Hearts produced a below-par performance as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Motherwell.
The Steelmen had been in dire form which saw Steven Hammell dismissed last weekend and Stuart Kettlewell placed in interim charge. And he has since secured back-to-back wins, including a fairly dominant display over Robbie Neilson's men.
It was a scrappy opening 40 minutes marred by mistakes and lack of clinical touch until Sean Goss called Zander Clark into action with a driven effort which led to Jon Obika firing in an opener from close range moments later. The visitors doubled their lead just 17 seconds into the second half as Blair Spittal pounced inside the box after excellent build up play.
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Motherwell took advantage of a disjointed Hearts showing and could've added to their advantage as Max Johnston spurred a gilt-edge chance. It was only Hearts' second defeat from their 12 games since the World Cup break and they remain five points ahead of Edinburgh rivals Hibernian in third place.
Here's how we rated the away side at Fir Park.
Zander Clark - 6
The Hearts stopper was left rooted to the spot when Obika guided in Motherwell's opener, and may ask questions over why Goss was allowed time to shoot in the first place. Kept the score down with a string of impressive saves.
Michael Smith - 5
Got himself forward from full-back when possible but fell the victim of a spirited Motherwell side, who allowed the Jam Tarts very little time on the ball.
Stephen Kingsley - 5
Hit the crossbar with a free-kick on the stroke of half-time. One of the better defenders in white and maroon, particularly when the ball was being played over the top a lot.
Lawrence Shankland - 5
Had to drop deep to receive the ball at times but was unlucky not to break the deadlock on the half-hour mark when his header cannoned off the post. The Hearts striker has been one of the league's most prolific however his shooting boots seemed to be missing at Fir Park.
Cammy Devlin - 5
Plenty of drive and enthusiasm from the Australian midfielder but overran in midfield during the first half.
Barrie McKay - 5
Struggled to get into the game for large spells due to Motherwell's compact set-up.
Alex Cochrane - 4
He was involved in a bizarre moment on the hour mark where he went off the pitch taking applause from the travelling fans, while thinking he was being replaced before realising he was staying in the action. Didn't have his best showing with a few shaky decisions.
Toby Sibbick - 5
Couple of troubled moments in the opening stage but his tenacity and effort was evident throughout. Almost scored with a chance at the back post early into the second half.
Stephen Humphrys - 5
Showed plenty of energy and wasn't afraid to try his luck from distance however he faded before being taken off as part of a triple change on the hour-mark.
James Hill - 4
An uncomfortable afternoon for the young centre back, who struggled with the presence of Obika and Van Veen.
Robert Snodgrass - 6
Set piece deliveries were spot on and most of Hearts' best attacking play came through him.
Subs
Jorge Grant - 4
Replaced Devlin at the break and failed to really impose himself on the game. Left Hearts punters frustrated with a few "safe" passes and slow build up play.
Alan Forrest - 3
Tried to get into the game but was closed down by a buoyant Motherwell defence and couldn't help spark a fightback.
Nathaniel Atkinson - 3
Completely miscued a pass out of play near the end, which summed up Hearts' day. Didn't really do anything to contribute positively after joining the action.
Garang Kuol - 2
Lacked any end product.
Yutaro Oda - 3
Failed to make much impact after replacing Cochrane with 12 minutes remaining. Unlucky to be denied an attempt at goal late on by a brave last-ditch tackle from Calum Butcher.
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