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Hearts ratings in 2-1 win vs Motherwell as one star scores 9/10

Susanna Sealy
·3-min read
Lawrence Shankland celebrates his second goal with the Hearts fans at Fir Park.
Lawrence Shankland celebrates his second goal with the Hearts fans at Fir Park.

Hearts 2-1 win against Motherwell was opened with a poignant minute’s silence as those in Fir Park remembered all those whose lives were lost in the World Wars.

It was a must win match for both Motherwell and Hearts this afternoon with both squads desperate to secure a vital three points ahead of the international break and ultimately it was the Jambos who came away with the an important win for both manager, players and fans.

The Jambos once again played a game of possession with Zander Clark untroubled for much of the 90 minutes.  After a poor defensive opening 15 minutes, the moment of joy for the travelling side finally came.

A quiet afternoon for Clark who was unlucky to pick the ball out of his net following Motherwell's penalty.
A quiet afternoon for Clark who was unlucky to pick the ball out of his net following Motherwell's penalty.

Lawrence Shankland continued his goal-scoring run after he deflected the ball into the goal off a Frankie Kent header, much to the bemusement of Liam Kelly and his defenders.

Hearts opened up the second 45 with another nervous few moments before finding their groove in front of the away fans with Stephen Kingsley going for goal in the 49th minute.

VAR once again played its part - as it so often has in recent fixtures - with the second VAR check met by a chorus of boos from fans all around the ground. An aggrieved captain was twice denied the opportunity to score from the spot but as the check halted the game for several minutes, few were disappointed.

The 28-year-old’s frustrations were not long-lasting, however, as in the 71st minute Shankland once again found the back of the net, beating Kelly with delicate footwork to send the away fans wild with joy.

After a nervous opening five minutes, Kent clicked into action. Assisted Shankland's opener and offered his own attempt on goal.
After a nervous opening five minutes, Kent clicked into action. Assisted Shankland's opener and offered his own attempt on goal.

Disaster struck after 77 minutes as Alex Cochrane conceded a penalty for handball in the penalty box. Motherwell’s Blair Spittal dutifully took his opportunity and after what had been a very tame match for the Scotland international, Zander Clark was forced to pick out the ball from his net.

While Motherwell were quick to pounce on their goal momentum in the final ten minutes of play, it came to little effect and Hearts now head into the international break with an exceptionally necessary three points and the fourth spot in the table.

Here are Edinburgh News' player ratings from Hearts' 2-1 win over Motherwell...

Solid performance for the right-back who attempted to up his goal tally early on in the second-half.
Solid performance for the right-back who attempted to up his goal tally early on in the second-half.
Not afraid to take the ball up the pitch through Cochrane or by himself, helping Hearts out of trouble on numerous occasions.
Not afraid to take the ball up the pitch through Cochrane or by himself, helping Hearts out of trouble on numerous occasions.
An excellent first half was met with a disgruntled second half for the winger whose handball cost Clark a possible clean sheet.
An excellent first half was met with a disgruntled second half for the winger whose handball cost Clark a possible clean sheet.
Baningime's opening 20 minutes felt exceptionally lacklustre. However, the Congolese midfielder soon riled himself up and offered plenty of options.
Baningime's opening 20 minutes felt exceptionally lacklustre. However, the Congolese midfielder soon riled himself up and offered plenty of options.
Could have been much firmer with his passes to offer better support up front.
Could have been much firmer with his passes to offer better support up front.
Lowry went for goal in under two minutes and provided plenty of opportunities upfront for his teammates before being substituted in the 74th minute.
Lowry went for goal in under two minutes and provided plenty of opportunities upfront for his teammates before being substituted in the 74th minute.
Happy to make the required runs but often looked timid when presented with chance to score.
Happy to make the required runs but often looked timid when presented with chance to score.
A fantastic brace for the captain who will have felt unlucky to have not had two penalty opportunities.
A fantastic brace for the captain who will have felt unlucky to have not had two penalty opportunities.
Fluffed a perfect opportunity to score early on and spent much of the match on the floor following several fouls. Injury sent him off in 83rd minute.
Fluffed a perfect opportunity to score early on and spent much of the match on the floor following several fouls. Injury sent him off in 83rd minute.
Solid effort from the substitute whose power and pace was much utilised on the right-hand side.
Solid effort from the substitute whose power and pace was much utilised on the right-hand side.
Not on the pitch long enough to make significant impact.
Not on the pitch long enough to make significant impact.
Little impact for Jorge Grant who came on in final 15 minutes of play.
Little impact for Jorge Grant who came on in final 15 minutes of play.