After the highs of beating Luzern 3-1 in the first leg of their Europa Conference League qualifying clash in midweek, Lee Johnson’s side were humbled by their hosts at Fir Park after putting in a thoroughly lacklustre performance.
Goals from Conor Wilkinson and debutant Mika Biereth gave the home side a vital two-goal cushion which carried them to victory even though Adam Le Fondre pulled one back through a late penalty.
Johnson changed his system for this encounter, going with a 3-5-2 due to a lack of available wingers with Elie Youan ruled out through injury, before ultimately returning to the 4-4-2 for the second half. But nothing seemed to work for the visitors who were well below their best on the day.
Here is how each of the players rated...
. MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 13: Hibernian players warming up before a cinch Premiership match between Motherwell and Hibernian at Fir Park, on August 13, 2023, in Motherwell, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)
Hibs players being put through their paces prior to Sunday's defeat to Motherwell at Fir Park. Picture: SNS Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
. GK - David Marshall - 6
Didn't look like he could do much about either goal and didn't have much to do otherwise. Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group
. DRC - Will Fish - 3
Has not carried over his form from the end of last season into the current one. Ball-watched for the first Hibs goal and got outmuscled off the ball for the second. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
. DC - Paul Hanlon - 5
The captain is marshalling a defence which has been creaky in every game so far this season. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
1. GK - David Marshall - 6
Didn't look like he could do much about either goal and didn't have much to do otherwise. Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group
2. DRC - Will Fish - 3
Has not carried over his form from the end of last season into the current one. Ball-watched for the first Hibs goal and got outmuscled off the ball for the second. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
3. DC - Paul Hanlon - 5
The captain is marshalling a defence which has been creaky in every game so far this season. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
4. DLC - Lewis Stevenson - 5
Another who was outmuscled by Biereth in the build-up to a Motherwell goal. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group