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“I’m so proud that everyone dug in and kept believing. We fought together and that’s why we got what we deserved.”

Motherwell showed tremendous determination and grit to claim a place in next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League with a 2-1 win over Hearts.

A breath-taking start with two goals in the opening nine minutes heightened the drama as ‘Well chased a win which would almost certainly guarantee them at least fifth spot in the cinch Premiership.

As the Steelmen moved up to fourth place, the players took a deserved lap of honour as the ‘Well fans partied and looked out their passports.

In their bid for a European place Graham Alexander’s men made the perfect start when Joe Effort’s third-minute strike gave them the lead. But Josh Ginnelly’s equaliser killed any thoughts of celebrations.

Another crucial goal from Ricki Lamie ten minutes into the second half put the home side in the driving seat which they firmly maintained until the final whistle.

Despite his winning goal against Ross County on Saturday, Kevin van Veen was only fit enough for a place on the bench. Ross Tierney also stepped down as Callum Slattery and Dean Cornelius were restored to the starting line-up.

In their quest to collect three points and secure a European place the Fir Park men made a dream start.

Slattery diagonal pass sent Connor Shields racing into the box and when his low angled drive was parried by Ross Stewart, Efford pounced on the loose ball and lift it high into the net beyond the grounded ’keeper.

That raised the spirits and expectations of the home fans but they were grounded just seven minutes later when the Edinburgh side equalised. Ginnelly latched on to a through ball, skipped past Juhani Ojala on his way into the penalty box before sliding the ball beyond the advancing Liam Kelly to make it 1-1.

‘Well responded positively to that setback and a couple of tempting crosses sped across Stewart’s six-yard box found no takers in claret and amber.

At the other end Kelly made an impressive save when he dived low to his right to push away Peter Haring’s 20-yard drive.

As the half progressed the Tynecastle side, with a handful of first-choice players on the bench, found their passing game. That left ‘Well finding it difficult to win and retain possession, particularly in their opponent’s half.

Three minutes from the interval a speedy break breached the Hearts’ defence. Having raced clear of Toby Sibbick, though, Efford elected to shoot for goal rather than play in Sean Goss and Shields who looked better placed to test Stewart.

The introduction of Van Veen at half-time as the Steelmen went three up front almost had an immediate effect. The ‘Well striker pulled the Hearts’ defence wide leaving Efford unmarked to meet Shields floated cross only to nod the ball a couple of metres wide of Stewart’s right-hand post.

Suddenly the home side posed a threat on the visitors’ goal that was missing in the first half.

And that threat was converted into a goal after 55 minutes.

Van Veen’s turn and shot produced a corner. Slattery’s inswinger found Haring’s headed clearance fall kindly for Lamie who calmly stroked it through a packed goal line to make it 2-1.

Hearts again looked for a quick equaliser and three minutes later Kelly did well to get down and hold Alex Cochrane’s free kick as Liam Boyce hovered for a slip up.

Robbie Neilson strengthened his attack with on loan Everton striker Ellis Simms, before with 20 minutes remaining, Goss and Slattery made way for Ross Tierney and Liam Shaw.

No doubt with one eye on next week’s Scottish Cup final, Hearts made a succession of substitutions in the final 15 minutes which interrupted the flow of the game.

However, ‘Well remained focused on their objective and despite the fear of conceding a late equaliser.

Those thoughts should have been erased six minutes from time. Tierney won the ball and set up Efford on the left of the box but with plenty of support in front of goal he shot tamely toward the waiting Stewart.

That left the Fir Park fans having to endure seven minutes of added on time, erupting at the final whistle as the team stoutly defended their lead to claim a coveted European spot.

Vice-captain Liam Kelly says Motherwell are well aware that they are in control of whether they will qualify for the Europa Conference League.

A win would secure a European spot and the Scotland international is prepared for a tight game with Hearts but knows they are more than capable of getting the job done.

Manager Graham Alexander appreciates the following from Motherwell supporters and reckons that their incredible following could help his side get the win against Hearts.

He says his side have been mentally strong to get themselves into the position they are in and wants his side to dig even deeper to secure European football next season.

Hearts are the opposition in our final home game of the 2021/22 season on Wednesday night.

Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

Ticket information

Tickets are now available to buy online or from the Fir Park ticket office. Hearts fans are asked to buy directly from their club.

Pay at the gate is not available. Alternatively, call 01698 333333 or email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Ticket prices are:

– Concessions are listed as Over 60s, 16-18 year olds and full-time students with a valid matriculation card.
– Juveniles are listed as 15 and under.

Watch live online

In the UK and Ireland, you can buy a pay-per-view pass for £12. To buy, go to ppv.motherwellfc.co.uk.

If you’re based abroad, you can watch via subscription at live.motherwellfc.co.uk.

Form guide

Motherwell have been struggling for form, after a great first half of the season. Recent wins over St Mirren and Ross County have shown shoots of recovery but Graham Alexander’s men still have work to do to secure a European spot.

Hearts have been in fine form; the weekend’s defeat to Celtic was their first defeat in 11 games.

Tale of the tape

This is the fourth meeting of the two sides this season and all of them have ended 2-0 to the side playing at home.

The Steelmen will be buoyed by a great three points over Ross County at the weekend as the race for Europe comes to a conclusion.

Hearts have comfortably secured third place and have a Scottish Cup final to look forward to in just under a fortnight.

“We had everyone behind us and we gave the fans something to shout about. We’ve now given ourselves a chance.”

Kevin van Veen climbed out of his sick bed to put Motherwell a step closer to Europe with victory at Ross County.

The Dutchman won and netted the decisive penalty just four minutes after entering the park in Dingwall, netting the only goal of the game to lift ‘Well into the UEFA Europa Conference League spots with two games to go.

A squad decimated with illness saw 18 travel to Dingwall, but with Slattery and Van Veen only able to start proceedings from the bench.

Academy graduate Sam Campbell  – a central defender – also made his first appearance amongst the substitutes.

County started on the front foot, dominating the early proceedings and carving out the better chances.

First, Randall stung Kelly’s palms with a long-range drive that the ‘keeper did well to hold.

Shortly after, Cancola found himself completely unmarked 25 yards out from a corner, but sent his dipping effort over.

The hosts had all the possession and control until around the half-hour mark, when Motherwell started to find their feet.

The returning O’Donnell showed his international pedigree getting forward down the right and his cross to the back post was perfect for Efford, only for Randall to nick in and clear at the last.

Goss saw a 30-yard drive charged down and O’Hara had a left-footed shot go wide, while County responded with a free-flowing passing move at the other end which saw Charles-Cook fire over.

The two best chances though would fall Motherwell’s way as the half wore on.

First Efford found himself in behind on the left but saw his shot well parried wide by Laidlaw.

From the resulting corner, O’Hara sent it deep and Donnelly headed it back across goal towards the waiting crowd.

Shields rose highest between the bodies, but sent his header over the bar from 10 yards.

The second half took time to spark to life, although both sides had early chances.

Cancola again had room to shoot from distance early on, but sent his dipping shot past the post.

At the other end, Goss’ shot from 25 yards saw shouts for handball on the block in the box waved away.

Van Veen and Slattery were introduced just as County had a hat-trick of glorious chances to take the lead.

First, White was played in behind but snatched at his shot with Kelly racing out to gather.

The goalkeeper then pulled off a world-class save to tip over Spittal’s goalbound effort, shortly before White again got free but saw a shot sail over.

With 23 minutes to go and with Van Veen only just on the park, the game turned on its head.

The Dutchman was felled in the area by a lazy tackle, leaving referee David Munro clear in pointing to the spot.

Van Veen stepped up and cooly dispatched the penalty to send the large away following wild and starting to sing of going on a European tour.

The game roared on, with ‘Well sitting in and absorbing the pressure while also trying to hit on the counter.

Five minutes were found in stoppages and Kelly was again to the rescue midway through them, pulling off a miracle save unsighted to tip a goalbound effort round the post at the last second.

But it wasn’t enough for County to get back in it and Motherwell headed back down the road with three points and European dreams.

Graham Alexander says the criticism that his team have received has been deserved but believes his side can use that to push them forward.

Motherwell are currently one point behind Ross County in the cinch Premiership and the manager insists his side have the ability and the right mentality to finish in a European spot despite a poor run of form.

Ross Tierney is your Paycare player of the month for April.

Beating Ricki Lamie, Callum Slattery and Connor Shields in the public vote, Tierney picks up his first player of the month trophy at Motherwell.

The attacking midfielder capped off a string of good performances by scoring his first home goal, against Rangers a fortnight ago.

It’s time to pick your Paycare Motherwell FC player of the month for April.

To vote, head to our Facebook page and pick your favourite.

Connor Shields, Ricki Lamie, Ross Tierney and Callum Slattery are all in contention.