Motherwell vs Hibernian. Scottish Premiership.
Fir ParkAttendance6,484.
Match report as Mika Biereth comes off the bench to claim a goal and assist on debut for Motherwell; striker set up Conor Wilkinson before scoring hosts' second; Adam Le Fondre scored late penalty for Hibernian; Motherwell up to fourth, Hibs 11th and without a point
Sunday 13 August 2023 20:06, UK
Mika Biereth had a debut to remember as he inspired Motherwell to a 2-1 victory over Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.
The on-loan Arsenal striker came off the bench after 55 minutes and laid on the opening goal for Conor Wilkinson before blasting home in superb fashion to double the hosts' advantage.
Adam Le Fondre gave Hibs some late hope with his injury-time penalty but Motherwell held on for their first win of the season.
Lee Johnson's side are still looking for their first point of the new campaign, while Motherwell moved up to fourth in the table.
Dylan Levitt dragged an effort wide as Hibernian threatened in the early exchanges, while it took until the 20-minute mark for the hosts to register their first attempt as Blair Spittal tried his luck from range.
Dan Casey came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock with four minutes remaining in the first half as the defender bulleted a header beyond Hibs 'keeper David Marshall and against the underside of the crossbar.
Johnson made a double substitution at the break, introducing Martin Boyle and Le Fondre for Dylan Vente and Levitt, but it was Motherwell who continued to look the more likely.
Wilkinson did well to weave his way into the visitors' penalty area in the opening minutes of the second period but was unable to get a shot away. The ball was eventually cleared to Lennon Miller, who could only manage a weak effort into the grateful arms of Marshall.
Spittal went close with a low drive on the hour mark before Christian Doidge headed on to the roof of the net at the other end.
The opening goal arrived with 24 minutes remaining when Biereth did brilliantly to burst into the box and squared for Wilkinson, who made no mistake from close range.
Bevis Mugabi passed up a good opportunity to double the lead for Stuart Kettlewell's side as he failed to make any contact with Pape Souare's corner.
The game looked to have been put beyond doubt with five minutes remaining when Biereth robbed Paul Hanlon before turning two defenders and slamming the ball low beyond Marshall, though there was still time for some late drama.
Hibs were awarded a penalty in the third minute of injury time, which Le Fondre calmly dispatched into the bottom corner.
Hibernian's attention now turns to the second leg of their Conference League qualifier against Luzern on Thursday night, before a Scottish League Cup tie against Raith Rovers on August 20.
Motherwell are away to St Mirren in the League Cup on August 19.
Hibs' next Scottish Premiership match is against Livingston on August 27, while Motherwell host Kilmarnock on August 26.
