Motherwell drew 0-0 against Hearts in their latest Premiership match to seal their place in the bottom six.
Sander Kartum missed a major chance early on for the visitors and Kofi Balmer was lost to injury inside the first 20 minutes. But they had competed well in the game to that point on a day that would make or break their top six aspirations.
A win and dropped points for St Mirren would do the business for Michael Wimmer’s side, so news of Ronan Hale putting the Staggies ahead in Dingwall was part one of what many viewed as a major leap for safety. Win, and they were a Premiership team next season, lose or draw then the thoughts of being dragged into a scrap become more clear.
Callum Slattery and Tony Watt soon went close as a level of momentum started to build but that was that in terms of Fir Park chances for the hosts. Lawrence Shankland failed to put them to the sword before a Dan Casey header was as close as Motherwell got in the second 45. Here’s how we rated the Motherwell players as the team go into a break ahead of post split fixtures,
1. Ellery Balcombe - 5/10
Coming for crosses proved tricky at times but didn't really have many saves to make, if any. Photo: Nathan Stirk
2. Tom Sparrow - 6/10
Up and down the right all game. Kept the impressive Penrice quiet. | Getty Images
3. Dan Casey - 7/10
Missed a chance at end but overall work was good. | Motherwell Times
4. Kofi Balmer - 3/10
Pulled up early with a muscle problem. | Getty Images