Jens Berthel Askou thrilled with clean sheet as Motherwell beat ten-man Hibernian

Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou was pleased with his side’s controlled display in their dominant 2-0 victory over ten-man Hibernian.

The Fir Park side moved joint-third in the William Hill Premiership courtesy of first-half goals from Tawanda Maswanhise and Elijah Just.

Grant Hanley was shown a red card for the visitors 11 minutes before half-time, compounding a miserable evening for the Scotland defender, who gave away the penalty for Well’s opener.

Although they were unable to add the third goal that would have lifted them above the Hibees on goal difference, Askou was more satisfied with keeping their second successive home clean sheet.

“The first 35 minutes we were in full control of what happened, we executed the intentions we had extremely well, and hurt them in and out of possession,” Askou said.

“I’d rather we kept a clean sheet than we totally lose control, then it becomes attack and attack — if Hibs get it to 2-1, it’s full panic from there.

“I was happy we were able to control the game. A third goal would have killed it completely but I’m really pleased with the clean sheet.”

Since their 4-1 defeat to St Mirren in the semi-final of the Premier Sports Cup earlier this month, Motherwell have picked up seven points from their last three games.

Throughout the season so far, Askou’s side have attracted plaudits for their free-flowing style of play and the Danish boss believes there’s more to come.

Askou added: “We knew it was there, we also knew it takes time to cultivate that potential.

“We’ve been open and honest, we have big dreams and ambitions and we have delivered some performances earlier in the season.

“In the last month or so we are starting to reap some of the benefits from that work — it’s about not being complacent and thinking things are going well.”

Hibs boss David Gray had no complaints about the final outcome, admitting his side started poorly.

However, he believes Maswanhise was fortunate not to be sent off after what he believes was a head-butt on Jack Iredale after 26 minutes.

The incident was subject to a VAR check, with the Zimbabwe international escaping without a caution.

“We probably deserved it for the first 25 minutes of the game,” Gray said. “I have no complaints about the red card because of the letter of the law.

“Maswanhise gets away with one. The linesman saw it, I saw it, our goalie coach saw it.

“He didn’t quite make contact but if I make an action to do that, you can’t do it, and I saw it with my own eyes which is quite frustrating.

“The players did show character and effort and they didn’t just roll over — but we didn’t do enough to deserve to get back in the game.”