Football: Hearts broken as Motherwell storm through

Motherwell 3 Heart of Midlothian 1

THOSE PEOPLE who concern themselves with such matters will insist that statistics and omens suggest Motherwell can repeat their Tennents Scottish Cup win of 1991.

Their credentials would have little more than coincidence in that the Fir Park side defeated the Cup holders in 1991 with victory against Aberdeen at Pittodrie, and last night the holders, Hearts, were removed at the first attempt.

Yet this Motherwell side produced more compelling argument in the quality of their play that at times saw them tear apart the visitors.

This tie marked the return of the "flying pig" to Scottish football. Andy Goram, the former Rangers goalkeeper who walked out on Scotland before the World Cup, has played only a handful of games on loan since then, but he was given a hero's reception by the home fans.

His arrival is yet another change brought about by Billy Davies, the Motherwell manager, who has transformed the side since taking over from Harri Kampman. The evidence of that can be seen in the league table, where the Fir Park side are in fifth place, one ahead of Hearts, and it is a fair bet the Cup holders would not have chosen this fixture for the first defence of their trophy.

They were given an early indication of the size of the task when they conceded a goal in the 13th minute. Ged Brannan, the former Manchester City midfielder, arrived late for a corner delivered by Pat Nevin and from 20 yards sent in a ferocious shot that flashed through a packed penalty area into the bottom corner of Gilles Rousset's net.

The reply from Hearts should have produced an equaliser. Stephane Adams crossed from the right to Jim Hamilton, who had escaped his marker, but the big striker headed carelessly wide. Derek Lilley then cut inside his man and flashed a shot wide but Motherwell again showed the class that has marked their recent run with a sublime 24th-minute move.

Lee McCulloch swept a precise diagonal ball to Owen Coyle, whose first time lay-off was perfectly placed for the in-rushing John Spencer, but his shot was aimed too straight at the goalkeeper, who saved well.

Before half-time Motherwell had strong penalty claims denied as Stephen McMillan was brought down by Thomas Flogel. Hearts made the most of that let-off 11 minutes into the second half. Steve Fulton found Adam inside the penalty area, the Frenchman swivelled and found Hamilton, who was on his own 12 yards from goal, and a controlled pass into the far corner left Goram helpless.

Rousset again saved from Coyle in the 63rd minute but the striker found a way past just two minutes later. A searching run by Michel Doesburg ended with through-pass to Coyle, who escaped the offside trap to send a fine shot wide of the goalkeeper and restore Motherwell's lead.

In the 74th minute Motherwell added a third goal when Tony Thomas found the net with a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area following a corner.

Goals: Brannan (13) 1-0; Hamilton (56) 1-1; Coyle (65); Thomas (74).

Motherwell (4-4-2): Goram; Doesburg, Teale, Thomas, McMillan; Mervin (Adams, 27), Valakari, Brannan, Spencer; Coyle, McCulloch (Matthaei, 77). Substitute not used: Woods.

Heart of Midlothian (4-4-2): Rousset; Pressley, Weir, Ritchie, Naysmith; Flogel, Locke (Makel, 70), Fulton (Jenkinson, 77), Lilley ( McSwegan, 77); Hamilton, Adam.

Referee: M McCurry (Glasgow).

Bookings: Motherwell: Thomas, Teale, Spencer. Hearts: Flogel.

Man of the match: Brannan.

Attendance: 9,372.