Hearts secured an impressive 2-1 victory away to Motherwell recently and Conor Washington was the big winner on the night.
He netted his first club goal in 18 months at Fir Park, netting the decisive penalty that secured a much needed win for the Jambos. It eases the pressure on manager Craig Levein slightly after a patchy run of form.
A positive result for Levein. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Out of all the Jambos who played at Fir Park, Washington needed that performance the most.
Washington looked the part for Hearts
Washington lasted 90 minutes against Motherwell. He kept Uche Ikpeazu out the starting XI and the Northern Irishman managed to seize his big opportunity with both hands.
It seemed to work better for Hearts. Instead of firing it long to the physical machine that is Ikpeazu, Hearts got it on the deck and played through their opponents.
Washington gave Hearts a different outlet up top. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
When they did decide to go direct, Washington was also very effective. He made clever runs down the channels and held the ball up well on nearly every occasion.
He would wait for support, before parting with the ball and proceeding to the Well penalty area.
Having failed to score for 18 months at club level, feeling what it was like to net again will be a huge shot of confidence for him. It would’ve been a terrific performance without the goal, but it certainly put the icing on what was a brilliant display.
Equipped himself well. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
Levein needs a focal point and now that place is Washington’s to lose. It’s a hard task away to Celtic for Hearts next, but against a shaky Hoops defence, a similar performance from the Northern Irishman will cause them problems.
Washington looked the part for the Jambos at Fir Park. Fans will hope it’s just the start of things to come.