Interim boss Gordon Young was disappointed his debut in the Fir Park dugout ended in defeat.
Young, head of Motherwell’s Youth Development Programme and a lifelong fan, was in charge following the departure of Craig Brown and Archie Knox.
And although the hosts showed some positive signs, the three and a half week break looked crucial as a rusty ‘Well side crashed to a 2-1 defeat to on-form Hearts.
Young said: “The players were desperate to get back into action after three and a half weeks out, it was ideal we got back into the game just before half time. The feeling in the dressing room was we could build on it and I don’t think we kicked on, and losing the penalty definitely didn’t help. I thought we looked a bit leg weary as the game went on, and I’ll need to galvanise the team before the weekend.
“In terms of the lack of games, if we had won I would have said no (it wasn’t a factor), but I do think it is a contributing factor but it is a game under our belts, and we have a reserve game tomorrow for the guys who didn’t play. Therefore by Friday the squad will be in a much healthier position.”
Young did salute the never-say-die attitude of his players despite going down to ten men.
The Steelmen quickly hit back after Hearts’ opener and although the visitors took the lead from the penalty spot midway through the second period, Motherwell continued to have a go. Young praised the spirit and hoped it would prove a springboard for Saturday’s big match at Pittodrie.
“That (scoring immediately after Hearts) gave us a great opportunity and I thought we passed the ball a lot better, and Motherwell’s game plan is about getting the ball and playing combination passes and trying to move through the middle of the park in an offensive manner. We had to overcome the long ball game Hearts play and the dominating fashion they do it. I felt we were coping with it really well and going in 1-1 at half time gave us a great chance.
“But it makes Saturday a big game now, with all the additional factors attached to it that makes it a reporters dream but as a football match, Motherwell have to use the next couple of days to get their legs back and prepare for the game in the normal fashion.”