Hibs merited victory

Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson admitted his side lacked spark as they fell to a home defeat against Hibs.

Martin Boyle’s strike was enough to separate the sides and end ’Well’s four-game winning streak, but the Fir Park gaffer says his side will bounce back.

He said:“we got what we deserved. We lacked a spark and what Hibs did to us we have been doing to other teams this season.

“They won the physical battle and won every second ball, every loose ball and header, and they deserved to win.

“Everyone was looking to each other, looking for a spark rather than taking the bull by the horns and making it happen themselves.

“It’s not the end of the world, we are disappointed, but we will bounce back.”

Hibs had the bulk of possession in the opening 20 minutes and Boyle’s shot from an acute angle was saved by the chest of Trevor Carson.

The keeper had no chance when Hibs took the lead in 27 minutes. Cedric Kipre misjudged a crossfield pass in the wind and it fell for Boyle, who rounded the keeper and slotted the ball into the empty net.

Motherwell had their first effort in 43 minutes, with Allan Campbell’s 18-yard shot drifting past.

Sub Deimantas Petravicius nearly levelled, but his close-range effort was blocked by a combination of keeper Ofir Marciano and Steven Whittaker.