Heart Of Midlothian 0 Motherwell 0

Last updated : 30 April 2005 By Footymad Previewer
Motherwell missed out on the chance to win five out of five against Hearts this season, but they came oh so close.

The best opportunity of the match was a penalty awarded a minute from the interval for a handball against Hearts' Andrew Webster. But Richie Foran crashed the penalty off the outside of the post, and Motherwell had to settle for a share of the points.

And, to be fair, Hearts deserved something out of a game in which they created the better chances.

In particular Motherwell keeper Gordon Marshall made a spectacular first half save to keep out Saulius Mikoliunas header which looked destined for the bottom corner of the net.

Hearts' finishing didn't always match their build-up play, but whenever they did hit the target Marshall was there to deny them with an outstanding display.

Hearts created the first chance when Lee Miller played in Mark Birchall, but the former Celtic striker drove into the side netting.

But Motherwell also had chances and Craig Gordon made two good saves to deny Foran, one low to his right and then one at his near post.

But Hearts should have gone in front when Paul Hartley blazed over a 15-yard volley, and they wasted another good opportunity when Neil MacFarlane set up Miller, but the prolific striker couldn't finish. Hearts pressed for a second-half winner but the chances kept going astray.

Andy Webster saw a shot on the turn held by Marshall before Mikoliunas carved out a great opportunity for Miller, who shot over from the edge of the box.

And it was Mikoliunas who blew another chance seven minutes from time when he tried to blast his effort home from 12 yards when placing the ball was the better option.

And Hearts' final effort to secure the points came from a Dennis Wynes volley which Marshall tipped away to ensure Motherwell shared the spoils.