Motherwell grabbed back-to-back Premiership wins for the first time this season, with a solid victory over high-flying Hearts surely pushing caretaker boss Stuart Kettlewell into prime spot.Goals either side of the interval by Jon Obika and Blair Spittal had the Steelmen cruising to a win that even a few days ago had looked decidedly unlikely, given their respective positions in the league table.As it is, the win moves Motherwell four points away from eighth-placed St Johnstone, but crucially three clear of Kilmarnock below them - a major boost with a trip to Ayrshire and a home clash against Ross County in their next two games.The win was also deserved; Hearts might have struck woodwork twice in the game, but they looked strangely toothless, while Motherwell grew into the game in spades.Obika got Motherwell off the mark in 40 minutes and it was probably just about deserved for the intensity of their play.That said, Hearts hit the woodwork twice, with Lawrence Shankland heading off the post and Stephen Kingsley hitting the bar with a free kick.Motherwell weren't without their chances though and Sean Goss also hit the bar with a shot, and Kevin van Veen was denied a decent penalty claim after being clattered by Robert Snodgrass.Well doubled their lead through Spittal a minute into the second half and never looked back, in truth though Hearts pushed strongly.

Motherwell interim boss Stuart Kettlewell perhaps unsurprisingly kept faith with the side that beat St Mirren 2-1 in midweek.

Bevis Mugabi made the bench, having last played in November.Hearts gaffer Robbie Neilson made two changes to the side that knocked Hamilton Accies out of the Scottish Cup nine days ago.

Motherwell 2, Hearts 0: Obika and Spittal give Well a priceless win

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