Motherwell moved fourth in the Scottish Premiership and level on points with opponents Hibernian after a dominant 2-0 victory at Fir Park.

Tawanda Maswanhise netted his eighth goal of the season when he converted a penalty in the 19th minute - moving top of the league's scoring chart in the process.

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The hosts doubled their advantage three minutes later after Elijah Just capitalised on confusion in the Hibs defence to blast home from close range.

Matters got worse for the visitors when Grant Hanley, who had earlier conceded a penalty, was dismissed for a last-man challenge nine minutes before half-time.

Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou made five changes to his starting XI from the side that defeated Kilmarnock while counterpart David Gray opted to go with the same team for the third game in succession.

There was little in the way of early goalmouth action on a bitterly cold evening in North Lanarkshire.

Just saw his half-hearted appeals for a penalty waved away when he went to ground under the challenge of Hanley with nine minutes on the clock.

The same players were involved as the hosts were awarded a penalty in the 19th minute after VAR judged Hanley to have handled Just's shot.

Maswanhise was tasked with the resulting spot-kick and he made no mistake, sending Raphael Sallinger the wrong way.

Motherwell doubled their advantage three minutes later. Maswanhise turned provider to send a driven low cross into the path of Just, who eventually slammed home after a mix-up between Nicky Cadden and Dan Barlaser.

Maswanhise was right in the thick of the action and after escaping unpunished for a clash with Jack Iredale, he then burst through on goal before being brought down by Hanley.

Initially the assistant referee flagged for offside, though VAR would intervene to conclude the Zimbabwean was onside, leading to Hanley being shown a red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity.

Elliot Watt tried his luck from the resulting free-kick on the edge of the box but his powerful drive drifted just wide.

Gray's side were all at sea, forcing him into a double change after 38 minutes when Warren O'Hora and Jordan Obita replaced Cadden and Iredale.

Five minutes before half-time, the visitors almost grabbed a lifeline. Martin Boyle raced onto Kieron Bowie's through ball and rounded goalkeeper Calum Ward, only to be denied by a last-ditch goalline clearance by Johnny Koutroumbis.

The first chance of the second half fell the way of the home side when Tom Sparrow picked out Just, though his shot lacked the power to trouble Sallinger.

Just after the hour mark, Oliver Priestman went agonisingly close to notching his first goal on his first start for Well.

The Aussie's low shot beat the keeper before cannoning back off a post. Sparrow was quick to seize on the rebound but his attempt flew high and wide.

Callum Slattery was introduced from the bench in place of Sparrow and he almost extended Motherwell's advantage with an effort with the outside of his boot that snuck just past the post.

With 11 minutes remaining, Sallinger did well to keep out Regan Charles-Cook's fizzing strike from a tight angle and the winger passed up another opportunity moments later when he fired over.

Although they were unable to find the goal that would have seen them move them above Hibs on goal difference, the home fans lapped up a thoroughly impressive showing on the full-time whistle.

What the managers said...

Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou:

"The first 35 minutes we were in full control of what happened, we executed the intentions we had extremely well, and hurt them in and out of possession.

"I'd rather we kept a clean sheet than we totally lose control, then it becomes attack and attack - if Hibs get it to 2-1, it's full panic from there.

"I was happy we were able to control the game. A third goal would have killed it completely but I'm really pleased with the clean sheet.

"We knew it was there, we also knew it takes time to cultivate that potential.

"We've been open and honest, we have big dreams and ambitions and we have delivered some performances earlier in the season.

"In the last month or so we are starting to reap some of the benefits from that work - it's about not being complacent and thinking things are going well."

Hibs boss David Gray:

"We probably deserved it for the first 25 minutes of the game. I have no complaints about the red card because of the letter of the law.

"Maswanhise gets away with one. The linesman saw it, I saw it, our goalie coach saw it.

"He didn't quite make contact but if I make an action to do that, you can't do it, and I saw it with my own eyes which is quite frustrating.

"The players did show character and effort and they didn't just roll over - but we didn't do enough to deserve to get back in the game."

What's coming up in the Scottish Premiership?

• Motherwell fixtures
• Hibernian fixtures

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