Shankland double gives Hearts win over Motherwell

Lawrence Shankland's flick evaded Blair Spittal at the far post

Heart of Midlothian moved up to fourth in the Scottish Premiership after a Lawrence Shankland double secured a narrow win over Motherwell.

When Shankland slotted the second on the counter-attack - his fifth goal in five games - after the break, it looked like game over.

But, when Motherwell were awarded a spot-kick, Blair Spittal gave the hosts hope of a similar fightback to the midweek draw with St Johnstone.

However, Stuart Kettlewell's men fell short this time and have now gone nine games without a win - losing seven of them.

Motherwell had not won a game since victory at Tynecastle in early September before the previous international break, but there was to be no deja vu as Hearts secured only their second win in six outings.

• Follow live coverage
• Keep up to date with Motherwell
• The latest at Hearts

Kettlewell had brought Theo Bair back into his starting line-up and the striker was handed the opportunity to give his side an early lead only to head wastefully wide from a corner.

Two of Steven Naismith's changes also almost paid dividends. When Calum Butcher had a clearance charged down, it fell to Alex Lowry and the midfielder, who had already threatened with a curling drive, set up Boyce only for the unmarked striker to fire low and wide.

Shankland made the difference, however, when he showed his predatory skills with a little flick to divert a Jorge Grant header into the far corner.

Hearts thought they should have had a spot-kick when Boyce went down theatrically holding his face on the edge of the box following a high boot from Dan Casey.

Confusion reigned as referee David Munro, who appeared to stop the game for a potential head knock, resumed with a drop ball after being advised by VAR to have a second look having presumably decided there was minimal contact on the striker's chest rather than his face.

Shankland wanted a penalty after a challenge at the back post, but Munro again waved play on after a VAR check, although the Scotland striker got his just deserts when he rounded goalkeeper Liam Kelly after a fine Beni Baningime through ball.

It was Motherwell who did eventually get a spot-kick when Alex Cochrane blocked Oli Shaw's goalbound shot in the six-yard box.

However, despite Spittal's clinical finish igniting some intense home pressure, there was to be no point rescued this time by the hosts.

Player of the match - Lawrence Shankland (Hearts)

Given his two crucial goals, you can't really look beyond captain Lawrence Shankland as the one who made the difference.

More to follow.