Hibernian vs Motherwell. Scottish Premiership.
Easter Road.
Report as Motherwell move seven points clear of the Scottish Premiership relegation zone; Devante Cole also on the scoresheet in impressive away win; Hibs, who had been on a four-game winning run, remain four points clear of Aberdeen in the battle for third place
Saturday 27 February 2021 21:01, UK
Jordan Roberts inspired Motherwell to a surprise victory at Hibernian with a goal and assist in their 2-0 win.
The forward, on loan at the Fir Park club from Hibs' city rivals Hearts, opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a calm finish.
Roberts then set up Devante Cole to add another within a minute of the second half.
The victory moves Motherwell seven points clear of the Scottish Premiership relegation zone, while Hibs, who had been on a four-game winning run, remain four points clear of Aberdeen in the battle for third place.
The hosts, who were without left-back Josh Doig due to a slight knock, created the early chances during a fairly uneventful start to the game.
Martin Boyle got on the end of Lewis Stevenson's cross from the left but the ball ended up drifting wide after hitting him on the shoulder.
Chris Cadden then sent a fierce half volley just beyond the top corner after connecting with Jamie Murphy's delivery.
However, Motherwell's influence in the game slowly grew and they conjured up their first meaningful opportunity after 22 minutes. Allan Campbell found himself in space inside the area but Darren McGregor made the block.
The visitors then went ahead three minutes later through Roberts. The forward raced on to Tony Watt's pass and slipped an effort through the legs of Ofir Marciano from inside the box.
Motherwell held on comfortably to their lead to go into the break in front. All visiting goalkeeper Liam Kelly had to do was catch a handful of crosses.
Motherwell's afternoon got even better within a minute of the restart when Cole doubled their lead.
Roberts slipped the ball into his team-mate's path and Cole fired in his sixth of the campaign, his low drive beating Marciano.
Hibs head coach Jack Ross immediately made a triple change as the hosts sought some inspiration. Stevenson, Murphy and McGregor made way for Alex Gogic, Kevin Nisbet and Ryan Porteous.
However, Hibs continued to lack ideas in the final third. Joe Newell did have a chance to test Kelly but his drive from a long Boyle corner crashed into the side netting. Nisbet then fired a harmless free-kick straight at the goalkeeper.
Hibs striker Christian Doidge was denied at point-blank range by Kelly after Motherwell substitute Declan Gallagher made a mess of trying to clear Boyle's cross.
The ball then spun up in the air before Doidge headed wide and Motherwell took all three points.
Hibernian boss Jack Ross: "It's difficult to win consecutive games in this league and go on the kind of run we have been on recently.
"Today is another example of how tough the opposition are and if you dip below your levels, even slightly, it can cost you.
"We didn't defend as well as we have done recently and we didn't carry that cutting edge and that puts you at risk of losing the game."
Motherwell manager Graham Alexander: "Everything we worked for this week from last Saturday, the players have done absolutely everything that was required of them as professionals.
"The last two games have shown the spirit, the togetherness and the quality we have within the club. It's all underpinned by their work ethic and togetherness. That was a brilliant performance and brilliant result.
"Jordan got a fantastic goal for us and competed but the front three were such a handful for Hibs.
"The midfield three were like dogs of war behind them, getting all the scraps and doing all the dirty stuff.
"The back four and goalkeeper were magnificent. Hibs are a brilliant team but we deserved the three points."
