Match date : Wednesday 8th April 1998 Competition : Premier League Attendance : 14,737
Motherwell scorer: Tommy Coyne (79).
COYNE GETS SHIRTY TO PROVE A POINT
Hearts 1 Motherwell 1TOMMY COYNE Drilled a nail deep into Hearts Championship ambitions and at the same time help Motherwell along the road to safety. His superb finish with ten minutes to go chest about railroads Hearts' title hopes, and at the same time keeps Motherwell abreast of things at the foot of the table.
Early play favoured the home side who knew a win would take them back to the top of the Premier League. The visitors saw Kevin Christie first into Referee Rowbotham's book for a third challenge in quick successsion on McCann, who does have a history of falling all too easily prior to contact with another player. Rowbotham, who on a previous visit to Tynecastle had denied Motherwell a clear-cut goal, was obviously determined to ensure the Fir Park side remembered him for more than just blindness as he seemed to ignore the complaints of the Motherwell players following some wild challenges the home side were putting in themselves. Chances first-half were not so clear-cut, with Hearts managing to make it to the bye-line only for a terrible final ball or some good, solid defensive work. As if to underline this, Naysmith's cross from the left was intercepted by Denham who nicked in before Adam to send the ball out for a corner. Motherwell began to believe in themselves more and more as the first half drew on, and twice in the space of a few minutes they almost drew first blood. Naysmith somehow escaped a booking following another late effort, this time on Ross, and from the resultant free-kick Coyle bend the ball round the wall but agonisingly also round the post. Then Coyle came even closer after capatilising on a slip by McPherson, this time the ball shaved the post on its way past. Just prior to the break McCann again "fell" as Lindqvist challenged, and whilst no-one was denying it was a foul, McCann's theatrics drew a booking for the Swedish Internationalist.
Half-Time Hearts 0 Motherwell 0The home side were clearly stung by their Manager's half-time words and upped the effort at the beginning of the second-half. Woods saved comfortably as McCann evaded his marker to send in a rather tame effort, though seconds later Hamilton was only just second-best as Woods claimed a through-ball. Motherwell were clearly on the back foot as Hearts attempted to make their superiority tell, and again twice in quick succession the home side were inches from making a score. Brian Martin managed to block Adam's net-bound volley, but as the ball broke out Hamilton smacked in the rebound only to see the ball crack off the post and out to safety. However, Hearts opener was only delayed by four more minutes, and it was some gift-wrapped defending which gave the Tyencastle side the opening goal. Weir's interception on the edge of his own box and a one-two with Fulton sent McCann on towards the Motherwell goal. It looked pretty benign as Christie and McMillan came across to shepherd the ball towards Woods, but with neither in a talkative mood they collided, leaving McCann to gratefully snap up the error and slot beyond Woods. Motherwell Manager Harri Kampman made an immediate change in brining on the dangerous Eliphas Shivute, but before he could have any effect Makel was only inches away from doubling his sides' lead, Lindqvist clearing just in time. Shivute was creating some menace for the Tynecastle defence who had, up to that point, looked comfortable with all that was thrown at them. Motherwell were beginning to turn the tide, and with 20 minutes left had a great chance to level. McPherson crudely fouled Coyne on the edge of the box. McMillan, with a powerful left-foot, would have troubled Rousset but the young Motherwell defender had no chance as the wall, only 6 feet away, was allowed to encroach to such an extent by the inept Rowbotham that when he was able to shoot it was easily blocked. However, with 11 minutes left, McMillan was able to help draw his side level. Running from the half-way line, he traded passes with Coyne and burst into the box. His slide pass to Coyle was blocked, but as the ball spun sideways, there was Coyne to send in an unstoppable drive to level matters. Amidst great celebrations amongst the large travelling support, Coyne was booked for removing his shirt but judging by the grin on his face he wasn't particularly bothered. As Hearts desperately tried to force a winner, it was Motherwell who came closest. A terrific run from Eliphas Shivute saw the Namibian winger beat three Hearts defenders with consumate ease before a last-ditch tackle from Weir ensured Shivute's final effort went over the bar. Then McPherson made a brilliant interception to prevent Coyle an open goal. With time running out, the frustration got to Hamilton who was extremely fortunate only to be booked as he punched the ball towards the Motherwell goal. A deserved point for Motherwell as they continue their improvement under Harri Kampman, whereas Hearts hopes of a first title in almost 30 years looks gone.
FULL TIME Hearts 1 Motherwell 1