Motherwell came away from Edinburgh empty-handed after a 1-0 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle.
Motherwell failed to replicate their resilient performance against Rangers last weekend, as Musa Drammeh’s early strike proved to be enough for the home side in a largely toothless visiting display in tbe capital.
The first chance of the game fell to the home side, as Penrice’s cross into the box found the head of striker Liam Boyce, but the forward couldn’t direct his header towards goal.
A hopeful corner into the box spiralled high into the Motherwell six-yard area, and the visiting defence couldn’t clear their lines, allowing Musa a simple tap-in from close-range. Referee Calum Scott initially ruled the goal out for a potential foul on goalkeeper Aston Oxborough, but was advised by VAR to review his decision, with Scott reversing his decision and awarding the decisive goal.
Motherwell failed to muster a single shot in the first half, with manager Stuart Kettlewell swiftly turning to the options on his bench at half-time, introducing Sam Nicholson, Moses Ebiye and Davor Zdravkovski.
The visitors were unable to find a foothold in the game, as Hearts continued to mount pressure on the visiting goal. Jorge Grant’s shot from 30 yards came crashing back off the bar and Liam Boyce couldn’t convert with the goal at his mercy, knocking his rebounded effort wide of the target.
Hearts had another chance to double their advantage moments later, when Penrice took advantage of Liam Gordon’s heavy first-touch touch, but Boyce again couldn’t find the target.
It was a game of few chances, with Stuart Kettlewell utilising his bench once again, bringing on recent returnee Jack Vale who took to the pitch for the first time since September, as he replaced Tawanda Maswanhise.
The on-loan Welshman added an instant threat to the Motherwell attacking line, almost scoring a miraculous late equaliser to secure a point with seconds to go. Ewan Wilson’s deep delivery was redirected into the path of Vale from defender Dan Casey, but the Blackburn loanee was inexplicably denied by an outstanding save from Scotland international Craig Gordon. The experienced shot-stopper ensured all three points remained in Gorgie. The Steelmen will have little time to reflect, as they refocus their attention to visitors Aberdeen at Fir Park on Sunday.