A single Lionel Ainsworth goal was the difference at Fir Park as Motherwell climb back into fourth place with a win over Hearts.

Mark McGhee's team held most of the play in this contest, and had ample opportunity to build on their lead against a jaded Tynecastle outfit.

There was an end-of-season air to this contest throughout the 90 minutes, despite a win for the visitors meaning they would close the gap to second-placed Aberdeen down to five points.

As it transpired, it was the home side that took the lead after 29 minutes. Great play from Scott McDonald on the right ended with a neat pass into Ainsworth, who took one touch before drilling it through a ruck of bodies and under Neil Alexander.

In the second half there wasn’t much of an initial response from Hearts. Perry Kitchen shanked one effort wide while they were often forced to go direct as Motherwell pressed high.

Motherwell top scorer Louis Moult would go close on the hour mark as his shot when through on goal hit the base of the post and bounced out.

Only a few seconds later the hosts spurned another glorious chance to double their lead. Prince Buaben was robbed on the edge of his own area by McDonald, leaving him free along with Moult in the Hearts box. The Aussie looked a stick on to score, but instead lofted his shot over the bar from 10 yards.

Hearts’ first real effort of note came on 65 minutes through Callum Paterson from a set piece. A flighted corner found the defender perfectly and his downward volley was clawed away by Craig Samson, making his Well debut.