Motherwell went into the International break undefeated with a fine 0-1 win over Hearts at Tynecastle, their first win at the venue in four years.
Callum Slattery’s strike on 29 minutes was enough to seal the three points for ten-man Motherwell after Paul McGinn saw two bookings.
Motherwell started brightly and went close after 20 minutes when Bevis Mugabi’s powerful header was tipped over the bar by Zander Clark from Blair Spittal’s corner.
Motherwell took a deserved lead shortly after. A move that started from a Hearts free kick, ended with Spittal and Callum Slattery combining excellently on the edge of the box and the Englishman fired past Clark.
There was a bit of drama as the linesman’s flag went up but after a short check, VAR awarded the goal. 0-1.
Slattery then almost doubled the lead with what would have been a goal of the season contender but his shot from inside his own half drifted inches over the bar.
Motherwell took a deserved lead into the break and nearly extended the lead shortly into the second 45.
More fine play between Slattery, Paton and Spittal set up the latter inside the box but his shot flew just past.
The game then took a turn as Paul McGinn was shown a second-yellow card with 20 minutes to go after a tussle with Liam Boyce as he was about to race through on goal.
What followed next was a superb gritty defensive display as Hearts pressed forward in search of an equaliser.
Lawrence Shankland had a shot on target saved comfortably by Liam Kelly.
Crosses were headed away or plucked to safety. Shots from the edge for the box were met with a claret and amber body being thrown in the way; it was a mammoth performance from the entire back line to secure a clean sheet and third win of the season.
The win means Motherwell remain undefeated on the road under Stuart Kettlewell’s reign since February and they also extend their top-flight undefeated streak to 10 games, their longest run since 2010.
The Steelmen now go into the International break sitting joint top of the cinch Premiership.