Hearts maintain European challenge

Heart of Midlothian 2 Motherwell 1

At the end of a week in which Celtic restored Scotland's reputation in Europe, Hearts are staking their claim to be next season's flag-carriers. The Edinburgh club remain on course for a place in the Uefa Cup thanks to a valuable winner from a substitute, Stephen Simmons, yesterday.

Hearts' best source of chances in the first half came from the deep, hanging corners launched by Jean-Louis Valois. Twice Andy Webster was allowed to plant downward headers that were scrambled clear by the Motherwell defence.

The choice of route was not surprising, given that the 6ft 5in Kevin McKenna was filling in for Hearts' injured top scorer, Mark De Vries. However, the towering Canadian belied his stature by giving the home side the lead on the half-hour with a touch on the ground that would satisfy most regular strikers.

Alan Maybury began the move by breaking up a Motherwell attack and finding Gary Wales out on the right wing. He threaded a pass into McKenna, who thrashed a low shot beyond the goalkeeper François Dubourdeau.

Motherwell, however, have shown resilience all season and, despite their plight near the bottom, have beaten both Celtic and Rangers, thanks, principally to James McFadden, who netted winning goals in both games.

The Scotland player gave a glimpse of his potential a minute before the interval with a free-kick that was bound for the top corner until the goalkeeper Teuvo Moilanen got a glove to it.

Motherwell were infused with youthful hunger and they laid siege to the Finn's goal in the second half. Their reward came in the 53rd minute, when Keith Lasley delightfully flicked the ball over Stéphane Mahé on the edge of the area and thumped a drop volley past Moilanen.

It seemed only a matter of time until Motherwell seized the lead. Moilanen denied David Clarkson's fierce shot and then McFadden's rising volley flew inches too high. But Hearts restored their advantage in the 71st minute. Phil Stamp's energy carried him into the area and his cut-back was met with a side-footed finish by Simmons.

Heart of Midlothian 2
McKenna 30, Simmons 72

Motherwell 1
Lasley 53

Half-time: 1-0 Attendance: 11,704