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Goals from Christian Doidge, Florian Kamberi and Daryl Horgan cancel out Liam Polworth’s opener, as Motherwell lose at Hibernian.

“We were punished for mistakes in both boxes. We were pretty on the eye but we have to do better.”

Stephen Robinson reflects on the loss at Hibernian.

A dominating Motherwell performance resulted in nothing as Hibernian ran out 3-1 winners at Easter Road.

Liam Polworth’s opener had the visitors ahead early doors, but they were pegged back in the first half after defensive lapses set up Christian Doidge and Florian Kamberi to put Hibs 2-1 up.

Stephen Robinson’s men controlled the vast majority of the second half but couldn’t convert their dominance into scoring chances, before they were caught cold late on via Daryl Horgan’s counter attack goal.

A return to a more familiar shape saw Bevis Mugabi and Richard Tait drop out of the team which lost at Celtic last time out, with Peter Hartley and Jermaine Hylton coming in.

Hylton would cause all the problems for the Hibs defence which led to the opener. A bursting run down the left saw him in the area, before his cross found Polworth, via deflections and the post, for the midfielder to steer in the opener with nine minutes played.

But they would come unstuck midway through the first half. Joe Newell ghosted in behind the defence on the left hand side and picked out Doidge at the back post to equalise.

Minutes later, it was two. Jason Naismith was left unattended to down the right, having time to pick out Kamberi in the middle. The striker still had work to do, holding off defenders before slamming the ball home.

Motherwell came out for the second half determined to get back on level terms early on in horrendous wet conditions in the capital.

Their opportunity arguably should have come midway through the half. Polworth’s surge into the box was ended by a tug of the shirt from Porteous. But referee John Beaton waved away his appeals for a spot kick.

Wave after wave of Motherwell attacks followed, but scoring chances were at a premium as the final ball just wouldn’t come.

Then, with four attackers leading the line in a late push to salvage something from the game, a swift counter led to substitute Horgan sweeping the ball into the bottom corner of the net to make it a comfortable-looking result for Hibernian.

There’s live video and audio available from Hibernian v Motherwell on Sunday.

We’ve a live stream of the match available to viewers outside of the UK and Ireland for just £12 a month. Kick off is at 3pm GMT.

To subscribe and get all Motherwell home matches – and the majority of away games – head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk now and sign up.

If you’re in the UK or Ireland and can’t make it, don’t worry. We’ve also got live audio commentary of the match for just £5.99 a month.

Head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk to sign up. Just choose the UK/Ireland commentary option.

2019/20 Motherwell streaming service matches

Motherwell will host Friday night football in March when Aberdeen visit Fir Park.

The match, originally scheduled for Saturday 14 March, will now be played on Friday 13 March at 7.45pm.

The game will be broadcast live on BT Sport.

Our scheduled match with Celtic on Wednesday 5 February will also be televised, with BT Sport also showing the game. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

Stephen Robinson spoke about the international break, Bevis Mugabi’s new deal and facing Hibernian on Friday morning.

Here’s what he said to the broadcast media.

On the break

“It has been a good week. A frustrating week in a way, because a lot of the players aren’t around until the latter stages of the week.

“For Declan Gallagher, Liam Donnelly and Trevor Carson, this is the first day they will train today.

“But it also obviously allows you to pinpoint more individual training, and work on certain aspects of people’s games that we’ve identified can improve.”

On international recognition for players

“[Declan Gallagher] certainly didn’t look out of place. It’s brilliant for the boy’s confidence, as well as the Under 21 boys who went away, with Barry and Allan getting game time under their belt as well. Same for Bevis Mugabi who has gone away and got good results with Uganda.

“For Declan, I thought that his performances were very, very assured for Scotland. Maybe there’s a partnership going forward that will give Steve something to think about.”

On a new deal for Bevis Mugabi

“We’ve only had Bevis for a short period of time. We got quite lucky because Charles got injured the same day we had Bevis in. We were able to find the money to go and do it when we got the injury.

“We are delighted to get somebody who has calibre at that stage of the season. In the two games [at Celtic and Rangers] he came through very difficult games. And I think he acquitted himself very well.

“But he’s under no illusions that he’s got a real fight on his hands to stay in the team.”

On defensive options

“I think they’ve all got different attributes. They all add something to the team. But what all of them have got is they can all defend. First and foremost, they can defend. That’s what we pay them to do.

“I think in modern football, sometimes defenders forget how to defend and it’s all about what they do on the ball. And we’re very lucky that all three of them are very comfortable on the ball as well.

“But first and foremost, they’re willing to get hurt. They’re willing to go and be aggressive – and in both boxes.

“That’s what we judge them on first and foremost. And I think they’ll get better. ”

On getting through the 2019 run-in

“I think we’ve had a lot more injuries in previous years than we have this year, touch wood.

“We probably seen after the two cup finals, we had a really hard time with injuries. Last season, I think we had 13 players out at this stage of the season. And not many of them from muscle injuries that you can do anything about.

“So we are okay where we stand at this moment in time, bar the longer-term boys. We’ve got a lot of competition for places.

“There’s a real fight for places and when I look at the quality we’ve got on the bench, that keeps people on their toes.”

On facing Hibernian

“We go prepared as we always do. Hibs have a high calibre of players and spent a lot of money putting the squad together. They’ve got a lot of talent in the squad.

“So we definitely go there having to be at the top of our game as usual. But we don’t go there with any kind of fear.

“We defeated them already this season with a good result, and people were at the top of the game to get that result. And we’re going to need that again.”

Bevis Mugabi has signed a new deal with Motherwell.

The defender, who impressed during his initial short-term contract, will now stay with the club until the summer of 2021.

“I’m delighted to be staying with the club,” Mugabi said after agreeing to stay.

“I’ve had nothing but positive experiences so far with the club and I am glad to now have the chance to stay longer.”

Mugabi has made four appearances for the club since signing in September.

“Bevis gives us another fantastic option in defence and has taken to Scottish football with ease,” manager Stephen Robinson said.

“We’re pleased he’s agreed to stay with us.”

Fans have the choice of buying Hibernian v Motherwell tickets in advance, or buying from a ticket booth at Easter Road on Saturday.

Tickets are available online now for collection from the Fir Park ticket office until 4pm on Friday. You can also buy at the club until that time.

On the day of the match, tickets will be available from a ticket booth at the away turnstiles from 1pm until 2.45pm. The game at Easter Road kicks off at 3pm.

Children price applies to pre-sale only. Tickets on the day will cost £14.

Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Andy Sim on 07428 225254 or email tickets@mfcdsa.com.