Motherwell’s inability to score from set pieces proved costly as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at Ainslie Park against Hibernian. The Steelmen assaulted Hibernian from set pieces as they had 10 corners during the match but Hibs’ defence held strong and put in a commendable shift as they ran out winners under the floodlights.
A goal from Oli Shaw alongside a wonder-goal from Callum Crane saw Hibernian come out on top of the end to end fixture. Motherwell managed to capitalise on one of their corners through Luke Watt but Hibernian held on for the win.
It was the team in claret and amber who started the brighter. They settled quickly and had the first chance of the game after four minutes through Domanic Thomas. His one-two with Dylan Mackin resulted in a fierce shot from 18 yards which the ‘keeper parried away.
After two Motherwell corners came to nothing, Hibernian had their first shot on goal with a speculative 25 yard effort from Sam Stanton forcing the ‘keeper into a low save to his left.
Hibs worked their way into the game and Henri Anier smashed a shot off the crossbar from 16 yards on the turn after a free-kick was fired in to the box from the half-way line.
The midfield battle showed as both teams were equally matched and it was not until the 45th minute that the goalmouth was really threatened again. Jack McMillan did well to back-heel the ball to Christopher Cadden from the byline and the latter fired in a low cross that none of the Motherwell players could tap in as a goalmouth scramble ensued.