McGhee says Well dealt cruel hand

McGhee remains happy with Motherwell's form

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee believes that referee Craig Thomson dealt his side a cruel hand during the 1-0 defeat by Hearts at Fir Park.

Home fans were angry that the game was not stopped for a head knock to Motherwell striker David Clarkson ahead of the only goal of the game.

"I was less happy that the lad controlled the ball with his hand on the halfway line," said McGhee.

"The referee says he is not entitled to stop the game for a head knock."

Interview: Motherwell manager Mark McGhee

McGhee was not overly concerned about Hearts in the race for third spot and Uefa Cup qualification.

"We have won nine out of 14 and that's still fantastic form," he said.

On balance, Hearts deserved to win the game Motherwell manager Mark McGhee

"Dundee United only drew today, so we are three points ahead of them with two games in hand and I would rather be in our position than Hearts'."

McGhee is delighted that Motherwell's next two games are away from home because of the state of his club's Fir Park pitch.

"We have two games away from home and we can get back to playing good football," he said.

The surface has recently suffered from flooding but survived a morning inspection.

"The pitch was playable, but the wind made it difficult for both teams," said the Motherwell manager.

Hearts' winner came from an own goal by Stephen Craigan.

But McGhee admitted: "On balance, they deserved to win the game.

"We were not up for it as much as we have been in recent games.

"They did not play any better football than us but were slightly more determined."