Motherwell 1-2 Heart of Midlothian: Lawrence Shankland says 'things coming together' as double lifts side to fourth
- Published
Lawrence Shankland's flick evaded Blair Spittal at the far post
Lawrence Shankland says "you can see things coming together" after his double secured a narrow win over Motherwell that lifts Heart of Midlothian up to fourth in the Scottish Premiership.
The visiting captain prodded in from close range before Hearts were denied a penalty after a VAR check when strike partner Liam Boyce went down claiming a boot in the face.
When Shankland slotted the second on the counter-attack - his fifth goal in five games - after the break, it looked like game over.
But, when Motherwell were awarded a spot-kick, Blair Spittal gave the hosts hope of a similar fightback to the midweek draw with St Johnstone.
However, Stuart Kettlewell's men fell short this time and have now gone nine games without a win - losing seven of them.
Motherwell, who stay ninth, had not won a game since victory at Tynecastle in early September before the previous international break, but there was to be no deja vu as Hearts secured only their second win in six outings.
"You want to win your game before the international break," Shankland told BBC Scotland. "I think it's important. It's a long break and feels that way anyway when you're without a game.
"You can kind of feel things getting better, things starting to click in games."
Kettlewell had brought Theo Bair back into his starting line-up and the striker was handed the opportunity to give his side an early lead only to head wastefully wide from a corner.
Two of Steven Naismith's changes also almost paid dividends. When Calum Butcher had a clearance charged down, it fell to Alex Lowry and the midfielder, who had already threatened with a curling drive, set up Boyce only for the unmarked striker to fire low and wide.
Shankland made the difference, however, when he showed his predatory skills with a little flick to divert a Jorge Grant header into the far corner.
Hearts thought they should have had a spot-kick when Boyce went down theatrically holding his face on the edge of the box following a high boot from Dan Casey.
Confusion reigned as referee David Munro, who appeared to stop the game for a potential head knock, resumed with a drop ball after being advised by VAR to have a second look having presumably decided there was minimal contact on the striker's chest rather than his face.
Shankland wanted a penalty after a challenge at the back post, but Munro again waved play on after a VAR check, although the Scotland striker got his just deserts when he rounded goalkeeper Liam Kelly after a fine Beni Baningime through ball.
It was Motherwell who did eventually get a spot-kick when Alex Cochrane blocked Oli Shaw's goalbound shot in the six-yard box.
However, despite Spittal's clinical finish igniting some intense home pressure, there was to be no point rescued this time by the hosts.
Player of the match - Lawrence Shankland (Hearts)
Given his two crucial goals, you can't really look beyond captain Lawrence Shankland as the one who made the difference.
Team changes work for Hearts, not for Well - analysis
Bair had obviously done enough as a midweek substitute in that Perth fightback to earn a starting place as Kettlewell tweaked his formation.
However, the more attacking intent failed to pay dividends and the striker was hooked at half-time, to be replaced with the man he had relegated to the bench - Brodie Spencer.
It didn't change the narrative, with Motherwell going 2-0 down, as they had in midweek. Only this time their late pressure came up short and Kettlewell will again be left wondering how his side have waited until they are almost beaten before stepping up a gear.
Naismith was looking for a response from last weekend's League Cup semi-final defeat by Rangers - and he got it in terms of the result at least.
The creativity of on-loan Lowry, who could not face his parent club at Hampden, was crucial in establishing Hearts' lead.
The pressure is eased on Naismith and he will be delighted that his side are now so high in the table considering they are yet to hit their best form.
What they said
Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell: "Again we get a rally with a penalty, but it's too little too late. We've shot ourselves in the foot again.
"I can't ask any more of them on the training field, but we have to rectify it and we have to do it quickly. They are flat coming off the park, but I can guarantee that the players and I will take responsibility for it."
Heart of Midlothian head coach Steven Naismith: "It was a big win but one where we performed really well - we were brave on the ball. Overall, it was a good afternoon.
"We scored goals and could have scored more and probably should have had a penalty. I think there's a penalty because there's contact. Twenty minutes later, there's another foul the exact same with less contact and it is given as a foul against us."
What's next?
Motherwell next visit leaders Celtic on Saturday, 25 November, with Hearts hosting St Johnstone at the same time (15:00 GMT).