Motherwell 1-0 Hearts: Three things learned from another miserable day for Jambos

Motherwell's Liam Grimshaw puts Hearts midfielder Glenn Whelan under pressure at Fir Park

Chances spurned

Hearts had opportunities to prise a point from Fir Park, perhaps even three. They created chances in the second half having threatened little before the interval. However, their finishing wasn't up to standard. Steven MacLean had a shot and a header, substitute Uche Ikpeazu curled an effort over the bar and wing-back Jamie Brandon hit an effort into the stand during the second 45 minutes. Motherwell don't give away many opportunities on their own turf so, when they do, you have to convert them to have any chance of garnering points. The late red card for Jake Mulraney for foul and abusive language did not help.

Keeper close call

Colin Doyle and Zdenek Zlamal are now both injured, so Hearts are down to just one fit first-team goalkeeper in Joel Pereira. The on-loan Manchester United man took Zlamal's place having been dropped for the midweek draw with Livingston. The young American Kevin Silva sat on the substitutes' bench, so he would be next in line were anything to happen to Pereira. Hearts couldn't bare the thought of losing another keeper to injury but, given how their season has unfolded hitherto, it would be rather typical.

Great Scott

The Motherwell teenager James Scott is one of the most prodigious talents in Scotland and proved so again in this match. He played on the right of a front three and was a constant menace to both Jake Mulraney and Christophe Berra of Hearts. Scott isn't short of pace and is a decent dribbler who is keen to run at opponents and create openings for colleagues. He still has some maturing to do but the raw potential is clear. Indeed, Motherwell also get fine service from the opposite flank through Jermaine Hylton, who was key to their opening goal with some neat footwork before a cutback for Chris Long to score.