A solitary second-half goal decided a tight Scottish Premiership encounter at Easter Road, as Motherwell edged Hibernian 1-0 on a chilly May evening. The result dented Hibs' hopes of climbing into the top half of the table, while the Steelmen continued their impressive late-season run.

A cagey first 45 minutes

Both sides approached the match with caution, mindful of the pressure in the congested Premiership standings. Hibernian shaded possession in the opening half but failed to test Motherwell goalkeeper Liam Kelly, who was well protected by a disciplined back four. The visitors grew into the game after the half-hour mark, with midfielder Callum Slattery firing just wide from 20 yards.

The decisive moment

The only goal arrived seven minutes into the second half. Motherwell right-back Stephen O'Donnell overlapped and delivered a low cross that took a deflection off a Hibernian defender, fell perfectly for Kevin van Veen, and the Dutch striker swept the ball into the bottom corner. It was van Veen's 14th league goal of the campaign, underlining his importance to the side.

Hibernian push but fall short

Manager Lee Johnson introduced fresh legs in search of an equaliser, and substitute Élie Youan came closest with a curling effort that Kelly tipped over the bar in the 83rd minute. Despite five minutes of stoppage time, the home side could not break through, and Motherwell held on for a valuable three points.

Implications for the table

• Hibernian: Remain 6th with 44 points, now seven points behind 5th-placed St Mirren with four games remaining.
• Motherwell: Move up to 7th on 42 points, keeping their top-half hopes alive.

The result was a blow for Hibernian's European ambitions, while Motherwell's resilience on the road (their sixth away win of the season) proved the difference. The match also marked a clean sheet that strengthened Motherwell's defensive record, which now ranks among the top five in the division.