Motherwell 0 - 0 Hibernian: Stalemate at Fir Park as Hibs hold on

On paper this one looked like a highly entertaining, high-scoring match according to Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson, who hoped his pre-match prediction would not jinx matters. He probably wishes he had not tempted fate as the teams combined to serve up a goalless stalemate.

Motherwell's Christy Manzinga see's his effort rattle off the crossbar

That was despite his side laying siege around their guests’ penalty box for sustained spells and Hibernian keeper Ofir Marciano pulling off a superb save to deny substitute Christy Mazinga, as well as a few other contributing stops and clearances.

But the outcome could have been worse for in-form Motherwell as Florian Kamberi’s header almost sneaked into Mark Gillespie’s goal but was halted by the post as the away side looked to pull off a smash and grab.

“I thought we were terrific and dominated the game but just didn’t have that final touch,” said the Motherwell boss, who still saw his men move five points ahead of Aberdeen in the chase for third place. “You have to give credit to their goalkeeper, it was an incredible save. But some of our build-up play, our midfield three, was terrific. Look at the resources we have got and to dominate like that against a team of Hibs’ quality and keep their front four quiet, our boys deserve a lot of plaudits.

“Sometimes the performance doesn’t get the result it deserves but after the week we have had, I can’t be critical of them. Three points at Aberdeen, into the next round of the cup, and a real dominant performance

“Credit to Hibs, they stuck in, were organised and hard to break down but we should have had the three points.”

Motherwell’s defence was a commanding unit and more than capable of snuffing out Hibs’ attacking threat, which, in theory, was significant, with apparent Celtic target Martin Boyle lining up alongside top scorer Christian Doidge, Kamberi and Daryl Horgan. And the hosts’ impressive trio of Liam Donnelly, Liam Polworth and Allan Campbell were both combative and creative in the middle of the park, controlling proceedings and frustrating Jack Ross’ side, who couldn’t contain them.

Up against a midfield minus Scott Allan and largely dependant on Stephane Omeonga, who started the game despite still not being fully match fit, the only disappointment for the home ranks was that they could not make more of their combined efforts and convert their overall advantage into a more positive scoreline.

Hibs had started on the front foot but it was Well who settled down quickest and started to boss things and when James Scott scorched an angled drive just wide in those early minutes, the scene was set for what appeared would be an engaging match. Scott was a willing and able participant in so much of what Motherwell conjured up going forward but couldn’t mastermind the finish needed to adequately reflect that.

But there was a growing antsiness in the home stands the longer the game progressed without a breakthrough and the Kamberi effort off the post reminded them that Hibs are capable of a sucker punch.

The visitors were stretched by injury and illness, though, and while the focus now switches to the Scottish Cup replay against Dundee United, manager Ross, who said he was bemused by a first-half yellow card for dissent, will also turn his attention to recruiting new faces.

“We’ve gone from a relatively healthy position as a squad to one that’s a bit stretched now,” said the Hibs boss. “Everyone who was available today was stripped.“We’ve been pushing to try and get two in, and I’d be hopeful we’ll do at least two this week. If we do that, we’re in a better position.”

Motherwell tried to secure all three points but were denied by Marciano, inset, whose save from Mazinga was all the more impressive given the slight deflection.