We got what we deserved

Stephen Robinson says Motherwell got what they deserved after Hearts sent them spinning out of the Betfred Cup last 16 on Friday night.

In at times monsoon-like conditions, Hearts won 2-1 courtesy of a Michael Smith strike and a Conor Washington penalty.

Chris Long pulled a goal back for ’Well on the hour but it was too little, too late.

Robinson said afterwards:“we didn’t deserve anything from the game. We were too slow and too predictable, right from the off.

“If Declan Gallagher, with a 39-degree temperature, is your best player, you’ve got problems.

“We didn’t have enough leaders out there and were too predictable. We didn’t do the basics well enough.

“That’s the level of player we have at the moment, but it’s about educating the players.

“We simply weren’t good enough on the ball.”

Hearts could have taken the lead from a controversial penalty inside eight minutes, when Washington’s flick came off Charles Dunne’s arm and looked accidental, but referee Bobby Madden pointed to the spot.

Sean Clare’s effort clattered off a post and was escorted to safety.

Hearts took the lead in 40 minutes when Smith cut inside from the right and smashed a shot into the far post corner, from just inside the box.

Two minutes into stoppage time, keeper Mark Gillespie decked Jake Mulraney and this time there was no question about the penalty award.

Washington stepped up and slotted home confidently, to set up a quarterfinal clash against Aberdeen.