Hearts fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Motherwell but remain well above the pack in third place.
It was a tough first half for the Jambos at Fir Park as buoyed by the classic 'new manager bounce' it was Motherwell who had the better of the play in the opening 45 with Robbie Neilson's team having to dig in defensively. Yet top forward Lawrence Shankland came the closest with a header that bounced off the post after half an hour before Stephen Kingsley clipped the crossbar on the stroke of half time.
Things went from bad to worse when Jonathan Obika nicked in at the back post to open the scoring before Blair Spittal's header cannoned off the post and the attacker followed up on the rebound to stun the Jambos who huffed and puffed as the game went on but could not break open the Steelmen.
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Taking the Humph
It was an afternoon to forget for Stephen Humphrys at Fir Park.
The attacker was involved from the off and carried a threat on the left but completely drifted out of the game.
The on-loan Wigan man has been in good form but couldn't make the right impact against the Steelmen and was hooked on the hour as Hearts looked for a response.
Luckless Lawrence
When Lawrence Shankland has been on it this season it has generally meant Hearts are flying.
Alongside Celtic's Kyogo, the Scotland cap has been a goal machine this campaign but could not find the net at Fir Park.
Shankland was unlucky when his headed effort in the first half bounced on to the post but that was the best of his action as Hearts were starved of service.
Third no concern...yet
While it may have been one of the poorest Hearts performances of the season in terms of points it doesn't do much.
The Jambos are still well above the pack in third place - five points ahead of rivals Hibs who are one ahead of St Mirren and two clear of Livingston.
But Hearts cannot majorly afford to take the foot off the gas and slip in to the mid-table battle.
With tough ties such as a double header with Celtic in league and cup action followed by a trip to Pittodrie coming up Neilson will be keen to get back to winning ways against a revived St Johnstone next weekend.
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