'Well take the points against Hearts

Jan 8 2009 By Chris Clements

Motherwell 1 Hearts 0

A CHRIS Porter header early in the first half was enough to send Hearts packing at Fir Park last night (Wednesday).

The goal came in the 11th minute after some good build-up play from Paul Quinn and Stephen Hughes, before Hughes' superb turning cross in the Hearts area was met with a simple header from Porter.

Motherwell threatened the Edinburgh club's goal again when David Clarkson was set loose in the box, but he failed to control the ball and the opportunity was wasted. Clarkson had two more decent chances in a dull game, skying a shot in the first half and being denied by brave defending by the Hearts keeper Janos Balogh.

Hearts struggled to create chances throughout the match, but a 32nd minute Andrew Driver free kick was sent high into the Motherwell area, with Christian Nade's header coming close.

The game slowed to a frustrating and a period of pressure from Motherwell ensured the scoreline remained the same.