a tremendous shift.  We've got Dundee up next in the 5th Round a week on Saturday.

Team (4-3-3): Graeme Smith, Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds, Paterson, Hughes, Lasley, Fitzpatrick, Clarkson, McCormack, Porter (Darren Smith 45).
Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Brian McLean, Archdeacon, Murphy.

Motherwell scorer: McCormack (23 pen).

Booked: Lasley, Quinn.

Attendance: 8,300.

Mark McGhee's post-match comments were as follows:
"This was a massive result for us. They are a good team and to win through was very impressive.  We managed to edge through and we are delighted with that."

Of course, the big news before the game was that George Burley had been offered the Scotland manager's job.  McGhee's reaction?
"I've got no complaints.  I'm not really sure what the situation is, somebody has to clarify it for me.  I was told live on Sky that George was appointed.  If that is the case then I'm disappointed for myself but I am delighted for him and I will be right behind him."