Motherwell 1 Hearts 2
Hearts moved to within three points of Celtic in second place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League thanks to their sixth consecutive win.  Both sides had chances in an excellent first-half before Hearts went in front just before the interval. Kevin Kyle and Stephen Elliott combined to set David Templeton up for an overhead kick which was saved by Darren Randolph - but the 'keeper and Mark Reynolds collided in their attempt to complete the clearance and the ball went into the net off the 'Well defender.  Hearts' joy was short-lived however as Motherwell levelled seconds later when Keith Lasley - in his first game since October - fired home from Alan Gow's through ball.  Elliott saw an effort rebound from the bar before Kyle put Hearts ahead on the hour from the penalty spot after Motherwell captain Stephen Craigan had fouled Templeton.  Motherwell pushed hard for a leveller but their hopes were dashed when Steve Jennings was sent off for dissent following complaints to referee Steve O'Reilly after he turned down a penalty claim following a tackle on Gow.

By cbfootball.co.uk   Last updated: 15 December 2010