Cannot play media. Sorry, this media is not available in your territory.
Highlights: Hibernian v Motherwell
Hibernian and Motherwell had to settle for a share of the spoils in a match of few clear-cut chances at Easter Road.
Hibs took an early lead when Derek Riordan smashed in a sizzling shot after good work from Ross Chisholm.
Motherwell enjoyed the lion's share of possession but failed to carve out much in the way of opportunities.
However, their endeavour was rewarded on 77 minutes when David Clarkson powered in a penalty after Jamie Murphy had been impeded by Steven Thicot.
Hibs striker Steven Fletcher, the subject of a failed approach from Celtic, sat out the match through suspension.
There was also no place in the Hibs squad for Dean Shiels, with the player in contract talks with Doncaster.
Thicot was also dropped from the home starting line-up, being replaced by Chisholm, while Hungarian Denes Rosa made his first start in place of the suspended Sol Bamba.
Motherwell manager Mark McGhee meanwhile made only one change, with striker John Sutton replacing Derby-bound Chris Porter.
Riordan handed Hibs the lead in the first real attack of the match, when he fired home a left-footed shot after great work on the left wing from Chisholm.
But Motherwell fought back hard, and Hibs captain Rob Jones had to look smart to block a shot from Stephen Hughes after Clarkson had seen an effort blocked.
After a promising early spell, the game deteriorated, with Hibs struggling to retain possession and Motherwell being let down by the final ball too often.
Motherwell's Steven Hammell tried his luck with a free-kick from 30 yards out but saw the ball sail straight into the arms of Hibs keeper Grzegorz Szamotulski.
Winger Jim O'Brien was next to carve out an opportunity as the visitors tried to get back on level terms, but again Szamotulski was equal to the Motherwell man's shot.
Riordan netted his eighth goal of the season for Hibs
The early part of the second half brought little change in the pattern of the match as Motherwell managed to force a number of corners and free-kicks but failed to get a meaningful glimpse of goal.
When the visitors did break down the resolute home defence, Clarkson found Szamotulski equal to his shot
Hibs broke on the counter-attack and Rosa played a neat passing move with Riordan, only for the Hungarian to chip just over the crossbar.
Riordan then shot straight at Motherwell keeper Graeme Smith and blazed another opportunity too high.
Motherwell substitute Murphy was then presented with a great chance to equalise after being set up by Clarkson but the winger put his effort wide from eight yards.
Mark McGhee's side finally got the goal their possession merited when Thicot foolishly tugged back Murphy and Clarkson converted the resultant spot-kick with a powerful strike.
Hibs manager Mixu Paatelainen:
"We were 1-0 up for a long time and had a couple really good chances to increase our lead but we didn't put them away and we couldn't hold on.
"Unfortunately, we conceded a penalty and I thought it was a needless foul. We should have judged the flight of the ball better and been more on our toes.
"It was always going to be tight against Motherwell. They are a form team and made life difficult for us."
Motherwell manager Mark McGhee:
"We conceded a poor goal early in the game which gave us plenty of time to get back into the game but it took us a long time to get that goal.
"Once we got it it looked like only one team would win the game but we couldn't get that second goal.
"I feel that it is two points dropped but, after the other results, we're a point closer to Aberdeen, Hearts and Dundee United.
"We are talking to people and trying to strengthen before the window closes on Monday."
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?